The kitchen is increasingly becoming a center of attention, and can be especially busy when you're entertaining guests. Not only is it a place to gather for conversation, but food preparation can be a team sport while hors d'oeuvres and drinks can also be served and consumed there.
As partygoers congregate around the main kitchen sink, wouldn't it be nice to have a secondary sink where you could wash hands, food and dishes, fill those empty water glasses or to hold ice to chill the vino? A bar sink, a secondary fixture to your standard kitchen sink, can be the perfect solution.
This article is meant to provide some insight into one of the most versatile fixtures in your kitchen. What is a bar sink, and what can it be used for? What are some of their features, and how easy is it to install one?
What is a bar sink?
Kitchen sinks and bar sinks have more in common than not, but there are still some distinctions to a bar sink. Most notably, a bar sink is typically smaller. But instead of the size limiting how many tasks you can accomplish with a bar sink (assuming you already have a standard kitchen sink), you can use one to wash your hands, fruits and veggies, and prepare appetizers and cocktails. Also, fill the bar sink with ice to keep your beer and wine chilled so you don't have to rummage through your fridge to find what you want.
Additionally, they're usually not handcuffed to the concept of being rectangular or square in shape. Browse Build.com and you'll soon discover that there are no rules when it comes to the shape of a bar sink. From the traditional rectangular sink to the ornate round sink to the distinct and different, bar sinks have an innate versatility (and personality) that traditional kitchen sinks somewhat lack.
And who says the bar has to be inside? Take your get-together outside. Build.com also has a selection of outdoor bar sinks. We told you these were unique fixtures.
Features
As you've seen, bar sinks are creative, fun fixtures that can have an entertaining personality or do just enough to be functional. There's enough variety out there, so the choice is yours.
Sizes and materials
While most bar sinks measure up to 20 inches in width, some land in the 20- to 25-inch range, while still others are wider than that. Lengthwise, you'll find an even greater variety. Fifteen to 20 inches is the most popular measurement, and 10 to 15 inches is also very popular. Other length measurements include 0 to 10 inches, 20 to 25 inches and 25 to 30 inches.
The material your bar sink is made of varies just as much as your main kitchen sink. Silgranit sinks are durable and are heat resistant up to 536 degrees F (in case a volcano erupts in your sink). They're made of 80 percent granite, mixed with acrylic resin, so they have the feel and touch of natural stone. Fireclay is a specific kind of clay. The fire attribution refers to its refractory characteristics. Meanwhile stainless steel and vitreous china sinks are always popular choices.
Other options include: Acrylic, Americast, Cast iron, Copper, Granite
Colors and themes
Black, stainless steel and white are the most popular colors of bar sinks. Other top-selling colors include neutrals, blues, greys and greens.
Thematically speaking, bar sinks are pretty straightforward fixtures, so they aren't usually categorized this way. But a few boast classic, modern, Renaissance and traditional themes.
Faucet holes and centers
Bar sinks are also available with several different faucet hole options. Choose from one, two, three, five holes or none at all. Finally, single-hole is far and away the most popular choice for faucet centers. Other center options include 1 to 3 inches, 3 to 6 inches, 6 to 9 inches, 9 to 12 inches and 12 to 15 inches.
Installation type
Just like traditional kitchen sinks, bar sinks vary with installation type. From drop-in to undermount, and self-rimming to tile-in, bar sinks offer a variety of looks for your individual needs, wants and décor. Other installation types include countertop, stud mounting, top mount and wall mount.
As for actually installing a bar sink, expect it to be very much the same as installing a kitchen sink. Fortunately for you, we've already provided an article on how to install a kitchen sink.
