Wondering what’s the best sinks for restaurants? Our handy guide details all of the options available to help you in your buying process.
To comply with FDA rules and satisfy sanitary inspectors, restaurant sinks should possess certain characteristics.
Workers should also know how to use different compartments of a commercial restaurant sink. But the first struggle here is to choose the best sink for restaurant.
The kitchen size is the first thing you should consider before buying a restaurant sink. You should also keep the customer capacity of the restaurant in mind. Still, choosing the right utility sink for a restaurant can be difficult.
So, I have come up with the top commercial restaurant sinks. I will show you the inside out of these sinks and explore their features so that you know which sink to choose.
Luxury Kitchen Sinks for Restaurants
10 Best Sinks for Restaurants:
1. KoolMore 3 Compartment Stainless Steel NSF Commercial Kitchen Sink
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel build
- Three compartments
- One drainboard
- Rounded bowl corners
- Adjustable feet
To handle a high volume of cleaning jobs, you need this commercial restaurant sink. It has an overall length of 45 inches and a width of 20 inches. The sink has three compartments to be FDA compliant. Plus, it has a large drainboard on the left to load dirty dishes or drain cleaned dishes.
The stainless steel sink is made of 304 commercial grade steel with a thickness of 18 gauge. As a result, the restaurant kitchen sink is highly durable. It is also resistant to rust and corrosion, so you can use the sink for a longer period.
Sink compartments are 10 inches deep, so workers can easily wash a lot of dishes in the compartments. The drainboard is slanted so that the excess water from dishes can drain easily. Three basket drains with strainers come in the package.
As the bowl edges are rounded, cleaning the sink is very easy. And galvanized steel legs prevent the sink from wobbling.
Pros
- Ample space for high-volume cleaning
- Large drain board
- Deep compartments
- High backsplash with faucet holes
- Durable and rust-resistant
Cons
- Not scratch-resistant
- No dish rack
2. HALLY 17 x 15 Inches Stainless Steel Sink for Washing Restaurant Dishes
Highlighted Features
- Single bowl sink
- Back and side splashes
- Gooseneck faucet included
- 20-gauge stainless steel
- Drip channel
When shopping for kitchen sinks for restaurants, convenience should be one of the priorities. Workers can clean dishes and prep anything in this sink without hampering other staff working by their sides.
The sink has a high backsplash with side splashes. So, no dirty water will escape the sink to stain your kitchen wall or floor. These side splashes are made of 20-gauge stainless steel. And the sink bowl is made of 18-gauge stainless steel to make it durable and rust resistant.
You can rely on this commercial restaurant sink with all the cleaning and prepping jobs in the kitchen. A high-quality faucet with durable control valves comes with the sink. So, you don’t need to buy faucets separately.
The sink bowl is 14 inches in length and 10 inches in width. You have a wide drip channel around the raised edges. So, there will be no overflow.
Pros
- High-quality stainless steel construction
- Single bowl sink for tight spaces
- Rounded corners and slanted bottom
- Easy drainage
- High back and side splashes
Cons
- No drainboard
- No feet
3. GRIDMANN 1 Compartment NSF Stainless Steel Commercial Restaurant Kitchen Prep & Utility Sink
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel build
- One compartment
- 30 inches wide
- Height adjustable
- 14 inches deep bowl
With its deep and wide bowl design, the commercial prep sink will make working in a restaurant kitchen much easier. It also features a backsplash to protect the back wall of the sink.
The sink is made of the same 304 stainless steel as you have seen in the previous sink. As a result, the sink is expected to withstand heavy workloads in a commercial kitchen.
Its deep bowl allows workers to load a lot of dishes at the same time. The edges of the sink are rounded for easy cleaning. It has drip channels around the bowl, so there will be no overflow.
The backsplash is 10 inches high and has two holes for mounting faucets. You get long, galvanized steel legs in the sink and can adjust the height of the sink. The durable brushed finish of this sink makes it look great.
