Things to Consider Before Buying a New Kitchen Sink
- Do you plan on renovating your entire kitchen or just swapping out the kitchen sink?
- The location of the sink. Is this for your kitchen, wet bar or laundry room?
- Your current countertop material. Do you have laminate countertops? An undermount sink might not be your best option.
- The type of sink your kitchen can accommodate. Sink depth is dictated by the depth of base cabinets. Deeper bowls are great for soaking pans but use more space under the cabinet.
- The look and style you’re hoping to achieve. Love a rustic look? Consider a copper kitchen sink or farmhouse sink.
- How you use your sink and if a single sink, double sink or triple sink would be ideal.
Types of Kitchen Sinks
The type of kitchen sink you choose contributes to the style of your kitchen and your entire house, if you have an open floor plan. From a rustic copper sink to traditional stainless steel sinks, here are the most popular type of sinks.
Farmhouse Sink
A farmhouse kitchen sink, also called an apron sink, adds rustic charm to any kitchen. This style of deep kitchen sink allows large pots to be washed easily. The apron-front design eliminates the extra counter space between the front of the sink and keeps water off your cabinets. A farmhouse sink may require special base cabinets or kitchen cabinet modifications for installation to accommodate the design.
Drop-In Sink
Drop-in kitchen sinks drop into place from above the countertop and secure with clips and screws underneath. Drop-in sinks have a lip that rests on the countertop for support and stability. They’re simple to install and great for DIYers. A new drop-in sink is an easy way to update your kitchen without changing your cabinets.
Undermount Sink
Undermount kitchen sinks are installed from underneath the countertop. Unlike a drop-in sink, there's no lip that rests on the countertop. This can make kitchen cleanup easier, as crumbs can be swept straight into the sink. Undermount sinks are typically used with solid surface countertops and lend a sleek, modern look to the kitchen.
Dual-Mount Sink
Dual-mount sinks offer maximum versatility since they can be mounted in either undermount or drop-in style. They’re ideal for retrofitting, making them a great choice for renovating.
Corner Sink
Corner kitchen sinks are designed to sit in the corner of your countertop to maximize a small kitchen. Having a corner kitchen sink frees up counter space and provides unique under-sink storage opportunities. The shape and angle of your corner helps determine what kind of corner kitchen sink design is most efficient. Rectangular designs suit wide-angle corners, while L-shaped kitchen sinks fit well into 90-degree corners.
Bar Sink
A bar sink or prep sink is a small, secondary sink also known as a wet bar sink. They’re typically located in a home bar for preparing drinks, or on a kitchen island for rinsing fresh ingredients and other quick tasks. If you entertain a lot, this extra small kitchen sink is a useful addition to your home.
Utility Sink
A heavy-duty utility sink typically resides in the laundry room. A laundry room sink is great for washing pets, soaking soiled laundry and cleaning up craft projects. Use the laundry sink to avoid making a mess in your main kitchen sink and in the house.
Sink Configurations
Think about the way you use your sink and what features will be helpful in a new one. Do you need more than one sink bowl? Consider a double kitchen sink or a triple-bowl sink.
Single Kitchen Sinks
Single sinks are ideal for small spaces and soaking pots and pans. A single kitchen sink can be accommodated by most standard cabinets. If you already have a single sink in your kitchen, swapping it out with something similar makes installation easy.
Double Kitchen Sinks
Double sinks feature a divider along the midsection to create two distinct work areas. A double kitchen sink offers separate workspaces for soaking, cleaning and/or rinsing in configurations like 50/50, 60/40 and 70/30.
Triple Kitchen Sinks
Triple bowl sinks are designed with a third small bowl that’s ideal for prep work. Like double sinks, dividers create separate workstations for multitasking.
Kitchen Sink Materials and Finishes
Think about how you use your sink and what it needs to withstand. Do you need something easy to clean? Something that resists scratches from scouring pads or abrasive cleaners? Here are the most popular sink finishes:
Stainless Steel Sinks
- A stainless steel kitchen sink is the most popular finish.
- Lightweight and durable.
- Easy to clean.
Copper Sinks
- Copper kitchen sinks are durable and add rustic charm to a kitchen.
- A natural patina develops over time for a one-of-a-kind finish.
- Naturally antimicrobial and resists bacteria and viruses.
Granite Sinks
- Granite sinks are made by spraying a granite and acrylic blend over a resin base.
- Scratch, stain and heat-resistant to 537 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The smooth, non-porous surface resists bacteria.
Cast Iron Sinks
- Made of solid cast iron then coated in porcelain enamel.
- Long-term durability.
- Easy to clean.
- Many colors to choose from.
- Heat-resistant up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fireclay Sinks
- Fireclay sinks are fired at a high heat for durability.
- Resists chips and scratches.
- Won’t fade.
- Comes in a variety of colors.
- The smooth, non-porous surface resists bacteria.
Composite Sinks
- Composite sinks are made from mixed materials like quartz and granite particles combined with acrylic or polyester resins to form a hard surface.
- Resists stains, scratches and chips.
- Limited color options.
Porcelain Sinks
- Porcelain sinks are made from lightweight steel coated in porcelain enamel.
- Scratch-resistant.
- Heat-resistant.
- Easy to install.
Kitchen Sink Accessories and Other Considerations
Faucets, sprayers and sink-mounted soap dispensers come with one to four hole specifications that must coordinate with the number of holes in the sink. A one-hole faucet may work with a three-hole sink using a deck plate, but a three-hole faucet won't work with a one-hole sink.
Garbage Disposals
Clearance and space are important considerations for garbage disposal installation. If you’re updating your sink, it might be a good time to update your disposal as well. The depth of your sink bowl and height of your base cabinet will determine whether or not adding a garbage disposal is a good option.
Hot-Water Dispensers
Do you drink a lot of tea? A hot-water dispenser might be an added luxury you love. A heating unit installed underneath the cabinet attaches to a spout to provide water up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit for instant soups, sauces and hot drinks.
Kitchen Sink Accessories
Don't forget sink accessories that make prep, organizing and cleaning easier. Prevent your sink from clogging with a sink strainer. Sink caddies attach to the side of a kitchen sink with suction cups and can hold your sponge and scrub brushes. Protect your new kitchen sink with a sink grid to prevent scratches. Most are dishwasher safe and have protective bumpers or feet.