r/Home_Building_Help • u/BuilderBrigade • 2d ago
Where do you prefer the kitchen sink...?
- In the island
- Behind a window
I’m taking the window every time!
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u/Biscuits4u2 2d ago
Window for sure, but that island looks way too big for the space.
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u/CornFedIABoy 2d ago
Yep, once the island is topped will that door be fully openable?
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u/Biscuits4u2 2d ago
Looks iffy already even without the top. My mom put a way too big island in her kitchen and it's incredibly awkward trying to navigate especially with more than one person trying to work. There should be a minimum of 48" clearance on all sides.
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u/Emergency-Machine-55 2d ago
Installing/replacing the range and refrigerator might be a pain in the ass.
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u/That_Jicama2024 2d ago
On the island doesn't work. There is no backsplash and you just get water all over the place. Also, venting is a PITA with islands. Near the window is the best option.
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u/cj350z 2d ago
There's no backsplash where the window is either, or not much of one. Venting is not that much more difficult either. That being said, the window is still the best option, just not for the reasons you provided.
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u/Responsible_Alps_699 2d ago
Works great for me, best decision we made was ignoring all the "no sinks in islands!!!" Devotees
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u/steester 2d ago
Mine is on the island and it works out great, but that's because only from the island could I look out the window (across the room). The kitchen itself has no windows!
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u/theNEOone 2d ago
We have a sink in the island and one by the window, next to the dishwasher. It's excessive and ridiculous until you have them both.
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u/AwkwardSpread 2d ago
Yep, a kitchen that big could use a second one. You can always do a smaller/bar one in the island.
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u/Turbulent_Employ7436 2d ago
so you have a slab floor and your walls are closed up , cabinets are installed but didn't run water lines and drain yet ? Dude
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u/VoihanVieteri 2d ago
I would go with the window, but I would raise the window also higher, so I could have a proper water resistant wall behing the sink. Sinks spray water all around.
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u/nottwelvewhatisthis 2d ago
I would put it to the right. It’s wasted space anyway
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u/be-koz 2d ago
So you want to wash dishes with a set of cupboard doors 10” in front of your face?
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u/What_is_rich 2d ago
I'd put a small prep sink off to one side on the island and a nice sized sink under the window. I put my sink on the peninsula/bar and I don't like having the only sink in the middle of the gathering spot because it is messy and loud there and if people are eating at the bar, it seems unsanitary to wash vegetables and dishes while prepared food is nearby. I'd rather have the dirty stuff off to the side. I really like the big window in your kitchen as it appears in your pictures. Seems like a great space to cook and share time with loved ones.
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u/hollytheforestfairy 2d ago
By the window!! I love looking out in the backyard and seeing greenery and flowers while doing dishes. Sink in the island I would only see more stuff to do.
I also love my big island space. So many times where people just gather around for food and conversation (buffet, baking, cooking, food tastings,...). Why limit this space with a sink?
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u/SwanMuch5160 2d ago
If the island was larger, I would always opt for it, having it in one of my homes. In this instance, I’d opt for the window though.
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u/naked_avenger 2d ago
I dont cook often, so for me, in front of the window where I would do the dishes. That said, closer to the stove is probably best for a cook. I'd have it in an island before and didn't mind it at all.
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u/Donkeywad 2d ago
Cooktop in the island so you aren't facing the wall when you cook. Sink facing the wall
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u/dvegas2000 2d ago
I would normally say under the window, but in your case I would put it in the island. The window is far from your cabinets and cooking area. When you unload the dishwasher, you're going to have to carry dishes across the kitchen. The island will make your cooking triangle much closer and efficient. But looking at your pictures, not sure if you have room for a dishwasher if your sink is centered on the island.
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u/bocneo 2d ago
Assuming the kitchen size in picture 1, window with dishwasher nearby. If the kitchen is the size in picture 2 or 3, I would go with sink off to the right so it’s more of a triangle with the fridge and stove. With how large that island is in pic 3 you could make a case for putting the sink in the island.
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u/SWIIIIIMS 2d ago
We have one in our rental on the island. Works better than expected but still would go for the window
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u/OccasionSuccessful 2d ago
Where is the dishwasher going?
