When it comes to backyard entertaining, nothing beats the versatility and usefulness of an outdoor kitchen. The extra prep space, built-in grill and storage options seriously open up a whole new world of patio get togethers. By adding an outdoor kitchen sink into the mix, you can take your parties to the next level. Imagine never having to run inside to wash veggies, clean your hands or get water for that next drink. An outdoor kitchen sink is an often overlooked component that really completes the outdoor kitchen experience.
Having built an outdoor kitchen ourselves and done the research beforehand, our top choice when it comes to an outdoor kitchen sink is the Kraus KP1TS15S-1. This drop-in sink is weather resistant, easy to install and comes in a variety of sizes to fit any build and budget. If you want a long-lasting sink that’ll get the job done right, look no further.
Best Outdoor Kitchen Sink – Kraus KP1TS15S-1 Pax Kitchen Sink
- KITCHEN SET INCLUDES: Sink, bottom grid, drain assembly, removable drain cap, Kraus Mitt and Trivet, mounting hardware, cutout template
- DURABLE AND DENT-RESISTANT sink made with high quality TRU16 real 16-gauge T304 stainless steel
An outdoor kitchen sink needs to be rust resistant, easy to install and built to last a lifetime. The Kraus KP1TS15S is all that and more. With durable 304 stainless steel construction and a drop-in design, it can be installed in a matter of minutes with zero fuss and limited tools. You’ll find it’s already got a pre-drilled faucet hole to make your life even easier. It’s also available in a ton of different sizes, both with and without a divider to please pretty much any preference. If you’re building your own outdoor kitchen, get this sink and move on with planning the more fun parts.
Outdoor Kitchen Sink Buyers Guide
Picking the best outdoor kitchen sink isn’t terribly difficult, but there are a few things you’ll want to pay attention to. From rust resistance, durability, size and more. An outdoor kitchen can be an amazing place to entertain guests and cook food, but if your sink is grimy and rusty, it’ll ruin the party before it even gets started. Let’s take a look at some common outdoor kitchen sink questions that’ll hopefully allow you to purchase the right sink the first time around.
What size should my outdoor kitchen sink be?
Outdoor kitchen sinks are typically much smaller than a traditional sink. Many folks opt for a 15” x 15”, 15” x 17” or a 15” x 20”. This gives you enough room to prep veggies and wash up, while still saving your rather limited outdoor kitchen counter space. You’ll also find that single basin sinks are far more popular than sinks with dividers. The divider simply breaks up the space a bit too much and doesn’t allow enough movement.
Drop-in or undermount?
A drop-in sink is pretty much going to be your best bet. Unless you’ve got some sort of custom granite or stone countertop a drop-in sink is far easier to install and will last just as long. An undermount sink on the other hand often looks far more refined and gives a high end feel to your outdoor kitchen. It’s also a tad easier to clean since dirt and debris won’t get caught on the mounting lip.
Whichever style you end up choosing, the cost is fairly similar and won’t be the deciding factor. Simply choose a style that meets your personal preference and is able to mount to your existing outdoor kitchen setup.
Which material is best?
When it comes to an outdoor sink, you’ll need to grab one that is extremely rust resistant and very resilient to mother nature. As such, 304 or 316 stainless steel is the best choice by far. It is extremely durable, hard to scratch and will resist rust for years to come. However, stainless steel inks are fairly expensive, but are totally worth the extra cost.
If you see a chrome plated item, stay away. While they may look pretty and seem to be similar to a true stainless steel outdoor kitchen sink, they are not even close. You’ll find that after only a few months of use the chrome plating will begin to flake off and expose the carbon steel underneath. This will then quickly rust and leave you with a pitiful excuse for a sink.
Should I buy a faucet separately?
Most quality outdoor kitchen sinks are sold separately. That means they do not include a faucet. During our research, we’ve found sink “kits” that include the faucet are usually of inferior quality and not what you’ll want to buy. Grab a standalone sink and then grab a 304 stainless steel faucet with mixing valve and hot and cold hookups for the complete package. You’ll get a higher quality end product and have a lot more choices when it comes to picking out the faucet and sink themselves.
What about water hookups?
Common sinks rely on both hot and cold water for adjustable temperatures. However, outdoor kitchen sinks typically only rely on cold water connection from a dedicated water source or a repurposed hose outlet. As such, when you’re choosing a faucet, make sure you have the right connections available.
