BK Resources BKS-3-18-12-18T Stainless Steel 3-Compartment Sink with Dual 18" Drainboards, 18×18×12 Bowls, NSF
BK Resources BKS-3-18-12-18T 3-Compartment Sink with Dual 18" Drainboards
The BK Resources BKS-3-18-12-18T is a three-compartment stainless steel commercial sink with dual 18" drainboards on the left and right of three 18" x 18" x 12" deep bowls. Overall length runs 90" with a 23-13/16" front-to-back depth and a 43-3/4" overall height including the 9" rear backsplash. The 36" working deck height accommodates standard commercial faucets, pre-rinse units, and gooseneck spouts in the 8"-on-center splash-mount layout above the center bowl. Three 18-deep bowls in line is the standard manual ware-washing footprint required by most local health codes for wash, rinse, and sanitize - this is the sink that clears a health inspection on day one of an open-the-doors permit walkthrough.
Prefer to pick up locally? Will call pickup is available at 11 US warehouses (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orlando, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Boston, Newark, Atlanta, Houston, Cleveland) on the 90" 3-compartment will-call sink with dual 18" drainboards. This BK Resources sink ships nationwide.
T-304 18-gauge stainless steel deck and bowls, galvanized 1-5/8" round legs with adjustable high-impact corrosion-resistant feet, 1-1/2" rounded front and side edges, 1/4"-pitched drainboards for proper drainage, and three basket drains (BKDR-4) included in the carton make this a true commercial-duty wash line ready for daily back-of-house service. Pre-punched 8"-on-center faucet holes accept any standard 8" OC commercial faucet. NSF listed.
Best Uses for the BKS-3-18-12-18T
- Primary 3-compartment manual ware-washing line for restaurants, bars, and commercial kitchens
- Pot and pan wash stations in scratch kitchens, bakeries, and butcher shops
- Banquet and catering kitchens handling chafer pans, hotel pans, and large prep equipment
- Schools, hospitals, and institutional cafeterias requiring code-compliant manual wash lines
- Bar and back-bar wash systems for glassware, mixing tins, ice scoops, and bar tools
- Commissary kitchens supporting food trucks, ghost kitchens, and central prep operations
- Production bakeries running sheet pans, baking molds, and proofing equipment through wash cycles
- Concession stadiums, fairgrounds, and event venues requiring a permanent code-compliant wash line
Three-Compartment Wash, Rinse, Sanitize Workflow
Most local health codes require a three-compartment sink for any manual ware-washing operation: the first bowl handles wash with hot water and detergent, the second handles a clean-water rinse, and the third handles sanitizing solution (chlorine, quaternary ammonium, or iodine at code-specified concentrations). The BKS-3-18-12-18T puts those three bowls in a left-to-right line with an 18" drainboard on the left for soiled-in staging and an 18" drainboard on the right for clean-out air drying. That layout supports the standard commercial dishroom workflow: dirty pans land on the left drainboard, scrape and pre-rinse on the left drainboard or in the wash bowl, wash in bowl one, rinse in bowl two, sanitize in bowl three for the code-required dwell time, then air dry on the right drainboard.
Each 18" wide by 18" front-to-back by 12" deep bowl is sized to accept a full-size sheet pan (18" x 26") on a diagonal soak, a 12" x 20" hotel pan flat, a stockpot up to 11"-12" diameter standing upright, and most commercial bus tubs and prep buckets. The 12" depth fully submerges a sheet pan or hotel pan under wash water without overflowing during agitation, and lets the sanitize bowl maintain the code-required immersion depth without constant top-off. Three bowls in line at 18" each plus dividers totals approximately 54" of bowl run inside the 90" overall length, with the remaining length split between the two 18" drainboards.
18" x 18" x 12" Deep Bowls - Full Sheet Pan Capacity
The 12" bowl depth matters: shallower 10"-deep bar sinks force dishwashers to soak tall items in two flips, which doubles labor on a busy line. A 12" depth gives enough water column to fully submerge a sheet pan or sauce pot under suds, rinse, or sanitizer without overflowing during agitation. The 18" front-to-back bowl width gives enough working room for two-handed scrubbing of large pans without banging knuckles against the bowl walls, and the 18" left-to-right width accepts most commercial wash bus tubs lowered straight into the bowl for tool-and-utensil presoak.
T-304 18-Gauge Stainless Construction
The deck and three bowls are formed from T-304 18-gauge stainless steel - the same grade used in restaurant prep tables, work tables, and food-contact equipment for its corrosion resistance and food-safe surface. The 18-gauge thickness (about 1.2 mm) is the commercial standard for compartment sinks and survives daily abuse from heavy pots, knife edges, and wire-bristle scrub brushes without denting or warping. The galvanized 1-5/8" round legs handle the heavy load of three full bowls plus dual drainboards with adjustable corrosion-resistant feet that allow leveling on uneven floors and absorb impact from delivery carts and cleaning equipment. The "TS" stainless-leg variant (BKS-3-18-12-18TS) offers stainless legs with stainless end bracing and stainless-over-plastic adjustable bullet feet for high-humidity dishrooms and chemical-splash environments where galvanized leg corrosion would shorten service life.
