When choosing a great kitchen sink, it should be more than just visually appealing. It must work well with your chosen kitchen faucet and also be one that is capable of handling all the general functions you plan on utilizing within its body. Ask yourself a few questions first before purchasing!
- What are you going to be using this kitchen sink for the most?
- What is the biggest kitchen appliance you cook with? Is this easily cleaned by laying flat?
- Do you have a big family? Do you create a lot of dishes? Do you have a dishwasher?
- Are you going to wash your pet in this sink?
- Do you have a newborn? Will they be bathed in this sink?
- Do you not cook at all?
- Do you use the kitchen sink for things other than dirty dishes and food prep?
While sinks can be expensive, they’re a fairly low cost item when compared to the overall cost of a kitchen.
With this in mind, let us take a look at a few of the different types of kitchen sinks you can get today. These include many sinks made with a variety of formats and materials, drop-in sinks, double bowl sinks, stainless sinks, copper sinks, cast iron sinks, ones with specially designed traps to catch waste food… the list is endless. This guide will throw everything at you—including, obviously, the kitchen sink.
See our diagram illustrating the parts of a kitchen sink here and parts of a kitchen faucet here.
Related: Primary Bathrooms with Pedestal Sinks | Types of Bathroom Faucets | Primary Bathrooms with Two Sinks | Flush Mount Sink | Under Mount Sink | Under Sink Filters | Top Kitchen Faucets | Kitchen Islands with Sinks
Different Types of Kitchen Sink
1. The Under Mount Sink
An under mount sink is attached underneath your countertop. It uses the base structure of your counter top to get support. One of the easier options of installation, it combines utility, ease, and a sleek look.
Under mount sinks do need to be made with sturdier materials, so laminate and tile are off limit for this style. They possess too many weaknesses in their structural integrity. Granite and quartz are the primo options.
2. The Flush Mount Sink
The flush mount sink is designed by using the same material for both the countertop and sink basin, making for one smooth and gorgeous entity. There is a completely seamless edge, so it is imperceptible that they are actually two separate pieces of material. The counter top and sink are manufactured separately, then joined together upon installation.
A grout line should be applied in between the sink and the countertop to create a strong bond between the two while keeping the entire body consistent and smooth in its design. That grout line can be finished in a tone that blends in perfectly with both parts. Flush mount sinks are not available in stores and can only be made to custom order.
3. The Farmhouse Sink
The farmhouse style, or also known as the apron style sink, is made with a more prominent rounded edge that hands over the edge of the counter top. Similar installation to the self rimming sink listed below, this is a higher class but very simple option. The farmhouse sink creates a rustic appearance when used correctly and is common in rustic kitchen styles and farmhouse kitchens.
4. The Self-Rimming Sink
A self-rimming model uses a border that fits above the main cabinet countertop. It can be quickly affixed to a surface with epoxy, caulking, or silicone to make it waterproof. This is the easiest option if you’re interested in self-installation!
Simply ensure the whole is the appropriate size for your chosen sink, drop it in, and seal it in place. The rim is made to support the weight of the sink. It also creates a distinctive look in your kitchen.
Best of all, it can be utilized on any kind of surface you have, no counter top material is off limits. There is so much opportunity for creativity with such simple installation! Mixing and matching faucets, sink basins, and counter top materials to make for a very unique kitchen sink area.
5. The Quartz Sink
A quartz sink is typically designed as the most eye catching portion of your kitchen set up. People will design their counter tops to fit in with their quartz sink. One of the only options for a blank sink, they are extremely sleek and resilient. They are a heavier option, so cheaper and flimsier counter top materials will not be compatible with the quartz sink.
6. The Prep Sink
A prep sink is a much smaller type of sink that is made with smaller needs in mind. A prep sink is typically made with a minimal body that is used for preparing a series of foods. This can especially work when you’ve got to clean off produce or drain pasta among other things.
A prep sink can also be referred to as a bar sink. A bar sink would be better used for things like cleaning off glasses for serving or preparing fancy drinks. Either way, it can be a real life saver if there are too many cooks in the kitchen and you need a little bit more prep space!
7. The Island Sink
An island sink is made to combine a sink with a kitchen island. It uses a design that fits right in the middle of your kitchen and has a pillar that houses the necessary plumbing fixtures for it.
This is made with decorative purposes in mind although it can be rather functional if you have a quality basin setup to work with. A funky option that enables are more spaced out area for food preparation.
8. The Workstation Sink
The workstation sink came out a few years ago and frankly they aren’t as popular as I expected they would be. The workstation sink is a large, rectangle, usually stainless steel sink that is designed with ledges to accommodate all kinds of accessories. Common accessories include a cutting board, drying rack, strainer, vegetable rinser. But they can be more elaborate. Check out the example above which is a Kraus (available on Amazon here).
