A prep sink with runnels benefits from a practical integral drainboard on each side.
A prep sink with runnels benefits from a practical integral drainboard on each side.Finding a prep sink with runnels or channels in a countertop is not always easy. Runnels are usually reserved for the main kitchen sink and not always used around prep sinks though this makes perfect sense.
Here, runnels on both sides of the D-shape stainless pre sink are great for draining fruits and vegetables or thawing frozen food. As a prep sink this shape also makes sense to me since it’s wider in front where the action tends to be when you’re peeling, cutting and cleaning. It also can double as a bar sink. I photographed the sink in the old Clive Christian kitchen showroom in New York City. Clive makes high end traditional English style kitchens which are hand finished in place even if it means sending their installers and artisans across the Atlantic.
Prep sinks come in various shapes and sizes. No matter what shape or size is chosen, runnels will function as an integral drainboard forever. Just be sure that the counter material can hold up to standing water which inevitably collects in the grooves.
This D-sink is under mounted with a neutral (or no) reveal, That means that the edge of the counter and the inside edge of the sink are flush. The polished nickel bridge faucet with porcelain lever handles is by Samuel Heath, another high end brand that isn’t well known in the U.S.
Prep sinks are often squeezed onto corners or put on the end of an island where they don’t take up much space. My preference is to locate a prep sink near the refrigerator so it does double-duty for draining, thawing or other chores, with or without runnels.
You also might find ideas in our Trough Prep Sinks post.
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Great idea, runnels at the second sink. Makes it even more functional. It’s really important to ensure you have a truly functional prep sink. It should be, as Jane says, near the fridge, it should be of sufficient size (17″ minimum in my mind), should have its own garbage disposal if you use them, and it must be located properly. Mine is at the corner of our island, in front of the fridge. The beauty of a corner installation is that you can get at it from two sides, prep on two sides. If you’re a two cook kitchen as we are, this is a very good thing. Of course this requires ensuring you have counter space on both sides. I do not have runnels at the prep sink, I find the sink grid serves as well on that score. But I do have them at the main sink and adore them.
That’s a really lovely set up……
Hi Ivette! Hope you’re well. Thinking of you last week (of course).
Great comments on this — thanks so much. I’m glad you agree this offers something not often seen and I, too, am partial to larger than normal prep sinks with garbage disposals. Care’s kitchen nailed that, too.