The main kitchen sink is jammed with dinner dishes, and you still need to rinse a shaker of ice or wash a handful of berries. That gap is exactly what a bar or prep sink closes. The Sink Boutique has been an authorized dealer for bar and prep sink brands since 2018, and we have fielded thousands of calls about which size and installation type actually fits a given cabinet.
Demand for a second sink is not a niche preference anymore. The NKBA/KBIS 2026 Kitchen Trends Report found that 44% of surveyed designers expect multiple sinks for food prep and cleanup to grow in popularity over the next three years, and 85% predict more homes will add a dedicated beverage station. If you are weighing a second sink for an island, wet bar, or butler's pantry, here is what actually matters before you order.
Quick answer
The Ruvati Gravena 15-inch undermount is the best all-around bar sink for most kitchens: 16-gauge stainless, rounded corners, and a standard 18-inch cabinet fit. Budget shoppers should look at the Houzer 9-inch undermount at $176. Match your bowl width to your actual interior cabinet opening, not the nominal cabinet size, before you order. All picks below are in stock at The Sink Boutique, an authorized dealer since 2018.
Jump to: What is a bar or prep sink | Sizes and cabinet fit | Installation types | Material comparison | Our picks | How to choose | Faucet pairing | Bottom line
What Is a Bar or Prep Sink, and Do You Actually Need One?
A bar or prep sink is a compact secondary sink, typically 12 to 21 inches wide, installed away from your primary kitchen sink. The two terms get used interchangeably, but the use case usually splits the buyer into one of two camps.
If you are outfitting a wet bar, home bar, or beverage station, you want fast glass rinsing and drink prep without walking across the kitchen. If you are adding a second workstation on a kitchen island, you want a spot to wash produce or fill a pot while someone else occupies the main sink. Both camps end up shopping the same product category, but the features that matter differ: a wet bar sink benefits from a glass rinser and a shallower bowl, while an island prep sink benefits from more depth and a bottom grid to protect the surface during daily use.
Common misconception: A bar sink is not just a smaller version of your kitchen sink. Bowl depth, drain placement, and faucet hole count are chosen for a specific task, either drink service or food prep, and picking the wrong configuration for your actual use case is the most common regret we hear about after installation.
Bar Sink Sizes and Cabinet Fit, in Exact Inches
Most bar and prep sinks range from 12 to 21 inches wide. They typically install in a 15 to 21-inch base cabinet, with the cabinet running 2 to 3 inches wider than the sink itself to leave room for mounting hardware and plumbing connections.
| Sink Width | Typical Base Cabinet |
|---|---|
| 9" to 12" | 15" cabinet |
| 14" to 15" | 18" cabinet |
| 16" to 18" | 21" cabinet |
| 32" to 33" (long prep runs) | 36" cabinet |
Sizing note: A "15-inch cabinet" refers to the exterior box width. The usable interior opening is almost always smaller once you account for the cabinet frame and mounting clips. We have shipped replacement bar sinks after a customer measured the cabinet face instead of the interior clearance, then discovered the sink's overall width left no room for the undermount brackets. Always confirm interior cabinet width against the manufacturer's spec sheet before you order, the same rule we cover in our farmhouse sink cabinet size guide.
Installation Types: Undermount vs. Drop-In vs. Dual-Mount
Three installation styles cover nearly every bar and prep sink on the market.
Undermount sinks attach to the underside of the countertop, so there is no lip interrupting the counter surface. This gives the cleanest look and is the standard choice for stone or solid-surface counters, but it requires a countertop that can be drilled and finished for a hidden mount.
Drop-in, or top-mount, sinks rest into a cutout with a visible rim sitting flush on the counter. Installation is simpler and works with laminate, tile, or any countertop material, which makes drop-in the most DIY-friendly option.
Dual-mount sinks are engineered to install either way, giving you flexibility if you have not finalized your countertop material yet.
| Installation | Best For |
|---|---|
| Undermount | Stone or quartz counters, seamless look |
| Drop-in / top-mount | Laminate counters, DIY installs |
| Dual-mount | Undecided countertop material |
Material Comparison: Stainless Steel, Fireclay, Granite Composite, Copper
Material affects daily noise, maintenance, and how the sink ages, not just its finish.
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel (16 to 18 gauge) | High, resists chipping | Low, wipes clean | Budget to mid |
| Granite / quartz composite | High, scratch-resistant | Low | Mid |
| Fireclay | High, but chips if impacted | Low, glaze wipes clean | Mid to high |
| Copper | High, develops patina | Moderate, patina care | High |
Stainless and granite composite are the most forgiving choices for daily bar or prep use. Fireclay and copper bring more visual character but ask for a bit more care around the edges and finish.
