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Nothing beats cooking and entertaining outdoors until it comes time to clean up. An outdoor sink can make the task less of a chore and perhaps even enjoyable. For those looking for a complete alfresco cooking and entertaining experience, an outdoor sink elevates the space to make any outdoor kitchen fully functional.
You are watching: The Best Outdoor Kitchen Sinks of 2023
In a nutshell, outdoor sinks are convenient. They eliminate the need for running back and forth, carrying things to and from the house when washing up before, during, and after cooking. They can also make yard work a little easier.
Because an outdoor sink may double as a workstation for cooking, gardening, and even bathing Fido, it must be durable enough to withstand the elements, easy to maintain, and resilient enough to stand the test of time.
We scoured the market for sinks with a range of features in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. This guide shares tips on what to consider when shopping for the best outdoor kitchen sinks.
- BEST OVERALL: Ruvati Merino Outdoor Workstation Sink
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Houzer Eston Series Undermount Stainless Steel Sink
- BEST UNDERMOUNT: Kraus Standart Pro Undermount Stainless Steel Sink
- BEST DUAL-MOUNT: Kraus Quarza Drop-in/Undermount Granite Sink
- BEST DROP-IN: Kraus Kore Outdoor Workstation Drop-In Sink
- BEST FARMHOUSE: Kraus Standart Pro Apron-Front Stainless Steel Sink
- BEST COMPOSITE STONE: Blanco Diamond Super Single Dual Mount
- BEST FREESTANDING: Veradek Outdoor Kitchen Counter Sink
Types of Outdoor Kitchen Sinks
The type of outdoor sink you choose depends on the type of installation needed for the countertop. Basic sink types include undermount, drop-in, dual mount, farmhouse or apron front, and freestanding. Most outdoor sinks have a single bowl, which may be a better fit for kitchens with limited counter space and will also provide more room for bulky pots and pans. Double-bowl, or divided, sinks have two basins in one unit. They are good for washing dishes and for separating dirty dishes from clean ones, but they aren’t as practical for scrubbing large items. The counter, cabinet size, and the sink’s primary intended use will determine whether a single- or double-bowl sink is best.
Undermount
Unlike a drop-in or top-mount style, an undermount sink is installed beneath the counter rather than on top. Heavy-duty clips and special adhesives hold it in place.
Drop-In
Also known as self-rimming or top-mount sinks, drop-in sinks have a finished rim and are mounted to rest flat on top of the countertop. The basin drops straight into a cutout in the counter surface, and the surrounding rim holds the sink in place.
Dual-Mount
Versatile dual-mount sinks may be installed either above the countertop as a drop-in or below as an undermount. They have a flat rim that is generally the same thickness as the sink, except for quartz sinks that have a thicker rim.
Farmhouse or Apron
A farmhouse or apron-front sink is mounted below the countertop and features an exposed front that extends out slightly farther than the cabinet below. With its large, deep bowl, this style has a classic look and feel that is ideal for any solid-surface countertop, but it may require a specially designed base cabinet.
Freestanding
Freestanding sinks are a good choice for environments without access to plumbing or where a permanent plumbing connection would be too costly. Installation is quick and simple and does not require a professional. The faucet connects to a nearby garden hose with a special adapter, and the sink’s drain tube empties into a bucket or catch basin. The drained water is great for use in the garden or can be disposed of in an indoor sink or bathtub. Although this option only offers cold water, that may be sufficient for many tasks.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Kitchen Sink
When shopping for an outdoor sink, key considerations include material, size and shape, and price point. Access to plumbing and the outdoor kitchen’s aesthetic largely dictate the installation method and, in turn, the sink’s style, size, and appropriate material. The location’s climate also factors into the equation. All sinks are built to hold water, but an outdoor sink that is exposed to the elements and changes in temperature throughout the seasons must be highly durable and made of a noncorrosive material.
Material
Outdoor sinks are constructed of any of a number of materials, and several factors go into selecting the right material for a particular use.
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As outdoor sinks are continually exposed to the elements, they should be very corrosion-resistant. Sinks installed seaside must be exceptionally resistant to highly corrosive salt air.
Outdoor sinks should also be durable enough to withstand damage from heavy items accidentally dropped into the basin, so shoppers should consider how well each sink material hides scratches and avoids dents. They may also want to consider how easy the sink is to clean and maintain.
Also, consider how reflective a sink material is; you don’t want to be blinded by the sun’s glare as it reflects off the sink’s surface.
Stainless Steel
Highly durable and stable during prolonged periods of rain, wind, and sun, stainless steel is prized for its resistance to stains and corrosion. If choosing stainless steel, pay attention to the grade and the gauge. The stainless steel grade refers to its quality, durability, and temperature resistance. The “stainless” part of the metal refers to the amounts of nickel and chromium in its composition.
Grade 304 stainless is 18/8, meaning it contains 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel, respectively. It is very durable but can pit or corrode when used near salt water. Slightly pricier than 304-grade stainless, 316 (or marine grade) is 18/10 with 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel and also contains 2 percent molybdenum, which renders it even more resistant to corrosion, especially from salt and acids.
Both 304- and 316-grade stainless sinks are top choices for outdoor kitchen sinks because their substantial chromium and nickel content make them the highest quality and most corrosion-resistant.
In addition to its grade, pay attention to the steel’s gauge, or thickness. Stainless steel thickness is measured in gauges from 14 to 22. Although many people might think it would be the opposite, the lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel. For example, 22-gauge stainless steel is thinner and less expensive than thicker 14-gauge stainless steel. For increased durability and protection against dents,16- or 18-gauge stainless steel is affordable and recommended for outdoor use.