If you do decide to choose a faucet with both hot and cold connection, but only opt to use the cold one, it’ll still work just fine, unless that is you turn it all the way to the hot setting. Either way, this is something to keep in mind, but shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
Best Outdoor Kitchen Sink Detailed Reviews
An outdoor kitchen sink is a great way to amp up your existing outdoor kitchen. Now that you know what size and materials are best, you can have a much better idea of what you need. Below we’ve compiled a selection of our top 5 favorite outdoor kitchen sinks on the market. We’ve chosen them based on quality, durability, outdoor resistance and ease of installation. Make sure to always measure twice and buy (and cut) once. If you get a sink that is a bit too big, it’ll ruin your plans faster than you can say “plumbing”.
#1 Kraus KP1TS15S-1 Pax Kitchen Sink – Best Outdoor Kitchen Sink
- KITCHEN SET INCLUDES: Sink, bottom grid, drain assembly, removable drain cap, Kraus Mitt and Trivet, mounting hardware, cutout template
- DURABLE AND DENT-RESISTANT sink made with high quality TRU16 real 16-gauge T304 stainless steel
With a gorgeous modern design, durable stainless steel construction and multiple available sizes, the Kraus KP1TS15S-1 Pax Kitchen Sink would make a wonderful addition to any outdoor kitchen. The easy to install design means it can be up and running in a matter of minutes. You’ll also find that it is rugged enough to endure years of outdoor usage with little ill effects.
If you want an outdoor sink that looks great, is built to last and won’t rust after the first rain, this is the one to get. While it is a bit more expensive than some alternative options, its design and incredible build quality more than make up for the price tag.
As we’ve already covered in our buyer’s guide, stainless steel is the way to go when it comes to outdoor kitchen sinks. The Kraus KP1TS15S-1 is made from 16 gauge 304 stainless steel plate for year after year of outdoor use. The stainless steel is extremely rust and scratch resistant for extended use. Although, we don’t recommend you use the rough side of a sponge to clean it as it’s possible bit of cast iron from your grill could get trapped in the sponge and scuff up the sink.
The ultra-thick 16-gauge material is also amazing at preventing dings and dents in your new sink. Thinner materials are easily bent out of shape. The majority of the cost of this sink is in its materials. However, after a few uses where you accidentally drop a grill scrubber and it doesn’t dent the sink bottom, you’ll know it was worth it.
Related Link: Don’t want to mess with installing a sink? Consider a full BBQ island with a pre-installed sink station for a true outdoor kitchen experience.
The interior design is also very well thought out. There are 4 individual grooves running from each corner of the sink into the center. These help to funnel water towards the drain and stop any remaining water from puddling up. It’s small details like this that really set this unit apart from inferior options. The rear set drain also gives you more space in the center of the sink without blocking the drain. We’ve found that center drain options also get plugged more easily when you place a pot or large roast in them.
The 8mm thick drop-in rim is also perfect for easy installation. It’s thick enough to prevent any bending during installation and is also very easy to keep clean. Smaller lips tend to collect debris and, over time can sag under the weight of a filled sink.
While this sink is available in different sizes, we’d recommend going with the 15” x 20” option. This size is great for outdoor kitchens and will fit in pretty much any standard or custom size countertop. Plus, it small enough to not get in the way, yet large enough to still be useful when you need it.
You’ll also find the Kraus KP1TS15S-1 Pax Outdoor Kitchen Sink has a single pre-drilled faucet hole for added convenience. This means you won’t need to drill your own and installation will go much quicker. This kit also comes with all the mounting hardware and cut out templates so you can get it installed with limited effort. In addition, it comes with a drain cap and a drying rack grid for the complete package.
Overall, the Kraus KP1TS15S-1 Pax Kitchen Sink is our top choice and would make for an amazing outdoor kitchen sink. It looks incredible, is built to last and while expensive, won’t break the bank. When you consider all the included extras and pre-drilled faucet hole, it’s easy to see why this is #1 on our list.
