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sayde_gw

Value of prep sink in a small kitchen??

sayde
13 years ago

Ours is a relatively small kitchen, about 12 x 14. This is a DIY so we have the ability to modify as we go. The main sink is a Rohl's 30 apron front sink at one end of the kitchen centered under a window.

We're now designing our island which will also be small, about 30 by 48 inches. Initial thought was to have a standalone worktable. But now we are thinking of an island plumbed for prep sink which would be at the far end away from the main sink -- but close to the fridge.

So was wondering in a kitchen of modest size like ours whether a prep sink would be useful. I have not minded having one sink til now but want to be sure I think through the options, especially since so many people feel the second sink is a really handy feature. There is still time -- DH says he can run the water up through our floor (he is building the island and all the cabinets).

Would appreciate hearing . . . .

Comments (48)

  • cheri127
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    We have a small kitchen and my biggest regret is not having a prep sink. I could have squeezed one in but then I'd be prepping with my back to everyone so decided not to. If I could have had an island, I'd have a prep sink, for sure! Or at least a trash pull out in my prep area.

  • rhome410
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    How will the proposed prep sink relate to the stove and prep area? I'd have to be reminded of your plan to know for certain, but I would still value a prep sink in a smaller kitchen. Positioned properly (between fridge and stove and where there is prep counter, IMO), it makes the cooking/prep work area more efficient (less running to the main sink).

    I really like NOT washing veggies, prepping chicken, etc. over various and sundry dirty dishes. It'd be nice to be able to drain hot water without going the full length of the kitchen, or wash messy hands from working at the island, too.

    In your case, it might be challenging to have a sink that's large enough for pots, colanders, etc, and still leave yourself adequate prep space? Again, difficult to judge without seeing your plan and knowing what sink you might be planning to use.

  • plllog
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    It's not so much kitchen size as layout. When the island is useful to have, and there's room for it, but it becomes a barrier between the fridge and the sink, for instance, a prep sink can solve the problem. Even with zones, a basic walking path for the classic work triangle of fridge-sink-stove-fridge, is still highly useful for most kitchen tasks. Also, if you're using the island for your prep area, just having running water there, instead of having to wash elsewhere, or tote a bowl of water back and forth, can provide great convenience.

    The other thing a prep sink can do for you is decrease the size of the other sink. For instance, where one might have thought a very large double bowl sink was necessary for all kitchen tasks, a moderate sized single bowl clean-up sink and decent sized prep sink can combine to have the same function, but in separate locations. There's more plumbing involved, and perhaps a little less lower cabinet space, if the clean-up sink size isn't greatly reduced, but the function remains the same, possibly with more counter space for stacking dishes.

    It's really a matter of deciding what works best for the way you'll be using your kitchen.

  • lavender_lass
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Well, I started out questioning whether a prep sink was really necessary in a small kitchen, particularly my own!

    Now, the more I've been reading posts and looking at my layout, I am wondering if a small prep sink on the island, might make sense. It would be really handy to the baking center and range and it would be much closer to the living room.

    The natural path to the sink, is right between the island and range...so maybe a second sink is not such a bad idea :)

  • lolauren
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    In your situation, I would opt for keeping the island space... 30 x 48 is small with a sink cutting into the space!

    This also depends on your household.... how many ppl use the space, whether you ever wish for an additional sink/water access in the kitchen, etc.

    We have a large kitchen and two sinks (our island is almost 4' x 8' and houses the smaller sink.) I love that I have a large, deep single sink on the perimeter.... this is my cleanup area. However, I barely ever use the sink in the island. I almost wish I had just left that area with countertop. It would probably have been more useful.

  • judeNY_gw
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    It's not the size of the kitchen that makes a prep sink valuable, it's the layout. From what I can picture of your layout, a small prep sink sounds exactly right to keep all the drink and snack getting away from your cooking area and gives a place for a helper making a salad out of main traffic.

    My 9x14 kitchen has one long wall of mostly floor to ceiling windows and french door and the other long wall mostly open to the dining room so it's very compact and there are not a lot of cabinets.