Our Picks: Best Bar and Prep Sinks by Category
| Product | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ruvati Gravena 15" UndermountTop pick | $229 | Best overall |
| Houzer 9" Undermount | $176 | Best budget |
| Houzer 15" Topmount | $153 | Easiest DIY install |
| BOCCHI Sotto 12" Fireclay | $328 | Best fireclay |
| Houzer 16" Composite, Black | $258 | Best composite |
| Elkay Lustertone 15", 2-Hole | $680 | Best for glass rinser setups |
| Native Trails Redondo Grande 18" | $1,345.50 | Best luxury |
| Houzer 32" Undermount, Rectangle | $304.53 | Best for long prep runs |
Best Overall
Ruvati Gravena 15" Undermount Bar/Prep Sink
| Price | $229 |
| Material | 16-gauge stainless steel |
| Bowl config | Single bowl, rounded corners |
| Cabinet needed | 18" minimum |
| Finishes | Brushed stainless |
Ruvati Gravena 15" Undermount Square Stainless Steel Bar/Prep Sink, 16 Gauge, Round Corners, RVH7015
This is the sink we point most buyers to when they have not settled on a specific look yet. The rounded corners are easier to keep clean than a hard right angle, and 16-gauge stainless holds up to daily glass rinsing and produce washing without denting.
One thing to know before buying: This is an undermount-only sink, so it requires a countertop that supports hidden mounting. It is not a fit for laminate counters.
Buy the Ruvati Gravena 15" Bar/Prep Sink →
Best Budget
Houzer 9" Stainless Steel Undermount Bar Sink
| Price | $176 |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Bowl config | Single bowl, compact |
| Cabinet needed | 15" minimum |
| Finishes | Stainless |
Houzer 9" Stainless Steel Undermount Bar Sink, CS-1105-1
At 9 inches wide, this is one of the smallest bar sinks we carry, built for tight cabinet runs where every inch of counter matters. It handles glass rinsing and quick cleanup without needing a full prep bowl.
One thing to know before buying: The compact bowl is better suited to a wet bar than food prep. If you plan to wash produce or fill pots, size up.
Buy the Houzer 9" Undermount Bar Sink →
Easiest Install
Houzer 15" Stainless Steel Topmount Bar/Prep Sink
| Price | $153 |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Bowl config | Single bowl |
| Cabinet needed | 18" minimum |
| Finishes | Stainless |
Houzer 15" Stainless Steel Topmount Bar/Prep Sink, 1515-6BS-1
Drop-in installation means this sink works with almost any countertop material, including laminate, and does not require the specialized cutout finishing an undermount sink needs. It is the pick we suggest most often for a weekend DIY project.
One thing to know before buying: The visible rim sits slightly proud of the counter, so it will not give the flush look an undermount sink does.
Buy the Houzer 15" Topmount Bar Sink →
Best Fireclay
BOCCHI Sotto 12" Fireclay Undermount Bar Sink
| Price | $328 |
| Material | Fireclay |
| Bowl config | Single bowl with strainer |
| Cabinet needed | 15" minimum |
| Finishes | White, Matte Black ($382.90), Matte Gray, Biscuit |
BOCCHI Sotto 12" Fireclay Undermount Single Bowl Bar Sink with Strainer, White, 1358-001-0120
This is the pick for buyers who want the bar sink to double as a design statement rather than disappear into the counter. Four finishes let it match a farmhouse main sink or stand on its own.
One thing to know before buying: Fireclay is heavier and less forgiving of a dropped cast iron pan than stainless. Treat it like a farmhouse sink finish, not a stainless workhorse.
Buy the BOCCHI Sotto 12" Fireclay Bar Sink →
Best Composite
Houzer 16" Composite Granite Dual Mount Bar Sink
| Price | $258 |
| Material | Granite composite |
| Bowl config | Single bowl |
| Cabinet needed | 18" to 21" |
| Finishes | Black, White, Biscuit, Brown |
Houzer 16" Composite Granite Dual Mount Bar/Prep Sink, Black, E-100 MIDNITE
Dual mount means this sink installs undermount or drop-in, which is useful if you have not locked in your countertop material yet. The composite surface resists scratching better than most people expect from a matte finish.
One thing to know before buying: Composite sinks show water spots more visibly in dark finishes. A quick wipe-down keeps it looking new.
Buy the Houzer 16" Composite Bar Sink →
Best for Glass Rinser Setups
Elkay Lustertone 15" Stainless Steel Bar Sink, 2 Faucet Holes
| Price | $680 |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Bowl config | Single bowl, 2 faucet holes |
| Cabinet needed | 18" minimum |
| Finishes | Lustrous satin |
Elkay Lustertone 15" Stainless Steel Bar Sink, Lustrous Satin, 2 Faucet Holes, BLR15MR2
The pre-drilled second hole is built for a bar faucet paired with a glass rinser, which is the exact combination most wet bar buyers ask us about. It saves you from drilling stone after the fact.
