Everything You Need to Know About Choosing a Kitchen Sink
By McDaniels Kitchens and Bath|Kitchen Design
Choosing a kitchen sink may not be the first thing you think of when planning a kitchen design, but this simple kitchen tool impacts your design’s functionality and style. The sink is part of the core “work triangle” in any kitchen layout. It is where you spend substantial time preparing food, cleaning up, washing hands, and more. You probably spend more time at the kitchen sink than you realize, so it is key that you choose a model and style that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your design aesthetic. The right sink, when paired with a faucet that fits your style and functionality, makes your kitchen design more efficient, easier to use, and simpler to maintain.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a sink that meets your needs! Start with our guide to everything you need to know about choosing the right sink for your new kitchen design. We will discuss the different types of sinks, sizes, materials, and extra features that will help you make your final choice.
Key Types of Kitchen Sinks
There are several key types of kitchen sinks, which are primarily determined by the way they work together with your countertop and are installed.
Top Mount or Drop-In Sinks
These sink types rest on top of the countertop and are installed by dropping them into a hole cut into the countertop. This installation method makes them making them much easier to install and they are typically a less expensive option than other sink types.
While they are a budget-friendly and versatile option that fit a wide range of kitchen designs, they are also more difficult to keep clean. This is due to the edges that sit on top of the countertop since food and liquids can get trapped at the edges. Drop-in sinks also do not give your kitchen as clean and sleek a style as other sink models.
Undermount Sinks
These models are one of the most popular options available, and are installed underneath the countertop, giving your kitchen design a seamless look. They are much easier to clean around since there are no edges to worry about and food waste and liquids can simply be wiped off the countertop and into the sink. Their installation requires greater expertise and is definitely not geared towards a DIY job.
Farmhouse or Apron-Front Sinks
Farmhouse sinks have an exposed front and typically protrude slightly beyond the cabinet in which they are installed. While traditionally associated with rustic or farmhouse kitchen designs, they come in a range of materials and styles that fit almost any kitchen design. An apron-front sink becomes a natural focal point and gives any kitchen a distinctive style.
Their installation requires special expertise, as the cabinets and countertops must be cut precisely to the dimensions of your chosen sink. Farmhouse sinks have a deeper basin which is great for washing large pots and pans, making them an efficient choice that is ideal for a busy kitchen where you cook regularly.
Integrated Sinks
Integrated sinks are made of the same material as your countertop to give your space a unified look. While they are more common in bathroom designs, they are sometimes used in kitchens. They have a seamless appearance that give your room a sleek look and make it simple to clean and maintain.
They require custom fabrication, which means they can be tailored to your requirements. However, this also tends to make them a more expensive option. They are more difficult to replace since they are part of a single piece of material that includes your countertop. If anything goes wrong with the sink it may mean replacing your entire countertop too.
Bar Sinks
Beverage bar sinks serve as a secondary sink for a wet bar, which complements your main kitchen sink. They could be in a different material to your primary sinks, and are typically a smaller sink size or even a different shape. They are used just for preparing drinks rather than for regular use in preparing food and cleaning up.
Sink Sizes and Configurations
Standard Sizes
Start assessing your requirements by looking at the size of your existing sink and think about whether it meets your needs. If you need to go bigger or are changing to a different model like a farmhouse sink, think about the size you need as well as the surrounding countertop space this will leave you. Choose a model big enough to handle your daily use but that doesn’t overwhelm your kitchen. Your sink should also be centered in the cabinet on which the sink sits so you must coordinate your sink choice with not only countertop but also cabinetry is essential.
Depth and Bowl Configuration
Sink depths vary depending on the style and size you choose. When choosing your sink depth, consider your cooking and cleaning styles. If you like to entertain, a deep sink can be a good place to stow dirty dishes during a party until you can clear them up. If you cook large meals for a big family then a deep sink is ideal for food preparation and for cleaning large pots and pans. If you are designing for aging in place or a smaller household then a more compact, shallower sink may be a better choice.
- Single bowl vs. double bowl sinks really depends on your personal preferences. Some prefer to have a divided sink where they can multi-task while others see this as wasted space and prefer one large sink bowl. Double bowl sinks can be two equal sizes or one larger and one smaller.
- Triple bowl sinks are typically wider than standard sinks and take up more countertop space. They can be three equal sizes or two equal and one smaller used as a prep sink.
Sink Materials
While stainless steel is the most commonly used sink material, there are a range of materials available to fit your style, maintenance needs, and budget. Here are some of the top materials that give you the functionality and style you need for your kitchen sink.
Stainless Steel
- This is one of the most popular options known for its durability, resistance to heat, and range of price options.
- Stainless fits well in any kitchen design but particularly suits modern kitchen styles.
- It is easy to clean but it can scratch and show water spots so make sure to follow a careful maintenance routine.
- Lower gauge stainless steel has a higher strength, making it more durable and able to absorb sounds.
Porcelain and Fireclay
- These sinks have a classic look and work especially well in traditional and farmhouse kitchen designs.
- Porcelain and fireclay are available in different colors and don’t fade over time.
- They are very durable making them resistant to scratches and stains; however, they can chip with heavy use.
Granite Composite
- Granite composite sinks have hard, nonporous surfaces that are highly durable and are resistant to scratches, chipping, and stains.
- They come in a variety of colors to enhance your kitchen design’s style.
- These sinks are very heavy and require careful planning for cabinetry that can support them.
Cast Iron
- Cast iron has a glossy, enamel-coated finish and is available in different colors.
- It is resistant to scratches and stains, can withstand high heat, and is easy to clean.
- Cast iron does have the potential to chip over time.
- They are heavy sinks and require sturdy support in your cabinet selection.
Copper
- Copper has a unique and warm appearance, and is one of the more expensive sink material options available.
- It also has antimicrobial properties that minimize the spread of germs.
- Copper sinks need regular, careful maintenance to preserve the finish but also develop a patina over time that give it a truly unique look.
Workstation Sinks
When you spend so much time at your kitchen sink and perform so many tasks there, functionality and efficiency are key to keeping your kitchen running smoothly. This is why workstation sinks get a special mention separate to other sink types. They are a multi-functional kitchen tool that let you use your sink differently to a standard kitchen sink.
Workstation sinks can incorporate integrated accessories like cutting boards, drying racks, and colanders. They maximize your available space with a larger sink that has accessories that slide in and out easily, letting you accomplish more in one sink space. With all of these features include, workstation sinks streamline the way you operate in the kitchen, letting you move from prep to cooking to clean up with ease.
Style Considerations
Sinks are a practical tool in any kitchen design but they also form part of a cohesive kitchen design style. Choose a sink that fits your kitchen design aesthetic, such as a farmhouse sink for a rustic style kitchen or a sleek undermount for a contemporary style. Some sinks bring color or texture (e.g. stainless steel vs. matte black or grey granite composite) to your kitchen so consider how that will fit with other surrounding design elements. Remember to consider how your sink fits with your faucet choice both in terms of material and finish as well as the size, alignment of your faucet, and the number of holes required.
Find the Perfect Sink to Fit Your Kitchen Design!
Kitchen sinks are an integral part of any kitchen design, and can transform your kitchen’s style and functionality. Choose a sink that fits your kitchen’s size and can stand up to your daily requirements for cooking and clean up. Find a sink style, material, and finish that enhances your design, and add extra features with a workstation sink to create a multi-functional space that makes your kitchen more efficient. Get started by visiting our design showroom and schedule an appointment with our experienced team.
