Outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular additions to homes in recent years. As more people look to extend their living spaces to the outdoors, having an outdoor kitchen provides extra space for cooking, entertaining, and enjoying meals alfresco. A key component of any outdoor kitchen is the sink. Selecting the right outdoor kitchen sink ensures functionality, durability, and seamless integration into your outdoor living space. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about choosing the perfect outdoor kitchen sink in 2023.
What To Consider When Choosing An Outdoor Kitchen Sink
There are several factors to take into account when selecting an outdoor kitchen sink to match your needs and style:
Material
Outdoor kitchen sinks come in a range of materials, each with their own benefits:
- Stainless steel – The most popular choice, stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, resistant to stains and rust, and available in a range of gauges. It withstands changes in temperature well.
- Cast iron – Cast iron sinks are very durable and retain heat well. However, they are very heavy.
- Copper – Copper sinks are attractive but require more maintenance as they react to foods and oxidize over time.
- Composite – Made from a blend of materials like acrylic and stone, composites offer durability at a lower cost.
- Stone – Sinks made from granite, marble or other natural stones are durable but tend to be expensive. They may stain or etch over time.
Mounting Style
The mounting style you choose impacts installation, function, and aesthetics:
- Top mount – The most common and economical option, top mount sinks sit above the counter. However, food and liquid can collect around the rim.
- Undermount – An undermount sink is installed below the counter creating a seamless look. However, installation is more complex.
- Farmhouse/apron-front – The farmhouse look is created by an exposed front. It has a classic, timeless style.
Size
Consider the size and dimensions of the sink basin based on your needs:
- Single bowl – Best for smaller outdoor kitchens and adequate for most needs.
- Double bowl – Provides extra workspace and multitasking options. However, they take up more counter space.
- Depth – Deeper sinks can accommodate larger items but may cause splashing. Standard depth is roughly 7 to 9 inches.
- Width – Sinks are commonly available in widths ranging from 18 to 33 inches.
Faucet Drilling
Pay attention to the faucet drilling when selecting your sink and faucet. The holes drilled should align correctly with the faucet hardware.
Drainage
Ensure your outdoor sink has adequate drainage. Models with flat bottoms or grooves hold less standing water. Some sinks include drainage boards or drying racks.
Special Features
Consider unique sinks with integrated features:
- Prep bowls – Built-in bowls create space for food prep next to the main basin.
- Cutting boards – A built-in cutting board can be useful for chopping and slicing.
- Drying racks – Look for racks that help dishes dry properly and clutter-free.
- Built-in accessories – Some sinks integrate colanders, roll-up racks, or cutting boards.
Best Materials For Outdoor Kitchen Sinks
The material you choose for an outdoor kitchen sink impacts durability, functionality, price, and aesthetics. Here are some top materials to consider:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most popular sink material for many reasons:
- Extremely durable against cracks, dents and scratches
- Rust-resistant
- Withstands high and low temperatures
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Neutral color complements most styles
- Available in various gauges – a higher gauge indicates a thicker, more durable sink
Stainless comes in different finishes from a glossy mirror-like shine to a brushed satin finish. It is an ideal material for outdoor spaces.
Cast Iron
Cast iron has been used in sinks for centuries. It offers great benefits:
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Can be refinished periodically
- Handles high temperatures well
- Provides a traditional, farmhouse look
The downsides are that cast iron is very heavy and prone to rusting if the enamel finish gets compromised. Proper maintenance is required.
Copper
Copper has a beautiful, warm finish that can develop a patina over time. Key features include:
- Naturally anti-microbial properties
- Heat conductive
- Visually striking and a focal point
- Offers a living finish that evolves over time
Copper requires more maintenance to slow down natural oxidation. Patinas should be maintained with products like copper polish. Copper can also react to certain foods.
Composite Materials
Composite sinks blend materials like acrylic or quartz with rock, granite, or metal flakes. Benefits include:
- Highly durable
- Resistant to chips, scratches, and stains
- Easy to clean
- Often more affordable than natural stone
- Range of colors and patterns
Look for a high percentage of rock or quartz for increased sturdiness. Composites provide durability without the maintenance needs of natural stone.
Natural Stone
Sinks hand-carved from granite, marble, and other natural stones are premium options. Considerations include:
- Provide a seamless, upscale look, especially for stone countertops
- Durable and long-lasting
- Can withstand very high temperatures
- Porous surfaces require sealing to prevent stains
- Relatively heavy
- Expensive
Soapstone is an attractive natural stone option as it requires less sealing than granite. Care must be taken to properly seal and maintain any natural stone sink.
