## **Chapter 5: Other Theories (Some Wild, Some Plausible)**

The post Marla shared online gathered hundreds of comments and suggestions. Some were thoughtful, others, hilarious. Here are a few:

### 1. **Vintage Bar Sink**

Some users thought it was originally designed as a **bar sink** — meant to mix drinks, hold ice, or rinse cocktail glasses. That would make sense if the kitchen was used for entertaining.

Verdict: **Possible**, especially in 80s homes with built-in entertaining features.

### 2. **Baby Sink or Pet Wash**

Others (jokingly) suggested it was a mini sink for babies or pets. One user wrote, “Perfect for rinsing your hamster after a long jog on the wheel.”

Verdict: **Funny, but impractical.** The size and placement don’t support this.

### 3. **Grease Trap Sink**

Some industrial designs used small sinks to separate grease or pre-rinse heavily soiled items before main washing.

Verdict: **Unlikely** for a residential setup.

### 4. **DIY Retrofit**

A few wondered if the mini sink was a later addition.

Verdict: **Nope.** The seamless integration in this case showed it was original to the sink unit.

—

## **Chapter 6: Manufacturer Origins**

Danielle contacted the previous homeowner, who had inherited the sink from the home’s original owners. He remembered the brand was likely **Elkay** or **Moen**, two popular sink makers of the 80s known for innovation.

Further research into Elkay’s 1983 and 1986 catalogs revealed a product line called **“Tri-Basin Culinary Centers”** — sinks with **three compartments**, designed for multitasking chefs. These products were considered upscale for the time.

Some even featured **built-in colanders**, **cutting boards**, and **sliding accessories**, long before today’s modular sink systems became trendy.

Danielle’s sink, it turned out, was a **culinary workstation before its time.**

—

## **Chapter 7: Why Did These Sinks Go Out of Style?**

With all this convenience, why don’t we see these mini sinks everywhere?

There are several reasons:

* **Cost:** These integrated systems were expensive to produce and install.
* **Trend shift:** 1990s design moved toward minimalism. Double-basin sinks gave way to deep single-bowl sinks.
* **Maintenance:** Multiple basins = more cleaning.
* **Dishwashers took over:** As dishwashers became more common, secondary sinks became less essential.
* **Changing lifestyle:** Fewer home-cooked meals and more takeout in modern lifestyles reduced the need for multitasking sink setups.

But in today’s home design climate, with the resurgence of **chef-inspired kitchens** and **custom workstations**, the multi-functional sink is making a comeback.

—

## **Chapter 8: A Modern Appreciation**

Danielle now proudly tells guests about her vintage sink, which she has restored with new stainless steel polish and a modern sprayer attachment.

“I used to think it was weird,” she says, “but now it’s my favorite thing in the kitchen.”

She uses the main sink for heavy-duty dishwashing, while the mini sink is her go-to for:

* Washing produce
* Filling pasta pots
* Draining canned food
* Quick rinses while cooking

And it’s a conversation starter. Nearly everyone who sees it asks the same question Marla did: “What’s with the mini sink?”

—

## **Chapter 9: Should You Install One Today?**

If you’re building or remodeling a kitchen, should you consider a sink like this?

### **Pros:**

* Great for multitasking
* Keeps produce and dishes separate
* Useful for families or couples cooking together
* Adds vintage character

### **Cons:**

* Takes up counter space
* Extra plumbing work
* Slightly higher maintenance
* Can be hard to source replacements for older models

Modern versions exist under names like “culinary workstation sinks” or “prep zones,” often with modular accessories. Brands like **Kraus**, **Blanco**, and **Ruvati** now offer **multi-level sinks** with prep basins, drying racks, and cutting boards built-in.

So yes — you can get one today. But it will cost more than a basic sink, and you’ll need the counter space to support it.

—

## **Conclusion: From Confusion to Culinary Feature**

What began as a quirky kitchen mystery turned out to be a brilliant, if somewhat forgotten, **design innovation from the 1980s**.

The “mini sink” wasn’t a mistake. It was part of a culinary movement — one that emphasized efficiency, multi-functionality, and style.

For Marla and Danielle, it wasn’t just about solving a riddle. It became a way to connect with the past, appreciate thoughtful design, and find beauty in something others overlooked.

Next time you move into a new home or see an odd fixture, ask questions. There’s often **history, purpose, and even genius** lurking behind what seems strange at