If you are looking for a convenient way to optimize the space in your kitchen, think bar sinks. Their compact and lightweight designs can easily fit the smallest kitchen spaces. They offer extra space in a countertop that comes in handy especially in meal preparation.
Bar sink is an ideal addition to any prep space for improving the appearance of your kitchen. It has a variety of styles, materials, and finishing. The 7 models featured on this list of the best bar sinks can go a long way in making your kitchen life easier and more manageable.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison: Best Bar Sinks
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Model |
Product Name |
Material |
Installation |
Price |
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Stainless Steel |
Undermount |
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Stainless Steel |
Drop-in |
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Stainless Steel |
Undermount |
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Stainless Steel |
Undermount |
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Stainless Steel |
Undermount |
Top 7 Best Bar Sink Reviews:
1. Ruvati RVM4111 Undermount Stainless Steel Bar Prep Sink
Highlighted Features:
- Luxurious finish
- 16 gauge stainless steel
- Sound guard padding
- Package comes with the sink, basket strainer drain assembly, bottom rinse grid, mounting brackets, cut-out template
- Comes with installation guide
- 3.5-inch drain opening
- Slightly curved sides and edges
This Ruvati RVM4111 is a go-to for those with a flair for beauty and functionality. It has a luxurious finish that gives a classic look to the room.
This bar sink is made of a premium grade of stainless steel, the T-304 type making it strong and long-lasting. If ease in the cleaning bit is something you are keen about, then you will be impressed by the brushed finish. That and the gently curved edges and bottom will make your work easier.
This brushed finish is also good at keeping scratches masked and will blend well with the rest of your kitchen appliances. The undercoating of the bar sink not only minimizes the noise but it also provides thermal insulation.
The bowl is deep enough to hold most of the stuff that need some kind of cleaning away from the main sink. The bowl depth is 7 inches. The exterior measures 12 inches by 18 inches while the interior part gives a 10- inch by 16-inch front to back measurement. Its minimum requirement for a base cabinet is 15 inches.
This under mount bar sink also has a basket strainer and a drain flange for holding and disposing of food waste. However, you have to be careful with the basket strainer as they are only designed for standard plumbing. It’s the drain flange that facilitates wide garbage disposal. This drain opening is 3.5 inches wide.
The bottom rinse grids aside from also playing a part in protecting your bar sink from scratches and allowing proper drainage of water, also acts as a rack. On it you can dry your utensils, particularly pans and pots.
This Ruvati bar sink is also fairly easy to assemble as it comes with an installation guide to help you do it yourself. As such, no need to spend on the services of a professional company unless you really have to. It is a modern bar sink that will elevate your style standards and will have you enjoying your time in the kitchen.
This sink is made with an attention to detail that you will appreciate. It will definitely go beyond your expectations.
Pros:
- Curved edges make cleaning easy
- The drain opening easily fits in different garbage disposal units
- Deep bowl accommodates most of your extra utensils
- Sound guard and undercoating keeps noise away
- Slopped bottom facilitates proper water drainage
- Bottom rinse grid prevents scratches and is a great drying rack for pots and pans
- Brushed finish hides scratches and marks
- The drain flange facilitates easy disposal of garbage
Cons:
- Basket strainer drain is for standard plumbing only
2. KINDRED Stainless Steel High End Bar Sink
Highlighted Features:
- Installation template and hardware
- Material: Stainless steel
- Satin finish
- Limited lifetime buyer warranty
- Chrome finish bar style faucet
- Safe T-rims
- Package comes with a drop in skin, a faucet and a drain
The Kindred Essentials, manufactured in Canada, is one of the best stainless steel bar sinks you can get yourself. It’s a topmount sink that has a versatile single bowl which will fit in perfectly in your bar, laundry or utility room.
It is an all-in-one sink with sound measurements for your space. This sink is made from strong stainless steel that aside from looking great, makes the sink a long-lasting purchase. The chrome faucet added to the strainer also makes it sturdy and durable which is what you want as a home owner.
The template and hardware that come alongside the bar sink will be of great help. That is if you are the do it yourself (DIY) kind of person as these allow for ease in installation.
