If you're constantly battling a cramped prep area or walking back and forth between your cooktop and sink, you're not alone. Adding a kitchen island with sink setups can eliminate that hassle by centralizing your workflow and freeing up counter space.
This guide shows you how a kitchen island with a sink can make cooking more efficient and improve the flow of your kitchen layout. We’ll dive into the benefits of kitchen islands with sinks, explain what kinds of sinks are best for kitchen islands, and break down things to know before installing a kitchen island Sink.
Plus, if you're looking for a specific type of sink, Friedmans Appliance has a variety of styles designed for all types of kitchen islands. Continue reading to find out more.
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Shop SinksBenefits of Kitchen Islands with Sinks
A kitchen island with sink layouts can completely change how your kitchen functions. Beyond style, it creates a more efficient cooking space and makes cleanup easier. Whether you're upgrading or building new, kitchen island ideas with sink setups are worth considering for their convenience and smart use of space. Here are some benefits of a kitchen island sink you won't want to pass up.
✅ Improves workflow by allowing you to prep, rinse, and cook in one central location.
✅ Reduces foot traffic between your main countertop and sink so you can save time.
✅ Keeps dirty dishes off the main counters, so your kitchen feels cleaner during meal prep.
✅ Enhances multitasking because you can wash produce while supervising a simmering pot or chatting with guests.
✅ Makes entertaining easier because you can face guests while prepping at the kitchen island with sink and seating arrangements.
✅ Adds resale value, as many buyers look for kitchen islands with sink designs as a modern, functional feature.
✅ Supports better zoning in open-concept kitchens by creating a defined prep or cleanup station.
✅ You can hang pots and pans above your island to make it easier to access your cookware.
What Kinds of Sinks are Best for Kitchen Islands?
Choosing the right kitchen island sink depends on how you use your kitchen and what design you're working with. For multitaskers, a double-bowl sink is ideal as it lets you separate washing and rinsing or prep and cleanup. If you're after a sleek, modern look, stainless steel sinks are both durable and easy to maintain.
Drop-in sinks are a cost-effective choice and work well in casual or rustic kitchen island ideas, while undermount sinks provide a smooth, uninterrupted countertop surface, which is great for wiping crumbs straight into the basin. A farmhouse or apron sink can become a focal point in a traditional or transitional kitchen. This design pairs well with a kitchen island with storage setups underneath for added utility.
Round sinks, although smaller, are perfect for a prep-focused kitchen island with seating, so you can rinse produce or mix drinks without taking up too much space.
No matter the type, the best kitchen island with sink design should suit your kitchen's workflow. Whether you’re focused on prep, cleaning, or entertaining, there’s a sink style that supports the way you cook and live, to make your kitchen island even more functional and stylish.
5 Things to Know Before Installing a Kitchen Island Sink
Installing a kitchen island with sink design may sound simple, but there are several important considerations to get it right. So, if you’re renovating or starting from scratch, planning ahead will help avoid costly mistakes and ensure your island is both functional and attractive. Below are tips to consider before adding a kitchen island sink to your space.
1. Think About How You’ll Use the Sink
Are you using the sink mainly for prepping food, washing dishes, or both? A small kitchen island with sink setup works well for prepping veggies or filling pots, while larger sinks are better suited for dishwashing or soaking pans.
Furthermore, double-bowl sinks give you flexibility, especially when paired with a dishwasher for a full cleanup station. Choosing the right size and type will depend on your kitchen habits and how much counter space you’re willing to dedicate.
2. You’ll Need Access to Plumbing
Make sure your island location allows for proper plumbing installation. For example, a kitchen island with sink and dishwasher requires both water supply and drainage lines, which means running plumbing through the floor.
In some homes, especially those with slab foundations, this can be more complex and expensive. You’ll also need an air admittance valve or venting system to prevent drainage issues. Hiring a licensed plumber is important for meeting building codes and ensuring long-term reliability.
