Is a Portable Sink Worth It? Here's What to Know Before You Buy

Unlike freestanding plumbed units, portable sinks are integrated tubs designed to sit within an existing sink or benchtop setup, and can be filled manually and drained via a built-in stopper. But are they worth it? Like most things in home design, it depends how you plan to use it. In this article, we’ll break down the key pros, use cases, and considerations so you can decide if a portable sink is the right fit for your setup.

1. They’re Handy in More Places Than You Think

Portable sinks are often associated with camping or off-grid setups, but they actually solve problems in many everyday spaces too. Think Airbnb studios without kitchen plumbing, outdoor entertaining zones, rental apartments with tiny prep space, or laundry rooms that double as pet-wash stations.

Because they don’t require a water connection, you can use them almost anywhere, on a benchtop, inside a kitchen sink, or even on a temporary folding table. All you need is a flat surface, a jug of water, and somewhere to tip the waste when you’re done. Whether you're dealing with a compact kitchen or a casual backyard BBQ setup, this kind of flexibility is hard to beat.

Portable sinks offer the ultimate convenience.

2. They Work Without Plumbing (But Drain Space Helps)

What sets these sinks apart from fixed plumbing models is their simplicity. You fill them up manually (hot or cold), and use the inbuilt plug to drain them once you’re done. This makes them perfect for temporary spaces or anywhere plumbing isn’t practical, like a converted van, a market stall, or a granny flat you’re not ready to plumb.

That said, if you want to make your setup more efficient, placing your portable sink inside an existing basin means you can drain straight into the existing outlet. No heavy lifting, no spills. It’s the kind of small planning decision that makes daily use feel more seamless.

3. They’re Ideal for Renters, Renovators & Airbnb Hosts

If you’re not ready to commit to a full kitchen or laundry renovation, or you’re living in a rental, a portable sink offers a stopgap solution that still feels functional. These tubs can be moved, stored, or restyled at any time. You can even bring them with you when you move.

For Airbnb hosts, adding a portable sink to a studio or self-contained guest room instantly improves the space without changing your plumbing or layout. Guests have a place to wash their hands, brush their teeth, or rinse dishes, which can go a long way in enhancing the experience.

The Alma Piper Portable Mini Sink in brushed gold looks fantastic in a guest bathroom.

Related read: How to Renovate a Bathroom on a Budget

4. Accessories Make a Big Difference

Although portable sinks are self-contained, the way you use them can be improved with a few well-chosen kitchen accessories. Placing them inside a kitchen sink means faster drainage and easier cleanup. Adding a bench-mounted dish rack or drainer can help keep things tidy when you’re prepping or rinsing too.

If you’re using your portable sink as a prep station or for soaking produce, having a cutting board, towel rail, or colander nearby will help streamline the process and give the setup a more permanent feel (even if it’s not).

5. They Look Much Nicer Than You’d Expect

We’ve all seen the clunky, plasticky versions of portable sinks, but that’s not what you’ll find here. Our portable sinks come in premium finishes like brushed gunmetal, making them feel like a design choice rather than a workaround. If you’re using them in visible areas, like a guest zone or kitchenette, this makes a huge difference in how the space feels. A sleek, stainless-steel tub also pairs nicely with sink mixers, soft towels, timber benches or tiled splashbacks. It might be temporary, but it doesn’t have to look it.

A gunmetal mini portable sink is sleek and stylish. SHOP NOW.

Read more: What Kitchen Sink Is Right for Me?