The sink has a beautiful satin finish that will surely provide that nice contemporary look. It will also make it easy to clean it. You just need to be careful with how you keep your utensils in it to avoid getting the surface scratched.
You want it looking new for as long as possible. Speaking of a contemporary look, its smooth edges make the sink ideal for modern spaces. The drop-in sink is also furnished with EZ Torque that gives you an easy time when it comes to installation.
It is also great for home owners as it contains a sound dampening pad. This helps in the reduction of noise and vibrations from your utensils.
The sink is also deep enough to keep the water from flowing out onto the countertop. The least required cabinet size for this make of modern bar sink is eighteen inches.
Kindred is a brand that is very well known for its production techniques that strictly involve no welding. They come up with high quality fixtures.
With this all-in-one bar sink, you as the buyer can have the assurance of a great fixture for your space and value for the money you spent. It also comes with a limited warranty. This allows you to get it fixed should a problem arise within the first few months of use. It also provides for replacement with another altogether.
Pros:
- Single bowl versatile for use in the bar, utility or laundry rooms
- Ultra Quiet and soundproof to eliminate excess noise
- The T-rims give protection from sharp edges and strengthen the sink further
- The installation template alongside the hardware make it easy to install the sink
- The strong stainless steel material is very durable
- Limited warranty helps in case you need to have the sink fixed or exchanged
- Deep enough to harbor your utensils
- All-in-one kit also makes setting it up easy
Cons:
- Has one bowl
3. Ruvati Single Bowl Kitchen Bar Prep Sink
Highlighted Features:
- 16 Gauge stainless steel material
- Packaging: Sink comes with a basket strainer drain assembly, mounting clips and installation guide
- Brushed finish
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Heavy duty soundguard
- Thick rubber padding
- Slopped bottom
- Drain grooves
The Ruvati 14-inch undermount prep sink is a modern, linear one that is part of the Gravena collection. Being part of the Ruvati brand, it’s a high quality bar sink.
This bar sink is trusted by customers and lots of interior designers alike. It is made from a thick premium stainless steel material. This material is thicker than most sinks in the same category in which it falls.
Some of the bar sinks come with a satin finish that might unfortunately be susceptible to scratches. This one however, has a brushed finish that will ensure any scratches are well hidden.
That way, your sink always looks new for a very long time. This kind of finish also makes it easier for the sink to match a lot of the items. It will blend with other appliances you have around your kitchen area.
Aside from the brushed finish, something else makes it easy to clean. That is the fact that the sink’s inside corners are slightly curved. Added to its already beautiful design is a rear drain placement with a nice decorative cover. This smartly hides the waste collection basket that you will probably have placed below.
The rear placement of this bar sink makes sure the dishes you are washing do not settle on the drain. This is usually the case with a lot of sinks in the market. Its drain grooves which are located around the bottom lead the water as is required towards the drain. This is to ensure that your sink remains nice and dry.
If noise is a concern for you then you will be happy to know that the sink comes with a soundguard undercoating. That alongside the thick padding will minimize the amount of noise that will be produced when the sink is in use. The padding is made of rubber.
This Ruvati bar sink also has bottom rinse grids which act as a drying rack for pots and your pans. That is added to the fact that it also shields it from scratches. Its basket strainer drain holds on to food waste which can be emptied into the trash with ease. So if you want a bar sink that will help you maintain cleanliness, then this is certainly it.
Pros:
- Brushed finish that very well hides scratches on the sink
- Durable and very easy to clean
- The finishing blends with many kitchen appliances
- Thick and stronger than most bar sinks
- Soundguard and thick padding reduce the amount of noise
- Drain grooves for proper drainage of water
- Basket strainer can be emptied into the main dustbin
- Rectangular bowls give it a modern look
Cons:
- It has a single bowl
4. Zuhne 30″ Single Bowl Kitchen Bar Sink
Highlighted Features:
- Elegant curved corners
- Sloped sink base
- Surgical grade stainless steel
- Sink cuddy has a suction
- Scratch protector bottom grate
- Two food grade colander set
- Extra deep basin
- User manual
A large bar sink is usually a great option if you feel like there’s lots that will need cleaning in there. They come in handy especially if you live in a house that has a lot of occupants. That is because it is in this case that the amount of utensils for washing increases.