    It's the prep sink right across a narrow aisle from the cooktop makes it work. The cleanup sink (on a different aisle) services beverage getting, salad prep, helpers and even cleanup helpers while the cooking area on a different aisle remains clear for the cook. The fridge is accessible to both areas.

    I really like my 15" round Blanco undermount - the round shape is visually less intrusive on a small island. In your case, because of your island size, I might go with something a little smaller.

  • kevinw1
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Also consider how hard it will be to get drainage and venting done properly for your island sink. Getting the water to the sink is usually the easy part!

  • allison0704
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I'd vote no. Your work table is so small, I think it would just be in the way. We only have the main sink, although there is a small prep sink in our coffee station hutch (between kitchen and laundry room). We never use it. Ever.

    My advice, if you really think you want one, is to go to showroom or a home that has one the size you want and try using it. I find our prep sink is pretty useless with anything larger than a 2 cup measuring cup.

    My 2cents.

  • kaismom
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I prefer large working surface over prep sink any time.... I am a dissenter in that regard in this forum.

    How do you cook and bake? Do you have enough large surface in the kitchen layout so you can bake, make pizza etc adequately. I tend to spread out when I am cooking. So I need the space!

    Mark out the area that you can effectively use with the sink cut out of your island and try baking there. Will that be adequate? I think it will be too small and you maybe irritated that the sink cuts in the way of the usable surface.

    I only have 1 sink. I also have adequate prep surface on both sides of the sink and on the island across from it. So no one really stands in front of the sink to work. People step far enough away so that the sink is always free unless we are cleaning. Then one person is at the sink, and the other is wiping the counter, putting left overs away etc. I never feel that people get in the way of each other in my kitchen even though there is only 1 sink.

    This was the hardest decision for me in my remodel. In the end, I decided to preserve the large counter space without the splashing of water.

    When I am in people's kitchens where the sink is squeezed into a corner with a tiny little counter surface next to it, then no one else can access that sink without stepping over someone. I think it is important to make sure the access to the main sink is easy. This will decrease the need for the second sink, if you have a small kitchen. I think one of the biggest barrier to the workable surface in multi cook kitchen is the dishdrain that sits on the counter. You have effectively halved the water accessible prep area with that dish drain!

    If there are plenty of places to stand without the upper cabinets in front of you, then people will migrate to the visually "better" places to work. Having multiple open areas or islands will decrease the need for the second sink since the main sink will be "freed" by having people migrate to those focal points. I think another barrier to having a workable counterspace is the lack of openness with too much upper cabinets.

    For example, there are many kitchens that have hutches brough down to the counter level with a tiny counter in front of it. They are lovely BUT these are NOT functional working places. So even if the kitchen maybe huge, there may not be as much functional spaces in those kitchens....

    Another thing that you have to remember is that most people do not like working at a counter space that feels too small. I really think you need minimum 3 ft (or even 4 ft) of open space for you to feel comfortable standing in front of it and working. If too narrow, your elbow can bump into the wall next to it. So a kitchen that has chopped up multiple 2ft to 3 ft counterspace is not as functional as a kitchen that preserves a good run of counter space, again arguing for the leaving the island uninterrupted, if the island is your largest counter run.

    Sorry this post is so long. But I wanted you to really think about how yow will work in your kitchen and where you and the other cooks will stand to work.

  • John Liu
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Here is a fairly bizarre idea that I've never seen in any kitchen but, since you're DIY'ing it, you could try.

    I will describe it as best I can. Install a fairly deep, not that tiny, rectangular, steel sink in the island. Under mount it, with enough of a reveal to create a distinct lip around the sink. Cut a filler piece of counter material that fits inside the sink cut out, resting on the lip. With this piece in place, you have an unbroken expanse of counter. With the piece removed, you have a prep sink.

    Wait a minute, what about the faucet? Use a compact wall mount faucet with a very very short spout, mount it to the side of the steel sink, below the lip where the counter filler rests.

    A ''short spout service faucet'' like this one, though it would be nice to lose the adjustable centers. This spout looks barely 1'' long.
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/ref=aw_d_detail?pd=1&a=B002YJ89CQ

    This would not be a sink you'd wash a pot in. But for rinsing veg, washing chicken-y hands, and other prep sink jobs, it would - I'm confident - do the job better than no sink at all.

