Sink Accessory & Add-On Costs
Updated February 20, 2026
A kitchen sink is rarely just a sink. Disposals, soap dispensers, hot water dispensers, filtration taps, and cutting board/grid accessories turn a basic basin into a workstation. Each add-on has a cost -- some are worth it for every kitchen, others are luxury nice-to-haves.
Overview
A kitchen sink is rarely just a sink. Disposals, soap dispensers, hot water dispensers, filtration taps, and cutting board/grid accessories turn a basic basin into a workstation. Each add-on has a cost -- some are worth it for every kitchen, others are luxury nice-to-haves.
Cost Breakdown
Pro Tips
- A soap dispenser and bottom grid are the two most universally useful sink accessories. Together they cost $35-$90 and improve daily kitchen function.
- If your sink has 3-4 holes and you're using a single-hole faucet, the extra holes can accommodate a soap dispenser, hot water dispenser, or filtered water tap.
- Instant hot water dispensers save real time if you drink tea or coffee daily. The payback vs boiling a kettle is in convenience, not energy.
- Buy sink grids sized specifically for your sink model. Generic grids often don't fit well and can scratch the basin if they shift.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a sink with no extra holes and then wanting to add accessories later. Drilling new holes in a countertop is expensive.
- Skipping the bottom grid on a stainless steel sink. Without it, every pot and pan leaves scratches.
- Installing a hot water dispenser without checking that there's an electrical outlet under the sink.
- Choosing accessories from a different brand than your sink without verifying hole spacing and sizing.
When to Call a Pro
Garbage disposal and hot water dispenser installation involve electrical connections. If no outlet exists under the sink, an electrician needs to add one ($100-$200). All other sink accessories are simple DIY installations.
Bottom Line
Essential accessories: garbage disposal ($50-$400) and bottom grid ($20-$60). Nice-to-haves: soap dispenser ($15-$80), hot water dispenser ($150-$350), filtered tap ($150-$600 total). Budget $100-$300 for accessories on top of your sink and faucet purchase.