Portable Hand Wash Stations

Compare Our Portable Handwashing Stations

NSF note: NSF references apply only to the specific components identified in the product specifications and should not be interpreted as whole-unit NSF certification.

Hot Water vs. Cold Water Hand Wash Stations

Model 35-0091 supplies room-temperature water at 110V/15A. Models 35-0092, 35-0105, 35-0202, and 35-0090 use 2.5-gallon electric hot water heaters at 110V/15A. Premier and Pinnacle models use the same Stiebel Eltron point-of-use heater and include a 20A power cord.

The 2022 FDA Food Code § 5-202.12(A) requires handwashing sinks to provide water at least 85°F (29.4°C). Because the Food Code is a model, state and local requirements may differ; always confirm applicable requirements with your local health department.

Who Uses a Mobile Hand Wash Station?

Food Trucks & Concession Trailers

A mobile hand washing station separates handwashing from utensil cleaning. Model 35-0090 combines three warewashing basins with a separate handwashing basin.

Outdoor Events, Festivals & Fairs

Resin-cabinet models are the best fit for temporary outdoor use at events, festivals, and fairs. Premier and Pinnacle models can also be used in covered outdoor areas where they are protected from direct weather exposure. For outdoor events, also plan for site power, freshwater filling, wastewater disposal, and a model suited to the intended environment.

Construction & Job Sites

A portable handwashing station adds running water near work areas or portable restrooms. Models 35-0091, 35-0092, 35-0105, 35-0202, and 35-0090 use 110V/15A power; Premier and Pinnacle models include 20A power cords.

Salons, Studios & Mobile Service Businesses

Premier works well in spas, medical offices, healthcare rooms, and other professional spaces where a finished cabinet appearance matters. Pinnacle provides stainless steel construction and locking casters for settings where durability and easy-clean surfaces are priorities.

Schools, Churches & Community Spaces

A mobile handwashing station can add temporary handwashing capacity in classrooms, activity rooms, fellowship halls, event spaces, and other shared areas where a fixed sink is unavailable or inconvenient. Self-contained models are especially useful for temporary programs, special events, renovation periods, and spaces that need flexible handwashing access without installing permanent plumbing.

Emergency, Field & Temporary Operations

Self-contained stations can support temporary field operations with freshwater, wastewater disposal, and electrical service. Choose an indoor/outdoor model for outdoor use.

Health Code Requirements for Portable Hand Sinks

For retail food service, the 2022 FDA Food Code sets a minimum of 85°F at a handwashing sink. State and local agencies may adopt different or stricter requirements, including higher water-temperature standards for mobile food operations, so always verify the rules with your local health department.

A food-service handwashing sink must remain dedicated to handwashing rather than utensil, equipment, or food-preparation use. Soap and an approved hand-drying method, such as single-use towels, should also be provided.

The FDA Food Code does not set one universal freshwater-tank minimum; the system must have sufficient capacity for the operation. For mobile food establishments, the wastewater holding tank must have at least 15% more capacity than the freshwater supply tank. All models in this category meet or exceed that 15% capacity requirement.

Local authorities may also regulate basin dimensions, tank capacity, faucet design, signage, water temperature, and placement.

Need help comparing models? Our team can assist with product features such as water temperature, basin configuration, power requirements, and intended environment. Customers are responsible for confirming all applicable local health codes and permitting requirements before purchase.

How a Portable Hand Washing Station Works

A portable hand washing station carries fresh water and wastewater inside the cabinet. An electric pump pressurizes the faucet, and drainage flows into a separate gray-water tank instead of a sewer connection.

Heated models use storage, point-of-use, or tankless heaters. All eight models have a 5-gallon freshwater tank. How long that water lasts depends on how often the faucet is used and how long each wash takes. Model 35-0090 also uses the same freshwater tank for its three utensil-washing basins, so it may use water faster than models designed only for handwashing.

If the station will be stored or transported in freezing temperatures, the system must be winterized beforehand to protect the pump, heater, and plumbing components from freeze damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do portable hand wash stations need plumbing?

A: No. These self-contained stations carry freshwater onboard and collect wastewater separately. They still require filling, appropriate electrical service, and wastewater disposal.

Q: How does a portable hand washing station heat water?

A: Models 35-0092, 35-0105, 35-0202, and 35-0090 use 2.5-gallon electric hot water heaters. Premier and Pinnacle models use the same Stiebel Eltron point-of-use heater.

Q: How many hand washes do you get per tank?

A: A 5-gallon tank can provide roughly 30–35 handwashes as a planning estimate. Actual use varies with faucet flow, wash duration, and warewashing use.

Q: Will a portable hand sink pass a health inspection?

A: Health inspection requirements vary by location. Your local health department may consider factors such as water temperature, dedicated handwashing use, basin dimensions, tank capacity, soap, hand drying, and other requirements that apply in your area.

Q: What is the difference between a hand wash station and a 3- or 4-compartment sink?

A: A sink for handwashing is dedicated to hands. A 3-compartment sink washes, rinses, and sanitizes utensils or equipment. Model 35-0090 combines three warewashing pans with one handwashing pan.

Q: Can I use a portable hand wash station outdoors?

A: Several resin-cabinet models are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Premier and Pinnacle models can also be used in covered outdoor areas where they are protected from direct weather exposure.

Q: What size hand sink does a food truck need?

A: There is no single FDA Food Code basin size for every food truck. Single-basin models here range from 11¾" × 11" × 5⅝" to 19½" × 11¾" × 5¾"; local requirements vary.

Q: What affects the price of a portable hand wash station?

A: Price varies by heated versus unheated operation, heater type, basin number and size, and cabinet construction.