Are you installing a kitchen in your yard? Do you need an outdoor cleaning space to wash your veggies, sanitize, or prep food? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’ve probably considered installing an outdoor sink.
In this article, we’re going to walk you through the benefits of outdoor sinks, what to consider before installing one, and whether they’re worth the money.
Why Would You Need A Sink In An Outdoor Kitchen?
No outdoor kitchen is complete without an outdoor kitchen sink. Although some people choose to overlook this feature when they install their outdoor kitchens, a sink space next to the hob is imperative. After all, how practical would your own indoor kitchen be without one?
Installing an outdoor sink in your outdoor kitchen makes your space instantly more functional. If you’re doing your meal prep outside, your outdoor sink can be your go-to hand and veggie washing station.
If you’re hosting a barbeque outdoors, you’ll also be thankful to have an outdoor sink on hand – you can wash your plates and grilling accessories as you go, avoiding a hefty build-up in your indoor kitchen! You can even use your outdoor sink to make delicious drinks for your guest, so you can host entirely from the comfort of your garden. It’s a winner.
Even if you’re not much of a host or a barbeque-fanatic, you can still benefit from an outdoor sink – especially if you have a garden. Simply pick your fruits, take them straight over to your outdoor sink, and rinse them off. This is a great way to clean your fruits and veggies on the go, and avoid bringing dirt inside your home.
Hot Water Vs. Cold Water
If you’ve already settled on the idea of installing a sink in your outdoor kitchen, you’ll have another big question to consider… hot water, or not hot water? Figuring out how to use your outdoor sink will help you decide whether or not hot water is a necessity.
We’ll be honest, having hot water in your outdoor sink is more of a luxury than a necessity. If you want to save yourself time and money, we’d recommend only having cold water installed. However, if you decide you need hot water in your outdoor sink, using an on-demand water heater is the best option.
If you don’t need hot water, we’d recommend skipping the hard plumbing and connecting a garden hose to an outdoor spigot, draining it into a bucket, and hooking it up to your sink. It may not be the most glamorous of options, but if you’re just washing your hands and rinsing veggies, it’s a winner.
When you drain it into a bucket, you can also use your gray water to water your plants or run it through a PVC pipe or a hose to the landscaping, lawn, or French drain.
Other Drainage Options And Prepping For The Cold
If you’re not keen on the options above, there are a few other ways to drain your water. You could also connect the outdoor kitchen plumbing directly to the wastewater system in your own home. This will even allow you to use a garbage disposal, which makes your outdoor sink far more versatile!
We’ve briefly touched on French drains and dry wells, but honestly, they’re a real contender. If you drain your water into a dry well or French drain you’ll just have to remember not to rinse food down the drain. This will work its way into your yard and slowly rot.
Although outdoor kitchens and sinks are great for the summer months, when the temperatures start to plummet, you’ll have to ensure your space can handle the cold. Frozen pipes are a problem for many outdoor sink owners, so you’ll need to winterize your plumbing and get it ready for the big freeze!
Depending on how your sink is hooked up, you may need to turn the water off from a valve inside the home. Make sure you drain the pipes after, and this should prevent the water from expanding, freezing, or bursting your pipes.
The Pros And Cons Of An Outdoor Kitchen Sink
From convenience to sanitation, there are many benefits to having an outdoor sink. However, they don’t come without their downfalls. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of installing an outdoor kitchen sink.
Pros
- Convenient: Above all else, outdoor sinks are EXTREMELY convenient. You can wash your veggies, prep food, and sanitize your hands all in one place. This means you won’t have to keep running in and out of the house every time you need to do something, and if you have a big yard, you’ll be extremely thankful!
- Sanitation: If you want to prepare food outside without a sanitation station, there’s no doubt about it – you’re going to struggle. However, with an outdoor sink, soap, and water by your side, you’ll find it easier than ever to prep from the comfort of your yard.
- Multipurpose: An outdoor sink can be used for a variety of purposes. Whatever you need to do, you can do it all from your own yard. It’s essential for gardeners and those who host regularly outdoors.
Cons
- The Weather: If it regularly drops below freezing in the winter where you live, you’ll need to take extra steps to prepare your sink or the cold. If you live in a warmer climate where freezing weather comes and goes, you’ll need to get a plumber to help you winterize your sink.
- Difficult to Install: Outdoor sinks can be difficult to install, especially if you want hot water. Consider your needs before installing an outdoor sink.
- Permit: Depending on where you live, you may need a plumbing permit to install one. Check the regulations in your area before starting work.
- Expense: Another important point to consider is expense. Rigging up your plumbing is no small feat, and in some cases, it can be extremely expensive. Plan for your budget, and talk to your plumber before starting work.
Choosing An Outdoor Kitchen Sink: What To Consider
Still not sure whether you need an outdoor kitchen sink? Here are a few other things to consider before installation.
Your Climate
We’re not just talking about plumbing. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you’ll want an outdoor sink made of a material that expands and contracts with temperature changes. If you live in a warmer climate, you’ll need a material that can disperse the sun’s glare, like granite or hand-tooled copper.
The Kitchen Design
You’ll also need to consider the overall design of your kitchen. Consider whether your kitchen needs a roof – protecting your sink from the elements is important, and if your sink doesn’t have any shelter, you’ll need to choose your materials carefully.
Is An Outdoor Kitchen Sink Worth The Money?
If you’re a keen gardener or you love to entertain, an outdoor kitchen sink is absolutely worth the investment.
If you regularly host in your backyard, installing an outdoor sink will mean you can spend more time with your guests, and eliminate the need to run in and out of the house for prep. If you’re a gardener, you can wash all the dirt off your veggies in your garden, and you won’t need to bring the dirt into your home!
Even if you don’t fit into these categories, you may find an outdoor sink useful. Muddy pups can be washed in the yard and they’ll always be fresh water for your kids outside in the summer. If you have a large yard or home, an outdoor sink can add a whole new level of convenience to your life!
However, if you spend minimal time outdoors, or you’re not hosting regularly, an outdoor sink is probably not worth the investment. Outdoor sinks can cost anywhere from $500-$800 to install, so you’ll need to use yours pretty regularly to make the most of your investment.
Final Thoughts
An outdoor sink can breathe new life into your yard, and make your life much easier in the summer months. If you’d benefit from an outdoor sink and you have the cash to cover the installation, you’ll reap the benefits for years to come!