    I know, that model isn't exactly faucet porn. But it's kinda cute. Now, if you are willing to go even more minimalist, you could use a hose bib like this nice polished one. How often does one really need mixed hot & cold water for prepping: cold alone would likely be enough.

    http://www.everyfaucet.com/Chicago-Faucets-387-CP-CHF1103.html?cv=

    Or this vaguely dodo-like model

    http://www.everyfaucet.com/Chicago-Faucets-952-1-2CP-CHF1595.html?cv=

    Basically, just go search around the Chicago Faucets website and think outside of the box, or inside the sink as it were.

  • John Liu
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Actually, I just thought of a variation on the ''convertible prep sink'' idea that would be even better. Use a Tap Master or the groovy foot pedals made by Chicago Faucets. Then you don't need handles in the sink at all, just a minimal bit of spout, maybe just enough to screw an aerator into. Maybe a 1/2'' protrusion from the sink wall.

    Either figure out a way to make the spout-sink junction water-tight, or simply don't fill the sink to the spout level.

  • Buehl
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    How does work flow in your kitchen and what is your layout? These are the determinants of the need for a prep sink.

    Does it enhance your workflow? Does it make your kitchen more functional overall? Does it meet a need such as allowing 2 or more people to work at one time or mitigating/eliminating a barrier island situation? Where will it be with respect to your range/cooktop? These are just a few of the questions to ask about yourself.

    One key: If your prep sink is too small or improperly place, you will probably not use it and regret it. Place and size it properly and you will be glad you have it! (Assuming it works w/your kitchen's layout.)

    We have a medium-size kitchen (main part is 10'x14') and a prep sink. Many people would say we don't need one b/c the cooktop is across from the cleanup sink. However, they would be very wrong! Our prep sink is one of the things that makes our kitchen work so wonderfully well! It allows us to separate the Prep & Cooking Zones from the Cleanup Zone. This means someone can be cleaning up/unloading the DW/loading the DW/hand washing dishes/soaking dishes on one side of the kitchen at the same time others are prepping and cooking on the other side...with no one getting in each others way!

    Our prep sink is not large...it's 15-3/4" square. Yes, on occasion I've wished it were bigger, but most of the time it's the perfect size. All my colanders and pots fit in it. But, I don't wash dishes in it, not even pots. Dirty dishes eventually make their way to the cleanup sink. Since I have a 6' aisle to cross, I usually let them "build up" a bit b/f taking them over (usually during a lull in prepping activity).

    A prep sink should be at least 12" in each direction and 8" or so deep. A 12" prep sink should fit in a 15" sink base. My 15-3/4" (interior) would fit in an 18" sink base (it's in a 36" corner sink base, though).


    Don't let people who say they never use their prep sink dissuade you from one if it will help the functionality of your kitchen. You don't know if (1) their sink is placed properly, (2) their sink is big enough, and (3) if their layout called for one.

    Don't let those of us who have and use/love our prep sinks talk you into it either unless it enhances working in your kitchen.

    This is a decision you have to make based on how your kitchen is laid out, your workflow, and the # of people working in the kitchen at one time.


    BTW...with a 48" island:

    1.5" overhang + 15" sink base + 30" base + 1.5" overhang = 48"

    This gives you approx 1" + 30" + 1.5" = 32.5" of workspace on your island. But remember, it's also 30" deep...a big difference from a 32.5" x 25.5" workspace! Those "extra" 4.5" are actually pretty significant!


    Good luck!

  • Buehl
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Oh, I meant to add... If you get a prep sink, get one that allows/has a cutting board to cover it when not in use. That way you'll have almost full use of the island when needed (faucets don't take up that much room!)

    Get one that allows the board to sit on the sink "ledge" so the cutting board's surface is flush with your counter.

  • Stacey Collins
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I have to say I wish I had a prep sink in my island. I didn't do it mainly for aesthetic reasons: my kitchen is in the center of an open living space and I wanted the island to be more like a big table and less "kitchen-y". (If I had it to do again, I'm still not sure I would for the same reasons, but I'm not a function over form type of person! If I were: I'd definitely put a prep sink in the island.)