Pros
- Single bowl sink for large space
- Slanted bottom for easy drain
- Easy wall mount
- Excellent stability
- Durable build quality
Cons
- No drainboard
- The backsplash is easy to dent
4. Bonnlo 3-Compartment Commercial Grade Laundry Tub Culinary Sink
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel build
- Three compartments
- Short backsplash
- Sturdy frame
- Wide drip channel
While most restaurant sinks need to be mounted to the wall for extra stability, this sink will stand still on its long legs.
It has three large compartments with rounded corners so that you can work in the sink comfortably. Cleaning the sink compartments is also easy for the same reason.
As a commercial restaurant sink, it has a sturdy build with 18-gauge stainless steel. In many such sinks, the edge is quite narrow. But this sink has a flat, wide channel around the compartments.
The short backsplash gives the sink a sleek look, but it can sometimes be harmful to the back wall. As the legs can be removed, this commercial dishwashing sink can also be used for outdoor parties or food trucks.
Each compartment of the sink is deep and wide enough to accommodate a lot of dishes at the same time. So, cleaning will be faster and more effortless with this sink.
Pros
- Takes minimum space
- Separate compartments for rubbing, rinsing, and sanitizing
- Commercial-grade material for durability
- Rust resistant
- Height adjustable
Cons
- No drainboard
- Short backsplash
5. Bonnlo Commercial 2 Compartment Free Standing Utility Sink for Restaurant
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel build
- Two compartments
- Basket strained included
- Wide drip channel
- Rounded bowl edges
The stainless steel restaurant sink is the smaller version of the previous sink. It has two compartments, but it is close to the length of a three-compartment sink. So, you will get a lot of space in these compartments compared to other sinks.
Like most other kitchen sinks for restaurants, this is made of 304 stainless steel to be highly durable and rust resistant. The steel sheet used in this sink can also resist dents and scratches, so the sink will remain like new for a long time.
Adjustable legs on this sink are about 40 inches high, so working in the sink is comfortable for washers. It has a short backsplash like the previous one. And two holes are drilled on the backsplash to mount faucets.
Basket strainers for the drains come with the package, but there will be no faucets. And you are backed by one year warranty on this sink.
Pros
- Large, wide bowls
- Sturdy and adjustable legs
- Rounded corners for smooth operation
- Highly stable and durable
- Corrosion resistant
Cons
- No drainboard
- The bottom isn’t slanted
6. KoolMore 2 Compartment Stainless Steel NSF Commercial Kitchen Sink
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel construction
- Two compartments
- Two drainboards
- High backsplash
- Adjustable Feet
Remember the first restaurant sink with a drainboard you saw? This has one compartment less and one drainboard more than that sink. The overall dimensions of this sink are larger, so you will get large bowls here.
These bowls are about 15 inches wide, so working in them is very comfortable. Two drainboards are positioned on either side of the sink. So, the persons working in each sink bowl can use their own drainboard without hampering the other person.
It has a high backsplash to protect your kitchen walls from dirty water. The edges are raised a bit so that there is no overflow. As you might already assume, this sink is also made of 18-gauge stainless steel, like most other restaurant sinks.
Though the legs are made of stainless steel, the feet are made of durable plastic to protect your kitchen floor. You can adjust the height of the feet.
Pros
- Two large bowls with two drainboards
- Slanted surface for easy drainage
- High backsplash
- Rust and corrosion resistant
- Durable construction
Cons
- Takes a lot of space
- Quite expensive
7. Profeeshaw 10” x 14” x 10” 3 Compartment Utility Basin for Restaurant
Highlighted Features
- Three compartments
- Unified front
- 430 stainless steel build
- Adjustable feet
- Deep sink bowls
When it comes to large commercial sinks for restaurants, having enough space in the sink bowl matters. In this three-compartment sink, the bowl depth is 10 inches, which is pretty good for loading a large batch of dishes.
All bowls have the same length, width, and depth. The sides of the bowls are rounded so that workers can clean them easily. Though the bottom surface of the bowls isn’t slanted, the drainage system is quite good in this sink.