3. Electrical and Lighting Are Just as Important
Don’t forget that installing a kitchen island with sink spaces may also involve electrical work. If your sink shares space with a dishwasher or garbage disposal, you’ll need proper outlets. Task lighting above the island is also critical, particularly if the sink is your main prep area. Pendant lights are popular and can provide both light and style. Be sure your electrical plans follow local codes and consider GFCI outlets for water-prone zones.
4. Choose Durable, Water-Resistant Materials
Since an island kitchen sink will be exposed to splashes and heavy use, the surrounding materials should be water-resistant. Quartz and granite are durable choices for countertops, while cabinetry beneath the sink should be treated or built to withstand moisture.
For a small kitchen island with sink design, compact but sturdy materials are ideal to avoid swelling or warping over time. Stainless steel sinks are also a practical option for their longevity and ease of cleaning.
5. Plan for Storage and Workflow
Think beyond the sink itself and design the island for full functionality. If you’re installing a dishwasher, include drawers or cabinets for cleaning supplies, dish towels, and extra soap. Position your trash pull-out nearby to streamline cleanup.
Additionally, a well-thought-out layout can also improve your kitchen triangle because it places the sink, stove, and fridge within reach for efficient movement. Even a small kitchen island with a sink can give you an excellent workflow if properly designed.
Find Kitchen Island Sinks in Pleasant Hill, CA
Friedmans Appliance is your trusted source for high-end kitchen sinks, faucets, and expert plumbing solutions in Pleasant Hill and throughout the Bay Area. We carry a wide range of luxury sinks, such as undermount, apron-front, and double-bowl styles, ideal for any kitchen island with sink project. Our in-store experts understand the unique plumbing and layout challenges that come with island installations and are ready to help you choose the right fit for your space and cooking habits.
Whether you're upgrading an existing island or planning a full kitchen remodel, Friedmans gives you both top-tier products and professional installation services to ensure a smooth, code-compliant experience. Visit our website to browse our curated sink selection and explore options designed to enhance both style and function.
Prefer in-person help? Stop by our Pleasant Hill showroom to speak with a knowledgeable associate who can guide you through every step, or find high-end appliances to go with your kitchen island.
Kitchen Island with Sink FAQs
Yes, placing a sink in a kitchen island is a smart way to improve workflow by centralizing food prep and cleanup in one accessible spot. It allows you to face outward while working, which is ideal for open-concept kitchens where you want to interact with guests or family. Just be sure to plan for proper plumbing, drainage, and nearby storage to make the setup fully functional.
One disadvantage of an island sink is the added plumbing complexity, which can drive up installation costs, especially if your home has a slab foundation. Because the sink is in a central, visible location, keeping the area clean and free of clutter becomes more important. You also lose valuable counter space that could be used for dining or prep, which may be a drawback in smaller kitchens.
It will depend on how you use your kitchen and the space available. A sink is typically more practical for multitasking as it allows you to prep, rinse, and clean while interacting with guests or facing your main living area. Stoves require additional safety considerations, like overhead ventilation and clearances, which can limit design flexibility. In smaller kitchens, a sink usually makes better use of limited island space, while larger kitchens may support a stove if properly vented. Ultimately, sinks tend to give you more convenience and fewer design restrictions, especially in open-concept layouts.
You can find a high-quality kitchen island sink at Friedmans Appliance in Pleasant Hill, CA. We have a wide selection of premium sinks, such as stainless steel, apron-front, and undermount options designed specifically for island installations. Our team can help you choose a sink that fits your island’s layout, whether you need a compact prep basin or a full-size double bowl. In addition to product selection, we provide expert guidance on plumbing requirements and can connect you with professional installation services. Visit our showroom or explore our website to find the ideal sink and complete solution for your kitchen island project.
Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?
Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!
Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we’re the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dishwasher or laundry appliance you need for cleanup.
Shop Fixtures at Friedmans
See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop plumbing fixtures online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you prepare for installing a sink in your kitchen island, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!
→ Learn more: The Best Kitchen Faucets for Every Lifestyle