A Primer on Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Sink for Your Home
Early in my design career, I made a classic mistake. Convincing a client to deviate from her ideal kitchen sink choice, I thought my aesthetic preference would look better. It was a big mistake and a valuable lesson. I learned then that people are rarely ambivalent about their kitchen sink. Every detail—from the installation style to the material and configuration—is a personal choice. So, if you’re feeling unsure about your options, this primer on kitchen sinks will help you understand what’s most important to you.
Types of Kitchen Sink Mounts: A Guide to Your Style
How a sink is mounted can dramatically change the look and functionality of your kitchen. The most common mounting styles are drop-in, undermount, and apron front, each with its own set of benefits.
Drop-In Sinks
A classic drop-in sink is a familiar sight in many homes. Also known as a self-rimming sink, it’s installed by dropping it into a hole cut in the countertop. Its lip rests on top of the counter, which conceals the rough edge of the hole and makes installation simple. This style is often less expensive and works well in traditional kitchens, especially those with laminate countertops. However, the raised lip can be a minor annoyance, as it can trap dirt and water. While practical, this style generally has a less sleek, modern appearance than an undermount sink.
Undermount Sinks
Today’s most popular choice is the undermount sink. This type is installed directly beneath the countertop, which exposes the finished edge of the counter cut-out. Creating a clean, seamless transition from the countertop into the sink, it’s easy to wipe crumbs and spills directly into the basin. Undermount sinks are a perfect fit for hard countertop materials like natural stone, quartz, and solid surface. They offer a custom, high-end look that is both stylish and functional, working beautifully in both traditional and contemporary designs.
Farmhouse or Apron Sinks
Everything old is new again, and that’s especially true for the charming farmhouse sink. This style harks back to a simpler time, with a large, deep basin and an exposed front (or “apron”) that extends past the cabinetry. Farmhouse sinks create a bold focal point and can accommodate large pots and pans with ease. Surprisingly versatile, they work equally well in rustic country kitchens and sleek, elegant modern spaces. Because of their size and weight, these sinks often require a custom base cabinet for support.
Selecting the Perfect Kitchen Sink Material
The material you choose affects your sink’s durability, maintenance, and overall aesthetic. Three materials stand out as the most common choices.
Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel is the most widely used material for kitchen sinks, and for good reason. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to stains and heat. It cleans up easily and comes in a huge range of styles and configurations. The quality of a stainless steel sink depends on two main factors: the thickness of the steel (its gauge) and sound insulation. A smaller the gauge number means thicker steel. For example, a 16-gauge sink is thicker and more durable than an 18-gauge sink. However, quality sound-dampening insulation on the underside is equally important to reduce the echoing noise of running water or dropped utensils. While they can scratch and show water spots, both can be easily buffed out with the right products.
Cast Iron Sinks
Cast iron has long been a popular choice, known for its timeless look and durability. These sinks are finished with a glossy enamel porcelain coating over the iron core. This finish is easy to maintain and comes in a multitude of colors, making cast iron a versatile option for nearly any design palette. A major benefit is the sink’s heavy weight, which helps it feel solid and substantial. However, the finish can chip if a heavy object is dropped into the basin, and heavy pots may leave scuff marks. These can be easily patched or buffed out. Because of their significant weight, cast iron sinks may need additional structural support in the cabinet.
Composite Sinks
Composite sinks are a highly durable and increasingly popular alternative. They are made from a blend of materials, usually granite or quartz stone dust and acrylic resins. This mix makes the material incredibly tough, resistant to heat, non-reactive, and resistant to chipping. Available in a variety of matte finishes, composite sinks provide a stylish, modern look. While generally long-lasting and easy to clean, they can still chip under extreme impact. Like cast iron sinks, their weight may require additional support during installation.
Finding Your Ideal Sink Configuration
The number of bowls in a sink and their size should be a decision based on your personal lifestyle and cleaning habits.
Single Bowl Sinks
A single, large basin provides maximum space for washing large pots, pans, and even a small dog. This is an excellent option if you primarily use a dishwasher for your dishes. However, a single bowl setup means your garbage disposal is not in a separate area, which can make handwashing while scraping food a less efficient task.
Double Bowl Sinks
This is a classic configuration that most of us grew up with. An equal double bowl sink works well if you handwash a significant portion of your daily dishes. It allows you to have a dedicated basin for soaking or washing on one side and a rinsing basin on the other.
Big/Little Bowl Sinks
Also known as an offset split, this configuration offers an uneven split between the two basins. It provides a large main bowl for washing and a smaller secondary bowl that is often used for the garbage disposal. Big/little bowls are versatile, with splits ranging from 60/40 to 90/10, providing more space in the primary work area.
Triple Bowl Sinks
Requiring additional counter space, the triple bowl sink features two large bowls with a smaller, central basin. This small basin is generally used for the garbage disposal, keeping it separate from both the washing and rinsing bowls. It is a highly functional setup for avid cooks and those who do a lot of prep and cleaning by hand.
Galley Sinks
Growing in popularity, a galley sink integrates a lip at the top that holds various accessories like a cutting board, colander, or drain board. These sinks are designed to function as a complete workspace, with the accessories sliding over the basin to provide additional counter space or a dedicated prep area. This highly efficient design is perfect for smaller kitchens.
The kitchen sink is a functional workhorse and a crucial element of your overall kitchen design. By considering your daily habits and the styles that best suit your home, you can choose a sink that you’ll love for years to come. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our design team for expert guidance. We’ll help you select the perfect sink and create a kitchen that works for you.