This Zuhne stainless steel bar kitchen sink is a modern undermount bar sink that will to a great extent meet that need. This stainless steel undermount bar sink is made by the Zuhne brand, one known to make amazing fixtures that are rust proof and can withstand corrosion.
Their sinks are exclusively made out of surgical-grade stainless steel. You know what that means? Should there be an item placed in it that is prone to rust, the rust that will be left on the bar sink will not be permanent.
All you will need to do is clean the bar sink using a high quality stainless cleaner as the sink will remain protected against such rust stains throughout its lifetime.
Despite that, it is advisable to wipe your bar sink dry if you will not be using it for some hours. That will ensure it remains hygienic for as long as you have it in your house.
Kitchen bar sinks are usually prone to scratching. However, you can minimize scratching with the use of a scratch protector. The bar sink actually comes with a scratch protector bottom grate which is a big advantage.
The good news is that while the Zuhne sink is also prone to marks, they will blend with the sink grains over time and the appearance will be less visible. You can also fade these marks faster through buffing. Just ensure that you do it along the same direction as the grains.
The bar sink also drains water as well as residue fast owing to the grooved base. Always remember to unblock the plumbing trap. Speaking of drainage, this bar sink has also caught the attention of its buyers. That is because of its designer drain strainer, which also has a nice-looking lid.
It is definitely something to appreciate alongside the elegance of the corners of the sink which are gently curved. It is also worth noting that this sink, unlike many others, is not thick on the rim and then thin around the body. The proportions have been thought about very carefully.
Once you purchase the sink, you get a lifetime warranty, meaning you will always have support whenever you need it when it comes to how to handle your sink. That makes it a safe choice for home owners.
Pros:
- The sloped base makes the sink dry faster
- Deep basin can harbor large pots and pans
- Brushed stainless finish is scratch resistant
- Premium material and curved corners give the sink an elegant look
- The surgical, industrial grade stainless steel is rust and dent resistant as well as corrosion proof
- Quiet sink that cancels out noise and vibrations
- Lifetime warranty ensures you get continuous support from manufacturer
- Routine maintenance will keep your sink sparkling for longer
Cons:
- The sink is a little bit large
5. Dawn Polished Satin Undermount Single Bowl Bar Sink
Highlighted Features:
- Polished satin finish
- Rectangular in shape
- 18 Gauge stainless steel material
- Minimum 15-inch cabinet size
- 18/10 Chrome Nickel
- cUPC certification
When it comes to purchasing of prep sinks nowadays, be it a large bar sink or even the smallest bar sink elegance matters a lot. That is why manufacturers are more careful when it comes to the shape and finishing.
The Dawn BS121307 Undermount Bar Sink combines pragmatism as well as elegance to make you a happy home owner or kitchen lover.
The bar sink is part of Dawn products that are known to give a nice blend of both aesthetic and functionality. This particular one falls under the undermount bar sinks category and has a great polished satin finish. It is so smooth and will easily compliment the style you have picked from your home very well.
That as well as its rectangular shape is pleasing to the eye as they give the bar sink a nice, modern appearance. The sink is also resistant to rust which is usually very unsightly.
Since longevity is of great importance when you are looking around for a bar sink, you will be very happy to know that this one provides that. The Dawn bar sink is very strong, having been made from 18 gauge stainless steel. That means once you make the purchase you do not have to worry about buying another sink in the next few years.
The minimum cabinet space for this particular one is 15 inches therefore make sure you have enough space for it to fit into perfectly.
As a home owner, the best thing you can get yourself is a soundproof kind of sink. The Dawn BS121307 Undermount Bar Sink is therefore a good option as it has a provision for handling noise and vibrations. This is through the sound deadening pads.
As such, your stay in the kitchen area will be relatively undisturbed. In fact, your entire house will be quieter. Remember any noise in a kitchen sink that does not have some kind of reinforcement against it can be heard in the entire house.
If you are worried about something going wrong or ordering this bar sink and having it arrive faulty, fret not. The manufacturer has a limited lifetime warranty just for you. It will ensure you get all the necessary support you need.
