When choosing a kitchen sink, you should opt for one that is durable, comfortable to use and looks nice on your countertop. Read this article to find out which criteria you should really be paying attention to!

When choosing a kitchen sink, you should find a balance between function and aesthetics. The more people that live in the property and the more often your kitchen space is used, the larger sink you may need. Plus, you should take into account such factors as configuration, shape, material, installation type, tap and useful accessories. From this article, you’ll get to know how to select an excellent kitchen sink on any budget.

Configuration

The optimal configuration should depend on your cooking and cleaning habits:

  • Single-basin sinks are perfect for those who like to wash multiple large-sized utensils at once. This is the most common type of sink and it should suit nearly any kitchen.
  • Offset-style sinks feature two basins, one large and one small. They are ideal for compact kitchens, where countertop space might be scarce. You’ll be able to wash up and prepare for cooking in the same space.
  • Half-and-half sinks offer two equal-sized basins. You might want to opt for this if you have a large family or enjoy inviting guests to your house. Such a sink should help you to free up space and it can accommodate many pots and pans.

Besides, we should mention a separate type of sink that features a drainboard. It’s an attached unit on one side that opens into the sink where your wet dishes can drain excess water.
composite sink in contemporary kitchen

Shape

When it comes to shape, the winning formula is the combination of crisp top edges and a rounded bottom. Food leftovers and dirt will never get stuck in rounded corners. It should be easy for you to clean the unit.

Installation Type

According to their installation type, kitchen sinks can belong to six large categories.

Drop-In

These are also known as top-mount or self-rimming sinks. All you need to do to install them is to cut a hole into the countertop. Your sink will be sitting on top of the counter cabinet. It should keep water and debris inside thanks to its raised, rounded edge.

Flush Mount

This type of sink looks similar to its drop-in counterpart but is installed slightly inset, into the counter. It’s located on the same level as the countertop surface. Its edges are straight and its top is flat.

Farmhouse

The alternative term for this type of sink is “apron-front”. It’s deep, wide and ideal for washing large items. Its front will replace the front edge of the countertop cabinetry. Such a design solution is typical of rustic-style kitchens.

Integrated

Such a sink type should be moulded from the same material as the solid countertop. It looks very elegant. On the flip side, you might need to be careful when doing the dishwashing because the material of your countertop might be more fragile than stainless steel.

Undermount

You are supposed to attach this type of sink below the countertop. Make sure to provide a seamless drop from the counter into the sink. Such a construction should facilitate your work-area cleanups.

Bar Sink

Alternatively, this is often referred to as a “prep sink”. Compared to a regular sink, this one is narrower and shallower. It can easily be used when entertaining guests. Some designers recommend placing the bar sink within the kitchen island or a freestanding kitchen sink unit. Its installation type can be drop-in, undermount or the farmhouse style.
White marble kitchen sink

Material

Here are the most popular kitchen sink materials with their respective pros and cons:

Material Advantages Disadvantages
Stone and granite
  • Look stunning
  • Are costly
  • Require high maintenance in the long run
Porcelain  

  • Adds a vintage or farmhouse charm to the kitchen
  • Is fragile and prone to chipping if not looked after
Stainless steel
  • Durable
  • Long-lasting
  • Virtually indestructible
  • Hard tap water might leave stains on a steel sink
Fireclay
  • Is non-porous
  • Resists scratches, stains and chips
  • Is available in different colours that don’t fade over time
  • Might be prone to stains
  • Is heavy and requires additional support

 

Stainless steel is the most popular option since it offers the best value for money for most. It can be considerably cheaper than quartz.

Size

The optimal height of your sink depends on how tall you are. The ideal gap between the countertop and your elbow height is around 15 cm. Regardless of the installation type, the edge of the sink shouldn’t be located much higher than the countertop.

The most comfortable length of the sink is approximately 56 cm and the width is around 76 cm. The width of the largest single-bowl sinks can reach up to 91 cm and that of their double-bowl counterparts — up to 122 cm. The typical depth of a kitchen sink is 38 cm or more. The more dishes you tend to pile up in the sink, the greater the depth should be.

Spacious modern kitchen room with spray tapTap

The choice of tap can depend on your aesthetic preferences. But it would be wise to install an extendable spray or shower arm. They should enable you to easily fill large pots and clean out far corners.

Strainer

It’s an indispensable accessory for those who cook frequently. Place it in your sink before you start washing things and there will be no leftover food stuck in your drain. Once you’ve done dishwashing, you can quickly dispose of these leftovers.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this article came in handy and now you better understand how to select your ideal kitchen sink. The most common type of sink is those that are made of stainless steel and have a single basin. The typical size is around 56 cm in length, 76 cm in width and 38 cm in depth. You’ll be able to choose from the following installation types: drop-in, flush mount, farmhouse, integrate or undermount. For your convenience, it would be wiser to buy a strainer as well as an extendable spray or shower arm. If you like to entertain guests at your house, you might consider installing an additional bar sink.

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Holly MacDonald
Holly studied Digital Journalism at University of Strathclyde. A single mum, her young son Thomas battles for adulation with her love of wine and chocolate, and the very occasional guilt-driven Gym appearance. Other than writing, Holly has a love for making jewellery, thanks to her beloved grandmother.