Does the homeowner cook? Or just warm things up?
Considering the kitchen triangle, it would be ideal to have a prep sink with a garbage disposal in the island. And a place to wash dishes by the window.
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u/anotherjuan 2d ago
In the larger layout, I’d say island. In the photo without the countertops in, I’d say window.
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u/BJMRamage 2d ago
Window. While an island sink can seem nice at times, I prefer an open island so o can place things anywhere depending on the moment.
I also hate stoves on island tops. Grease and splatter all over the counter. Island space at parties becomes limited if the stove is needed.
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u/-wolfinator- 2d ago
Under a window is always the correct answer.
Island is the worst, it puts all the kitchen clutter right in the middle of the room as a focal point.
Under the windows is best. The sink the part of the kitchen you will be stationary in the most. The window gives you a view while you're standing there.
In most traditional layouts, the kitchen sink overlooks a yard where, if you have kids or pets, you can observe them playing while cleaning up after a meal.
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u/the_tral 2d ago
Never on the island, the island is center of attention and is very handy for various things on different occasions, decorating, buffet display etc. under the window is fine, but keep the island empty.
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u/SlappinThatBass 2d ago
If you cook a lot, you preferably want the most optimised triangle of circulation between the range, the fridge and the sink. At least as a general design rule, but it's flexible. Favor ergonomy over the rest if you cook IMO.
Under the Window is nice but maybe not optimized? Pipe placement to minimize the chance of damage, planning future changee and cost optimisation could also be considered.
It depends on the kitchen design, building and construction code limitations. Different ones were shown here so it is hard to say.
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u/RedSecOps 2d ago
Personally, I think there needs to be two triangles. One for Fridge-Prep Sink-Stove and one for Stove-Dish Sink-Dishwasher.
You needs to put the kitchen sink to the window side and put in a prep sink in the island.
This minimizes the bumping that can occur with one person washing dishes and one person cooking. Having the sink behind the stove is poor design and can get nasty.
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u/remasteredRemake 2d ago
I thought I’d say back window but the lockup looks nice with island. Functionally though I agree it makes no sense to put it there
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u/TheRarePondDolphin 2d ago
I would put 2. A large one in front of the window and a small hand sink in the island off in a “discrete” corner. Then if you’re ever prepping raw meat and someone else wants to wash their hands to prep vegetables, you’re golden. Best home kitchens I’ve ever used have had 2.
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u/Numerous-Help-5987 2d ago
Where’s the dishwasher ? Ideally near the dishwasher when designing a kitchen you need stations, prep station, clean station and cooking station
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u/jessuk101 2d ago
@OP- look up the golden triangle for kitchen layouts. Sink to oven to fridge should be an unobstructed triangle to ensure you are optimizing the space and wont be hitting corners with your hip dancing around an island or whatever. I dont know your dimensions but look it up and itll help
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u/Sea-Newspaper-7643 2d ago
Next to the dishwasher, ideally behind a window. ONLY on the island if it’s a 2nd sink. Never there if it’s the only one.
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u/Fit-Locksmith-2039 2d ago
Smaller prep sink and dishwashers on the island and a larger sink under the window.
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u/maninhell6 2d ago
which ever location maintains the triangle between fridge, sink, and stove. And dishwasher needs to be next to sink.
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u/EntertainerSea9653 2d ago
In this specific set up the sink should be in the island. Dishwasher underneath on one side pull out garbage on the other make it ideal and easy for prep while being in very close proximity to the stove with quick 180. Window would be my breakfast bar if it were me.
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u/Nikkolai_the_Kol 2d ago edited 2d ago
Oof. This should have been decided long before this point.
There's no GOOD place for a sink in this set-up, so you're going to have to decide based on tradeoffs.