The concept is to turn your kitchen sink into your main prep area in your kitchen. They are also referred to as galley sinks. Some include food holders so that you can literally turn your kitchen sink into a smorgasbord. Check it out:
Materials Used
There are many options to consider when finding quality materials for a kitchen sink no matter where you add it. Here are a few of the more common choices to find:
1. Stainless Steel
A vast majority of sinks on today’s market are made with stainless steel materials. This is thanks to how stainless steel offers an inexpensive option that is sturdy and easy to clean. It will not scratch easily and will fit in well with most countertop surfaces.
Do check when finding stainless steel sinks that you look at the gauge of the steel. The steel is typically measured from 15 to 24 gauge with the higher numbers being thinner.
A sink with a lower gauge is stronger but also adds more weight and might cost more for you to get. Stainless steel does tend to leave water marks, so be aware of that!
2. Cast Iron
Cast iron is made with a porcelain enamel finish to prevent unnecessary rusting. It is a very tough material that keeps scratches and other wear and tear from being an issue. This is powerful enough for a variety of needs but it can also be expensive due to its weight.
Also, you would require some supports underneath the sink bowl for it to be kept up without being at risk of falling off from that added pressure and weight.
3. Composite
Composite materials are often used in sinks with a granite or quartz material involved. Those stone materials are crushed and mixed together with an adhesive to create a consistent body. This can hold up well to hot conditions.
4. Fireclay
Fireclay uses a ceramic clay material that is molded into a powerful shape. It then dries at a high temperature as a means of making it stronger. It is a great option but it can chip if too much pressure or force is added onto it at a given time.
Regardless of its fragility, it is a rare material but makes for an exceptionally charming look.
5. Bamboo
While wood materials are typically not used in kitchen sinks (as wood is porous and easy to damage), bamboo wood has become a prominent choice in recent times. Bamboo wood is capable of handling water quite well without being at risk of warping and snapping.
Bamboo is remarkably flexible and can withstand incredible weight. (In Japan they actually use bamboo as scaffolding on some construction sites!)
Bamboo wood is thick and non-porous. It can be secured with a series of thick sheets that are secured with adhesives. It is powerful enough to last for a while and will not scratch easily.
A water-resistant topcoat finish can always be applied onto its body for added protection and to ensure that its look stays consistent.
Configurations
Kitchen sinks are made with a variety of configurations in mind. Here are a few of the more popular choices that you can come across when getting such a sink ready in your home:
1. Single-Bowl
This is designed with just one bowl and drain. A great option when there is not ample space, and fewer people in a home who would be using it.
2. Double-Bowl
A double-bowl sink is made with two separate bowls that are of the same size. These come with their own particular separate drains.
This is wonderful when you wash a lot of dishes and wash in one, rinse in the other. Or maybe one is designated for food prep and the other for dishes. The possibilities are endless!
3. Double-Offset
This is like a double-bowl sink except that one bowl is made with a slightly larger body. You can use one part of the sink for preparing food while the other part can be used for cleaning dishes.
Or maybe the smaller one is dedicated to non-food purposes! Cleaning paint brushes, washing the dog, what have you.
Cost
The cost to get a kitchen sink is based heavily off of the size of that sink and its body. A basic design will cost about $200 to $500 to be added to your home.
It costs more to get a cast iron or quartz sink. While stainless steel sinks can go for $200 to $500, a cast iron sink can be up to $800 in value. That number will go well past at least $1,000 for a quartz sink.
Don’t forget to watch for any customized features on your sink. You must choose a good sink design that features an open body that is easy to handle.
Size
Your kitchen sink will typically be about 18 to 22 inches in width and around 30 to 35 inches long. The basin should be about 20 to 24 inches deep. This should be enough to fit most kitchens.
But the sky is the limit! Maybe you want an entire bath tub on your counter top, I’m sure it’s been done.
Added Features to Find
There are a few additional features worth taking a look at when it comes to getting a quality kitchen sink ready in your home:
A cover can be applied onto one of the drains in a sink. This could allow for water to be filtered through while solid waste is kept intact.
A dedicated hot water tap can be added to your sink. This would require a separate pump that is linked to a hot water tank or a material that can heat up the water as it moves through.
A hose can also be applied on the side of your sink. This can be brought out and used separately from the main tap. This should be used if you’re trying to clean off dishes and need a bit of extra help with cleaning something.
You could even get an added button added to trigger a garbage disposal feature. This can be added around the edge of the sink but it must also be linked to a separate power unit.
A drying rack area can be applied onto a sink. This should be added to the side part of the sink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about kitchen sinks.
What are the standard kitchen sink sizes?
The interior width of the cabinet for the sink is the determinant of the maximum dimension of the kitchen sink. The most common base cabinet sizes for newly constructed structures are typical between 33 to 42 inches high and around 26 inches wide.
To illustrate, a 33 by 22 inches sink will fill a base cabinet that measures 36 inches. The sink can come in a single bowl or a double bowl.
How deep are kitchen sinks?
