Restaurant’s kitchens have many sinks, all serving their unique purposes. Having the right one in the right places is very important as it enables cooks, chefs, and kitchen staff, to accomplish various food preparation tasks quickly and efficiently.
Sinks are also an essential part of food safety and something that health inspectors scrutinize. If you are thinking of starting a new restaurant, it is vital to know the different types of sinks and faucets available in today’s market.
Here are some of the common types as well as maintenance tips to get you started.
Kitchen Sinks
When looking for a standard kitchen washbasin, you can select one to four compartment sinks meant for anything from prepping food to washing dishes or glassware.
Some health codes require a restaurant in the U.S. to have at least one three-compartment basin so that proper sanitization of dishes and utensils can take place.
The last thing you need is customers getting sick because of dirty kitchenware, complaining or worse. You can fill in the blanks.
If you have large cookware, consider getting a large basin deep enough to fit your utensils, more commonly known as a deep bowl.
Hand Sinks
A Hand washbasin is a standard type of kitchen equipment piece used to wash and sanitize hands to handle food. These are some of the most common found.
Bar Sinks
Bar basins typically consist of 3 compartment sinks which are designed for washing glasses behind the bar. Using the three-sink system bartenders or bar staff can quickly clean glassware. For more information on effectively using a three-compartment basin use the three sink system as described here.
Faucets
Wall Mount Faucets
These types of faucets are designed to mount on the wall and come through the backsplash. Wall mount faucets are probably the most common types you’ll find in a restaurant.
Deck Mount Faucets
These types are mounted directly onto the sink. Before ordering this kind of faucet, ensure that you correctly measure the distance between the center of the holes where the faucet will be mounted.
Pre-Rinse Assemblies
A pre-rinse assembly is designed to help the kitchen staff rinse dirty dishes and cookware quickly before they go into a dishwasher.
Pot filler Assemblies
Pot filler assemblies are specialized wall-mounted faucets that come with an extended swiveling spout or a hose that allows users to fill large utensils easily.
Restaurant Sink and Faucet Maintenance
Most commercial sinks and faucets are typically made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is an excellent material for kitchen applications because of its durability and resistance to stain. However, a few simple maintenance methods can help you extend the lifespan of your restaurant equipment. Below are some of these maintenance tips.
Don’t Use Abrasive Pads or Strong Detergents
Steel is not stainless or resistant to rust. Its unique shine comes from a thin film of chromium that covers the steel and prevents rust from occurring. This film becomes scored and starts to develop holes when you use an abrasive pad or strong detergents to clean the steel which eventually allows rust to form up.
Wipe Down Sinks and Faucets Every Day
Your sinks and faucets usually are exposed to water on a daily basis and as such, will eventually cause rust. After cleaning your basins and other equipment at the end of a busy day, make sure that you wipe them down with a soft rag.
Use a Garbage Disposer
Having a garbage disposer is essential in kitchens that collect food waste from dishes and cooking utensils. Placing it in the right location will increase your restaurant’s efficiency as food will no longer need to be cleaned out and disposed of separately.
There you have it! You’re now one step closer to getting your restaurant kitchen ready for business.
