Prep sink beside cooktop or on island across from cooktop?

2 years ago

We are making very preliminary plans aka "dreaming" about a new home. The kitchen will have a small island- 4' by 3'- located between the exterior wall/kitchen sink and the interior wall 36" cooktop/counter. The counters on either side of the stovetop are 42" long.

I would like a 15" meal prep sink, in addition to a "dish and pot washing" kitchen sink. I would use it to fill and empty pots, and prep veggies/meat. I'm waffling between the choices of having this prep sink located on the island, across from the stovetop OR putting it on one of the counters beside the stovetop.

The plus side of the prep sink being on the same counter, beside the stovetop, is that the entire surface of the island could be used for baking prep or other prep. Also, there would be no floor between the sink and stove, in case of drips, etc. However, on Houzz, I have only found a couple of photos of prep sinks beside a stovetop, as most are located on an island across from the stovetop.

Which works best? A prep sink beside a cooktop or on an island across from the cooktop?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you for your comments in advance.

Featured Answer

PRO

Patricia Colwell Consulting

2 years ago

I will say I have often put a sink next to a cooktop or range insted of a silly pot filler . To me that sink is perfect for prep you do the prep on the counter and the sink used to wash veggies just make sure you have your compost bin in the cabinet under that sink. I rarely wash anything by hand so I have back to back sinks both the same one for prep (hubby does the prep) and one for the cooking side of my kitchen. IMO no way at this stage to know if you will have an island and for sure not what size it will be. I do suggest when the time comes to build that you get an independant kitchen designer , in my experience architects are rarely good kitchen designers. Now is the time to make 2 lists about building a home one for the must haves and one for the wishes . I have designed many kitchens and always get my clients to start with those 2 lists. The must have one includes all the things you have to store.

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Comments (6)

aziline
2 years ago
When we built our within-our-means dream home the kitchen was a top priority for me. 4 walls (one is basically a very large doorway), baking area, and a large window with sink & prep in front of it was a must. My cook top is on the wall to the right.

Why not start with a good kitchen plan from the start? I'd hate to have my cooktop or sink on my island.
PRO
Elizabeth Minish Design
2 years ago
Good advice from azline. Also, a 4' island is almost certainly too small to include a sink.
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JAN MOYER
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
"We are making very preliminary plans aka "dreaming" about a new home."

Your buggy is way, way, out in front of your horse.

Find the site, the home. Build it, buy it ? Get an architect if it's a lot with no house - marry it well to the site with functional interior and lovely exterior. Make a must have, would be nice to have list.

Fine to dream....... but dream in pecking order : )
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vinmarks
2 years ago
A prep sink should be bigger than 15 inches. My prep sink is 19.75 X 20.5 and I wouldn’t want it any smaller.

I have a U-shaped kitchen with large island and we prefer to do our prepping at the island so that is where our prep sink is. There is plenty of space to spread out and sometimes there is more than one person prepping. I do not think there is one best place for a prep sink. Best location for a prep sink depends on the layout of the kitchen and how a person uses the kitchen.
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PRO
Norwood Architects
2 years ago
Would suggest in the island instead of adjacent to cooktop.
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