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KD Coming for Final Measure-Should I Move the Prep Sink

14 years ago

After many delays, my KD is coming tomorrow for a final measure and final decision on my part. Currently, the prep sink is planned for the island. It will actually be a 30" sink(the rendering isn't reflective of that)so there will be approximately 30" of counter space on either side. I am thinking about(and have considered this previously)moving the prep sink to the left of the stove. I feel that it will give that area some "usefulness". Right now i'm a little concerned that everything is to the right of the range. I know most people prefer to have the prep sink in the island, but i'm wondering if this would make better use of that counter space under the left side window.

Thoughts??

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Comments (8)

rhome410
14 years ago
You probably would've emailed if you wanted my opinion, but here it is anyway:

- Won't it reduce the usefulness of the island to move the prep sink? (It'd be different if you had a small island that would be usurped by the sink and leave you no room to work.)

- Where do you want to stand and which way do you want to face to prep? (You've said you don't like the view out your window.)

- You'd have less prep area around the sink if it's in the area next to the stove. You don't want a set up in which you have to put things in the sink, move them across the aisle to the island to prep, then move them back across the aisle to the stove.

- I also think the sink can serve more purposes in the island than if it's by the stove.

Obviously, I'm voting for leaving it in the island. ;-)

Uses for the counter to the left of the stove: Area for canisters, the cookie jar, or decorative items. Set completed dishes off in that direction, or do plating there. Use it for cooling baked goods where they'll be mostly out of the way.
michellemarie
14 years ago
Leave it on the island. I second the reasons given by rhome410. Also, you have a nice focal point with your range hood and the windows flanking it. Adding a sink would destroy the wow factor that wall will have.
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erikanh
14 years ago
How exciting! I was wondering what was going on with your project. =)

Everybody's style of cooking is different, but I don't think that sinks on both sides of your range is a good idea. My island is my main prep area, but I still use the space on both sides of my cooktop to its fullest for a landing space for lids, utensils and hot pots/pans from stove and ovens and as a staging area for ingredients. And I don't like a lot of clutter on my countertops but I do keep a few things out: olive oil drizzler, mini food chopper, small cutting board for herbs, etc., utensil crock, salt cellar.

Your layout seems perfect and functional. I can't wait to see it come to reality!

Erika
remodelfla
14 years ago
What if you were to move the prep sink just a little further down on the island so you'd have maybe 18" on one side and 48" on the other? It would give you a greater expanse for prep, still save the area to the left of your range for laying out food, decorative items, all the things rhome mentioned. I definitely vote prep sink in the island, but I'm wondering (and just wondering mind you) about having it so centered.
remodelzombie
14 years ago
It is personal preference. My NYC apartment island has no prep sink....every day I wish I had one there (and a trash)....and so my house in Lake Tahoe that I'm renovating is definitely having a sink, a trash AND a second dishwasher. I agree with remodelfla and would move it down a little..18-24 inches on the short side.
Buehl
14 years ago
I echo the others about leaving it on the island and RemodelFla about moving it down so there's more room on the one end. I'd move it so it was closer to the outside end...that way not only will it give you a bigger expanse of work area, but it would also make it accessible from outside the kitchen w/o interfering w/those working in the kitchen, especially at the range.
paulines
14 years ago
I haven't been around for awhile and I'm not up to speed on your project malhgold, but I have a couple of thoughts;

Would your primary sink be better located to the left of the range (more efficient clean-up and better sight lines from the dining area)?

And then prep sink to the far right of the island (like mentioned above 18" or so from edge - better proximity to the fridge)?
bmorepanic
14 years ago
Your clean up sink is in the same relative position to the range as the proposed prep sink. If you want to cut the prep sink completely, that's fine; it has no real purpose on the far side of the range that can't be performed at the cleanup sink - its just a lot further away.

It's a bit clunkier to prep on the island without the sink but you get a larger clear space. I have my sink across the aisle from where I usually prep and its not a bad arrangement.

If you use raw veg from farmers markets or your garden, the kind of stuff with the dirt or sand still attached, the dirt stays near the sink and your prep area stays cleaner.

If you cut it or move it, think a bit about which way your refs open. It might be better to have the two hinged on the same side - or not - think its personal choice.

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