All You Need to Know About Drainboard Sinks

Are you tight on kitchen space and looking for a solution to conserve every precious inch? A drainboard sink might just be the answer you’re looking for. This unique sink design comes with built-in tilted draining areas that allow you to use the sink for washing while keeping your countertops clean and dry. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about drainboard sinks before making a purchase decision.

Table of Contents

What is a Drainboard Sink?

A drainboard sink is a sink that comes with an integrated apron on one or both sides. This apron acts as a drainboard, grooved towards the sink and slightly angled down to allow water to drain directly into the sink. These sinks are a great space-saving solution for condos, apartments, or any space where countertop space is at a premium.

Features of Drainboard Sinks

Here are some key features of drainboard sinks that make them a popular choice among homeowners:

Attached Aprons: Drainboard sinks come with attached aprons or overlays on one or both sides of the sink.
Drop-In Design: Most drainboard sinks are drop-in or self-rimming, meaning they are installed from above the countertop with a rim that holds them in place.
Second Basin Free: Drainboard sinks free up the second side of twin-basin sinks, allowing you to use the space for other purposes.
Contain Water: These sinks keep your countertop clean and dry by channeling water directly into the sink.
Save Energy: By providing a dedicated dish-drying area, drainboard sinks help you avoid using electric dishwashers, saving energy in the process.
Collect Food Scraps: The drainboards can also be used for collecting food scraps, making clean-up easier and more efficient.

Tip: Most drainboard sinks are made of stainless steel due to its strength and thinness, allowing the apron section to lay flatter on the countertop.

Downsides of Drainboard Sinks

While drainboard sinks offer several benefits, there are some downsides to consider before making a purchase:

Countertop Space: Drainboard sinks use up countertop space, unlike other items that can be easily moved.
Cost: They tend to cost more than conventional sinks and may be harder to find in stock at major home centers.
Resale Value: Drainboard sinks may not always provide the best resale value as they are considered a specialty item.
Maintenance: The grooves on the drainboard surface can collect dirt and food grime, requiring more effort to clean than a flat countertop.
Limited Options: Drainboard sinks are available in either small, shallow designs for compact spaces or large, premium sinks for high-end homes or commercial kitchens, with limited mid-range options.

Benefits of Drainboard Sinks

Despite the downsides, drainboard sinks offer several benefits that make them a worthwhile investment:

Allow Full Use of Double-Basin Sinks: Use one basin for washing and the other for drying dishes.
Dedicated Dish-Drying Area: Avoid using electric dishwashers and save on energy costs.
Eco-Friendly Dish Drying: Reduce your environmental impact by hand-washing dishes.
Keep Countertops Clean and Dry: Water drains directly into the sink, keeping your workspace tidy.
Orderly Place for Wet Dishes: Use the drainboard as a convenient spot to set wet dishes for drying.

Drainboard Sink Manufacturers and Brands

If you’re considering purchasing a drainboard sink, here are some reputable manufacturers and brands to explore:

CorStone

CorStone offers moderately priced drainboard sinks made of acrylic, ranging from 33-inch to 48-inch models.
Their self-rimming sinks provide the look of ceramic with the durability of acrylic.

Elkay

Elkay’s Blanco Axis series sink comes with an attached cutting board, maximizing prep space.
Their Lustertone series features consumer-level sinks with attached drainboards in a stainless steel finish.

Oliveri

Australia-based Oliveri specializes in drainboard sinks, offering a wide range of options in their sink collections.

Reginox

Reginox offers stainless steel drainboard sinks that hug close to the countertop, as well as ceramic options like the RL304-CW.
Their Lyon series features premium stainless steel drainboard sinks for residential and commercial properties.

By exploring these manufacturers and brands, you can find the perfect drainboard sink to meet your needs and enhance the functionality of your kitchen space.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drainboard sinks are a practical and space-saving solution for modern kitchens. While they may have some downsides, the benefits they offer in terms of functionality, convenience, and efficiency make them a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to make the most of their kitchen space. By considering the features, downsides, benefits, and reputable manufacturers of drainboard sinks, you can make an informed decision and choose the right sink for your home. So, if you’re in the market for a new sink that combines form and function, consider a drainboard sink for your kitchen today!