Commercial kitchen sinks

Types of commercial kitchen sinks

A commercial kitchen sink is an essential fixture in any professional food preparation environment. It comes in several types, each designed to meet specific washing and cleaning needs in a high-demand kitchen setting. Here are some of the most common types:

• Single Bowl Sinks

  These are the most basic type of sinks for a kitchen.

  They have only one basin and are useful where a small amount of washing up is needed, or space is at a premium.

• Double Bowl Sinks

  They have two basins, either side by side or one deeper than the other. They are versatile and can be used for different tasks, such as washing and rinsing or soaking and scrubbing.

• Triple Bowl Sinks

  These have three bowls arranged in a line. They are used in commercial kitchens where multiple tasks are needed to be done simultaneously, such as washing, rinsing, and drying.

• Prep Sinks

  They are small, usually single-basin sinks, and are placed in or near food preparation areas. They help keep the main sink free for other tasks and are very useful for washing vegetables or small utensils.

• Handwashing Sinks

  These are used specifically for handwashing and are found in commercial kitchens, restrooms, and medical facilities. They usually come with a foot or sensor-activated tap to minimize contact and are very important for hygiene.

• Utility Sinks

  These are large, deep sinks, usually made of durable materials like plastic or stainless steel. They are placed in laundry rooms or garages and are very useful for washing large items, like buckets or mops.

• Drop-in Sinks

  These are installed into the countertop with the rim resting on top of the counter. They are easy to install and replace but can be harder to clean around the rim.

• Undermount Sinks

  These are placed underneath the countertop, making it easier to clean. They give a very sleek and modern look but require proper support during installation.

• Farmhouse Sinks

  These are large and very deep and have a very distinctive front style exposed. They are also very attractive and give a vintage feel but require a lot of space.

• Bar Sinks

  These are small decorative sinks usually found in home bars or kitchen islands. They are very useful for washing glasses and small items and add an extra feature to the kitchen.

• Corner Sinks

  These are placed in the corner of the kitchen and make use of spaces that are usually wasted. They help maximize space very well, but installation can be tricky.

Function and feature of commercial kitchen sinks

• Durability and strength

  The main feature of commercial sinks is their durability. They are manufactured with materials that can withstand heavy use and harsh conditions in the kitchen. Most heavy-duty kitchen sinks are made with stainless steel or galvanized steel; thus, they cannot rust or corrode easily. This ensures that the sinks maintain their look and function for many years.

• Resistance to dents and scratches

  Another important feature of commercial kitchen sinks is resistance to dents and scratches. These sinks are designed to be used in a busy environment where objects can fall and rubbing against the sink is inevitable. They are built with tough materials that can resist scratches and dents, ensuring the sink remains in perfect condition.

• Easy to clean and maintain

  These sinks are manufactured with smooth and non-porous materials. This allows dirt, grease, and other contaminants to slide off the sink, making it easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, the material used to make the sink is resistant to stains.

• Multiple configurations and sizes

  Commercial kitchen sinks come in different sizes and configurations to suit various needs and requirements. For example, they can be single or double bowl sinks, with different depths and widths to fit in any kitchen space. They can also be customized to meet specific needs.

• Functional accessories

  Most types of commercial kitchen sinks come with some useful accessories that enhance their function. These include cutting boards, drain baskets, soap dispensers, and faucets. The sink can also come with the popular pull-out spray faucet, which is useful in cleaning large pots and other kitchen utensils.

• Additional features

  Other additional features of commercial kitchen sinks include; anti-noise and anti-vibration. This is because, in a busy commercial kitchen, the sink can be used frequently, and without these features, it can produce a lot of noise. Some also have sound-deadening pads, which minimize noise and vibration when water is running.