    My kitchen is small, too; the main area is about 12 x 12. My appliances are set up in an "L" shape, all convenient to one another. So it's not an issue of having to walk very far from prep zone or stove to the sink. It's that the main sink often has stuff in both bowls, and I would LOVE to have another sink available for washing vegetables or hands without having to stop and reorganize the main sink contents.

    But there are certainly other considerations that sway this decision. For instance, if you have a sink in the island, you lose the base cabinet functionality. That would be tough in my small kitchen. Also, as was pointed out above, venting the DWV side is a huge issue.

    And as an addendum to john's posts: I was at a boat show recently and there were these sweeeeet faucets on fancy yachts that folded over and down into the sink area. They were sleek and European looking, maybe Grohe or something?

  • sayde
    Original Author
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thank you so much for the thoughtful responses. You collectively pointed out several considerations -- the need for drainage, the loss of space below for storage. Reading this I remembered that I have a pot rack above which might hinder access. In the old kitchen I didn't have a problem with stuff in the sink preventing using it for putting waste in or otherwise using it as the prep sink. The kitchen layout is close to the classic triangle. The prep sink would fit nicely between the stove and the refrigerator. It seems a good, logical spot. But it would, as several of you pointed out, cut down the space on top of the island which is small. The spot where the sink would be is the spot where I usually put down bags of groceries when I come in as this is a good spot to get stuff into the fridge. So I would compromise a known function. And in the new layout the mixer and juicer will be stored in the perimeter drawers close to where the sink would be on the island -would be nice to have water there, but I may need that space on the island for prepping stuff for mixing or juicing and the main sink is just a couple of steps away. (Layout is an L for stove and sink with fridge across on the other side of the room).

    So I am slowly coming to the conclusion that may-be the prep sink would not work out so well in my kitchen. The kitchen actually works pretty well from a layout and size perspective. I guess it would be a mistake to try to change what works and give up known function without being absolutely certain of the benefits. I think may-be as we are coming closer to the end there is a bit of panic: "make sure we haven't left out something important that we will regret later."

    Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences -- I really appreciate each and every post!!!

  • cj47
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I think you've had some really good advice here, and there's only one thing I really want to echo: If you decide to install a prep sink, make sure it's big enough to actually use for prep. Those teensy 12 inch sinks are, in my opinion, not much use for anything but handwashing and the occasional single piece of fruit. Mine is a little overkill, I admit (23X19 or something like that--will easily fit a cookie sheet!). However, I can't count the number of times I've given thanks for the space in that sink--like when I'm making a big roast or a turkey, or prepping a lot of veg for a big dinner. Everything fits. All meat and food prep is done at the prep sink, so no dirty dishes are ever in my way. It makes it much more useful if it's a bit larger.

    Good luck!
    Cj

  • macybaby
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Cj's rationale is a big reason I don't have a prep sink. To be useful for me, it would need to be at least a 24" single bowl, preferable larger. In fact, I'd rather have a larger prep sink than a cleanup sink - which is why my main "prep" sink is a double bowl utility sink (not in the kitchen though).

    However I do wish I had a sink much closer to the cooktop, so even a small sink that could be used mostly for filling and emptying pots, and it would be extra useful if I could put DH's coffee pot next to it. I hate dealing with coffee grounds when I'm dealing with dirty dishes!

    Hmmm - wonder if I could put a wet bar in the den and make DH keep his coffee pot there -

  • davidro1
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    speaking of teeny sinks....

    I've seen some unusual micro sinks in bathrooms.
    Salad bowls with a hole drilled in the bottom.
    Cost: a few dollars.
    They work.
    They don't leak.

    Some people have wanted to hang under a hole in the counter some kind of waste receptacle.
    Slide stuff over to the hole and it disappears by dropping down into the container under the counter.
    I thought about doing this too.
    A square hole in the back corner and a "1/4 size steam table pan" under the counter.
    In the end, I didn't do that.
    I open a drawer and slide waste forward until it drops into the "steam pan" in the drawer.
    Cost: $8
    It works.

    If it's feasible to get a 1.5" drain run over to the hole in the counter, you now have one more option than I had.

    DWV plumbing can get venting from an AAV ("Studor") for this one place in your house.
    If it fits your layout and if it fits your work habits, and if you want it, then yes, you can have it.

