Deciding Between a Bar Sink or Kitchen Sink? Compare Your Options

With open floor plans and entertainer kitchens growing ever more popular, the bar or prep sink has emerged as a highly desired feature. The additional sink provides convenience for drink mixing and prep work. But how do you decide whether a bar sink or larger kitchen sink better suits your space and cooking style?

You'll learn how size, materials, installation, and intended use all factor into choosing the right sink for your needs.

Bar Sink vs Kitchen Sink: Key Differences

While bar and kitchen sinks may appear similar at first glance, several distinctions impact their ideal placements and uses.

What is a Bar Sink?

A bar or prep sink is a small, single bowl sink installed in a kitchen island or peninsula bar. Typical dimensions range from 10" to 24" wide and 12" to 20" front-to-back. Their compact footprint makes bar sinks ideal for drink preparation and supplementary food prep tasks like washing fruits and veggies or thawing meats.

Pros of bar sinks include convenience, efficient use of space, and versatile styling. A second sink improves workflow by allowing you to multitask. For example, you can wash produce at the bar sink while tackling dishes in the main sink. Their smaller size also enables installation in tight spaces where a full-size sink might not fit. Visually, bar sinks add interest as a focal point.

What is a Kitchen Sink?

Kitchen sinks are larger sinks installed in the main kitchen countertop. Standard widths span 30" to 36", with double bowl configurations that measure up to 60" wide. Compared to bar sinks, kitchen sinks offer more room for washing larger pots and stacks of dishes.

Kitchen sinks are designed as the primary cleanup zone for tackling dishes, robust food prep, and other messy tasks. Most kitchens only have space for one full-size sink. While some luxury kitchens boast two larger sinks, most homeowners must decide if an additional bar sink would be more useful than two kitchen sinks.

Size Comparison

The most noticeable difference between bar and kitchen sinks is size. Kitchen sinks stretch across large sections of counter space. They enable washing oversized pots and pans and come in double bowl configurations perfect for multitasking.

Conversely, bar sinks have compact single bowl designs tailored to their supporting uses. Even on the wider end, bar sinks max out around 24 inches - less than half the span of many kitchen sinks. The smaller bowls also tend to be shallower for quick cleaning of glasses and produce.

Installation Factors

Kitchen sink installations require extensive countertop cutouts and often complex plumbing needs. Professional installation is recommended. Since bar sinks have much smaller footprints, the cutouts are simpler and plumbing is often limited to basic hookups.

For kitchen sinks, undermount installation creates a smooth transition from counter to sink. Bar sinks also commonly use undermount, but drop-in varieties are also popular for easier DIY projects.

Materials Comparison

Stainless steel is a highly popular choice for both bar and kitchen sinks due to its durable, easy-to-clean, and stylish industrial look. Enameled cast iron also offers vintage charm.

For bar sinks, stained concrete, natural stone like granite, and composites like quartz make attractive options. Materials like copper or hammered metal can provide artisanal flair. Porcelain and ceramic sinks offer glossy finishes but require gentler use.

When to Choose a Bar Sink Over Kitchen Sink

Certain benefits of bar sinks make them a smart addition for many, but not all, kitchens. Consider installing one if you could utilize the extra prep space.

Supplement Food Prep

A bar sink adds convenience for small prep tasks like washing veggies, herbs, and fruit or thawing proteins. The space also provides an efficient cleaning zone for mixing beverages.

Improve Workflow

Double-bowl kitchen sinks allow some multitasking. However, a separate bar sink takes this further by creating distinct wash zones. Your kitchen workflow will improve by offloading some tasks to the bar sink.

Add Visual Interest

Bar sinks make excellent decorative focal points in kitchens and entertaining spaces. Materials like granite, concrete, or hammered copper make especially attractive style statements.

Optimize Small Kitchens

For modest kitchens, a bar sink can add function without crowding the space like a second full-size sink. Just make sure you have room for the bar sink and any stools if adding to an island.

Key Considerations for Purchasing a Bar Sink

If a bar sink sounds enticing, keep the following factors in mind while shopping and planning the installation.

Measure Your Space

First, assess if you truly have room for a bar sink. Allow space for the faucet, backsplash, and any potential obstructing features like refrigerator panels on the backside. Also factor in if you're doing an undermount sink which requires extra countertop overhang.

Pick the Right Size

Consider your needs and planned uses to strike the right balance of size. Washing larger items? Look for deeper single bowl sinks around 8 to 10 inches depth. Will you heavily prep ingredients? A wider double bowl style can help.

Choose Durable Materials

Pick materials that can withstand intensive use and frequent cleaning with hot water and harsher chemicals. Stainless steel, composites, and enameled cast iron are great choices. Also make sure the finish resists scratches, stains, and other damage.

Factor in Installation

While a handy DIYer can often tackle a bar sink install, professional help is recommended to ensure a seamless look. Remember, you may need to cut the countertop for an undermount sink.

Styling Tips

Style your bar sink as a decorative element with a fashionable faucet, attractive backsplash tile, and accessorizing features like a designer rack or fruit bowl.

In summary, bar and kitchen sinks fulfill distinct roles. Kitchen sinks are larger and made for heavy cleaning. Bar or prep sinks offer secondary rinse and prep zones in smaller footprints.

If you have room for a bar sink and can utilize the extra prep space, it makes an excellent addition. But for smaller galley kitchens, a high quality kitchen sink may still satisfy most needs. Assess your space, cooking habits, and décor goals to decide which sink suits your home.