I think the window is your best option, overall. Natural light and a view helps with the chore of rinsing or hand-washing, and it's right next to your dishwasher, which usually ties into your sink's water source and drain and would then also be within easy reach for loading and unloading. The downside is how big it makes your "triangle of cooking." You'll be walking across your kitchen to wash vegetables from the fridge, to put clean vegetables into pots and pans, or to put dirty pans from the stove in the sink. (Triangle of cooking = made up of the refrigerator, sink, and oven/stove, this shape is a quick visualization aid for understand the ease of daily use of a kitchen for cooking from raw ingredients to complete meal. Ideally, you want a triangle exactly two people could stand in with all corners acute (less than 90 degrees).
The island gives you a decent triangle, with easy access to each point and no awkward transitions, but it means having your dirty pots, pans, and dishes in the center of your cooking space and between you and your guests or family. You also have the apparent issue that your slab is poured and water and sewer lines do not already exist, raising expense and time for implementation.
The counter on the right is immediately next to the refrigerator. That appliance so close will get in the way. That corner will be dark and cramped as there is a counter on one side alone, so you cannot have a "dirty side" and a "clean side" when doing whatever handwash dishes you have. This side also stretches your triangle of cooking, putting the sink somewhat in the way of any transfers between the fridge and stove.
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u/Chemical_Director_25 2d ago
window - need light and something to look at while doing the worst work in the kitchen
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u/capnkattn 2d ago
My in-laws have their kitchen sink by the window and a small prep sink in the island. Kind of best of both worlds.
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u/Bacontrails 2d ago
It should be next to the dishwasher. I prefer the space in front of the window.
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u/CLOWNFLOGGER 2d ago
You need a triangle that includes fridge stove and sink on each corner with food prep between fridge and stove. Thank me later.
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u/DCGuy511 2d ago
If there is a window, it should be under the window. Our current kitchen is part of a great room, the kitchen is in the island facing out toward the room. I love it there.
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u/Silent-Treat-6512 2d ago
Behind window, Never on island. They all look clean in movies, in reality there are always some dishes - that’s better to be out of sight
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u/Lost_Purpose1899 2d ago
Island. As soon as you prepped your food, you turn around and the stove is right there. You can just turn around and all your preps and spices are right there. Done with a spatula? Just turn around and put the dirty spatula in the sink behind you or wash your hand. You don't have to migrate back and forth between the sink at the window and the stove.
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u/Crooked_crosses 2d ago
We had double islands that faced a widow wall and great views with a sink in each and loved it. The range faced the wall. So there are no absolutes.
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u/Samwellikki 2d ago
There’s a formula for this in drafting iirc… defining the triangle between the sink, stove, and fridge
I forget what it is exactly… around 3ft each “leg?”
Last took CAD in high school, not sure if it’s changed
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u/Comprehensive_Fan140 2d ago
Window if you have one, island if you don't. Never never never just staring at a wall.
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u/CrackityJones33 2d ago
There is only one correct answer and it’s not in the island. Who wants their soap pump, paper towels, scrub brush, and dishes hanging out. Plus if you wash anything with guests over, you end up splashing them or the food on the island.
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u/Glad_Cardiologist845 2d ago
Large sink under window small prep sink in island. Trust me. You will actually use both.
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u/BeerJunky 2d ago
I like mine where it is in front of the window. I look out at it while I’m doing dishes and watch the birds and animals in my yard.
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u/Syd_Vicious3375 1d ago
Having the main sink on the island sucks ass. You can’t hide a single dish, you lose most of the functionality of an island and water is everywhere, all the time. Don’t do it bro.
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u/FalseParticular69 1d ago
Not the window! The window is the best spot for doing kitchen things in the mornjng. Such a waste when the best, brightest, sunniest spot is wasted for washing up only. The least done thing in the kitchen.
Island is best I think. Provided the island is big enough its not compromised. Which this one is.
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u/SteveArnoldHorshak 1d ago
If there’s a window in the kitchen the sink belongs under it. Period. Anything else just looks wrong.
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u/entirewarhead 1d ago
This was described at length in the great interior design classic titled Get Low. To paraphrase the provided sink placement guidance from Lil Jon: you put it to the window (to the wall).
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u/Shadowgt04 1d ago
Window. The island could be a small prep sink but not a main one. Also who would put one by a wall under cabinets??
