Portable Outside Sink Station for Al Fresco Dining

One of the hottest dining trends today is al fresco because patrons experience a more festive atmosphere outdoors. Some commercial establishments even have outdoor kitchens. Others may not have an outdoor kitchen but may need a portable, self-contained sink due to lack of a water line. Food trucks or food tents at events routinely use portable sinks to meet their hygiene needs. Many commercial catering companies need portable outdoor sinks so kitchen staff — and possibly customers — can wash their hands with water rather than hand sanitizers. Depending on your setup and location, a portable outdoor sink has several uses for al fresco dining your clients and staff will appreciate.

3-Basin Portable Sinks

There are many types of portable sinks for commercial and industrial establishments. The standard one-basin may be the most common for backyard outdoor kitchens, but many businesses use three-basin models. A three-basin portable in a restaurant allows you plenty of space for whatever you need to do. You can wash dishes and clean off vegetables, for example without using the same basin. Most three-basin sinks are made from stainless steel, making them easy to clean and very durable. Don’t underestimate the convenience of a three-basin sink if you cater to a lot of outdoor festivals or large outdoor gatherings. Many outdoor units have hot- and cold-water options, with large-capacity tanks to last you throughout the event.

Portable Handwashing Sinks

As the first line of defense against germs, the ability to wash your hands with soap and water at any outdoor dining event is an important consideration. Often a company is required to have them if you are providing food at an outdoor venue. High quality outdoor portable sinks will allow you to meet this regulation or obligation.

Legal Obligations

Portable sinks can make al fresco dining easier and more convenient, but many municipal and country health services may require outdoor sinks depending on the number of tables or of expected participants at a festival or gathering. Portable sinks are part of the health code checklists.

Other Uses for Portable Handwashing Sinks

Al fresco dining is not the only use for a portable handwashing sink. Medical and health facilities may also find portable handwashing stations useful. First responders often have these items available as part of their emergency response kits. Schools may purchase them for classroom laboratories where water lines are unavailable, or perhaps to place in hallways for students to use prior to lunch or after a laboratory session.

Types of PolyJohn Portable Sinks

PolyJohn manufactures two popular types of portable sinks that provide you with what most commercial concerns need to meet all the potential requirements for an outdoor sink.

PolyJohn BRA1-1000

The non-heated Bravo PolyJohn two-sink portable has a 22-gallon capacity, enough for 350 uses. This two-station unit has two soap dispensers, two towel dispensers and a hands-free foot pump for better sanitation. For portable outdoor use, the tie-down ring allows you to put it just about anywhere you may need it. The sink basins are deep enough for washing up to elbow depth. The gray water capacity is 24 gallons, with a drainage option of pump, siphon or drain. The operation is easy, and after filling with fresh water, you need only depress each pump to prime it so the water will continue to flow freely when pressed until the tank is empty. The soap dispenser holds thirty fluid ounces of liquid soap, and the towel dispenser holds 1,000 paper towels. This unit is 62 inches high and 26 ½ inches wide. It weighs 70 pounds empty and 254 pounds when the tank is full. You get two fluid ounces of water every time you press the foot pump.

PolyJohn BRA1-2000

The heated PolyJohn BRA1-2000 has an integral heating element. The heater must be plugged into a 120V-15-amp ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected outlet. The BRA1-2000 has the same dimensions and same capacities as the BRA1-1000. The heater will keep the water temperature between 108 and 112 degrees Fahrenheit. The heater prevents the water in the tank from freezing should the temperature drop below freezing. There is a safety mechanism that will automatically shut off the hot water once the tank capacity drops below a certain level. You can easily clean all the components of the BRA1-1000 and BRA1-2000 using mild, soapy water.

Final Word

Portable outdoor sinks are essential items to have if you do a lot of catering outside. Depending on your needs, the PolyJohn line will enable you to meet sanitation guidelines of whatever municipality has authority over the venue.