    I have two big prep counters, one without water.
    I'm really glad to have a drop-in waste receptacle there.
    The bigger garbage is on the other side of the kitchen.

    I think your layout and your work habits would determine your answer.

    Hth

  • lala girl
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    hi Sayde - you have gotten some great advice here. We did not have a great spot for a prep sink (and also have a smallish kitchen) - so we opted for a larger main sink with two faucets. And I do not know how I lived without that 2nd faucet, I totally love it. I can wash/prep, while DH fills the pasta pot, washes dishes or hands, etc.. It gives me a lot of the functionality of the prep sink without all of the requirements that come with them. I am not sure if two faucets would be an option with your Rohls sink but just thought I would pass along another approach :-)

  • davidro1
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Glad to see what laurainlincoln posted.

    I've often thought that a 2nd faucet should be listed as a requirement.
    Or at least, good to have, just as much as a prep sink.
    Without it, everything comes to a standstill when two people both want water at the same time.
    Workarounds are possible, but it's not the same as having two sources of water.

  • theballs
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Two sinks...Best.Modification.Ever. Rarely do you hear someone say "I wish I had not gotten that second sink", but seems like quite often you hear "I wish we had gotten the second sink".

    We have a 33"x22" main sink along one wall, and a 25"x22" sink along another wall. We turned previously unused counter space into a bar area. I got the sinks hooked up two days before Christmas, and on Xmas morning I cooked a fun breakfast in my area and all our guests were able to hit up the coffee/juice bar and nobody was banging into each other.

    Main sink and cooking/food prep area
    {{gwi:1582351}}

    Coffee, wine, other
    {{gwi:1685714}}

  • lavender_lass
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Theballs- What a lovely kitchen! It's so cozy and inviting, even before all the doors are hung. I like your layout...it seems very functional :)

    Do you have any more pictures?

  • formerlyflorantha
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Our kitchen is 12 x 17 I think. We put in a double basin sink on the long side and a large single basin on the opposite side. The latter serves as hand-washing station for the garage as well as for food prep, preservation of garden produce, dogbowl filling, cleanup of large cooking pans, and bucket filling. My criterion was that the second sink at least had to be able to hold a pumpkin.

    No regrets. I agree that a little sink would not have been useful for us.

  • baltomom_gw
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I had a prep sink in my old kitchen (11 x 14) and I miss it every day. Someone always has to wait while another person uses the sink. The old kitchen prep sink was only 15 inches wide, but it was in constant use -- mostly for hand washing, but also for soaking pans, washing vegetables, defrosting meats, etc. It was so, so useful. My new kitchen has a double sink, but only one faucet. I'm thinking of adding a second faucet, but that's going to mean drilling a new hole in the granite, which I'm not thrilled about.

    If you decided on the second sink, maybe a cutting board cover would be a good compromise, since your island is pretty small. I think you'll use it a lot once you have it, especially if there are a lot of people using your kitchen.

  • John Liu
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    A single sink means your prep has to be in sync with the other tasks going on. It is so irritating to be trying to wash some rice in the colander, and finding the sink full of your inconsiderate spouse's dirty dishes. A double sink is still teeth-grinding - now your soon-to-be ex-husband is splashing dishsoap over into your rice. And there's nothing like giving some bright fresh salad greens a brisk rinse in the scalding hot water that Mr. Recently Divorced left in the faucet spout. Gaaah!

  • sayde
    Original Author
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Wow, the responses have been so insightful, and funny too! The cutting board over the sink is a good idea. Still in a quandary about giving up the space, both counter and below.

    Still thinking about it . . . .

  • live_wire_oak
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    A properly placed prep sink is one of the easiest ways to make a small kitchen work like a big kitchen. It takes a one cook kitchen and turns it into a two cook (or more!) space. It allows someone to stand at the cleanup sink and put the dirty pans you've used so far into your DW while another stands at the island and washes the parsely for that last minute garnish. It ADDS to the functionality of your kitchen immensely----IF it's in the right spot. Putting an 18" prep sink on your island with a cutting board on top sounds like it would give you the best of both worlds. Your plumbing below won't take up a huge amount of space if you forego the disposal. You'd probably even be able to fit a small pull out trash or compost container under the sink.