However, with how great the 18 grade stainless steel is, there isn’t much to worry about as this is an especially strong pick. All you need to do is get it installed and enjoy using your Dawn bar sink for a very long time.
Pros:
- Features a smooth finish that looks elegant
- Smooth surface makes it easy to clean
- It is made of durable stainless steel that ensures you get to use it for long
- Has a UPC certification making it safe for your home
- Deep enough to submerge most of your utensils
- Sound absorption pads minimize the amount of noise
- This undermount style sink is easy to install
- It is environment friendly due to a layer of anti-seepage coating
Cons:
- Extra care is needed when cleaning it
6. Houzer CTR-1700 Small Bar Kitchen Sink
Highlighted Features:
- Package comes with undermount sink, cutout template, fasteners, bottom grid and strainer
- Megashield insulation
- 18 gauge stainless steel material
- Square corners
- Instruction manual
- Type 304 stainless steel material
- Basket strainer and bottom grad
- Limited lifetime warranty
The Houzer CTR-1700 Contempo Series Undermount Bar Sink is a large bar sink from Houzer that is appropriate for any kitchen. It is one that will improve the quality of your cleaning tasks. It is made from a premium grade material that ensures you do not only appreciate the chic design but will also appreciate the durability.
The stainless steel used in making it includes a nickel and chrome blend that makes it less susceptible to stains and dents. Due to this blend, it also resists corrosion.
Scratches can be quite the headache sometimes on a bar sink if not everytime. That is why the scratch proof nature of this one is a big advantage as it will keep it looking new with minimal care. No need to put in too much work in the maintenance.
The bar sink is a great fit for different home designs whether you prefer a zen, artistic design or a contemporary space. In simple words, it provides versatility and a modern look.
The super silencer in the CTR-1700 bar sink is made of high quality rubber that ensures the running water and the clattering of the dishes does not a problem in terms of noise.
The MegaShield Insulation makes it even more sound proof, seeing that it is better than the sound pads found in any other standard bar sink. The insulation is also instrumental in reducing the normal buildup of condensation around the bottom area of the sink.
Sometimes, minimalism is the best way to go so that your space looks great and simple. As such, the square sharp angle corners of the sink brings about a clean design. It also has a simple flat bottom. Splashing is common when you’re doing your dishes. However, it is better to minimize the amount of splashing and that is where this sink’s depth comes in handy. It goes up to 10 inches deep.
It is quite the dependable bar sink as it is UPC certified, meaning it meets the required plumbing standards. It is also made by a brand that is well known for manufacturing great sinks. In fact, the Houzer brand has been around for more than thirty years.
In case you need some extra back-up, the limited lifetime warranty should do the job just right. It also gives you some extra convenience since it has some mounting clips as well as templates. This is the kind of bar sink that makes life in the kitchen a lot easier and more fun.
Pros:
- The 10-inch depth prevents splashing
- The MegaShield Insulation keeps the noise away
- Boasts of being scratchproof meaning it will look new for long
- Has a versatile square shape that fits into different spaces
- The mounting clips and templates make installation easy
- It is UPC certified making it a reliable trusted sink
- The limited lifetime warranty is an assurance of support
- Its minimalist design allows it to blend well with the rest of your kitchen
Cons:
- It has a flat bottom
7. HOUZER CS-1307-1 Small Undermount Bar Kitchen Sink
Highlighted Features:
- 18 gauge T-304 stainless steel material
- Basket strainer
- Drain opening
- SpecPlus edges
- StoneGuard undercoating
- Fits 18-inch sink base
This bar sink makes a great choice for a home owner in search of a fixture that is long lasting owing to the 304 type of stainless steel. This material is highly resistant to corrosion and different types of stains.
It has a beautiful and exclusive high polished finish especially around rim areas of the sink which see to it that your sink stands out. As such, you as the home owner can be assured of a very long lasting and classy appearance.
This bar sink also shields you from the disturbing noises of clattering dishes as well as running water which is common in ordinary sinks. It is able to do this because of the marble-powdered base undercoating. This is actually applied on top of the super silencer. So in the event you have guests around, they can interact with you without any unnecessary disruptions.
As is expected, this Houzer bar sink is reliable and should not give you problems during the course of its use. It is after all, UPC certified. However, should any issues arise, they can very easily be sorted out and a solution can always be provided by the manufacturer.