One thing to know before buying: This sink ships without a faucet, so budget separately for the bar faucet and rinser.
Buy the Elkay Lustertone 15" Bar Sink →
Best Luxury
Native Trails Redondo Grande 18" Nickel Bar/Prep Sink
| Price | $1,345.50 |
| Material | Hand-hammered metal |
| Bowl config | Single bowl |
| Cabinet needed | 21" minimum |
| Finishes | Brushed Nickel |
Native Trails Redondo Grande 18" Nickel Bar/Prep Sink, Brushed Nickel, CPS551
This is the sink for a wet bar meant to be seen, not tucked behind a cabinet door. The hand-hammered texture catches light differently than a stamped sink, and it is a favorite among the interior designers we work with.
One thing to know before buying: Hand-hammered metal finishes carry natural variation piece to piece. That is part of the material, not a defect.
Buy the Native Trails Redondo Grande 18" Bar Sink →
Best for Long Prep Runs
Houzer 32" Stainless Steel Undermount Bar/Prep Sink
| Price | $304.53 |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Bowl config | Single bowl, rectangle, long trough shape |
| Cabinet needed | 36" minimum |
| Finishes | Stainless |
Houzer 32" Stainless Steel Undermount Bar/Prep Sink, Rectangle, CTB-3285
At 32 inches, this is less a bar sink and more a full second prep station, built for large islands where you want an entire long basin dedicated to food prep instead of a compact bowl.
One thing to know before buying: This is not a bowl for washing tall stockpots. Its length is built for laying items flat, not depth.
Buy the Houzer 32" Undermount Prep Sink →
Ready to order? Browse the full range of in-stock bar and prep sinks. Shop the Bar & Prep Sinks collection or call (844) 470-1212, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
How to Choose the Right Bar Sink for Your Space
1. Is this sink for drink service or food prep?
A wet bar sink prioritizes fast glass rinsing, so a compact bowl with a glass rinser hole works fine. A prep sink used for produce and pot filling needs more bowl depth and a bottom grid, since it takes daily wear that a bar sink never sees.
2. What is your actual interior cabinet clearance?
Measure the interior opening, not the cabinet's nominal size. We ask every caller for this number before recommending a specific model, because the gap between exterior cabinet size and usable interior width is where most sizing mistakes happen.
3. What countertop material are you installing into?
Undermount requires stone, quartz, or another solid surface that can be finished around a hidden edge. If your counter is laminate or not yet finalized, a drop-in or dual-mount sink keeps your options open.
4. Does the space need a second faucet hole?
If you want a glass rinser at your wet bar, you need a sink with a second pre-drilled hole, like the Elkay Lustertone above. Adding a hole to stone after the fact is expensive and sometimes not possible.
Ready to order? If a 15-inch undermount in stainless is the right call for your island, the Ruvati Gravena 15" is the place to start. See the Ruvati Gravena 15" Bar Sink or call (844) 470-1212, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
Pairing a Faucet and Accessories
A standard kitchen faucet is oversized for most bar sinks. Look for a short-reach bar faucet, usually single-hole, which minimizes splash and clears upper cabinets more easily than a full-size pull-down faucet. Swivel spouts make glass rinsing easier at a wet bar, and flow rates in the 1.5 to 1.8 GPM range are standard for this category.
Bottom grids and matching drains are worth adding at checkout. A bottom grid protects the sink surface from scratches during daily prep, and a matching drain finish keeps the whole setup looking intentional rather than assembled from parts. If you are installing the faucet yourself, our kitchen faucet installation guide walks through single-hole and deck-mount setups step by step.
Bottom Line
For most kitchens, the Ruvati Gravena 15-inch undermount is the safest recommendation: standard cabinet fit, forgiving stainless finish, and a price that does not force a compromise elsewhere in the project.
Buying a bar sink from an unauthorized reseller carries more risk than the price difference suggests. We have talked with customers who bought a similar-looking bar sink through a third-party marketplace listing, had the countertop cut and the sink installed, and only then discovered the manufacturer would not honor the warranty because the unit came through an unauthorized channel. By that point the stone is already cut, the plumbing is connected, and there is no return path left. Buying from an authorized dealer means the manufacturer's warranty is valid from day one, and if something does need to go back, it goes back before installation, not after.
The Sink Boutique also donates a portion of net profits to environmental charities, because we believe the homes we help build should leave the world a little better than they found it. It is not something we lead with, but it is part of how this business operates.
The Sink Boutique is rated 4.88 stars across 1,628 customer reviews.
Phone: (844) 470-1212 | Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST
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Ready to add a second sink? Shop Bar & Prep Sinks or call (844) 470-1212 to confirm cabinet fit before you buy.