The 1-1/2" rounded front and side edges serve two purposes: they stiffen the deck so it does not flex under load, and they create a containment lip that keeps water and food debris from running off the sink onto floors or adjacent equipment. The 9" rear backsplash protects the wall behind the sink and provides the mounting surface for the splash-mount faucet over the center bowl, keeping the faucet body, hose, and supply lines out of the working area on the deck.
Faucet Holes and Drain Hardware
The backsplash includes one set of pre-punched 1" diameter faucet holes on 8"-on-center spacing positioned over the center bowl. That accepts any standard commercial 8" OC splash-mount faucet, including pre-rinse units, gooseneck spouts that swing to all three bowls, and add-on dish sprayers. Three 3-1/2" basket drains (BK Resources BKDR-4) ship with the unit - one for each bowl. Install each drain in the bowl drain opening with plumber's putty or the included gasket and connect each to a standard 1-1/2" drain trap below. Stainless steel basket drains (BKDR-4-304) are available as an upgrade if the install location runs hotter water, harsher chemicals, or longer service intervals between basket cleanouts. Lever drains are also available as an option for hands-free draining between wash, rinse, and sanitize cycles.
Specifications
| Model | BKS-3-18-12-18T |
| Brand | BK Resources |
| Type | Three-compartment sink with dual 18" drainboards |
| Compartments | 3 |
| Drainboards | (2) - 18" left and right |
| Overall Length | 90" |
| Overall Width (front-to-back) | 23-13/16" |
| Overall Height (with backsplash) | 43-3/4" |
| Working Height (deck) | 36" |
| Bowl Length (left-to-right, each) | 18" |
| Bowl Width (front-to-back, each) | 18" |
| Bowl Depth (each) | 12" |
| Backsplash Height | 9" |
| Faucet Holes | (1) set, 1" diameter, 8" on-center splash-mount over center bowl |
| Front and Side Edges | 1-1/2" rounded |
| Drainboard Pitch | 1/4" toward bowls |
| Material | T-304 18-gauge stainless steel deck and bowls |
| Legs | 1-5/8" galvanized steel, round |
| Feet | Adjustable high-impact corrosion-resistant |
| Drains Included | (3) basket drains (BKDR-4) |
| Drain Outlet | 3-1/2" basket drain to 1-1/2" tailpiece (each bowl) |
| Net Weight | 85 lb |
| Certifications | NSF |
Installation, Plumbing, and Clearance Requirements
The BKS-3-18-12-18T ships with bolt-together legs and crossbracing depending on freight configuration; check the carton on receipt before delivery to confirm. At 90" overall length, the unit will not move through standard 36"-wide commercial doorways without tipping or angling - measure the delivery path before scheduling freight, including service elevators, dock-to-kitchen corridors, and the final install opening. Set the sink against a wall with the 9" backsplash flush to the wall surface, level the six adjustable feet on the floor (three legs across the front, three across the back), and confirm the deck reads level both left-to-right and front-to-back across the full 90" run before plumbing the supply or drain lines. The 1-5/8" round galvanized legs accept standard commercial undershelves and crossbraces if additional storage is desired below the deck.
Faucet supply lines connect to the splash-mount faucet body installed through the 8"-on-center backsplash holes over the center bowl - run hot and cold supply lines up the wall behind the sink with shut-off valves accessible for service. Each basket drain installs in its bowl drain opening with the included gasket; connect each 1-1/2" tailpiece to a P-trap and run the trap waste lines to a floor drain or to the building waste stack per local code. Most jurisdictions require an indirect-waste air gap between the sink drains and the floor drain when the sink is used for food contact - confirm with the local health authority before final connection. Plan for at least 6" of clearance behind the unit between the backsplash and the wall finish for plumbing service access, and confirm front clearance for staff working all three bowls simultaneously during peak service.
Why Operators Choose BK Resources
BK Resources builds commercial sinks and stainless fabrication the way working operators want them built - T-304 stainless for corrosion resistance and food-safe contact, 18-gauge thickness for daily commercial duty, NSF-listed construction so health inspectors clear the install on the first walkthrough, factory-pitched drainboards and rounded edges for water containment without on-site fabrication, three basket drains included in the carton instead of as a separate purchase, and galvanized 1-5/8" leg construction at the value tier with stainless-leg upgrades available on the same chassis (model number ending in "S"). Browse the full sink lineup for matching 1- and 2-compartment sinks, longer 24" drainboard variants (BKS-3-18-12-24T), deeper 14" bowl variants (BKS-3-18-14-18T), hand sinks, mop sinks, and underbar wash equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pans and pots fit in each 18 x 18 x 12 bowl?
Each bowl accepts a full-size sheet pan (18" x 26") on a diagonal soak, a 12" x 20" hotel pan flat, a 1/2-size sheet pan flat with room to spare, a stockpot up to 11"-12" diameter standing upright, and most commercial bus tubs and prep buckets. The 12" depth fully submerges a sheet pan under wash, rinse, or sanitize water without overflowing during agitation.
