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A portable sink can be a serious lifesaver when you’re out on the road away from a water source, like camping or RVing. But these come in handy all around the house too, from the toolshed and garage, to your porch or backyard barbecue, since they can handle washing both hands and food too.
The best portable sinks all have different abilities and the best one for you depends entirely on what you’re planning on doing, and where you plan to take it.
Portable Sink Buying Guide
Here’s what to know before buying a portable sink for camping and beyond:
Washing: This is the most basic thing a sink can do, but there’s more behind it than just a faucet. Consider the system it operates through, including things like if there’s a foot pump to start the flow (and prevent grimy hands from even needing to touch the handle), a liquid soap dispenser that can hold multiple liters, and a built-in towel rack. About five gallons should be enough for around 100 hand-washings.
Transport: Having a carry handle on at least one side makes things a whole lot easier when transporting this on and off campsites. The same goes for a wheeled water tank, which can get extremely heavy when full. For a foot-pump sink, clean water will typically go into the tank at the bottom and be forced up to the faucet, but be sure to check how much it can hold. More isn’t always better – if you’re only staying a short time at the campsite, you won’t want excess water hanging out in the tank. While it does add some stability to the sink during your stay, it’ll be significantly heavier to pack up.
Material: There’s a few different choices when it comes to the material makeup of these sinks. Lightweight plastic is one, which is durable for basic camping, but can eventually crack and get damaged. Rust-proof stainless steel may be a better option if you’ll be leaving this outside for most of the time.
Bonus Features: Corner holes, or some sort of anchoring system, are important for fastening it to the ground (imagine using your tent with no stakes). Drainage is important too, both for convenience and a quick cleanup, but also if you’re connecting a portable toilet to these to reuse the water.
What Are the Best Portable Sinks?
Here are the best portable sinks for your next outdoor adventure.
