While not the first thing you'll necessarily think of when building your home or renovating your current one, the prep or bar sink is a very important addition to any room and likely something you will use every day. Being that there is such a broad spectrum of choices available on the market, it may take a bit of effort to get everything right. Keep the following questions in mind before you start shopping:

• 1. Why would you want a prep or bar sink?


• 2. What material is going to best suit your needs? (Don't worry, we go into detail on this later.)


• 3. In what way would you want the sink to be mounted? (We'll cover this in a more in-depth way as well)

What are some of the best things about prep and bar sinks? You can install your garbage disposal under them, many manufacturers offer convenient accessories such as sink baskets and cutting board covers, and they can be placed nearly anywhere in the kitchen, making the functionality of your kitchen even more easy for you.

If you're looking to put a little sink somewhere other than your kitchen or bathroom (such as a breakfast nook, rec room, or snack center), then these are the perfect choice as well. While bar sinks were originally quite small, their purpose have recently been pushed beyond just fruit and veggie preparation. Sizes vary from 9-1/2” round to 18” square, and they can be made to fit anywhere – kitchen islands, a bar sink in a bedroom or den, or even your family room.

Basins
It is important to find the right kind of sink to suit your needs. Because it will ideally be in your home for many years, you will want to make sure you choose something that is both pleasant and practical. Bar and prep sinks can come with one or two bowls, and in two different styles:

• Self-rimming: Also known as drop-in and over-mounted sinks. These sit within holes of the appropriate shape cut into the top of your counter or base material. Once a hole has been cut to allow the sink to be placed within it, the rim forms a close seal with the surface. Very easy to install and tends to work well with most countertops/surfaces.



• Undermount: With these sinks, the edge of the countertop material is exposed and finished to flow seamlessly into the sink beneath it with the aid of a waterproof sealant. This is a very contemporary style that makes wiping spills into the sink from the counter a breeze. Some of these models may offer matching covers that will essentially turn them into even more counter space while not in use.

Materials
While most sinks are available in many types of materials, some (such as undermount sinks) can only be made from specific materials or will require extra support depending on what is used to craft them. This is an important part of the decision-making process, as picking the right material is both practical and aesthetic.

• Acrylic: This is becoming a more common material, especially since they resistant stains and some even have built-in antibacterial properties. They tend to be highly durable and have a glossy finish. On the other hand, they can be a bit loud and are not as heat-resistant as most of the other types of sinks.



• Bronze: Not only beautiful but durable with the right care, these sinks will acquire a dark brown patina with age. Take care not to use harsh chemicals or abrasives when cleaning them – just hot water and gentle soap will do the trick.



• Cast Iron: This traditional choice is very heavy and durable! Typically, these are coated with enamel or porcelain and they tend to be quieter than other sinks. They are resistant to most damage, but can scratch easily, so you may wish to purchase a sink rack to protect the finish. Porcelain coating in particular can hold stains, and too much abrasive cleaning will unfortunately dull the finish.



• Composite: This is a hybrid of several compounds. Most commonly they are made from enamel-grade metal, porcelain, resins and other structural materials. Once they are bonded and the shape is formed, they are a long-lasting choice with a huge color palette – scratches (assuming you can even manage to scratch them) can be buffed right out by using a sand cloth.



• Copper: Primarily these are hand hammered from extremely thick copper, giving them a rustic feel – and they age naturally into a gorgeous patina. This is a durable material that will resist impact damage, and bacteria cannot grow on it.



• Stainless Steel: Perhaps the most economical choice due to its price and ease of cleaning. Like copper, they are impact resistant. These are the ultimate cook's sinks, durable and tough. They do tend to scratch easily (a satin finish will help to prevent this) and can be louder than most other types of sinks (by intensifying the sounds of water and the garbage disposal). You might wish to be sure which gauge of steel you are getting before you choose your new sink. The lower the gauge, the thicker material; the thicker the material, the quieter and more sturdy they are.



• Stone/Granite: As you can probably guess, these are a heavy option and may require some additional support when installing them. Granite in particular is even more durable than stainless steel, as it is resistant to scratches and heat. However, due to their porous natures, these sinks can stain easily – you'll want to clean them frequently with warm water and soap. Also, they will not be as forgiving as some materials if a glass dish or cup are dropped in them.



• Vitreous China: Ceramics are fired at a very high temperature to form a non-porous surface, and then are coated with an additional ceramic glaze. The same process is used with toilets and bidets. These can be damaged by heavy impact, but they are resistant to abrasion, very durable, and easy to clean.