This sink is made of 430-type stainless steel so it lasts for a lifetime. The sides and front edges are thickened to prevent dents. And the stainless steel surface will prevent any rust or corrosion.
It comes with adjustable feet, so you can adjust the height of the sink according to your convenience. Overall, this is a pretty good buy at this price point.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Three large compartments
- Even side and front surface for easy cleaning
- High bowl depth for heavy workloads
- Height adjustable
Cons
- Short backsplash
- No drainboard
8. HALLY 3 Compartment Stainless Steel Restaurant Basin with 10″ L x 14″ W x 10″ D Bowl
Highlighted Features
- Made of stainless steel
- Three compartments
- Unified surface
- Short backsplash
- Wide drip channel
Want a deep kitchen sink that holds a lot of water? Take this from HALLY to meet all your kitchen needs in a busy restaurant. It has three large bowls for all the cleaning and prepping jobs. The sink bowls are 10 inches deep, so working with large dishes is very easy.
It is made with 304 stainless steel. As this steel has a high percentage of chromium and nickel, the sink will be rust and corrosion-resistant. And the tough body of the sink will withstand a lot of abuse in the kitchen. Moreover, you can use the kitchen sink for hard water without any issues.
There are two sinkholes on the backsplash to install faucets. The backsplash is a bit short compared to other restaurant sinks. But as the sink bowls are long enough, the chance of staining the back wall is low.
Sturdy legs with adjustable feet support the sink and keep it stable. The sides and edges of the sink are smoothened so that workers can easily move around without the risk of injuring themselves.
Pros
- Sharp lines give a modern look
- Deep sink bowls for heavy usage
- Durable construction
- Rust and corrosion resistant
- Height adjustable
Cons
- No drainboard
- Short backsplash
9. HOCCOT Wall Mounted Hand Washing Commercial Restaurant Sink
Highlighted Features
- Single bowl sink
- Back and side splashes
- Stainless steel build
- Swiveling faucet included
- Shallow bowl
If you are searching for a compact sink for restaurant, this single bowl sink will be highly suitable. It is made with 304 stainless steel, so the sink is highly durable and rust-resistant.
The length of the bowl is 14 inches, and the width is 10 inches. But the depth of the sink bowl is lower than large commercial sinks. It is only 5 inches deep, so the sink will be most suitable for prepping jobs.
You get high backsplash and side splashes in this sink to protect your kitchen wall and floor. Everything around the sink will stay clean no matter how much you use the sink.
A wide drip channel surrounds the sink bowl, so there will be no overflow. The sink has rounded corners. As a result, it will be effortless to clean the sink and keep the food safety department happy.
Pros
- Large, durable drain
- Very durable and user-friendly
- Rust and corrosion resistant
- Easy operation and cleaning
- Suitable for small restaurants
Cons
- No drainboard
- No feet
10. Chingoo 17 x 15 Inches Stainless Steel Commercial Wall Mount Hand Basin for Washing
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel constructions
- Wall mounted
- High backsplash
- Large, shallow bowl
- Faucet included
This sink is quite similar to the previous one, except for it has no side splashes. But the backsplash is high enough to protect the back wall. It has almost the same dimensions as the previous sink. So, the bowl depth is lower than you usually see.
Though it is made of food-grade stainless steel, the thickness of the steel is a bit lower in this sink. You get a 20-gauge steel sheet in the sink. But that doesn’t make much of a problem as the sink is quite durable and rust-resistant.
You need to mount the sink on the wall and there are no legs to support the sink. As the sink isn’t that heavy, it won’t cause any issues. And you can easily use the space beneath the sink.
A durable faucet and hot and cold inlet valves come with the package. So, installing the sink and working with it is very easy.
Pros
- Compact dimensions for utility
- Lightweight yet durable construction
- A high backsplash prevents walls from staining
- High-quality drain and faucet
- Rounded corners for safety and easy cleaning
Cons
- No side splashes
- Shallow bowl
Best Kitchen Sink for Restaurant Buying Guide
A lot of things go into choosing the right sink for the restaurant. If you venture into this for the first time, you need to know the following factors to make the right buying decision.