Scenarios of commercial kitchen sinks

There are many different types and designs of kitchen sinks for commercial use. Each type of sink is used in different industries and applications. Some of the industries that use kitchen sinks include;

• Hotels and restaurants: Most hotels and restaurants use stainless steel kitchen sinks. The sinks are durable and easy to clean. They can also be used to wash utensils, cutleries, and food. Commercial kitchen prep sinks are also popular in hotels and restaurants. They are used for food preparation. The vegetables and fruits are washed and rinsed in these sinks.
• Food processing plants: Heavy-duty kitchen sinks are used in food processing plants. The sinks are large and have high washing and rinsing capabilities. They can handle the large-scale washing of food and other items. Triple bowl kitchen sinks are popular in food processing plants. They provide multiple washing and rinsing stations.
• Institutional kitchens: Institutional kitchens use a variety of kitchen sinks. For example, hospitals and nursing homes use commercial kitchen sinks to prepare food for patients. Schools and universities use sinks to prepare meals for students and staff. Large kitchens may use double bowl or triple bowl sinks to cater to large groups of people.
• Catering companies: Catering companies use a variety of kitchen sinks. They transport food to different locations and prepare them on-site. The sinks are essential for food preparation and cleaning of utensils. Some catering companies may use portable kitchen sinks with cabinets. The sinks are easy to transport and set up at different locations.
• Food trucks: Food trucks and mobile kitchens use compact and versatile kitchen sinks. Space is usually limited in food trucks. So the sinks have to be space-efficient and multipurpose. Single bowl sinks or small double bowl sinks are commonly used. They are also easy to install and use.
• Grocery stores: Some grocery stores have in-house delis and bakeries. These stores use commercial kitchen sinks for food preparation and cleaning. They may use farmhouse sinks for a vintage feel. The sinks can also be used to wash fruits and vegetables.

How to Choose Commercial Kitchen Sinks

When choosing the right type of sink for a commercial kitchen, it is important to consider several factors to ensure that the needs of the kitchen are adequately met. Here are some of them.

• Size and Configuration

  It is important to consider the available space in the kitchen as well as the intended use when choosing the sink size and configuration. For small spaces, single-basin sinks or corner sinks are ideal. On the other hand, double or triple-basin sinks are suitable for more extensive kitchens or those requiring multiple tasks simultaneously. The configuration should also match the workflow of the kitchen to ensure efficiency.

• Material and Durability

  Another factor to consider is the material used to make the sink. Commercial kitchen sinks are made from different materials, each with its pros and cons. Stainless steel is popular because it is durable and resistant to stains. Other materials include porcelain, which is easy to clean and provides a classic look, and composite granite, which is highly durable and resistant to scratches and dents. When choosing the material, it is important to consider durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to corrosion.

• Installation Type

  It is also important to consider the type of installation when choosing commercial kitchen sinks. There are various types, including drop-in, undermount, and farmhouse sinks. Drop-in sinks are easy to install and are placed on the countertop. In contrast, undermount sinks are fixed underneath the countertop for a seamless look and better hygiene as they do not have a rim where dirt can accumulate. Farmhouse sinks are deep and have a front panel exposed, providing easy access and a stylish appearance.

• Functionality

  When choosing a sink, it is important to consider the functionality of the sink. Some sinks are designed for specific tasks, such as food preparation, dishwashing, or handwashing. Selection of the right sink designed for a specific task can improve efficiency and ensure that health and safety standards are met.

• Plumbing Requirements

  Commercial kitchen owners should also consider the plumbing requirements when choosing a sink. Some sinks require specific plumbing setups, such as double-basin or undermount sinks. It is important to ensure that the existing plumbing can accommodate the desired sink to avoid costly modifications.

commercial kitchen sinks Q&A

Q1: What are the three types of commercial kitchen sinks?

A1: The three types are serving sinks, handwashing sinks, and utility sinks. Serving and handwashing sinks are used to clean utensils and hands, respectively, while utility sinks are used for multiple purposes.

Q2: What are the two kinds of kitchen sinks?

A2: The two kinds are top mount and undermount sinks. The top mount is installed on the countertop, while the undermount is installed underneath the countertop.

Q3: What is the difference between a kitchen sink and a utility sink?

A3: A kitchen sink is used mainly for food preparation and dishwashing, while a utility sink is used for cleaning items that are too large for kitchen sinks, such as buckets and mops.