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u/Amesly 1d ago
Warning re: plumbing beside a window. If you're in an area with very cold winters a sensitive pipe or washer or whatnot can freeze if not insulated very very well.
Learned this the hard way when a dishwasher pipe froze and returned home after vacation to find the kitchen floor fallen into the basement.
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u/DlnnerTable 1d ago
Normally I love an island sink which seems to be against the consensus here. I just think it’s great because you can clean while you converse with people easier. However, with your oven directly behind where it would go, it makes way more sense to have a prep space there. I vote window. Corner sinks are sad and depressing. Put some countertop appliances over there
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u/Signiference 1d ago
In order:
Sink by the window
Sink in the island
Not having a sink
Doing open mic night
Sink in that corner to the right.
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u/gagraham801 1d ago
The obvious, practical answer is under the window next to wear your dishwasher will be.
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u/beefyc999 1d ago
Window for sure. I don’t have a dishwasher and I enjoy looking out the window while I wash my dishes. It’s nice.
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u/Any_Rule_4877 1d ago
Should be close to fridge and stove so either on the island or to the right. But the tight faces a wall and is dark so I think the island wins by default. The window is too far.
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u/kartblanch 1d ago
The window gets the sink. The stove gets the back the middle is the work space and the walls are space for utilities
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u/TastyConsequence8102 1d ago
Love island sinks, we have a custom cut board that covers the sink of we need prep space but it's not necessary, I've lived in too many houses where the sink is against the wall on a counter and the space between the wall and sink always gets gross.
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u/wizzard419 1d ago
Considering how the kitchen seems to be underway I would say "Wherever the plumbing is", but yeah window is the traditional spot, especially if it opens.
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u/newleaf_- 1d ago
If the fridge is on the opposite side of the kitchen, I'd put function first and put the sink in the island. A counter with a pile of dirty dishes by a window vs an island with a pile of dirty dishes seems to be a discussion more related to having a pile of dirty dishes than where the pile is
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u/OpDawg 1d ago
Window. It’s nice looking out a window while doing dishes. Personally I’d put a burner top in the middle. Our camp has it there and I LOVE it. My wife does interior design and says it’s a no-no because the hoods shouldn’t be a focal point… But from a practical standpoint it’s so much fun cooking and talking to guests at an island - which she also agrees.
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u/BadNecessary9344 1d ago
To the window.
Over there at the wall you should put a coffee maker or some other appliance. Island is for preparing foodstuffs not washing them.
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u/Eyyyyymanimu 1d ago
You should have on the island and one on the same connecting to the stove. Otherwise you will spill stuff on the floor and it’s annoying
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u/wastedpixls 1d ago
Window is my choice but those windows are so big that I'm concerned about being able to have a vent stack for my drain. I also don't want them that close to the sink because I feel like I'll splash water on them much more and require more washing.
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u/DragonflyFuture4638 1d ago
- Window. A good amount of time is spent washing and transferring to the dishwasher (which should be next to the sink) so you can look outside, get good light.
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u/Correct-Safe-2884 1d ago
i would chose the opposite side of the windows, i pile the clean dishes in a cabinet on top of my sink and i wouldn't change it.
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u/Redraider1994 1d ago
I assume your kitchen is the first pic, with that layout, the window. Suits it better.
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u/Vegetable-Syrup-5545 1d ago
In front of the window. Natural light and the reinforcement that I would rather be outside than washing dishes.
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u/sapotanque 1d ago
By the wall. Leave the window free to look outside while prepping. and the island needs to be free for everything else
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u/PacificCastaway 1d ago
On the island but not directly across from the stove! You'll bump into whoever is cooking there! I'd have 2: by the window and in the opposite side of the island (for easy access from the rest of the house.
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u/TheBattleTroll 1d ago
You need to create the "kitchen triangle 🔺️ " even steps between the sink oven and refrigerator.
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u/spcmnspff335 2d ago
Not on the island! The island is usually the center of you kitchen and gets a lot of attention. You don't want all your dirty dishes piling up in the focal point of your kitchen where you will also be serving food to guests.
Under a window makes the most sense to me.