Does the BKS-3-18-12-18T meet 3-compartment sink requirements for a commercial kitchen?
Yes. The BKS-3-18-12-18T is a code-compliant three-compartment sink for manual ware-washing, with three separate bowls supporting wash, rinse, and sanitize cycles. Most local health codes require this configuration for any commercial kitchen, bar, or food-service operation that does not run a mechanical commercial dishwasher as the primary dish-cleaning method. Confirm specific bowl size, drainboard, and air gap requirements with the local health authority before final install.
What is the difference between BKS-3-18-12-18T, BKS-3-18-12-24T, and BKS-3-18-14-18T?
All three share the same three 18" x 18" bowl footprint, 23-13/16" front-to-back depth, and dual-drainboard layout. The 18-12-18T has 12"-deep bowls and 18" drainboards (90" overall length, 85 lb). The 18-12-24T has 12"-deep bowls and 24" drainboards (102" overall length, 90 lb) for operations that need more soiled-in or clean-out staging. The 18-14-18T has 14"-deep bowls and 18" drainboards (90" overall length, 90 lb) for operations that wash extra-tall stockpots, large bus tubs, or tall hotel pans where 12" depth runs short. Choose the 18-12-18T for the standard commercial wash line; choose the longer or deeper variants when staging space or pot height demands it.
What faucet fits the BKS-3-18-12-18T?
Any commercial 8"-on-center splash-mount faucet positioned over the center bowl. That includes deck-mount commercial faucets with 8" hub-to-hub spacing, gooseneck spouts that swing to all three bowls, pre-rinse units, and add-on dish sprayers. The faucet holes are 1" in diameter on 8" OC spacing per the BK Resources spec. The faucet is not included with the sink - purchase separately based on application.
Are the basket drains included or a separate purchase?
Three standard chrome-plated brass basket drains (BK Resources BKDR-4, one per bowl) are included in the carton. Stainless steel basket drains (BKDR-4-304) are available as an upgrade for harsher service environments, longer service intervals, or installations where chrome plating is not acceptable. Lever drains are also available as an option for hands-free draining between wash, rinse, and sanitize cycles - useful in high-volume dishrooms where drain operation between cycles slows the line.
What is the difference between the BKS-3-18-12-18T and the BKS-3-18-12-18TS?
The "T" model has galvanized steel legs and standard adjustable feet at 85 lb. The "TS" model upgrades to stainless steel legs, stainless steel end bracing, and stainless-over-plastic adjustable bullet feet - the same deck, three bowls, and dual drainboards but a higher-grade chassis for environments where galvanized leg corrosion would be a problem (high-humidity dishrooms, cleaning-chemical splash zones, outdoor or covered-patio installs).
Are the drainboards pitched for drainage?
Yes. Each 18" drainboard pitches 1/4" back toward the adjacent bowl so wash water and rinse runoff drain into the compartments instead of pooling on the working surface or running off the front of the sink. The 1-1/2" rounded front and side edges contain splash and runoff inside the deck perimeter.
Will the BKS-3-18-12-18T fit through a standard 36" doorway?
Not without angling or tipping. The unit is 90" long by 23-13/16" front-to-back, so the 23-13/16" dimension passes through a 36" doorway easily - but the 90" overall length will not turn corners in tight service corridors, and the 43-3/4" overall height plus crated freight height needs to clear ceiling soffits, sprinkler heads, and overhead piping along the delivery path. Measure the full path from dock to install location before scheduling freight, including service elevators, kitchen door swings, and the final install opening.
Can I install undershelves or crossbraces under the sink?
Yes. The 1-5/8" round galvanized legs accept standard commercial sink undershelves, crossbraces, and slant-rack shelves like the BK-SSH (sold separately). Undershelves add storage for cleaning chemicals, scrub buckets, and bus tubs while keeping the deck clear for active wash work. End splashes (BKS-RES) are also available as an option to contain water at the ends of the dual drainboards in installations where the sink is not flush against side walls.
Does the sink require an indirect-waste air gap?
Most local health codes require an indirect-waste air gap between each sink drain and the floor drain or building waste stack when the sink is used for food contact. The exact air gap distance varies by jurisdiction. Confirm with the local health authority and a licensed plumber before final connection - retrofitting an air gap after the sink is in place is significantly more expensive than building it into the original install. Some jurisdictions allow a single shared indirect waste connection for all three bowls; others require individual air gaps per bowl.
Is the BKS-3-18-12-18T NSF-listed?
Yes. The unit is NSF listed for commercial food-service use, which is required by most local health authorities for any sink installed in a permitted commercial kitchen, bar, or food-service operation.
Can the sink accept a pre-rinse unit?
Yes. The 8"-on-center 1" diameter faucet holes accept any standard commercial 8" OC pre-rinse unit. Pre-rinse units mount in the same hub spacing as a standard splash-mount faucet and add a high-flow spray valve on a flexible hose for scraping and pre-rinsing pans before the wash bowl - standard equipment in any high-volume commercial dishroom. Pre-rinse units are sold separately. Add-on dish sprayers can also retrofit to existing splash-mount faucets if a full pre-rinse upgrade is not in budget.