Dimensions
As restaurant kitchens need to handle a huge load of dishes all the time, a kitchen sink for a restaurant should be large enough.
Each bowl should be at least 14-15 inches in length, 10 inches in width, and 8-10 inches in depth. The deeper the bowl, the more dishes you can work with at the same time.
Also, the height of the sink should be comfortable so that workers don’t need to bend over to clean dishes. Standard restaurant sinks are 40-44 inches tall.
Number of Compartments
To comply with the food safety law, restaurants should have sinks with multiple compartments for dish cleaning.
This is because a dish shouldn’t be scrubbed and rinsed in the same sink. If you have a restaurant double sink, you can easily comply with the law and keep from fines.
Three-compartment sinks are more suitable for restaurant kitchens as you also need to sanitize clean dishes.
Back and Side Splashes
When working with bulk dishes, it is very common to spill water outside the sink and stain the kitchen wall or floor. To prevent this, an ideal industrial kitchen sink should come with high backsplash and side splashes. These steel guards prevent water from staining the kitchen wall or floor.
Remember, some sinks may have low backsplashes. You should go for high backsplashes to be safe.
Material and Build Quality
Hand sinks for restaurants are usually made of 304-type stainless steel. This food-grade steel is very tough and resistant to rust or corrosion. As commercial sinks are used a lot, this will ensure the sink lasts longer.
You should also make sure the sink has a smooth surface with rounded corners so that no one gets hurt while working. Drains should be large enough to discharge all the water used in the sink quickly.
Overflow Channel
Even though you use a commercial deep sink in the restaurant kitchen, chances are water will overflow and make the kitchen risky. To prevent this, the sink you buy should have a wide overflow channel so that no water can escape the sink.
Especially when a lot of dishes are cleaned at high speed, these channels will direct the water into the sink drain and keep your kitchen floor dry.
Accessories
Most commercial dishwashing sink doesn’t come with a faucet. So, you need to buy that separately. But some sinks come with standard faucets so that you can install them without any hassle. The sink package should have drains, basket strainers, sink protectors, and mounting hardware for easy installation.
Price
Besides being effective and stylish, a restaurant sink should also be economical. So, it is wise not to go with highly expensive sinks. You will find standard three-compartments sinks within a few hundred dollars. So, always check the price of the sink before settling.
How to Wash Dishes in a Restaurant Sink Fast
Washing dishes in a restaurant is tedious. But if you know some effective techniques, you can wash dishes much faster. Check the following guide to wash dishes blazing fast.
Step 1: Stack Dishes in Categories
If a lot of different dishes are piled together, it may be confusing to determine which one to draw first. There are chances that you can drop a dish and break it while drawing one from the bottom of the pile. So, you need to stack similar dishes together.
Step 2: Pre-Rinse Dishes
Giving dirty dishes a powerful rinse with a sprayer helps remove most of the food particles on the dish. Cleaning dishes will be much easier and faster if you can do this with warm water.
Step 3: Determine a Scrubbing Pattern
If you scrub dishes randomly, cleaning all dirt and debris from the dishes might take longer. So, fix a scrubbing pattern that is comfortable for you and do the same for all dishes to clean them faster.
Step 4: Put Sanitized Dishes Away
After sanitizing clean dishes, stack them away from the sink. Otherwise, dirty water can easily reach them.
Key Takeaway
All the restaurant sinks presented here have their advantages and drawbacks. But which one provides the best value for the money?
I chose the KoolMore SC101410-12L3 Three Compartment Commercial Kitchen sink as the champion here. This has an overall length of 45 inches to house three compartments and one large drainboard. The compartments are wide and deep so that you can work in large batches.
It is made of 18-gauge stainless steel. So, you don’t need to worry about the durability of the sink. It will also keep from rust and corrosion. The large drainboard allows you to stack clean dishes and drain water through the slanted bottom.
There is a high backsplash to protect your kitchen wall from staining. Though the price is a bit high, it is still the best sink for a restaurant considering all its features and benefits.