#2 Kraus KBU11 20 inch Undermount Single Bowl 16 gauge Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink – Best Undermount Outdoor Kitchen Sink
- KITCHEN SET INCLUDES: Sink, Basket Strainer, Bottom Grid, Kraus Kitchen Towel, mounting hardware, cutout template – LIFETIME LIMITED and customer service that puts you first
- DENT-RESISTANT SINK made with durable TRU16 real 16-gauge T304 stainless steel that will not dull from daily use – FULLY INSULATED with extra-thick pads to absorb noise and vibration
The Kraus KBU11 20 inch Undermount Single Bowl 16 gauge Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink is easy to clean, super durable and well suited for outdoor use. At 1.5 mm thick this outdoor kitchen sink is truly made to last. Even more, the rounded corners make it a breeze to keep clean. Never again will you need to scrub out those hard to reach square corners.
You’ll also find that because this is an undermount sink, it looks much more refined that a drop-in alternative. When you add in all of the included extras, the sink provides a ton of value. Also, depending on your preferences, it is available in multiple sizes for nearly any outdoor kitchen build. Either way, this is a great lower priced option and should not be overlooked
Outdoor kitchen sinks need to take whatever mother nature can throw at them. From snow, rain, hail and more, a quality sink, such as the Kraus KBU11, is rust resistant and made from thick, durable stainless steel plate. This will help to prevent any dents and dings that can lead to a less than pleasing appearance.
Since this is an undermount sink, you’ll need to cut your opening accordingly. You’ll also need to take the time to add the appropriate mounting hardware, or if you’re going with glue, a small stand to keep everything in place. One of the great benefits of undermount sinks is how easy it makes cleaning the countertop. You can simply wipe everything into the sink and don’t have to worry about food bits being caught on the lip.
We were also pleased to see that this outdoor kitchen sink came with a drain cap, drying grid and a sink strainer. Even better, they match the 304 stainless steel of the sink body perfectly. Often times, after the fact purchases don’t quite have the same look and throw off the visual appeal of the unit. With the Kraus KBU11 you won’t run into this issue.
The flat bottom of the sink was also great for keeping delicate martini and wine glasses stable. Unlike a sloped alternative, the glasses were perfectly upright and won’t tip over at the slightest breeze. However, food debris was a bit harder to wash down since it wasn’t directed towards the drain. Overall, it’s not a big deal, but it is something to be aware of.
We also want to note that this sink is fully sound insulated. This deadens any noise and stop excess vibrations from grills, garbage disposals and more. In general, this is just a great feature to have and, while not visible, will make this sink stand just above the rest.
Overall, the Kraus KBU11 is a top-notch luxury outdoor kitchen sink. It’s undermount design and 304 stainless steel build make it perfect for nearly any outdoor application. You’ll find it’s extremely easy to install, comes with every extra you could possibly want and isn’t terribly expensive. If you like to have a clean sink 100% of the time, this is the one to get.
#3 Houzer E-100 MIDNITE Quartztone Series Granite Dual Mount Bar/Prep Sink
While stainless steel sink are “in” right now, a quartz stone granite sink has all the benefits with a totally different look. Whether you’re looking for a black modern design or a tropical tan variety, the Houzer E-100 has five different colors to choose from. Plus, since this is a dual mount sink it’s super easy to install and looks great once in place.
We were also fans of just how easy it is to clean. The material repels water and dirt, unlike most natural stones. Even more, there is clever sealant applied to prevent bacteria from growing. This is extremely important in an outdoor sink where you don’t have control of the humidity.
The first thing we want to point out concerning this amazing outdoor kitchen sink it it’s dual mount design. This sink can either be used as an undermount or drop-in design. So, if you want an ultra-refined look, but a bit more work upfront, go for the undermount option. If instead, you want a quick install and a long-lasting seal, opt for the drop-in installation instead.
While stainless steel is nice for rust resistance, it is still quite easy to dent, even with thicker metal. The Houzer E-100 on the other hand, is nearly impossible to dent and is extremely hard. Plus, since it isn’t made of metal, you’ll have nothing to worry about in regards to rusting.
Another great feature of this sink is how incredibly heat resistant it is. The 80% quartz and 20% acrylic bonding agent are rated up to 500 degrees. This allows you to put hot items from the grill straight in the sink without worrying about anything melting. Even more the sink basin won’t deform under the heat and cause water to puddle.
