Everything You Need to Know about Kitchen Sinks

 

 

 

One of the most important features of the kitchen is the sink. With a variety of options to choose from, you may feel indecisive about which one to pick. Read on to find out everything you need to consider before buying one. 

 

 

In the past, homeowners had only two options for their kitchen sinks: shiny stainless steel or white enameled iron.

 

Today’s kitchen sink options include various materials to match different design styles. Sinks have changed over the years to adapt to the kitchen’s constant evolution as the home’s central activity hub. Now, there’s a range of kitchen sink options available on the market to suit virtually any need and any type of kitchen setting.

 

In general, kitchen sinks have three basic characteristics:

 

Sink configuration – The configuration of a sink refers to the number of bowls or basins it has, but can also include secondary details like the number of faucet holes or the type of corners. Examples of kitchen sink configurations include single basin, double basin, or triple bowl sinks.

 

Type of installation – The type of installation for a kitchen sink refers to how it is fixed into the countertop. Some popular examples include top-mount or drop-in sinks, under-mount sinks, integrated sinks, and corner sinks.

 

Material – This refers to what the kitchen sink is made out of. There is a broad spectrum of materials available, such as stainless steel, ceramic, porcelain, fireclay, composite granite, and solid surface.

 

 

 

When it comes to sink types, here are our top five

 

 

 

 

Undermount sink

 

• Undermount sinks are ones that you install from below the countertop. 

 

• This sink style has a rim, but the rim isn’t visible since it attaches to the bottom of the counter. Undermount kitchen sinks will give you more countertop space than top-mount or drop-in sink options.

 

• It’s best to pair an under-mount sink with a solid countertop material such as granite, marble or concrete. These materials are strong enough to hold the weight of a sink and its contents.

 

• This sink is not well suited for laminate or tile counters. This is because they have too many weak points along seams and grout lines, making it difficult to support the weight of the sink.

 

 

 

The double kitchen sink 

 

• This is the most popular type of kitchen sink configuration, also known as the “double bowl.”

 

• Due to the wide number of choices, double bowl sinks provide versatility and flexibility in terms of use.

 

• This type of sink features two bowls, which allows for washing on one side and rinsing and drying on the other side.

 

• Double bowl sinks come in a wide array of configurations and sizes, including two bowls of equal size, depth, and shape, two unequal sized bowls, two equal-sized bowls with different depths, or large compartments with smaller sides compartments.

 

 

 

The farmhouse sink

 

• Also known as an “apron sink,” this is a sink style featuring an exposed front. This type of sink can work with both country and traditional-style kitchens.

 

• The farmhouse sink evokes a sense of nostalgia and adds a bit of rustic character. 

 

• Farmhouse sinks have large, deep basins, and are generally much deeper than modern under-mount or top-mount kitchen sinks, making it easy to wash bigger pots and pans.

 

• Originally designed to sit slightly to the front of the surrounding cabinets, farmhouse sinks prevent water from landing on and damaging cabinets. Instead, their design allows any excess water to flow down the front of the sink and onto the floor. If you need more information, check this farm sink base cabinet.

 

 

 

The corner sink

 

 

• Ideal for small spaces, corner sinks are also a great option for kitchens that have a unique layout requiring a specialized shape sink. Corner sinks are great for U- or L-shaped kitchen counters and are a space-saving option, like bar sinks.

 

• Corner sinks make it possible to turn an unused corner of your kitchen into a convenient and useful spot.

 

• If you have a larger kitchen, you can use a corner sink for prepping food and cleaning up, improving the workflow in your kitchen.

 

• Check the lazy Susan cabinet or blind base cabinet for more ideas.

 

 

 

The island or bar sink

 

• A type of sink that is typically used as a supplementary sink for food preparation and is commonly installed on kitchen islands or bars.

 

• Island sinks are smaller in size compared to regular kitchen sinks and usually, just have a single bowl. They come in a wide variety of sizes, models, and finishes.

 

• The clearest advantage of an island sink is convenience. It acts as a centralized preparation area for quick clean-up, easy food prep, and hand-washing.

 

• Island sinks are also easy to install on a variety of base cabinets. To top it all off, adding an island sink can also help increase the resale value of your home.

 

 

 

 

 

Choosing the configuration and size of your kitchen sink will depend on a variety of factors. These include the size of your counter space, the size of the base cabinets, and the average usage or workflow in your kitchen. Your kitchen layout will also play a significant role, so planning is important.

 

Whatever your choice may be, with the right cabinetry, there’s always a way to put your ideas into your design.

 

If you need help with a visual look of your dream kitchen, our design experts will help you with our free 3D kitchen design.