  • formerlyflorantha
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I've been looking at the "kitchen" sink in my mom's handicap-accessible senior residence. There is no understory--intended to allow a person with wheelchair to roll up there or something. Anyway, the benefit of it is that there's more knee and toe space than you get with a sink unit with a cab below. We have a skirt there. If you had a stool in a situation like that, you could get your knees under the sink, which really helps to create a work station...OR, as I always add, put in a pull-out chopping/bread board to the side of the prep sink. This allows you to increase the work area so that you can compensate for losing counterspace to the sink. And you can sit at a stool at the pull-out board. Best situation possible for long-haul chopping and prepping, esp. for aging or ailing cooks.

    Be sure to order a swing-away faucet instead of fixed spout for the prep sink. Really makes it more useful, esp. with those big items.

  • cplover
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Sayde- I am struggling with the same thing with my proposed layout. My kitchen is small, too small for an island, but I am messy cook and really think a "pumpkin size" prep sink is necessary. However, when I told my GC this he looked at me like I had 3 heads! He said your kitchen is too small and does not need two sinks. Is he right? I do not want to hijack this post, but would love some honest feedback from people who are passionate about their kitchens.
    a href="http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j463/newbieremodeler/?action=view&current=KitchenNo5Layout.jpg"; target="_blank">

  • davidro1
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    If the GC came here and read it all, he would backtrack. He has a mental model in his head. Tell him to stop it. You could put the pumpkin sink in the corner.

  • lavender_lass
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Newbie- I think the second sink makes your plan very functional. You're close to the range AND you can see people at the stools and table, while prepping. The clean up sink has a nice view out the window, but you can't interact with others as well, due to the fridge. The prep sink solves that problem :)

    Reading these posts, I'm starting to think the best use for a prep sink, in a small kitchen, is that it allows you to have a sink...close to the cooktop, when there's really not enough space for the dishwasher. It also gives you an area to stack dirty dishes, without blocking your prep area. This idea is really growing on me...

  • sayde
    Original Author
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    newbie, one of the messages that emerges from this thread is that it's not the absolute size of the kitchen but rather the way you live and work in it that counts. We heard from Kaismom who has a big kitchen but didn't want a second sink. Allison said she has one and never uses it. Stacy doesn't have one and wishes she did. I think if you can envision how it would make your life easier, you would probably benefit from having one, whether your kitchen is large or small.

  • lolauren
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I mentioned above that I have a prep sink, but don't use it much (unless we have a party/lots of prepping.) After reading other posts, I wanted to add that we are only a family of two and almost never have dishes sitting around. The prep sink is large and in the best spot for one, but we don't have enough people in the kitchen to necessitate its regular use.

    Also, we have a filtered-water faucet at our main sink, in addition to the normal faucet. That sink is especially large and we can be side by side at it. I'm glad for this and appreciate the second faucet there. It would not bother me to have to pause dish cleaning to let my hubby get a drink of water if we only had one faucet.... but the two faucet set-up does make the space more efficient/flexible.

    I imagine if I had children helping me cook daily and more traffic in the space, the second sink could be more useful. So, like Sayde wisely pointed out, it does depend on the way you live...... (Thus, for us, the second sink will be useful when we have lots of company over. Otherwise, not so much.)

  • cplover
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Currently it is just me and DH but kids are not too far off. I just know that with the current layout I would wash vegetables and slop them over to the peninsula to prep. That is when DH would enter and ask why is there water all over the floor. That bugs him with vinyl tile and the new flooring will be wood--so that would push him over the edge. I am okay with the GC thinking I am nutty-- poor DH does not get it. I wish DH was as into the research phase of this kitchen as I was to understand the two sinks and the fact that GC do not know everything!! That is why I love you GC'ers oh-so much!! :) So now I guess my real question is put the prep sink in the peninsula or to the right of the range.

  • lawjedi
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    newbie... obviously it's totally up to you, but points to ponder -
    1- how do you work (right to left, or left to right) which is going to feel correct for you. (for me I'd prefer the sink on the left side of the range for that reason)

    2- sink on peninsula overlooking dining - pro - you are looking out onto your guests/company/playing kids... so you are involved in the action and not with your back to everyone.