Rather than polished stainless, opt for a brushed finish that will reduce the sun’s glare and will also better disguise nicks and scratches. Many good-quality stainless steel sinks have a coating and padding on the underside for sound insulation to deaden the twang of objects falling into them.
Composite Granite
Uniform in color and texture, composite granite is a smooth, solid surface material made from an engineered blend of 95 percent natural stone and 5 percent acrylic resins. The highly durable and fade-proof sinks are heat-, stain-, scratch-, and chip-resistant, easy to clean, and resilient in extreme weather. Glassware or heavy dishes dropped in the sink won’t damage it, but it’s unforgiving to fragile objects. These sinks are naturally soundproof and absorb more noise than many stainless steel sinks. Available in a wide range of styles, sizes, shapes, finishes, and color options, composite granite sinks are heavy and may require extra support for installation.
Engineered Quartz
A heavy, solid surface material similar to but slightly less durable than composite granite, quartz is a blend of 80 percent natural quartzite and synthetic resins. Like composite granite, the sinks are available in a variety of styles and sizes. Regular cleaning with a mild nonabrasive cleaner will prevent mineral deposits and preserve the appearance of composite-stone sinks.
Ceramic
Although they may be the easiest to keep clean, ceramic or porcelain sinks are pricier than stainless steel. With heavy use, they are prone to scratching, cracking, or breaking, especially if they’re used for cleaning metal garden tools or heavy pots.
Natural Stone
Natural stone offers an organic appearance and adds a degree of aesthetically pleasing warmth that stainless steel and ceramics can’t equal. Stone, however, is very heavy, harder to clean, and subject to cracking and breaking. Installation may be more expensive because a professional is required.
Concrete
Concrete, like natural stone, is heavy, hard to clean, and tricky to maintain. It must be sufficiently cured, properly sealed, and regularly waxed to retain its finish and protect the sink from staining and discoloration.
Copper
Copper has a “living finish,” which means the sink’s color and tone change over time as it develops a rich patina. Copper is antimicrobial and resistant to rust and corrosion; however, it’s costly, and heat, acids, and harsh cleaning agents can harm the finish. To keep the copper-penny color, wiping the sink periodically with vinegar or a copper cleaner prevents it from turning green from oxidation. Salt turns the copper green more quickly, so copper sinks aren’t the best choice for seaside outdoor kitchens.
Size and Shape
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Standard outdoor sinks are generally single or double bowl and rectangular shaped, but smaller-size bar sinks may be round, square, or rectangle.
Consider the sink’s intended use when selecting among different sizes and configurations. Single- and double-bowl sinks each have their benefits and flaws. For an outdoor kitchen that multitasks as a utilitarian work area, a large, deep, single-bowl sink is a good choice. Double-basin sinks have a divider that separates the sink into two separate bowls. This style allows for washing dishes on one side and filling the other, for example, with ice for chilling drinks. Because each bowl is smaller than one large sink, however, it’s tougher to clean large pots and pans in this type of sink.
Also known as prep sinks, bar sinks are generally about 9 inches to 18 inches wide, much smaller than standard outdoor sinks that generally measure about 22 inches long by 33 inches wide. If used in an outdoor bar or prep area, this smaller sink would be adequate.
Faucet and Additional Features
It’s tempting to choose a faucet based on style alone, but don’t forget that it has to be as weather-resistant as the sink. For longevity and to ensure that the faucet is durable enough to handle the elements, select one made with heavy-duty and noncorrosive materials such as stainless steel or solid brass, ideally with a physical vapor deposition finish to prevent discoloration and tarnishing.
Just like their indoor counterparts, outdoor faucets come in a wide variety of styles with different features. An extra-tall faucet makes it easy to maneuver large items around the sink, while one with a swivel head or pullout spray hose offers greater water control.
Pull-down faucets expand during use, then retract back into a single piece, and feature hoses with adjustable spray settings. Gooseneck or cast-spout faucets have a high arched spout that may swivel from side to side, perfect for double-basin sinks. Tall pre-rinse faucets, like the industrial sprayers in restaurant kitchens, feature a wide spout and spring-held hoses with a strong spray force along with multiple strength settings for heavy-duty cleaning and easy maneuvering around large sinks.
Our Top Picks
The top outdoor sinks are durable, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain. We scoured the marketplace to find the best outdoor kitchen sinks that factor in all of these considerations.
Our Verdict
Selected for its weather-resistant materials, nonglare surface, soundproofing, and included accessories, the Ruvati outdoor kitchen sink is our top pick for the best overall outdoor sink. The Houzer outdoor kitchen sink is a great budget-friendly option that features similar durability, weather resistance, and soundproofing to some pricier models.
How We Chose the Best Outdoor Kitchen Sinks
We scoured the online market for the most sought-after outdoor sinks, factoring in key considerations including style, size and shape, durability, weather resistance, and ease of maintenance. After exploring several models, we selected a variety of sink styles in materials that hold up to the elements and stand the test of time.
FAQs
Lingering questions? Take a look at these frequently asked questions to learn more about outdoor sinks and their uses.
Q. What kind of sink is best for outside?
An outdoor sink needs to be durable, weather-resistant, easy to maintain, and resilient.
Q. Can I use an indoor sink in an outdoor kitchen?
Yes, you can use an indoor sink outdoors if it’s made of a corrosion-resistant material such as 304- or 316-grade stainless steel, copper, or composite stone.
Q. How do I hook up an outdoor kitchen sink?
Most outdoor sinks connect to the property’s existing plumbing supply and drain lines, but some can connect to a garden hose.
Q. Are outdoor kitchen sinks worth it?
For cooking or cleanup, from simple to more elaborate styles, an outdoor sink is a convenient addition to any frequently used outdoor space.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
