A comprehensive guide to choosing a kitchen sink when designing or remodeling a kitchen

Choosing a kitchen sink or sink is complex, requiring consideration of a range of factors. In general, a kitchen sink has a long lifespan, depending on the material it is made of. However, if you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, you may notice a kitchen sink that offers functionality as well as style. In the following guide, here are some considerations to make when replacing your kitchen sink.

9 Types of Kitchen Sinks

Kitchen sink with drainboard

The choice of kitchen sinks is a major part of the décor and features of home and office kitchens. Here are some common types of kitchen sinks.

Rimmed Kitchen Sink

The most common type of kitchen sink, called a “top mount” or “rim mount,” is a mold provided by the sink manufacturer that requires a hole to be cut in the kitchen island or countertop to insert the sink from above. All the weight of the sink is carried by the rim, which after installation requires silicone caulking. One of the advantages of this type is that it does not require specialized installation skills. However, the rim prevents water from draining and debris from the counter from being swept directly into the sink. The rim adds another part of the sink that needs to be cleaned.

Bottom-mounted kitchen sink

In contrast to the aforementioned first type, there is the kitchen sink, which is installed under the counter, making it easy to clean water and crumbs on the countertop directly into the sink with a sponge, while offering a smoother, more attractive appearance for many homeowners.

In general, a bottom-mounted sink is of higher quality, compared to a top-mounted sink. However, it is not without its drawbacks, although dirt does not accumulate at the top, in this type of sink, it collects under the counter, where the sink and counter meet.

Bottom-mounted sinks are more expensive to purchase and install than top-mounted sinks. In addition, bottom mounting may limit the size of the sink.

Double Kitchen Sink

Kitchen with a view, with double sink

A double kitchen sink is very flexible, while working, and especially useful if you don’t own a dishwasher. Although contemporary trends favor single sinks.

Single Kitchen Sink

A single sink, a general category of kitchen sinks, is large enough to wash large pots. However, it is less popular due to its inflexibility.

Country Style Kitchen Sink

Kitchen, with country-style sink

A country-style kitchen sink is characterized by its large size, with a front wall that forms both the front of the sink and the front of the counter, although the most common type of installation is to have the sink flush with the counter. This type of installation makes it easier to wash. Due to the less space between the sink and the edge of the counter, the person using the sink can get a little closer to the sink, which avoids fatigue. However, this sink is prone to drips, as there is a narrow barrier between the sink and the floor. It is expensive compared to other sink styles.

Kitchen sink with drainboard

This type is a small sink, on one side, and a drainboard, at counter level, on the other side. It is convenient in a cramped kitchen, and practical.

Kitchen sink attached to the island

The “island” in the kitchen is a smaller sink, usually no more than 15 inches square (round) in diameter. It often acts as a second sink and is a great addition when hosting if you have a large budget.

Integrated Kitchen Sink

The integrated kitchen sink is made from the same material as the countertop, with the sink integrated into the countertop in the fabrication shop. In this case, there is no need for a protruding edge or under-counter seams (prone to collecting debris and mold), as in the case of under-counter sinks, and the décor looks smoother. However, this type is expensive. Add to that, it can’t be removed, replaced, simply put; it has to be repaired.

Double sink with right angle

A right-angle double kitchen sink has two sinks located at right angles to each other, although in some designs the sinks are spaced far enough apart to have a built-in drying area in the center section. This type of sink is rare to find, expensive, and with some complexity in installation.

Materials used to make kitchen sinks

Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

Different countertops and cleaning preferences can affect a homeowner’s choice of kitchen sink material and configuration.

Stainless Steel

A stainless steel kitchen sink offers a modern look and is the most common. However, it requires regular cleaning, although the material is durable, scratch-resistant, and long-lasting.

Copper

The copper kitchen sink has natural antimicrobial properties, which helps minimize the spread of germs and dirt. Copper is 100% recyclable. However, this finish requires more care and attention, compared to many materials, to maintain its clean appearance and prevent corrosion damage.

granite composite

The granite composite sink offers a non-porous surface, which is easy to keep clean. The durable stone composite resists scratching, cracking, and discoloration, making it a high-quality alternative to granite.

Cast iron

Cast iron offers a classic look, with this type of sink available in multiple colors and a glossy finish that makes cleaning easy. Cast iron sinks withstand high heat and are extremely durable. However, over time, the enamel can scratch over time. Add to that, dropping sharp objects can cause cracking.

Thermal clay

Clay is a non-porous, glossy material that resists scratches and stains. Similar to porcelain, the clay is fired at extremely high temperatures for added durability. With the firing and finishing process, pottery is available in different colors that do not fade.

Handmade stone sinks

Handmade by artisans, using a strong blend of cement and jute fiber. The option is eco-friendly, durable, innovative, and remarkably lightweight for cement, while resisting stains, scratching, and cracking, while providing a rough stone aesthetic

Important before you buy

Modern kitchen with double sinkWhen changing the kitchen sink, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Check the size of the kitchen sink: Measure the width, length, edge-to-edge, and depth. Note the location of the plumbing under the sink, specifically the position of the kitchen sink drain.
• Inspect the work surface: Measure the depth of the countertop from the back edge to the front of the countertop. In general, it’s important to make sure there is room for the sink, and a few extra inches.
• Uses of the sink: If you’re a culinary hobbyist and need space to wash larger pots and pans, a larger, deeper sink is more convenient. On the other hand, a large sink in a small workspace creates issues during installation, maintenance, and even cleaning.
• Single or double sink? Kitchen sinks are available in single, double, and even triple configurations. The most common option for a double sink is to have two sinks of equal size, or one that spans 60% and the other 40%. Another common kitchen sink configuration is to install a garbage disposal in the smaller of the two sinks, using the smaller side as a prep sink.
• Where to install the sink: Place the sink closer to the front edge of the counter for convenience and easy access. Make sure there is enough space on both sides of the sink for food preparation.
• Plumbing mode: The new sink should fit into the existing cabinet and match the plumbing situation.