Why Have Tilt-Out Sink Fronts Have Fallen Out of Favor?

Question:

Designers don't recommend tilt-out sink fronts anymore, why have they fallen out of favor?

Answer:

Helen Richardson, Designer

The tilt-out sink front is a wood-panel that matches the kitchen cabinets and looks very similar to a drawer but tilts open due to limited space. Tilt-out sink fronts have been popular in the past but have recently fallen out a favor.

The trays often don’t fit with under-mount sinks so it can be a challenge to find a sink that not only meets homeowners’ functionality and design requirements but also allows room for the tilt-out front. Even if you succeed in finding a tray that fits, finding replacements parts can also be a challenge. Springs, in particular, can be difficult to replace and they tend to corrode or wear out more quickly than typical hinges.

“The tilt-out sink front provides little benefit but poses many potential problems,” says designer Helen Richardson. The biggest issue, however, is the high potential for water damage. “I dislike the tilt-out tray because it easily gets wet and water damage ruins the cabinet’s finish.” Many people mistake the tilt-out sink front for a sponge tray but it is actually not meant for sponges; it was originally designed as a soap tray. Storing wet sponges and constantly opening the front with wet hands further contributes to water damage. While all of our product lines come with lifetime warranties, water damage is not warranted by the manufacturers.