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Post by BoilerUp! on Feb 23, 2015 19:05:03 GMT
DH and I are finalizing our plans for our kitchen remodel, and strangely enough, what is holding us up is the island sink!  We currently do not have an island sink, but thankfully, it was plumbed for one!!!  Our island is a fairly nice size with a lot of storage. 2 side by side full cabinets on one side, with 1/2 depth shelved cabinets on the other side. I do not want a huge sink, we use the island alot! The sink will be used for veggies, baking, straining pasta, etc. The rep we are working with suggested a 15 x 15 prep sink knowing that I do not want something that is too big. It will be an undermount sink with just one faucet. (I think) I am so wishy-washy, and can't make a freaking decision! GEEEESH!!!! Here are a couple things that I am wavering about: Is 15 x 15 too small? If so, what is a good size for an island? Because I have never had one, I don't know. Should we have a garbage disposal installed? One hole for only faucet, or do we go with a sprayer also? What size do you have? Does it get in your way? Would you mind sharing a pic? |
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Post by lisacharlotte on Feb 23, 2015 19:13:10 GMT
unless your kitchen is huge, just how far is it to the sink? I would prefer more work space than a second sink.
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Post by BoilerUp! on Feb 23, 2015 19:17:21 GMT
unless your kitchen is huge, just how far is it to the sink? I would prefer more work space than a second sink. Not huge, but when hubby and I are both in there, we get in each other's way. He cooks a lot himself, and he wants it too. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Feb 23, 2015 19:20:25 GMT
I agree with lisacharlotte. I have a huge island and no sink. I'm perfectly fine with that. But the sink is directly behind where I do all my prep and the layout is such that it wouldn't help with the traffic flow. (Meaning it really wouldn't work for one person to use the prep sink and another the main sink.) But if I did have a prep sink, intending to use it mainly for washing veggies and such, I would definitely want a disposal in the sink.
What we did add to the island were some outlets right under the counter. The existing outlets were at floor level and it was too far of a reach to plug in my mixer or blender. Many appliance cords are only 2 feet long.
Other than that, I love that big island. We eat at it, do homework, serve buffets, prep, ... When I do a big freezer cooking day, I have tons of room. I like that it's big enough to work and still have people sitting across from me to keep me company, but they are out of the way.
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Post by eebud on Feb 23, 2015 19:27:09 GMT
I don't have one but the 15x15 size seems to be fairly standard. I would definitely want a disposal. If I am going to have a prep sink, I want to make sure that whatever prep went down the drain can be disposal'd away.
***ETA What I would put in is a single faucet but one that has the removable sprayer. I like having a sprayer when I am prepping some fruits and veggies but I would only want a single faucet with a 15x15 sink.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Feb 23, 2015 19:31:16 GMT
Will a sink actually help you stay out of each other's way? Think hard about the traffic flow configuration - a lot of prep sinks are placed in areas where it really won't help. I had one in a previous house which was in a really stupid location. It was directly across from the main sink - well a little to the side. But two people would either need to be back to back, or the person using the prep sink would be standing in front of the path between the main sink and the stove. We literally never used it. Now my friend really likes her prep sink, but I actually think that has as much to do with how she uses her kitchen. She likes to have a sink just for prep, so she never has to deal with dirty dishes in the sink. Now as I am horrifically anal about dishes in my sink, that isn't an issue for me, but really works for some people.
We have a tiny sink in our wet bar area (12x12) you definitely couldn't use a sprayer with that size. I'm not sure how much the extra 3 inches would help - it's small enough that I'm guessing you'd spray all over the place. At most I'd get a faucet with an internal spray to keep the area from being more cluttered.
ETA I'd definitely put in a disposal - it's not worth the hassle of not having one. Even our tiny one in the wet bar has a disposal, you don't want to traipse around the kitchen with wet items that need to be disposed of.
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Post by alibama on Feb 23, 2015 19:46:40 GMT
I have no advice but I just want to say I know how you feel. I have had the hardest times making decision for my kitchen it is not even funny.
Good luck!!
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Post by BoilerUp! on Feb 23, 2015 19:54:19 GMT
We do have electricity that is already installed at both sides of the island.
It is very helpful.
One faucet with removable sprayer makes great sense! Thanks!
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Post by chedanemi on Feb 23, 2015 20:06:55 GMT
If you're putting in a disposal, put in an air switch rather than your typical light switch-type on/off. It mounts right near the faucet almost flush with the countertop. I would use a single-hole faucet with a pull-out spray. The sprayer functions with a solid stream or spray. The solid stream certainly cleans the sink, but doesn't splatter all over.
My sink is at one end of the island so I still have a huge run of countertop for a work area. 15 x 15 is a good size, and definitely go with undermount. I also did a mounted soap dispenser and instant hot water dispenser with mine.
I love planning kitchens!
