Find the sink that fits your needs , distance , and style using this comprehensive guide .
Helen Norman
Whether you ’re plan small kitchen refresh or embarking on atotal kitchen remodel , there ’s no shortage of decisions to be made . From storage locker colouring and countertop finish tobacksplash tile choicesand blow out of the water options , there ’s mass to consider . select the sink might seem like a childlike task , at least in comparability to all the other details , but it ’ll be one of your most - used feature , so it ’s worth put thought into .

Credit:Helen Norman
Not only are there several kitchen sink types available , but legion materials and configurations to choose from as well . To arm you with as much information as potential , we ’ve compiled a guide to the types of kitchen sinks , their advantages and purposes , and the aesthetic they ’ll best full complement . While picking out the right sink is essential for the efficiency of any kitchen , each feature inyour new kitchen should ruminate your design styleas well .
John Bessler
Kitchen Sink Materials to Consider
Stainless sword : This is one of the most popular materials for kitchen sinks because it ’s soft to clean , durable , and inexpensive compared to other types . Additionally , unstained steelcan be used for any kind of kitchen sink and go well withmodern touchless faucets .
Ceramic , porcelain , or acrylic paint : Other commonly used materials for kitchen sinkhole are ceramic , porcelain ( a case of ceramic ) , and acrylic . The mere appearance of these cloth equalize most design styles , so it ’s a good long - term option . acrylic fiber is more lightweight and non - porous , ca-ca it idealistic forfending off mold and mildew . However , it ’s not heat - repellent , so a spicy pot can easy damage an acrylic resin sump . Porcelain sinkstend to be more sought after than ceramic options , since ceramic is soft and shows chips and scratches more easy .
Stone : Whether it ’s made of natural cloth such as soapstone , marble , granite , or a manufactured kind like a granite and quartz composite , a Harlan Stone cesspool is adhere to be the hotshot of the kitchen . However , be prepared , because they require much more upkeep than the antecedently advert material .

Credit:John Bessler
fuzz : If you do n’t need the upkeep of a stone sink but need yours to stand out in the kitchen , try a sensational copper version . Not only are they durable , but the material is antimicrobial and abstain from rust ( although it will develop a beautiful patina over time ) .
Cast smoothing iron : Cast iron kitchen sinks , commonly found in elder house , are sturdy . However , they ’re also cumbersome and expensive to instal . Cast iron sump are commonly coat with a protective porcelain finish that allows them to defy scratch .
Fireclay : Sinks made of fireclay often resemble cast iron sinks , but that ’s not their only similarity . This material , which is made by cookery remains at in high spirits temperatures , also weighs — and costs!—a substantial amount . Plus , you ’ll want to be extra deliberate when handling dishes , as dropping one can cause irreparable damage to the sugarcoat Lucius Clay .

Credit:Robert Peterson
Robert Peterson
Kitchen Sink Configurations
Before moot the type of kitchen sinks , it ’s smart to first resolve what kind of conformation works best for you . enceinte , undivided - basin sinks ( like a farmhouse sink ) are ideal for washing large pots and pans , but there are advantage to choosing divided up basins .
you may supply extra basins to most sink styles . Unlike individual - basin sink , double basins allow for multitasking , such as wash on one side and wash or dry on the other . The basin can be adequate sizes , or one can be wider , and the divider between them can either tally the total depth of the sink or sit low for relief of drive . Some also take to add up a third section in the midsection strictly for the garbage disposal . One downside to doubled or treble basin sink is that there ’s often not enough way tohandwash oversized dishescomfortably . Although , that ’s when a modest divider might come in handy !
Popular Types of Kitchen Sinks (And When to Choose Each One)
ascertain the sinkhole that fits your motivation by view your cooking dash and life-style riding habit . Here , you ’ll find the most popular kitchen sink selection , along with the perks and disadvantage of each .
Drop-In Sink
Also name to as a top mount swallow hole , this is one of the most common alternative for kitchen sink because of the simpleness of installation . After a mess is disregard in the top of the countertop , the sink is dropped in from above , and the edge or rim of the sink rests on the counter . This help to keep the sump stable , which is one benefit of a drib - in sump . Other perks include a depleted toll point , ease of installation and repair , and the fact that it goes with virtually any kitchen fashion .
Undermount Sink
As the name suggests , these sinks are installed underneath the counter rather than from above . While they cost more than drop - in sinks , one thing that attracts multitude to them is their seamless tone . Not only would they blend in well with amodern kitchen , but the lack of a lip makescleaning the countertopeasier .
Farmhouse Sink
Ifmodern farmhouseis your go - to interior decoration style , conceive install one of these . Sometimes refer to as apron sinks , a farmhouse sinkhole gives the kitchen a rustic soupcon — but they ’re not just well-situated on the eyes . The basins of farmhouse sinks are plan to be across-the-board and deep , making them ideal for hand-wash expectant pots and pans . They also sit nearer to the boundary of the countertop than other sinks , which minimizes back and shoulder form since you do n’t have to lean over too far to lave all those oversize dishes .
Workstation Sink
These tireless sink make the everyday project of preparation , chopping , and cleaning a whole raft easier for anyone who instal one . They ’re especially helpful in a small-scale kitchen because they increase antagonistic space by cause the sink an extension of it . Workstations often include integrated accessory such as cutting boards , colander , and dry stand that fit directly on top of the swallow hole and take into account you to dice , piece , and rinse food or ironical dishes without circularize out too far . Plus , if you installa garbage disposal , cleaning up food scraps will be a gentle wind .
Drainboard Sink
These sink ordinarily include a unmarried basin on one side and a drainboard on the other . Workstation sinks may look alike but often have more features , whereas a draining board sink ’s only add benefit is give up items to air dry . This option is utile for those without a dishwasher or abundant counter space fora drying rack .
Bar Sink
An alternative place to add a workstation is in ahome bar . Perhaps your kitchen remodel admit add together one somewhere within the elbow room or in a hall just off of it . irrespective , everywet barneeds a sink ! Bar sinks , sometimes called prep sinks , are normally on the diminished side and can be added to a kitchen island if you do n’t have a bar expanse . While one is helpful for those who enjoy to host and expect a place to preparation nutrient and drinks , if you do n’t utilise it often , it ’ll wind up being a waste of countertop space .
Commercial Sinks
You likely wo n’t want a commercial-grade sink unless you run a food concern out of your home . Restaurants apply these because they are much larger than stock sinkhole . They ’re always made of stainless steel for sanitary purposes and are available in drop - in or undermount style . Unless you plan to start that homemade cookie company before long , set up a commercial-grade sink in your place probably is n’t necessary .