Kitchen sinks can be from 8 to 10 inches in depth, depending on the homeowner’s needs. A ten-inch sink depth makes it a lot easier to prepare larger food items and easier to soak pots and pans.
However, deeper sinks may be uncomfortable for those who are vertically challenged. Shallower sinks are much easier to reach and more convenient for prep work.
Can kitchen sinks be refinished?
Kitchen sinks that are dingy, stained, scratched, are showing some ugly cracks and rust can be fixed by a professional to make it look brand, spanking new. They can clean, fix chips and cracks, sand down the repairs, and apply a bonding agent without touching the plumbing.
Refinishing is durable and effective enough to extend the life of the sink. Refinishing is even less expensive and less messy than a replacement.
Can kitchen sinks be painted?
Sinks come in different materials from acrylic, stainless steel, ceramic, and porcelain. If a homeowner wants a new sink color because he/she is bored, it can be done. These are the things to take care of. Porcelain and ceramic sinks can only be refinished professionally.
Stainless steel and acrylic can be painted and repaired with proper painting preparation and the right painting materials like using epoxy paint, paint wax, paint powder etc. That being said, painting stainless steel can be difficult because the surface is smooth, making the cohesion process more difficult. But it can still be done, it just needs proper preparatory work and right set of tools and materials.
Can kitchen sinks be re-glazed?
Something as simple as baking soda can actually slowly begin to damage the surface of the sink. Reglazing services can stop the damage and make the sink look new once again. Professionals can reglaze the sink by adding a top coating for a seamless and gleaming surface.
Can kitchen sinks be resurfaced?
All old sinks can be resurfaced with ease thanks to modern technologies. With the advent of DIY kits in many home and hardware stores, just about anyone who can read instructions can do it on their own. If homeowners want to dispel from the Resurfacing a sink is so much cheaper than replacing the whole set.
It is less of a hassle, too, because construction workers do not have to stay longer, create a mess, and disrupt the flow in the house. Resurfacing or re-enameling can breathe life into an old sink, making it much easier to clean because its surface is now smooth and new.
What kitchen sinks are popular?
Two types are very popular. First, large, stainless steel double sinks that are deep and wide to accommodate larger dishes. Second, white, large farmhouse sinks are popular these days in any house with a historic decor such as rustic, farmhouse, colonial and the like.
How long does a kitchen sink last?
A kitchen sink can last for 15 to 30 years depending on how it is used. If homeowners work hard in maintaining their kitchen sinks, then do not have to worry about replacement all too soon.
Can kitchen sinks be recycled? If so, how?
Kitchen sinks can be recycled in many different ways from giving them away to those in need or repurposing them for different uses in your house. Discarded sinks can be used in the laundry room, can be used in the laundry room, fixed to place in the patio, used for a portable garden cart for washing veggies with your hose, utilized for your kids’ play area as a part of the cooking set, and can be refashioned for your bathroom.
Are kitchen sinks made of aluminum?
Aluminum sinks, though they resist corrosion and are resilient, are hardly found in the market when compared to the more popular stainless steel. The latter provides gets the same job done for cheaper.
What materials are kitchen sinks made of?
Kitchen sinks are actually made of many different materials, whose design and purpose vary to suit the needs of families who shall be using them. These are the 7 most popular materials for kitchen sinks:
- Stainless steel is the number one choice of most homeowners because of their durability, longevity, and affordability.
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron skins are also a good kitchen staple because the durable material and glossy finish. This also comes in a wide variety of colors. However, it requires a little bit more gentle care and maintenance.
- Fire clay sinks are also used, and these are made of clay and minerals that have been fired and superheated at extreme temperatures. The upside is there is no risk of rusting.
- Acrylic is made of fiberglass, plastic, and resin, which a cost-efficient and attractive material, coming in a large variety of colors and designs. These are lightweight and resistant to staining. Should they scratch, it can be easily polished. Since acrylic sinks have a slight “give”, dropping glassware will not make them break easily. The only drawback is acrylic sinks do not have good heat resistance, but modern technology is slowly addressing that.
- Copper sinks are one of the most expensive choices out there for a kitchen sink material because it will not rust and exhibits anti-microbial properties.
- Solid surface sinks made of resin and mineral can be utilized for kitchen sinks because they are easy to clean and maintain. They can withstand super high temperatures, making this material a good choice for the kitchen.
- Stones sinks are another option, and they come in granite, composite or marble. These sinks are on the expensive side, a lot more heavy, and require special cabinets to support the weight.
Are kitchen sinks vented?
A sink vent is necessary for a plumbing fixture like the sink, so it can work properly. If a sink vent is not installed, draining will not be at its optimum level and sewer gases can enter the home.
Why can kitchen sinks smell or stink?
The primary reason why the kitchen sink can smell like crap is the accumulation of grease and other yucky debris in the drain. There could also be a problem with the kitchen trap which emits the smell.
