Full-Sheet Pans And The Perfect 3-Bay Sink

A 3-bay sink is a valuable addition to any food business, allowing dishes, pots, pans, and utensils to be cleaned by hand. The most common sizes for 3-bay sinks are 16 x 18 or 16 x 20, with heights ranging from 12 to 14. However, sizes can vary from 16 x 18 to 30 x 24, depending on the specific needs of the business. When choosing a 3-bay sink, it is important to consider the size and weight of the pots and pans used in the operation, as well as the local health code requirements. Additionally, features such as drainboards, galvanized or stainless steel legs, and wall- or deck-mounted faucets should be taken into account.

Stainless steel 3-bay sinks are durable and easy to clean

Stainless steel 3-bay sinks are a valuable addition to any food business. They are durable, easy to clean, and allow for a three-step cleaning system: washing, rinsing, and sanitizing. This helps to improve kitchen workflow, save time, and achieve better cleaning results.

The sinks are made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, with rounded corners and raised rolled top edges that make working in and around the sinks safer. The rolled top edges also help to prevent overflows. Most models feature backsplashes, with a variety of height options available to suit your space.

In terms of size, 3-bay sinks come in a wide range of lengths, widths, and depths. For example, the Steelton 90" 18-Gauge Stainless Steel Three Compartment Commercial Sink features three 18" x 18" x 12" bowls. On the other hand, the Regency 58" 16-Gauge Stainless Steel Three Compartment Commercial Sink has much smaller bowls at 10" x 14" x 10".

When choosing a 3-bay sink, it's important to consider the surrounding kitchen equipment and workflow. You should carefully check the dimensions of the sink, including the bowl sizes and any drainboards, to ensure it won't obstruct access or hinder kitchen operations.

Additionally, many 3-bay sinks feature adjustable legs or feet, allowing you to modify the height to fit your space. This, along with the variety of sizes and configurations available, ensures you can find the perfect 3-bay sink to fit your kitchen setup.

A 3-bay sink allows for washing, rinsing, and sanitising in one location

A 3-bay sink is an efficient tool used in the food industry for cleaning and sanitising dishes, utensils, and equipment. The three compartments of a 3-bay sink are used for washing, rinsing, and sanitising, allowing for these tasks to be completed in one location.

The first compartment is used for washing and removing residual food from dishes and equipment. It should be equipped with soap or soapy water, a degreaser, and an abrasive brush. The water temperature in this compartment should be at least 1100°F (43°C).

The second compartment is for rinsing and removing any residual soap from the dishes and equipment. No chemicals or sanitisers should be used in this section. The water temperature should also be maintained at a minimum of 110°F (43°C).

The third compartment is for sanitising. Dishes and equipment are soaked or immersed in a sanitising solution or hot water for a specified amount of time. The sanitising solution should be changed every 2-4 hours.

In addition to the three compartments, a 3-bay sink should also have a faucet, drain boards, a bay for dirty dishes, sponges, a soap dispenser, and sanitiser.

By following the correct sequence of tasks and maintaining proper temperatures and chemical dilutions, a 3-bay sink helps to ensure clean dishes and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. It is a valuable tool for any food business, especially when a commercial dishwasher is unavailable or unsuitable for certain items.

The size of the sink should be based on the size of the sheet pans

When choosing a 3-bay sink, it is important to consider the size and weight of the sheet pans. Thinner gauge steel could dent from constant abuse, so it is important to select a sink with the appropriate gauge and quality of steel to avoid this issue. Additionally, the sink should be configured to fit the surrounding kitchen equipment and not obstruct access or hinder kitchen workflow.

Another factor to consider is the number of drainboards and their configuration. A standard 3-bay sink comes with two drainboards, one for dirty ware and one for clean ware. However, operators can choose to have just one drainboard or none at all. If no drainboards are selected, it is important to opt for a side splash to prevent water from splashing onto the wall or neighbouring equipment.

When it comes to bowl size, it is essential to choose a sink with compartments large enough to completely submerge the sheet pans. The most common sizes are 16 x 18 inches or 16 x 20 inches, with heights typically ranging from 12 to 14 inches. However, bowl sizes can range from 16 x 18 inches to 30 x 24 inches.

The sink should be big enough to handle dishwashing needs at the busiest service times

The sink size you need will depend on the size of your largest sheet pans and the volume of dishwashing you expect to do at your busiest service times. It's important to choose a sink that can accommodate your largest pans, as some health departments require that pans be fully submerged in a sanitizing solution. A sink that is too small may hinder kitchen workflow, so it's essential to carefully check the dimensions of the sink before making a purchase.

The bowl size of a three-compartment sink typically ranges from 16" x 18" to 30" x 24", with the most common sizes being 16" x 18" or 16" x 20". These sinks usually have a height of 12" to 14". When choosing a sink, consider the size and weight of your pots and pans, as thinner gauge steel may dent from constant abuse. Additionally, check the location of your plumbing to determine if you need a wall- or deck-mount faucet.

If you are looking for a sink that can accommodate full sheet pans, you may want to consider the Atosa MRSB-3-D Stainless 3-Compartment Bakery Sheet Pan Sink, which has a bowl size of 24" x 24" x 14" and exterior dimensions of 120" x 44.5" x 30". Another option is the Steelton 90" 18-Gauge Stainless Steel Three Compartment Commercial Sink, which has bowls measuring 18" x 24" x 12".

The gauge and quality of the steel should be considered for longevity

When investing in a new kitchen sink, it is important to consider the gauge and quality of the steel to ensure longevity. The gauge of a sink refers to the thickness of the material, which is measured in 'gauge' rather than inches or millimetres. This is because, historically, there was no universal unit of thickness, so the wire industry adopted 'gauge' as the unit of measure.

The gauge of a sink is important as it indicates the quality of the sink. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the material, and thus the higher the quality. A thicker sink is more durable and long-lasting, which is ideal for kitchen sinks that endure frequent use. A 16-gauge sink is considered the highest quality, while an 18-gauge sink is a more cost-effective alternative that is still durable.

The benefits of a 16-gauge sink include better sound absorption, heat resistance, scratch resistance, and dent resistance. The approximate thickness of 16-gauge sheet steel is 0.0598 inches or 1.52 mm, whereas 16-gauge stainless steel is slightly thicker at 0.0625 inches or 1.59 mm. The weight of 16-gauge steel is approximately 2.44 lb/ft squared or 11.9 kg/m squared.

While most kitchen sinks are 18-gauge, a 16-gauge sink is the better option for those seeking a high-quality, long-lasting sink. However, it is important to note that the grade of the stainless steel is also a factor in determining the quality of the sink. The grade indicates the amount of chromium and nickel in the steel, with Grade-316 being the best grade as it has the highest percentage of these materials.

Therefore, to ensure the longevity of a 3-bay sink for full sheet pans, it is recommended to opt for a lower gauge number, such as 16-gauge, and to consider the grade of stainless steel, with Grade-316 being the highest quality.

Frequently asked questions