When you are considering the purchase of a bar sink for your bar or entertainment area, you need to consider several factor prior to making your purchase. A bar sink must serve as both a decorative and functional component of your bar. If you make the incorrect choice for your bar sink, you may experience issues with the sink not fitting within your base cabinet, or your sink may not effectively allow for proper functionality within your entertainment area.
Consider the purpose of the bar sink, the physical footprint of the bar sink, the depth of the bar sink, the material of the bar sink, and the type of faucet you would like to use with your bar sink prior to making your purchase. The first of the factors to consider is the purpose of your bar sink. Even though it is true that most bars have identical sinks, the purpose of a bar sink versus a prep sink are two entirely different category.
How to Choose a Bar Sink
Bar sinks are used for much lighter tasks compared than prep sinks, which are used for more intensive kitchen tasks. If you will only use your sink to rinse products like shakers, then a bar sink would be appropriate. However, if you will be performing more intensive tasks of the prep area, a prep sink would be a far betterer choice for your kitchen area.
Following the determination of the purpose of your sink is the consideration of the physical footprint of the sink. It is essential that you measure your base cabinet prior to purchasing your bar sink. The bar sink may be the appropriate size for the countertop of your bar, but it may be far too deep to fit within the wooden cabinet beneath it.
Should you purchase a sink that is too deep for the cabinet, you will encounter issues with the placement of the sinks plumbing components. Therefore, it is essential that the bar sink you select has a physical footprint that is compatible with the base cabinet of your bar. Another consideration for bar sinks is the depth of the sink.
Shallow bar sinks save the most space within your bar area. However, shallow sinks are also more likely to create splashing of the liquid being used within the sink onto the bar area. Deep bar sinks may be better if you plan to use the sink for rinsing purpose, but if the sink is too deep, it may come into contact with the P-trap located at the bottom of the cabinet.
Finding a balance between these two extremes is essential when purchasing a bar sink that will be used in your home. Another factor to consider is the type of attachment for the sink. Undermount bar sinks are attached beneath the bars countertop.
Undermount bar sinks are beneficial for wiping crumbs direct into the sink. Drop-in bar sinks are attached to the countertop. Drop-in bar sinks are easier to install directly onto a laminate countertop.
Both of these sink types are available in materials like copper and fireclay. If you choose copper, you should be aware that over time, the copper will develop a patina. The material of your bar sink will dictate the type of use that it endures.
Most bar sinks are made of stainless steel, but you should consider the gauge of that stainless steel. Sixteen-gauge stainless steel will resist dents more better than thin stainless steel. Another common material for bar sinks is granite composite materials.
These types of materials is quieter and do not show the same scratches as stainless steel sinks. If you will place your bar sink in an outdoor area, you should use marine-grade steel and freeze-proof drains to avoid the damage that freezing temperature can do to standard pipes. Finally, you must select a faucet for your bar sink.
Most bar sinks have a single hole for the faucet. However, you can also purchase a bar sink with no holes for the faucet, which can be mounted into the countertop. This will provide more space within the sink for your drinks, however your sink must be cut to allow for the mounting of the faucet.
Following the alignment of all the components of your bar, the sink will serve as a convenience in your home.