The color is also UV resistant for a long lasting, bold look. Many cheap plastic outdoor sinks will discolor over time and lose the vibrancy. The Houzer E-100 will look just as good in year 10 as it did on day 1. Plus, it won’t get brittle and crack like a plastic alternative.
You’ll find the back offset drain is perfectly positioned to catch water and won’t clog easily. If you’re worried about food debris getting caught, an optional strainer can also be purchased. Unlike a center drain it’s also less likely to get blocked by pots or pans set in the sink. If we had our pick, we’d almost always choose the offset drain instead of a center drain.
Both the mounting clips (for an undermount sink) and the cut-out template are included for easy installation. The overall unit measures in at 15-¾” x 15-¾” x 8-3/16” deep making it a great size to save space and still function as a sink.
Overall, the Houzer E-100 is a great choice for unique outdoor kitchens. The stone look, stellar design and robust construction all make it a very well-reviewed unit. Plus, it’s significantly cheaper than our #1 and #2 spots. If you want to stand out amongst the crowd, you can’t go wrong by purchasing the E-100.
#4 Franke USA SL103BX Sink
- Timeless Design: Sleek and stylish yet simplistic, the dual mount Axis will complement your kitchen, bar or utility area
- Exceptional Quality & Durability: Axis series is born from Swiss design and is manufactured with 20-Guage stainless steel to provide lasting durability
If you want a mid-tier sink that won’t break the bank, the Franke USA SL103BX Sink might be just what you’re after. With a classic rounded corner design and durable 304 stainless steel construction, it’s perfect for the outdoors. Plus, with the ability to mount in either a drop-in or undermount configuration, it is extremely versatile.
With the standard 3.5” drain and 4” center to center faucet holes, this is a ready-to-go kit that is designed for a standard 24” deep cabinet. You will however need to buy the drain assembly and a typical P trap to ensure you’ve got everything needed for assembly. However, once you grab those few extra components, this is overall a very cost-effective kit that’ll get the job done.
The Franke USA SL103BX Sink quite frankly (can you see what I did there?) has a lot of great features. Especially when you consider it is on the lower end of the price range. One of the primary things we like about it is the installation flexibility. With the ability to either be installed as an undermount option or as a drop-in sink, this will work in nearly any application.
The dimension to the outer edges of this outdoor kitchen sink measures in at 20” wide by 20” long. The manufacturer recommends you install it in a 24” deep cabinet or larger. For folks who aren’t quite general contractors, that is standard counter depth. This will ensure you’ve got enough support material on the edges to keep the sink nice and stable during use.
One of the few downsides to the Franke USA SL103BX Sink is its construction. While it does use excellent 304 stainless steel, it is rather thinner than the competition. At a 20 gauge thickness (smaller numbers are better) this specific sink is more prone to dents and dings. However, if rust is your primary concern, it’s perfect for the task. Even after seasons of use, you can expect this to look just as rust free as on day 1. However, you’ll want to take care not to drop any heavy pots or pans in it.
Another great feature is the rounded lip edges. Typically, these are machine cut and very sharp to the touch. Franke USA has opted to round them out to eliminate any safety concerns. This makes installation way easier and keep your fingers nice and happy. Plus, at only 11.4 pounds this sink doesn’t weigh too much and is fairly easy to hold up if your using it in an undermount configuration. The 10” deep bowl is also perfect for everyday outdoor use.
The second thing that folks have complained about is the minimal slope. While this unit does have a large 3.5” drain, the slope to it is rather poor. As such, you can often get a few puddles of water in your sink that won’t seem to drain. If you’re outdoors this isn’t so much of a concern, but should still be something to take note of.
You’ll also need to pick up the drain assembly and any other plumbing bits and bobs such as p-traps and water lines to make sure you’re good to go. The three pre-drilled holes are located 4” center to center apart for typically faucets. Simply purchase one that matches and slap it on.
Overall, the Franke USA SL103BX Sink is a great mid-ranged sink that is pretty darn good. While it does have a few flaws, they are easily overlooked based on the price tag. Installation is easy and the sink itself looks amazing once in place. If you want a simple sink that’ll look great in your new outdoor kitchen, this would make for a great choice.