    3 - on the other hand, if you put your sink on the other side and leave the peninsula side bare, it is a wonderful space for "buffet" entertaining...

    (for me, I don't know the answer to which of 2 and 3 is preferable. I definitely like to be able to be a part of the action going on... that being said, having a buffet area is fabulous... )

    so now, think about which way you like to work... and think about what's more important to you... good luck!

  • cplover
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Lawjedi- Thanks for your advice!! For me I am completely between 2 and 3. But I think having a cutting board cutout made for the prep sink make me lean towards keeping the sink in the peninsula. But it will require some more thinking...

  • lavender_lass
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Newbie- Are you planning to have an overhang for the stools? That will give you more counterspace, for a buffet area, too.

    I like the idea of a cutting board, over the sink :)

  • Buehl
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    NewbieRemodeler...I just posted on your thread concerning your layout & prep sink. [I agree w/Davidro1.]

    (I've been studying & working hard...so not much GW time for me!)


    BTW...you're probably not receiving emails of follow-up postings on that thread, even though you checked the box requesting them. This is b/c you don't have the email option turned on in your profile. See the "Read Me" thread for more information. Scroll down to the post with the subject "Getting Emails Sent To You...3-step Process".

    Here is a link that might be useful: Read Me If You're New To GW Kitchens! [Help keep on Page 1]

  • flwrs_n_co
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Another option for a small faucet is the Kohler HiRise. It's essentially a sprayer that incorporates temp and flow control. I'm thinking about using it at my small prep sink to minimize counter clutter. Unfortunately, it's not inexpensive.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Kohler HiRise sprayer

  • jenny1963
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Blanco is coming out with a telescoping faucet later this year in the U.S. (already available in Europe!); so, you could retract your cool faucet back into the sink when you're not using it, place your cutting board into your sink, and your sink is entirely converted back to useable counter space!

  • ideagirl2
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    **The cutting board over the sink is a good idea. Still in a quandary about giving up the space, both counter and below.**

    But with the cutting board idea, you're not giving up space on the counter. And as for space below, you could put a trash or compost pullout there, below the sink. (To get the largest space possible you might want to carefully choose your sink--find one with an off-center drain so the plumbing can be towards the back, etc.).

    I'm going through the same thinking process. Smallish kitchen, do we need a prep sink, etc. So I'm following this thread with interest!

  • allnewappliances
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I think your decision definitely needs to be based on looks and form of the kitchen but also be based on how you use your main sink....are you one to keep dirty dishes in there for a day or two and then clean everything at once....or do you wash your dishes/cups as you use them?
    I don't have a prep sink, and I never did growing up either. I am the type that will immediately wash any dishes, cups, utensils, pots, etc as soon as the meal is over so my sink is always clean (I have a Rohls farmhouse sink). Anytime I need to wash fruit / veg or prep anything for a meal, my sink is ready to use.
    Everyone (KD, friends) tried to talk us into one and glad we didn't. I don't think I would have used it, would have lost island counter space and also the cabinets in the island.

  • sayde
    Original Author
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thanks again for all the responses. We gave it a lot of thought and decided that we would not get the second sink. Having the island available as a working surface is a higher priority. I like the idea of having a cutting board for the sink. We never leave things in the sink so it has not been a problem using one large sink for prep and cleanup. And, finally, our kitchen is quite small -- and easy to navigate.

    Thanks again!

  • trish722
    8 years ago

    Perhaps adding a pot filler to your cooktop area would be helpful.


  • Buehl
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Welcome Trish722, but please, don't resurrect very old threads like this.

    You're new, so you probably don't realize that when you bump/resurrect old threads like this, it knocks someone who needs help today off the first page or two and reduces their chances of getting help.

    In this case, for example, Sayde asked this question 5 years ago, so it's doubtful she still needs help.

    I am glad you're willing to jump in and try to help - we need people like you! So again, welcome!

  • trish722
    8 years ago

    Didn't see the date. Was just interested in this issue myself. Never posted anything before and never will again

  • ImWithJoe
    8 years ago

    Oh Trish - no need for drama. Welcome.