You’ve decided to make your life easier and add a bar sink to your home. However, you know what size sink you should buy? Here, we
We have put together a comprehensive guide on what size bar sink you should buy. A bar sink, also known as a utility sink or prep sink, is one of those things I didn’t realize I needed until I actually started using it. Let’s dive deeper into what factors to consider so you can also get the best size bar sink for your needs.
Most commonly sold bar sinks are rectangular in shape, with a length of between 9-18 inches on each side and depth around 6-10 inches. Circular bar sinks are usually around 9-18 inches in diameter and 7-10 inches at their deepest.
There are four important factors to consider when deciding what is the best size for a bar sink:
- The size of the counter and base cabinet that will hold the bar sink
- The amount of space available between the top of the pipes and the bottom of the sink
- Storage space in the base cabinet
- The intended use of the bar sink
Now let’s take a closer look.
The Size of Your Base Cabinet Determines the Size of Your Bar Sink
The most important part of the comprehensive guide on how to buy a suitable size bar sink is this.
Wet bar sinks are designed to be mounted on base cabinets. The sink you choose should be at least 3 inches (7.5cm) smaller than the base cabinet you will be anchoring your counter on top of.
Measure the length and width of your base cabinet and subtract 3 inches. For instance, in the example in the image below the maximum size of your bar sink should be 17″ x 12″.
Check Your Plumbing
As with any sink, the size of the bar sink you can have depends on the amount of space there is between your pipes and the bottom of the sink.
You need to figure out the depth of the space which your sink will sit in. Measure the height of the pipes beneath the sink and the depth of your sink and make sure there is enough space. If you have flexible pipes this is not really a big concern, but in case you have metal pipes be sure to check.
A Misfit Bar Sink Will Cost You Storage Space
Remember to consider factors such as shelving units or drawers beneath your installation space that could get in the way of seating your sink.
You don’t want to have to cut out or demolish valuable storage space in your kitchen because you ordered the wrong depth sink. Altering your base cabinet may void the warranty and could compromise support strength.
Having to remove or redesign shelving units or cut your base cabinet to make space for an oversized sink could increase your renovation budget. Blowing a renovation budget is never a good thing, especially if it’s caused by a measuring or planning oversight!
Don’t Forget About Counter Space!
Depending on the intended use for your sink and nearby work area, you likely don’t want your sink to take up all of your counter space. You may need a food prep area or space for things like your blender, wine glasses or other kitchen tools.
If you’re short on counter space, consider getting a smaller sink or another solution like a fitted cutting board. These sit nicely over your sink to add more counter space and create extra work space when the faucet is not in use.
You could also consider a prep sink that comes with a custom cutting board out of the box.
Consider the Many Uses of a Bar Sink
Before making a decision, think hard about what all you’ll be using the sink for.
If you simply want it so that you have access to water as a mixer for your drinks you will not need a very big sink. Conversely, if you want to be able to store 12 beers on ice, or use your wet bar sink for vegetable prep, a bigger sink is probably the way to go.
Having said that, most people prefer a sink that is larger rather than smaller. After all, it’s rare to hear someone complain their sink is too big! A bar sink with small dimensions could become crowded and cluttered if used for too many things.
To get a sense of how much room you will need, use your main full-size kitchen sink to do a trial of what you want to do in your prep sink.
For example, if you want to wash tall wine glasses and other dishes in your prep sink, then place a few tall wine glasses and dishes in the sink and measure the area required. This will give you an idea of what size prep sink you should be considering.
Related Questions
What is the best shape for a bar sink? Rectangular/square bar sinks offer the most utility because of they offer the most working space in the sink bowl. Round/oval bar sinks can also provide the same utility if their bowls are in a “cylindrical” shape.
Is a deep bar sink better than a shallow one? Deep bar sinks usually offer more utility at the cost of bad ergonomics. And shallow sinks are often better ergonomically for most users, but you have to compromise a bit on other things. We’ve compiled a short table with the main pros and cons of deep and shallow bar sinks for you.
| Shallow Bar Sink | Deep Bar Sink | |
| PROS | – Take up less space in the base cabinet and conserve counter space – Better ergonomics than deep sinks. | – Easier to wash larger dishes and tall wine glasses – Dirty dishes are less visible |
| CONS | – Limits usability due to smaller size. – Could create a messy look due to dishes being more easily visible. | – Poor ergonomics for tall users. May cause back pain with extended use. – Might have to compromise storage space in order to fit. |
What is the difference between a wet bar sink and a dry bar sink? A wet bar sink is a bar sink with a faucet, whereas a dry bar sink is a bar sink without a faucet. A wet bar sink can, for the most part, offer all the functionality of a dry bar sink. If you’re unsure about which one to go for.
To Get You Started
A comprehensive guide on what size bar sink you should buy, should comtain more.
To kickstart your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best bar sink in some popular size & shape tiers below. We hope you find this information helpful and thank you for letting us assist you on your journey to building your perfect home!
Best Small/Medium Bar Sink – Kitchen Bar Sink 16 inch, Undermount, 18 Gauge T304 Stainless Steel, Satin Finish, with Strainer & Bottom Grid
- This 16″x18″ square bar sink is the perfect choice if you’re looking for something in this size.
- It is 10″ deep, so remember to double-check that it fits your needs!
- Its sound deadening pads reduce noise and vibrations.
- Made of 18 gauge stainless steel – this could be better, but it will work just fine for most households. If you expect regular rough handling heavy utensils then consider a sink with a lower gauge.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Check price on Wesite.
Best Large Bar Sink –Kitchen Bar Sink 22 inch,Undermount, 18 Gauge T304 Stainless Steel, Satin Finish, with Strainer & Bottom Grid
- This bar sink is 22″ x 18″ but comes in a variety of other sizes up to 45″.
- It is 10″ deep, giving you plenty of room to work with.
- Other accessories included in the box: Fitted Bottom Grid & Strainer.
- Sound barrier technology absorbs noise and vibration.
- Made of 18 gauge stainless steel – strongest rating in the market
- Lifetime warranty.
- Check price on Website.