#5 Houzer A1722-7BS-1 ADA Glowtone Topmount Stainless Steel – Best Budget Outdoor Kitchen Sink
- Overall size 17" X 22", Bowl 14" X 15.75" X 6.5" deep
- 22 gauge T-304 stainless steel
Last up on our list is the extremely low priced Houzer A1722-7BS-1. If you’re on a shoestring budget but still want to have all the bells and whistles of a high-end outdoor kitchen, this is the sink to get. Just like our other top choices, it is made of 304 stainless steel and will have no problems handling outdoor environments. The material however is a bit thin, so you’ll need to be a bit more careful than with our more expensive, and thicker, choices.
Installation is, as you’d expect, very simple. Low priced sinks such as the Houzer A1722-7BS-1 are typically drop-in designs. This allows you to quickly get them in place and not have to worry about installation hardware, holding up heavy sinks and hoping you put enough glue on. Plus, it has three pre-drilled holes for a standard faucet. If you just need a sink that’ll work but doesn’t look particularly fancy, this will be right up your alley.
The Houzer A1722-7BS-1 Stainless Steel Top Mount Outdoor Kitchen Sink is crafted from 22 gauge T-304 stainless steel. That makes it extremely resistant to staining, scratches, rust and anything mother nature can throw at it. While it is a bit thinner than some competing designs, it is price accordingly. This gives you more money to purchase other patio accessories to spruce up your entire outdoor entertainment area
Related Link: Add a propane fire column to your outdoor space for a truly luxury feel.
This outdoor kitchen sink is 17” long and 22” wide. The manufacturer has stated it fits perfectly in a 21” cabinet. Since a standard countertop is 24” deep, it’ll fit wonderfully in any outdoor kitchen application. The 22 gauge T-304 stainless steel body is also a great choice for outdoor use. It is extremely hygienic and scratch proof. However, if you attempt to clean it with steel wool, you’ll most certainly not be a happy camper.
At 6.5” deep it is also very versatile. It’s large enough to fill up with water and wash vegetables or dishes, but not so big that it’ll take up all the available space on your counter. Due to the rather thin 22-gauge stainless steel it is also extremely lightweight. If you’re planning to build a more mobile outdoor kitchen this is an ideal choice.
We were also a fan of the satin finish, this helps to obscure any dirt or debris and looks extremely high end as well. We also found that it draws the eye away from small scratches and imperfections that are bound to happen in an outdoor environment. The raises rim is also a nice touch. It prevents dirty water from splashing out of the sink and helps to keep your countertops cleaner.
I love this sink. I purchased it for the kitchen space in our new office. I needed something compact yet larger than a bar sink. We only had 40 inches of counterspace to work with and wanted to maximize it. This was just perfect! It is large enough to be a fully functional sink like you would have in your home kitchen.
User Review
As with every option on this list, the Houzer A1722-7BS-1 ADA comes standard with a pre-drilled 3.5” drain. You’ll still need to buy the drain assembly and associated piping, but at least it’ll be an easy hookup. It does come with a basket strainer though. This helps to keep larger bits of food out of the drain. If you don’t have a garbage disposal, the strainer is extremely handy.
One of the main features that this outdoor kitchen sink offers is the patented StoneGuard undercoating. This, in conjunction with the “super” silencer pad helps to reduce the noise of dishes and running water. Made from natural rubber, the pad is eco-friendly and will last for many seasons to come. As an added benefit it helps to reduce condensation buildup on the bottom of the sink.
Overall, this is the best budget outdoor kitchen sink on the market. It’s made from high end, if a bit thin, stainless steel for a durable build and great outdoor weather resistance. The pre-drilled holes make for easy installation as well. When you add in the sound dampening system, this is pretty much anything you could ever want. If you need to go cheap, grab this and save some serious cash.
Summary
Overall, an outdoor kitchen sink needs to be rust resistant, scratch proof and built to last season after season on your patio. The Kraus KP1TS15S-1 Pax Kitchen Sink does exactly that. With extremely thick stainless steel, a wonderfully modern, easy to clean design and 1-year warranty this makes for a great option. If you want something with a bit of a unique look, you might opt for the Houzer E-100 MIDNITE Quartztone Series Sink instead.
Once you’ve got your outdoor kitchen sink all taken care of, you might want to add a tropical touch to your patio with an outdoor artificial palm tree. In addition, a good spit roaster will really help make your next get together the talk of the neighborhood!
Leave a Reply