The appearance of this bar sink also makes it very versatile for different types of home décor. It will very well compliment the appearance of your utensils and even counter top. In other words it is a simple bar sink with a nice contemporary look. The drain is also very well decorated and comes with a lid for it.
Just always make sure you do not use any harsh abrasives when cleaning the sink. With that, you are sure to keep it looking great. Its curved corners make it extremely easy to clean and so does the polished finish.
It is a small undermount bar sink that just like many others in the Houzer range is appreciated by kitchen lovers with a flair for a good decorative fixture. The bar sink will definitely give you value for your money.
Should the day come and you need to move from your current home, you can also easily uninstall it and reinstall to your new house. You will not be required to purchase another sink as this one is strong enough. As such, it is resistant to dents and its maintenance is also very easy.
Pros:
- Durable due to the 18 gauge stainless steel material
- Basket strainer makes it easy to trap and eliminate waste
- Drain opening provides reinforcement for the basket strainer
- The spec plus edges add to the strength of the sink
- StoneGuard undercoating keeps noise at a minimum
- It is easy to clean and requires minimal care
- Resistant to corrosion and stains
- It is UPC certified making it reliable
Cons:
- It is a single bowl bar sink
Best Bar Prep Sink Buying Guide
Before purchasing a bar or prep sink online, it is important to consider a number of factors to ensure the one you settle for is the right one for you.
The Material and Finish
Different bar sinks are made of different materials and have different finishing. As such you should ensure you have knowledge on what exactly you want in a bar sink. Know how often you will have to clean it. This is so that you get a practical one that will also be appealing to you visually for a long time.
The materials range from stainless to ceramics, porcelain and cast iron, among others. There also exist composite ones that are made of several different compounds. Some of these materials are scratch resistant and are probably the best as these are the most durable ones. Some materials come in a variety of colors which is great because you can always go for a color that best suits your décor.
The kind of finish is also important because it can make the difference between visible scratches and invisible ones. A satin finish for example has a very luxurious appearance. However, it is more susceptible to scratches compared to a brushed finish which will very well hide them as the scratches blend in.
In case you will use the sink a lot then stainless material is highly recommended. It is highly resistant to tarnishing. The downside is that it does show watermarks so you might have to clean it regularly and thoroughly.
Size and Depth
Whether to go for a large bar sink, an 8-inch bar sink or the smallest bar sink should be determined by the size of your kitchen and countertop. It should also depend on the amount of space found beneath the bar sink for the purpose of plumbing.
If you have a large countertop then it is worth maximizing on all that space. However, a large bar sink would be overwhelming in a small size room.
In case there is plenty of space underneath your sink then choose a bar sink with a deep basin. However if there is a limited amount of space, a shallow one will ensure you have room for the installation of your plumbing.
Installation
A great bar sink is one that can easily be installed through a few simple steps. In order for you to have an easier time, go for a bar sink that comes with a comprehensive installation guide. Also look out for sinks that come with mounting clips, hardware and templates as these can help you do the installation yourself.
In case you prefer to have a professional install your bar sink for you then an easy-to-install one will have them charge you less for the installation as less time and effort will be required.
Noise Deadening Feature
When running water hits the bar sink some noise is produced. That is also the case when you are cleaning your utensils. When they come into contact with the sink continuously as you wash them, the noise could get annoying.
Fortunately, the best prep kitchen sinks nowadays come with features such as soundguard padding and mega shield insulation that are noise deadening. They almost make your bar sink soundproof. With these features in place, you will have a more peaceful time cleaning and will subsequently enjoy it more.
Price
With different sinks in the market today, the price range from the high end sinks to the relatively cheaper ones. Obviously, for you to make a purchase, you cannot spend more than you have. As such, consider how much you are ready to part with for that bar sink.
Once you have determined your budget, you should also consider what you would like in your bar sink. Look at the features that come with the different sinks in your price range and select one that gives you the most value for your money.
Warranty
Warranty is important as it is a guarantee of support from the manufacturer should a problem arise with the sink. They could either repair or replace it without charge should the bar sink fail. Some offer a limited warranty for the bar sinks while some offer a lifetime warranty.
