Underbar Hand & Dump Sinks

Underbar Hand Sinks: What You Need to Know

Hand sinks are required in every foodservice establishment because it's vital for operators to have clean hands when serving the public. Many health codes mandate the hand sink must be used only for washing hands, so there is no possibility of contamination – this means that if you want a dump sink, you'll need an additional unit beyond your hand sink. Bars are generally quite cramped and crowded, and adding multiple full-size sinks can use a lot of space. Underbar hand sinks and underbar dump sinks are designed to solve this problem.

Underbar dump sinks are shorter and smaller than their commercial kitchen counterparts, giving operators more room to move around and keeping sinks out of sight for your guests. Bar dump sinks give your bartenders a place to dispose of bussed liquids without returning to the kitchen or using the hand sink, which many regulatory bodies prohibit. Our options will keep your business moving and the health inspector happy.

Common Questions About Dump Sinks

Why do I need an extra sink?

While it might seem easiest to use your handwashing sink to dispose of unwanted liquids, most health regulations require your handwashing sink be used only for that purpose. Thus, if you want a place to dump the last few drops of beer, you'll need a separate sink or some other piece that can get rid of the liquid. If you have another plumbed piece of equipment, such as a blender station, you may be able to use that as a dump sink; if you don't, you should add a new sink for that purpose. Having a sink for dumping liquids means your servers and bartenders don't have to leave the service station to dispose of them, leading to faster, more convenient service for increased profit potential.

Do I need a wall-mount or free-standing hand sink?

In some jurisdictions, this choice depends on preference. Free-standing sinks are easier to install than wall-mounted ones and might save you some money on labor. However, some health codes mandate that hand sinks must be wall mounted. Check your local food safety authorities before purchasing a sink to determine which design is necessary.

What's the difference between dump and hand sinks?

Hand sinks can be dump sinks, provided you have another hand sink just for handwashing, but dump sinks cannot be used as hand sinks. Hand sinks are just regular sinks, the kind you're familiar with in other parts of the kitchen. Purpose-specific dump sinks usually have a small sink well and additional space for a blender station or other functionality. Underbar dump sinks sometimes have shelves in front of the sink well for preparation or bussing. Check the product specification page for the sink you're considering to ensure it has the features you want.

What other functions should I look for?

Many sinks come with storage space beneath the sink well to optimize the limited space of a commercial bar. Consider if you need enclosed storage space to keep food products off the ground or if you can simply stack other items, such as cleaning supplies, on the floor beneath your sink. Consult the regulations for your health safety jurisdiction to see what items you can store where.

We carry sinks that include built-in soap dispensers to streamline handwashing. You can use bag soap in the dispenser instead of frequently refilling a small plastic dispenser. A built-in dispenser also prevents soap spills or knocking a plastic dispenser on the floor or in the sink, which can compromise its sanitary properties.