The Kitchen Sink: Everything You Need to Know

Installation Type: Drop-in and Undermount sinks

Drop-in and undermount sinks are two types of sinks distinguished by the way that they are installed. Drop-in sinks are easily distinguished by the portions of the sink that sit proud of the countertop and spread out over the surface around the edges. They are very easy to install because they can be installed from the top of the cabinet, rather than having to go from the underside. Drop-in sinks are great because they cover the edges of the countertops and cabinets, protecting them from water damage.

Undermount sinks are mounted from the underside of the cabinet using epoxy. They offer a very clean, flush look because only the faucet is exposed above the countertop. They also allow you to simply sweep debris into the sink, unlike drop-in sinks that have a thick border that commonly collects debris rather than allowing you to dispose of it.

Number of Basins: Single Basin and Double Basin Sinks

The number of basins or bowls in a sink is an important deciding factor when it comes to choosing the right sink for your kitchen. Some people like the utilitarianism of a large single basin sink. Others like the objective use of a double basin sink that can be used for dishes and thawing meat at the same time.

Stainless Steel Sink

Stainless Steel is one of the most common materials used in kitchen sinks because it is relatively cheap depending upon the brand and gauge rating you choose. It is resistant to staining and comes in a very wide variety of shapes, sizes, and mounting styles. Conversely, these sinks tend to be very noisy, dent and scratch easily, and sometimes show water spots over time. If treated with care, stainless steel sinks can still last a very long time and look great doing so.

Copper Sink

Rustic and warm. Copper sinks deliver a unique aesthetic to kitchens by bringing lots of character from their uneven, and deep mysterious character. Copper sinks can be harder to find because they are more commonly handmade than mass manufactured when compared to other materials. A patina or color variance will form on copper over time. This should be considered when choosing a copper sink because the sink you start with will evolve over time and exposure to water and light. Cost and quality vary greatly, so be sure to pay attention to what you are getting before making a full commitment.

Fireclay Sink

As its name suggests, fireclay is very resistant to heat, making them very durable. They are however prone to chipping when exposed to excessive damage such as dropping dishes. Prices are among the highest in the industry for fireclay sinks, ranging from $200-$800 depending on the size you want.

Granite and Marble Composite Sinks

Composite sinks are neck and neck with fireclay sinks in terms of durability, but they are each more durable in certain respects. Fireclay sinks are better in terms of heat resistance, but composite sinks are better against scratching and cracking. These sinks are made from around an 80:20 ratio of granite or marble to resin, making them extremely touch. A drawback is that they are very heavy, meaning that most cabinets will need some reinforcement to support their weight. These sinks can range from $200 to $500 depending on the size and composite material; marble being the cheaper of the two.

Cast Iron Sink

Counter to what you may think, cast iron sinks do not look like they are made of cast iron. They are coated in an extremely durable glass enamel that protects the cast iron from rust. This enamel is extremely resistant to dents and scratches but can still crack if put under enough stress which can expose bare cast iron. Much like composite sinks, cast iron sinks are very heavy and will require additional support. Price wise, they start at around the $300 mark and can get up to almost $1000 for brand name sinks, making them one of the most expensive options.

“What is a Farmhouse Sink?”

Farmhouse sinks become an incredibly popular style in recent times, spanning from across the United States into Europe and beyond. Also commonly referred to as apron sinks, farmhouse sinks feature deep basins and an “apron” that unlike your average kitchen sink; protrudes out from the cabinet. Farmhouse sinks were born in medieval times when square footage in houses was tight because they doubled as a laundry washing station. Deep basins allow the sink to hold several gallons of water without overflowing. Today, these sinks can still be used for multipurpose housework, but they are more commonly used for handwashing and soaking large amounts of dishes at once. This makes them a great sink for accommodating large groups of people at once.

“What is a Corner Sink?”

Corners in a kitchen are often seen as wasted space in kitchens because base cabinets can only be used for lazy susans which some people find to be unaccommodating. Corner sinks take advantage of this by converting the corner base into a sink rather than a lazy susan. This also frees up more linear real estate for cabinet space or appliances like dishwashers, making them a great choice for small kitchens. While there are single basin corner sinks, the more common corner sink is the double basin, which isolates the faucet to the far corner and places the basins at both adjacent sides. Additional plumbing may be needed to accommodate the location of the sink which can drive the cost of this sink up.

Kitchen Island Sink

Kitchen island sinks are a fantastic way to increase counter space, kitchen utility, and unfortunately budget. Kitchen island sinks free up space, much like corner sinks for appliances but they often require additional plumbing to be run to the island which can drastically increase their cost over a sink that is traditionally installed into a base cabinet against the wall. However, if you see this additional cost as a worthy expenditure of your budget then you surely will have a fantastic means of cooking or washing up dishes after meals!

Bar Sink

Bar sinks are exactly what they sound like: sinks for a bar! Bar sinks are usually about the same depth as your traditional sink but are significantly smaller in width; typically ranging between 9 ½ and 18 inches because they are meant for accommodating glasses and barware. This is not to say that you could not put a bar sink in a kitchen however, because they would make for a great sink in small, shared, single galley kitchens with limited counter space. Bar sinks can be installed into regular base cabinets with just a few simple modifications. Most bar sinks are undermounted to prevent water from spilling over the top and onto your bar. If you are looking for a small and affordable sink, a bar sink is a great choice.

Drainboard Sink

For those that like to hand wash lots of dishes, sinks with drainboards are a great choice. Most drainboards sinks have built in space for holding dishes when they dry so that you don’t get your countertops or cabinets all wet. Some drainboard sinks are also modifiable, allowing you to slide the drainboard from one basin to another or even install additional tools like cutting boards! The emphasis on hand washing dishes and utilitarianism makes them a smart choice for kitchens with limited counterspace. Fun fact: Drainboard sinks have become a favorite of tiny house owners!

Vanity Sinks

Vanity sinks are different from most other types of sinks because they are commonly composed of one large piece of material that accounts for both the sink and the counter. This mitigates the risk of getting the cabinets wet because there are no cracks in the counter for water to seep into. Vanity sinks are also very shallow and come in a bowl shape more commonly than not.

Freestanding Utility Sinks

Frequently used in laundry rooms or even outside on patios, freestanding utility sinks do exactly what their name suggests. They have a large, deep, square basin that does a great job of keeping water in the basin rather than all over the room. If you have to wash off muddy boots or stained clothes, then this is the perfect sink. They are also great for handwashing clothes because the basin can hold lots of clothing and water at once.