A lifetime warranty guarantees you the support for as long as you have the bar sink while the limited one usually has a set period of time within which you can approach the manufacturer for assistance.
Accessories
Some sinks come with a variety of accessories. They include cutting boards, grids, colanders, soap dispensers and extra work stations that will usually make work easier.
Also, read our complete guide about the best bar sink faucet.
Why do You Need a Bar Sink?
As a home owner, there are many ways in which you could benefit from a bar sink. The reasons why you need to consider getting one include:
1. Bar sinks provide extra sink space
Bar sinks may be smaller in size compared to your normal sink but they certainly provide you with extra working space. You can always use them for washing vegetables and preparing them as well. It is a great way to ensure your fresh groceries are away from the dirty utensils in your main kitchen sink.
2. Bar sinks could provide instant hot water
When installing a bar sink, you can easily hook them to hot water dispensers. Once this is done, your sink and faucet will ensure you can immediately access hot water when you need it without having to boil.
3. A bar sink adds to the aesthetic of your home
When you install even the smallest bar sink to your kitchen island, it automatically has an effect on the décor of your home. They are also great when it comes to home entertainment once you install them in high areas.
A bar sink will therefore see to it that even guests to your home are intrigued aesthetically owing to the luxurious make and features of the sink you choose.
Bar Prep Kitchen Sink Sizes/ Dimensions
Bar kitchen sinks are generally smaller than your regular kitchen sinks as already mentioned. However, they also come in a variety of sizes. The size you go for should be comfortable enough for your use in cleaning or even food prepping. In case you will be entertaining guests, the size goes a long way in keeping them comfortable as well.
After all, you wouldn’t want to host people in your home only for them to strain while using your facilities. Most bar sinks range from 9 1/2 inches to 18 inches. They could be round or shaped as a square or a rectangle.
As for the bar top, an 18-inch top minimum is great for your bar sink. That said, should the need arise, you can extend it to about 20 or 24 inches. Some require as small as just 15-inches.
When it comes to the height what is usually put into consideration is the average height of most human beings. That way, people can use the bar sink without having to bend over. So for standard bar sink height, including the countertop and body of the bar, 42 inches should work.
What is the Difference Between Topmount and Undermount Bar Sink?
A topmount bar sink can sometimes be referred to as a drop-in bar sink. They have been around for the longest time and as such, remain the most common type of sink. These are usually dropped from a point above and placed into a cutout. The cutout can be found on the countertop and its lip rests on the top part of the counter.
Undermount bar sinks are rapidly gaining popularity. They refer to bar sinks that mount to the area around the bottom of your countertop. Clips and some caulk are used to hold it in place. They have to be heavy-duty in order to do the job just right. In some cases, the use of a special adhesive is incorporated. These kinds of sinks also feature a rim although the rim is invisible.
Pros of a Topmount Bar Sink:
- They are relatively affordable although their price generally depends on the type as well as the quality you go for
- They offer more versatility so they work great regardless of the countertop type
Cons of a Topmount Bar Sink:
- Cleaning is harder because food remains often get stuck at the area of the sink where the edge links with the countertop.
- Their style is old. As such they are considered outdated by certain groups of people.
- They are of relatively lower quality compared to undermount bar sinks.
Pros of an Undermount Bar Sink:
- An undermount bar sink is usually easier to clean. This is owing to the fact that there usually exists no lip in between the sink edge and the countertop. As such, no particles of food or dirt can get stuck.
- An undermount bar sink has a more streamlined appearance, often looking neater.
- They are better in quality. As such they are designed for kitchens that are high-end with beautifully designed utensils and décor.
Cons of an Undermount Bar Sink:
- They are more expensive compared to their topmount counterparts.
- They are not suitable for all types of countertops
Conclusion
The Ruvati Single Bowl Stainless Steel Bar Prep Kitchen Sink seems to be winner among the top 7 best bar sinks. The Ruvati brand offers great customer support should anything go wrong during installation or use of the sink. Its great brushed finish gives it a nice appearance.
As such you can be sure you will be using the bar sink for a long time. The sink doesn’t take up too much cleaning effort and time. It will provide your kitchen more elegance and definitely be the best.
