Understanding the Different Types of Commercial Sinks for Restaurants

A sink is a standard piece of equipment in kitchens everywhere. It serves as a place to clean hands or dishes and defrost or drain certain foods, among other uses. Commercial kitchens may differ in operations and offerings, but all need a quality sink, or sinks, to accomplish their daily tasks.

When planning your kitchen equipment needs, a commercial sink should be one of the first items on your list. Many restaurant and food service business owners plan their spaces around a sink because it is a central location that must be connected to plumbing but also have easy access to other kitchen areas. Whether you know what kind of commercial sink you are looking for or are trying to determine the right number of compartments to choose from, this post examines the different types to suit all restaurants and commercial kitchens.

Covering All Commercial Sink Needs

Our in-house brand, Zanduco, has various sink sizes that are manufactured from stainless steel. This material is an iron alloy specially fabricated to resist corrosion. Stainless steel is also ideal for reducing bacteria concerns on surfaces, which can be especially prominent when dealing with sinks which can see all kinds of food in various stages of cooking. 

Let’s explore the three common types of commercial sinks you might find in a food service establishment.

Single-Compartment Sinks: A Basic and Versatile Option

A single-compartment, or one-tub sink, will do the trick if you have a smaller commercial kitchen space and are looking for a sink that can handle anything. Since the structure is crafted from stainless steel, it is easy to clean in between uses. 

You can opt for a freestanding option without drying racks, or if you require more surface area, single-compartment sinks come with one or two drainboards as needed. A drain board is a great space to leave dishes to dry or to organize what needs to be put in the sink next, whether that be containers or produce to be washed.

Two-Compartment Sinks: Ideal for Heavy-Duty Washing and Sanitizing

With two-compartment sinks, you can handle a bit more volume regarding daily operations. Each basin can be filled with a dual wash solution, such as soap and sanitizer, to clean your kitchen equipment more effectively. You might also consider the opportunity to rinse in cold water while transferring to hot, or vice versa, depending on the needs of your commercial kitchen. 

Drainboards are a handy option for two-compartment sinks because they can hold small wares and other kitchen equipment that needs to be cleaned or sanitized. Choose from dual sides, one on the right or left, or no drainboard at all if you are trying to determine the right space in your restaurant for this size of commercial sink.

Three-Compartment Sinks: The Best Choice for Large-Scale Operations

The larger your commercial kitchen, the more sink tubs you will likely need to keep things running smoothly. You might combine a three-compartment sink with a single compartment somewhere else in your establishment to improve the flow of your restaurant. 

Three-compartment sinks offer you the most opportunities to clean and wash items efficiently. They can also be a great choice for produce or food that must go through multiple processes, such as defrosting or sanitizing from cool to warm water baths. Like other models, you can choose from a dual drainboard, one or none. 

Additional Commercial Sink Options

While compartment sinks are standard options, you can also increase the number of sinks your commercial kitchen has. This might be in an effort to comply with health regulations. For example, Ontario Regulation 493/17 states there must be a three or two-compartment sink on the premises of a commercial kitchen for cleaning and sanitizing utensils. In addition, you may want more sinks throughout your establishment for better ease of use for staff as they move throughout your kitchen. Regardless, these options have specialized features that serve specific purposes.

Hand Sinks: Essential for Employee Hygiene

Hand sinks are an essential component of commercial kitchen hygiene for employees. Set health codes and structural requirements (such as the amount of hand sinks you need to have and where they need to be placed) vary depending on the city or municipality that your commercial kitchen is in. In any case, hand sinks remain a constant in ensuring all legislative requirements are followed by your establishment. 

The great thing about hand sinks is that they are smaller than compartment sinks and are thus easier to incorporate into various areas of your business. You can choose from options like:

• Pedestal sinks with foot valves for hands-free operation.
• Wall-mounted sinks with splash guards to protect areas around the sink.
• Knee-valve operated sinks to meet your staff’s hygiene needs. 
• Hand sink and floor mop units for space-saving and cleaning concerns.
• Portable hand sinks to keep up with your catering or food service needs.

Bar Sinks: Designed for Drinks Preparation and Glasswashing

Designed to handle the demands of a bar or drink-oriented space, a bar sink is focused on serving different drink-making purposes. A bar sink tends to serve as a rinse area before glassware goes to a dishwashing space. Another feature that works well for these kinds of sinks is their height since they can sit under bar areas.

A bar sink tends to have a smaller surface area because they are made to handle glassware and other small wares. Choose from various tub options, like three and four compartments, with dual drainboards to meet the needs of your commercial kitchen. You might also need additional bar station items, such as ice bins or bottle holders, which we also supply.

Specialty Sinks: Tailored for Specific Kitchen Needs

It’s possible the above options will not meet the needs of your establishment. As an essential item, your sinks must be ideal for your restaurant, which could mean a specialty sink is required. These pieces of equipment might have varying widths and depths, come attached to storage options, or need to be built within the space to ensure maximum efficiency. In any case, Zanduco is happy to work with you to identify your needs and make recommendations that will benefit your kitchen. 

As a unique option, Zanduco offers a corner-unit sink with three compartments. This piece of equipment would work well for spaces that have ample corner space but not as much space along one wall. Additionally, we have numerous other sink makes, such as mop sinks and drop-in sinks, among various accessories that are designed to work well with whatever needs your commercial kitchen has. 

Shop Zanduco for Your Commercial Sink Needs

As you outfit your commercial kitchen to meet the demands of your business and follow health regulations, you’ll want reliable and durable sinks that can withstand anything and everything. At Zanduco, we’re pleased to carry various commercial sink options that can be suited to multiple restaurants and food service establishments. To learn more about how we can help with your restaurant needs, reach out to us.