People nowadays are extending their home’s living space to the outdoors with a patio that includes a kitchen and room for entertainment. The cooking areas are often fully equipped with a premium grill, a bar, plenty of counter space, and abundant seating.

Homeowners are still forced back inside when they need to clean vegetables, wash their hands, or rinse tools. The key component for cooking is missing: kitchen sinks.

Granted, the plumbing and installation process can be complex and expensive. You can also face challenges with the plumbing, particularly in the winter. However, the convenience and functionality can make the investment in time and cost worth it.

Becoming familiar with all the requirements and weighing these against the benefits will allow a more informed decision. Part of this process should involve discussing the plumbing with a professional to understand how they will incorporate the utilities.

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The Fundamentals of Adding a Kitchen Sink to Your Outdoor Space

A sink allows optimal functionality in the kitchen, from sanitizing the space, to cleaning produce, washing your hands, and preparing food. This translates to outdoor cooking areas if you want convenience and efficiency. Here are the advantages you can expect when installing a sink with your outside kitchen.

Convenience: Preparing food is much more convenient when you can contain everything in a central location. Otherwise, you’ll be heading into the house each time you need to clean something. This can mean two contaminated areas when cooking meats.
Multipurpose: As a cook or gardener, you can use the sink for washing up to avoid bringing a mess into your living space. Any produce you pull from the garden can be cleaned in the outdoor kitchen and ready to store inside.
Sanitary: Keeping a sink basin ready with soap and water allows rinsing tools and washing hands to remain sanitary to avoid transferring germs or contaminating the workspace when handling meat. Go here for guidance on maintaining your kitchen sink.

Here are a few drawbacks to factor in when considering the idea of a kitchen sink with your outdoor cooking area.

Complexity: The utilities can be a challenging project, one to discuss with a professional plumber before moving forward. It’s particularly difficult when adding hot water to the install. Depending on your location, it might be necessary to get a plumbing permit.
Weather: Areas with colder climates need to consider winterizing when the temperatures fall below freezing. After the first hard freeze in northern states, you can winterize for the season. Those in warmer climates who want to use the sink all year will need to pay closer attention to the weather.
Codes: Consider local codes before engaging in DIY plumbing. As a rule, you’ll need a certified plumber for install to ensure guidelines are met.
Budget: You want to plan an adequate budget since plumbing can be a costly undertaking.

Outdoor Sink Install Types

The primary sink configurations for an outside cooking area include a drop-in or undermount install. Either would be a good choice, offering their own advantages. The one you select will be based on your particular needs and preference.

Drop-in sinks

The drop-in sink has been a favored option since the 1970s. The basin fits in the cutout, while the rim sits over the opening for easy installation. With placement above the countertop down into the cutout, the rim keeps the sink in place.

Silicone caulk is applied around the rim to prevent dirt and water from seeping between the counter and the lip.

Pros

Simple installation
Can be readily re-caulked
More affordable than the undermount option

Cons

The items get caught up on the rim when attempting to slide objects from the counter into the basin.

Undermount sinks

The undermount sink is installed beneath the counter’s cutout with brackets and silicone adhesive.

Pros

The effect is aesthetically appealing.
Sliding objects from the counter into the basin is a seamless process.

Cons

Installation is trickier compared to the drop-in option.
These are more expensive than drop-ins.

You will need to consider how you’ll use the sink before committing to a certain type. Some will prefer a standard sink for full cooking duties, including preparing food, washing hands, and cleaning dishes. Standard sinks are what a homeowner has in their living space. You can also look into a beverage center.

The beverage center or cocktail station is ideal for outside entertaining. These are multipurpose with a small basin for drinks and other holders for things like condiments or cocktail mixers.

Different variations have unique features to select from. Visit https://www.houzz.com/discussions/ for insights on sink materials.

Basins

The number of basins impacts the sink and countertop space. A single or double-basin sink can be equally functional. Your choice will depend on the amount of space you have with your kitchen.

Single basin

Many times, outside kitchens have minimal counter space. A single bowl sink has no dividers allowing you to preserve the counter for other purposes. Without dividers, the basin offers much room for functionality.

Double bowl

The double bowl divides the basin into two sections. This allows dirty dishes to soak on one side and wash and rinse on the other. As a gardener you can put the dirty produce on one side and rinses and prepare it on the other. It’s a convenient and efficient system despite taking up more of your counter space.

The material

The material for outside kitchen sinks needs to be durable to withstand much abuse from the elements. Your location will dictate whether it will be exposed to heat, extreme cold, sun, salt air, frost, storms, and on. The priority is that it does not rust or corrode or be damaged by debris. Visit

Copper

Copper is incredibly durable but require more care and upkeep. They require periodic cleaning with a copper cleaning solution or vinegar to prevent turning green or oxidizing. The recommendation is to avoid this material in a beach environment since salty air increases the likelihood of oxidation.

This is an expensive choice ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, but another favored alternative exists.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a favorite choice for homeowners because they’re low maintenance and incredibly durable. Getting a high grade for an outdoor kitchen is recommended to achieve rust and corrosion resistance. The sink will only need soap and water to clean it after use.