Georgina

Is it better to have a hob or sink (or both) on a kitchen island?

Posted on 31st May 2025

Planning on having an island in your new kitchen? When it comes to accessorising it, there is a hot debate about including a hob or sink, so let’s settle it!

Although it depends on personal lifestyle and practical needs, there are two main features you will often find on a kitchen island – a hob and sink. So, we’ve asked the experts which is best to have…

A dark island with a hob and sink, seating, and storage in a moody scheme. — An Urbo and Metro black bespoke Roundhouse kitchen in matt lacquer and rough sawn stained oak, with a multi-functional island which includes both a hob and sink.

Is it better to include a hob or sink on the island?

First, let’s look at the pros of the former. If you love cooking and hosting friends and family over, having a hob on the island is a great idea. Ideal for harbouring a more social cooking experience, you can prepare meals while not skipping on the conversation since you will be facing your guests. What’s more, once the cooking is done, you can easily wipe down the surface and keep a clean and clutter-free aesthetic.

Green kitchen cabinetry with a multi-functional island with a gas hob, and a sink zone with a butler bowl and gold tap. — Enjoy a sociable cooking experience by turning your island into a chef’s table. Arbor kitchen, from £30,000, Harvey Jones.

So, if a hob sounds like the right feature for you, ensure you have 30cm to 40cm of counter space on either side of the appliance for safety. “Adequate clearance around the appliance is crucial,” says Sofia Bune, founder of Sola Kitchens. And ventilation is key; nowadays, there are many modes and models to choose from, from ducted and vented to two-in-one downdraft hobs.

A classic kitchen design with a hob on the island and seating, wall panelling and glass lighting. — When designing your island, don’t overlook practicalities such as adequate space around the hob and ventilation. Handmade Shaker kitchen cabinetry, from £10,000, Olive & Barr, painted in Farrow & Ball‘s London Cley and Stirabout.

A bespoke kitchen island with flat fronted cabinets in brushed and stained oak and a concrete effect composite worktop. — A Hetherington Newman bespoke kitchen island with flat fronted cabinets in brushed and stained oak and a concrete-effect composite worktop, with a Gaggenau gas hob and custom-designed feature ceiling element above. Photography: Darren Chung.

Now, let’s look at including a sink on your island. Similar to the hob, it creates a sociable scheme, allowing you to chat to friends or family while sorting the dishes. “Cleaning up is made easy with a kitchen island sink,” says Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen company.

View inside a classic kitchen with a sink and tap on the island. — Cleaning up is a breeze when you have a spacious sink within your island. Kitchen by Tom Howley. Oxfordshire project by Dalrymple Studio, styled by Milly Bruce. Photography: Kensington Leverne.

It’s a great addition to smaller kitchens, too, as you can use the area under a window (a preferred spot by homeowners for the sink) to create a statement feature or to have uninterrupted worktop space, adds Tom.

It’s worth mentioning that by including a sink on the island, clutter may gather more quickly, from piled dishes and glasses to drying crockery.

A blue kitchen design with a central island with a sink, drinks fridge, and seating. — At the heart of this kitchen by Kate Feather sits a practical island with seating, a sink and tap, power sockets, and a compact drinks fridge. Styling by Evolve Interiors Studio. Photography: Penny Wincer.

Why not have both?

However, if you simply can’t decide, why not get the best of both worlds and go for both. “A hob and sink look lovely lined up, but a kitchen needs to be practical as well as pretty,” says Nick Bell, director at Langstaff. “When positioning a sink and a hob next to each other, spacing is key. We recommend at least 120cm between them, giving enough room for one person to cook while another washes up.”

A contemporary kitchen design with a sink and hob on the island, with ample seating and an adjoining dining area. — Custom-designed mixed-material kitchen by Blakes London with a combination of painted oak joinery, marble worktops and splashback, and a statement fluted timber island.

When designing an island with a hob, Nick also advises having a flush fitting set of induction, gas, Tepan or grills to appear seamless and avoid any issues with dirt. Plus, integrating extraction means it doesn’t interrupt with your eyeline when using the island to entertain or simply watch the children.

“A preparation sink can be useful, but it shouldn’t be the main feature of your island,” he continues. “We recommend an undermount sink and an attractive tap – we love an antique brass faucet to elevate the hardware. Balance the aesthetics with functionality to create a space that looks great but works beautifully, too.”

So, which will it be?