Top 10 Outdoor Kitchen Sinks
1. Ruvati RVH8300 33″ Workstation Ledge Undermount 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
- Spacious single bowl design with integrated ledge and prep space
- Commercial grade brushed finish 16 gauge stainless steel
- Undermount installation with soundproofing
- Includes bottom rinse grid, cutting board, colander, and basket strainer
2. Kraus KHU103-33 33″ Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
- Double bowl apron-front design provides extra room
- Commercial grade premium 304 stainless steel
- NoiseDefendTM Soundproofing
- Includes rack and drain assembly kit
3. Lordear 35 Inch Outdoor Kitchen Bar Prep RV Sink
- Heavy duty 304 stainless steel construction
- Stone guard undercoating and insulation
- Equipped with rear faucet drillings
- Ideal height and depth for outdoor kitchens
4. Kohler Whitehaven Self-Trimming Farmhouse Sink
- Cast iron construction with enameled finish
- Classic apron-front farmhouse design
- Offset drain creates more usable space
- Available in range of colors
5. Blanco Diamond Super Single Undermount Granite Kitchen Sink
- Tough granite composite material
- Resilient to scratches, chips, and discoloration
- Large single bowl with offset drain
- Easy to clean and maintain
6. Elkay Dayton Drop-In Stainless Steel Sink for Outdoor Kitchen
- Durable stainless steel withstands outdoor use
- Drop-in for easy top mount installation
- Includes mesh sink drain and cutting board
- Ideal for outdoor kitchens
7. Copperworks 30 Inch Hand Hammered Copper Farmhouse Sink
- Pure solid copper construction
- Hand-hammered bowl with natural patina over time
- Double bowl farmhouse design
- Naturally antibacterial
8. Houzer 25 Inch Topmount Kitchen Sink 3-Hole with Straining Basket
- Vitreous china material resists stains
- Three faucet holes with straining basket
- Economical top mount installation
- Made to handle heavy usage
9. Nantucket Sinks USS-8 Undermount Outdoor Kitchen Sink
- Durable 304 stainless steel material
- Undermount installation with drainage grooves
- Includes high-quality bamboo cutting board
- Ideal for outdoor kitchen islands
10. Fireclay Apron Front Farmhouse Kitchen Sink by Lordear
- Sleek white fireclay material
- Farmhouse style exposed front
- Reversible installation options
- Includes bottom grid and drain strainer
Outdoor Kitchen Sink FAQs
What is the most durable material for an outdoor kitchen sink?
Stainless steel is the most durable and resilient material for outdoor kitchen sinks. It withstands corrosion, rust, and temperature fluctuations that happen outside. Hardened steel alloys like 304 and 316 stainless steel offer superior longevity.
How do you keep an outdoor sink from freezing in winter?
- Completely drain water and use compressed air to remove any remaining drops
- Disconnect plumbing lines and hoses
- Place insulation around the sink and plumbing
- Consider a sink cover
- Use RV antifreeze in the drain
- Heat tape on exposed pipes
What should you not pour down an outdoor kitchen sink?
- Fat, oil or grease – can clog drains
- Egg shells – stick to pipes
- Coffee grounds – accumulation can cause clogging
- Certain chemicals – can corrode pipes
- Fibrous foods – celery or artichokes
How do you anchor an outdoor kitchen sink?
There are a few methods to properly anchor an outdoor sink:
- Bolting – Drill holes to bolt through the cabinet base up into the sink. Use silicone between sink and base.
- Epoxy – Epoxy adhesives create a permanent, waterproof bond. Clean surfaces thoroughly first.
- Clips – Metal clips mounted inside the cabinet grasp the sink rim. Use silicone as well.
- Undermount – For an undermount sink, installation clips attach the sink below the counter.
Should you seal an outdoor kitchen sink?
Any natural stone or composite sinks should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and damage. Sealers fill pores to prevent water absorption. Always clean thoroughly before reapplying sealer every 1-2 years.
Conclusion
Installing an outdoor kitchen sink brings convenience and functionality to outdoor cooking and entertaining. When selected properly, an outdoor sink becomes an integral component that extends living space to the outdoors. Carefully consider the material, mounting style, size, drainage, and your needs when choosing your ideal outdoor sink. Popular options like stainless steel, composites, and natural stone each provide unique benefits. With proper installation and care, an outdoor sink can serve you well for many years. Incorporate your sink into a full outdoor kitchen or bar area and enjoy the benefits of alfresco dining in comfort and style with the addition of an outdoor sink.
