Compartment sinks are used for pot washing tasks in commercial kitchens. Sinks with one to two compartments are generally used for food preparation. One compartment sinks may also be utilized as mop sinks. Although these single-compartment sinks cannot be used for both purposes as doing so can introduce contaminants to food. Cookware and bakeware that are too big for the washer are often washed in 3 compartment sinks.
It is a requirement for businesses in the food service industry to have an automatic ware washing equipment or a 3 compartment sink. These sinks allow their users to wash soiled cookware and dinnerware in the first compartment, rinse in the second, and sanitize in the last. Even establishments with automatic ware washing equipment are encouraged to have a 3 compartment sink because it can be used temporarily for dish washing should the former malfunction and requires repairs.
Relatively a newcomer to the compartment sink family is the recirculating soaker system. This is also called a recirculating soaker system which that eliminates the need for pot washing by hand. It cleans by using a combination of water in constant percolation, heated water and low foaming soap to loosen and wash away food particles and dirt not only from pots and pans, but oven parts, grease filters, and other hard-to-clean kitchen items. This system can also be retrofit on compartment sinks that have already been installed.
3 compartment sink are sold from the web-based and brick-and-mortar stores of the companies that manufacture them as well as those operated by their retailers. It will be much easier to find vendors online though, and there are definitely more brands and models you can choose from. Price range is wide, typically from 300 dollars to 8,000 dollars depending on the number of compartments. If you’re planning on purchasing one, experts advise evaluating three to five models from various brands. Research as much as you can about the products you intend to buy so you won’t be cajoled into buying a compartment sink by a persistent salesperson. Remember to get a sink that has compartments that are big enough to accommodate the largest cooking equipment you have.
Before you pull the trigger, do a bit of research on the product you’re eyeing. Asking your friends could be one option; another could to seek reviews on the Internet. I’m not a fan of review sites as they can be misleading quite often, especially for the ignorant. As a buyer, its your responbility to do your due diligence. Research is important as you don’t want to be spending money for no real benefits.