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Post by peasful1 on Feb 23, 2015 20:14:23 GMT
My sinks have always been in the island. I much prefer it that way. Don't want my back to the rest of the house as I'm at the sink more often than any other place in the kitchen. You'd want something that at least fits your biggest pot or pan if you're going to be using it to wash or fill. If not, you can make it as small as you like. Our island is about 5'x12' and we have a double bowl sink with each bowl at 15" and a partition that is probably about an inch. We have a garbage disposal on the left side. On the right I keep a wire rack to dry. I also had a pot filler installed over the cooktop when we were building and I will say that is hands down one of the best things I ever did. Other than for washing purposes, I don't need to put my pots in the sink. This is my kitchen right before we took possession of the house (obviously, the venthood is not yet installed. You can see the bracket on the ceiling.) I love having the sink directly opposite the cooktop.  |
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Post by penny on Feb 23, 2015 20:21:03 GMT
I didn't read all the answers so maybe this is a duplicate, but have you considered one of the sink brands that sell accessories to fit their sinks? I think Blanco is one... But they have strainers and inserts, but also covers... I like the covers that are a butcher block cutting board, but there are also stainless steel draining ones too...
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my3freaks
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Post by my3freaks on Feb 23, 2015 20:21:25 GMT
In our last house, the only sink in the kitchen, and the dishwasher were in the island. I loved it!
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Post by dancingqueen on Feb 23, 2015 20:58:15 GMT
I have an island with a sink (the only sink/faucet in the kitchen) and it is two-tiered. To be honest, I would rather have a single-level island with no sink. I have a lot of small counter spaces, but no big counter spaces (I like to make cinnamon buns, but don't have a big enough counter space to roll out the dough). I do like that my dishwasher is close to my sink though |
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Post by dancingqueen on Feb 23, 2015 20:59:02 GMT
My sinks have always been in the island. I much prefer it that way. Don't want my back to the rest of the house as I'm at the sink more often than any other place in the kitchen. You'd want something that at least fits your biggest pot or pan if you're going to be using it to wash or fill. If not, you can make it as small as you like. Our island is about 5'x12' and we have a double bowl sink with each bowl at 15" and a partition that is probably about an inch. We have a garbage disposal on the left side. On the right I keep a wire rack to dry. I also had a pot filler installed over the cooktop when we were building and I will say that is hands down one of the best things I ever did. Other than for washing purposes, I don't need to put my pots in the sink. This is my kitchen right before we took possession of the house (obviously, the venthood is not yet installed. You can see the bracket on the ceiling.) I love having the sink directly opposite the cooktop. I LOVE how big your island is! If mine was that big, I wouldn't mind having a sink in it. Gorgeous! |
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Dec 1, 2024 7:23:31 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2015 21:14:25 GMT
We do have electricity that is already installed at both sides of the island. It is very helpful. One faucet with removable sprayer makes great sense! Thanks!  That is what we did and loved it....but I agree garbage disposal as well. |
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Post by scrappinjen on Feb 23, 2015 21:44:10 GMT
We put a second sink on our island and I love it. We went with 15" square and extra deep. We added a garbage disposal and a faucet with a pull down sprayer to avoid extra holes. I do lots of prep work at it and when we entertain I fill it with ice and drinks. It works great and just pull the plug and it drains. I am so glad we went with the extra sink and I went back and forth too . I never miss 15" of counter space ever. |
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caangel
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Post by caangel on Feb 23, 2015 23:12:35 GMT
We have a giant island and opted for a prep sink in one corner. It just has a faucet and garbage disposal. It would have been nice to have a sprayer but not a biggie for us. If I get a chance I will add a photo.
CA angel
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caangel
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Post by caangel on Feb 23, 2015 23:15:19 GMT
 You can kind of see it here. The sink is behind the plant and cake stands On the left. |
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Post by BoilerUp! on Feb 24, 2015 13:37:47 GMT
The sink that we have selected is a Blanco, so I will inquire about the accessories. Thank you pennydancingqueen - your kitchen island is very nice! I love your lights also! Thanks for the picture. caangel - Your island looks as if it is very similar in size to mine, our cabinets underneath have a lot of storage, so there is no seating at it. I love yours! Very pretty kitchen btw. Thanks for the picture. I've never heard of an air switch chedanemi, so thanks for the suggestion. That will help us. I think a disposal is a must for what we will use the sink for the most! We entertain a lot and it always seems that people congregate in the kitchen. Filling it will ice for beverages or something that needs to stay chilled is a fabulous idea scrappinjen. Thanks! |
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Gennifer
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Post by Gennifer on Feb 24, 2015 15:25:36 GMT
Before finalizing, I would post your plans at GardenWeb, which is now part of Houzz. They are amazing, and brought up so many things I'd never considered. ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath/? |
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paigepea
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Post by paigepea on Feb 24, 2015 15:41:36 GMT
I use my island for large parties / large buffets so I wouldn't want a sink in it.
If I had a sink, I'd want a small one with a disposal and a single faucet that is also a sprayer (sometimes I switch to sprayer on my faucet when washing more delicate fruit / veg.
Disposals are on the way out here - I'm sure a ban will be in place soon - so I'd put one in now, while you still can. Dh and I have been considering hoarding a couple in the garage in case ours goes - I know they're bad for the environment, but I Heart my disposal, especially now that we can be fined for throwing anything in the garbage that is compostable.
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That is what we did and loved it....but I agree garbage disposal as well.
