Neither. Small prep sink on the island.

We have sink in our island. I have no regrets about not putting the cooktop there but i would have made the sink smaller or even not have the sink there (not sure it would have worked). Our sink is wonderful but it cuts into the area for people sitting across the sink and there are splashes so that kids paperwork gets wet if they are working on homework there. So if i had it to do again i would have made sink smaller and chosen a faucet that perhaps causes less splashing (although i love our grohe faucet). Our island is one level which for a smaler island is better i think.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. If I put the sink on the island, would you have the entire island be at the same level with no raised part at the seatingl? Dishwasher would be adjacent to the sink, whether it was on the island or not. Thanks for all your input!

21:28 here. We originally planned a 2 level island, but people on the Gardenweb forum recommended 1 level. We have no regrets with our 1 level island. Having 1 continuous space is more versatile and is useful for serving food while entertaining. Also, a 1 level island goes with counter depth (24") stools, while a 2 level usually requires bar stools (30"). The lower chairs were more desirable, because we have small children. They are also easier for our parents to use.

We wanted the island to be visually clean. We have a built in soap dispenser to avoid bottles on the counter. We have a large double farm sink, so all of the dishes fit inside.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. If I put the sink on the island, would you have the entire island be at the same level with no raised part at the seatingl? Dishwasher would be adjacent to the sink, whether it was on the island or not. Thanks for all your input!

I would do a raised portion so that water doesn't splash too far.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. If I put the sink on the island, would you have the entire island be at the same level with no raised part at the seatingl? Dishwasher would be adjacent to the sink, whether it was on the island or not. Thanks for all your input!

I think visually it looks nice to raise the counter in front of the sink, e.g.:
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/1c/64/b5/1c64b55f886cdfc10858ef755b11b274.jpg

In terms of sink placement, it make sense to be next to the dishwasher if it's your only sink. You may also want to think about where your dish rack would sit.

Also, think about your triangle for the kitchen layout--fridge, stovetop, sink.

OP here. If I put the sink on the island, would you have the entire island be at the same level with no raised part at the seatingl? Dishwasher would be adjacent to the sink, whether it was on the island or not. Thanks for all your input!

Do all one level. I would choose sink. Where will the dishwasher be?

Highly recommend a one-level island and cooktop OFF the island.

Our island sink is great. Not a fan of cooktop on an island. Besides the venting issues, I wouldn't want to worry about heat and splashing from the cooktop if people were to sit at the island while I am cooking.

Out layout has worked well for us. We have an island facing an open dining room. We have space for 4 stools on a 1 level island. From left to right, we have a trash drawer, double farm sink, dishwasher, and open shelves. Cooktop is against a wall across from the sink.

Anonymous wrote:Sink. I wouldn't buy a house with a cooktop in the island.

+2

We bought our house with a cooktop in the island. It's actually really convenient, except that it takes up all the space in the island. We expanded the island to accommodate and it works great.

Note that if you do this you need to do work to get exhaust venting through the floor or ceiling, which could be expensive.

Anonymous wrote:Sink. I wouldn't buy a house with a cooktop in the island.

+1

Lots of people don't seem to like cooktops in the island... Others can specifiy why, but I think there is a safety issue (with kids) and grease splatter issues, and a venting issue. All of these could be resolved, I guess.

Sink. I wouldn't buy a house with a cooktop in the island.

I'm working with a designer on a kitchen remodel/ addition to a 1950s split level and am trying to incorporate an island in the design. The best way the layout works is to either put the main (and only) sink or the cooktop on the island. I want the island to have knee space to be able to accommodate 3 or 4 stools and I'm ok if the island seating portion of the island has a raised countertop (42") but I guess a full flat island is probably more flexible. I'm just having a hard time deciding which is the best to have on the island - the sink or the cooktop. I was originally thinking the sink, but then I'm kind of leaning toward the cooktop since it is used much less and with a sink there will always be dirty dishes sitting on the countertop waiting to be put in the dishwasher.

I'm just curious if anyone has any strong feelings about either one and if you have either of these setups and have been happy with it.

thank!