Empura Compartment Sinks

What should you look for in compartment sinks?

Choose a compartment sink by checking the number of bowls, bowl dimensions, gauge and type of stainless steel, drainboard layout, backsplash, faucet mounting, and available installation space. Each bowl must be large enough for the largest item that will be washed. Drainboards should provide adequate room for soiled items and air-drying where required.

Empura offers one-, two-, and three-compartment sinks in standard-duty 18-gauge and heavy-duty 16-gauge configurations. Current models include several bowl sizes, galvanized or stainless steel legs, cross bracing on select units, and options with no drainboard or with one or two drainboards. The collection is listed as NSF certified. Under the FDA Food Code, manual warewashing generally requires at least three compartments, with limited exceptions for approved two-compartment use.

Who uses compartment sinks?

• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Bars
• Catering Operations
• Schools
• Healthcare Facilities
• Cafeterias
• Convenience Stores

Frequently asked questions

What is a three-compartment sink used for?
It separates the manual warewashing process into washing, rinsing, and sanitizing. After sanitizing, utensils and equipment should air-dry rather than being towel-dried.

Are three-compartment sinks required in commercial kitchens?The FDA Food Code calls for at least three compartments for manual washing, rinsing, and sanitizing, except where the regulatory authority approves a qualifying two-compartment sink procedure. Local requirements control, so confirm the layout before installation.

How large should each sink compartment be?
Each compartment should accommodate the largest utensil or equipment item that will be cleaned manually. Measure sheet pans, pots, mixing bowls, and removable equipment parts before choosing bowl dimensions.

What is the difference between 16-gauge and 18-gauge stainless steel?
A lower gauge number indicates thicker sheet metal. A 16-gauge sink is therefore made from thicker stainless steel than an 18-gauge sink and may be selected for more demanding handling conditions.

Do compartment sinks need drainboards?
Drainboard needs depend on the warewashing process and local code. Drainboards, racks, or tables must provide enough space to hold soiled items before washing and allow cleaned items to drain and air-dry without contamination.