The kitchen sink may not necessarily be the visual focal point of the room like your cabinets and countertops, but there is no denying just how important it is to your overall kitchen experience. After all, you will most likely be using the sink several times throughout the day.
Rinsing dishes, washing food, and of course, washing your hands will all be made easier if you have the right type of sink setup. So what things should you look for when updating your kitchen sink and faucet? Here are some of the features you’ll want to consider.
Sink Type
One of the first things to consider is the type of sink you want for your kitchen. Though each of these sinks is essentially the same in terms of function, they each offer a distinctive look that can complement the rest of your kitchen decor. In addition, some sink styles are more readily available in certain materials and bowl selections than others — another important consideration.
Apron front sinks, also sometimes referred to as farmhouse sinks, evoke a more traditional, rustic look. These sinks are typically under-mounted, with a front “apron” that extends beyond the edge of the counter. This means you may need to cut out a portion of your existing counter to make room for the new sink. Apron sinks have seen a resurgence in popularity as more people try to create a rustic, farmhouse-style appearance in their home. The deep basin also makes apron front sinks a good choice for larger families that have a lot of dishes to clean up.
—Sample item: Bocchi 1139-001-0120 Classico 33 Inch Farmhouse Apron Front Fireclay Double Bowl Kitchen Sink, White
Drop-in sinks are also sometimes known as top mount sinks. They literally “drop in” to the kitchen countertop, which makes them easier to install than other kitchen sink options. This installation style also results in a “rim” around the sink that is made of the same material as the sink bowl. This rim provides additional support for the full sink, which means you don’t have to worry about the sink becoming too heavy for your countertop. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that food debris can sometimes get trapped on the lip between the sink rim and the countertop, which requires some extra cleaning.
—Example piece: Kraus KGD-54GREY Forteza 33 Inch Dual Mount Single Bowl Granite Kitchen Sink, Grey
Undermount sinks are installed directly underneath the counter. This helps to create a more seamless look between the counter and the sink, providing a sleek appearance that looks especially great in modern and contemporary kitchens. The lack of a “rim” around the sink also makes cleanup much easier. Because these sinks typically use a glue that attaches the sink to the bottom of the counter, heavier materials like cast iron are not recommended for undermount sinks.
—Example sink: Ruvati RVH8356 33 Inch Workstation Ledge 60/40 Double Bowl Undermount 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
Though less common in kitchen setups, Wall Mount sinks are still worth mentioning. In the kitchen, these sinks work well when you want to leave the area beneath the sink open, rather than using standard cabinetry. Wall mount sinks are also a popular selection in laundry rooms. As with apron sinks, wall mount sinks can help create a more rustic ambiance for your kitchen.
—Sample sink: Elkay CHS1716C 16-3/4 L x 15-1/2 W x 13 D Single Bowl Wall Hung Handwash Sink Kit with Faucet
How Many Bowls?
While the style of sink you choose can play a role in its functionality, you should also pay attention to how many bowls, or basins, are available in the sink of your choice. Most sinks either have a single or double bowl, though there are some triple bowl models available.
Double bowl sinks actually trace their origins to the time before dishwashers become widespread. Having two separate bowls allowed one side to be used for dirty dishes and soapy water, while the other side held the clean water that would be used for rinsing. Typically, these bowls would be of equal size, though some double bowl sinks have a “primary” bowl that is slightly larger than the other.
Double bowl sinks are convenient for hand washing, or for giving washed items a space to air dry in the second bowl without taking up precious counter space. This can also aid in meal prep by allowing you to separate dirty dishes and food in each bowl. Users always have access to the garbage disposal with this setup. Of course, double bowl sinks consume more counter space, while also taking up additional storage space under the counter.
—Example sink: Ruvati RVH9660BL 30 Inch Single Bowl Apron-Front Farmhouse Kitchen Sink in Gunmetal Black Matte
Single bowl sinks often provide a better fit in kitchens where you don’t want to give up extra counter space to accommodate additional bowls. A single bowl design can sometimes be better for washing large pans and pots because they don’t have a central divider taking up space in the middle.
Deep single bowl sinks are aesthetically pleasing (part of the reason why they are increasingly popular), but they aren’t suited for multitasking unless you make use of additional sink accessories. For example, the garbage disposal would be inaccessible if your sink was full of dirty dishes.
—Example sink: Kraus KHU103-32 Standart PRO™ 32 Inch 16 Gauge Undermount 60/40 Double Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
Finally, there are triple bowl sinks. These sinks typically have a smaller central bowl flanked on either side by two larger bowls. If you plan on doing a lot of multitasking in the kitchen, this could be a good option for you.
—Example sink: Polaris P1254-16-ENS 16 Gauge 43.13 Inch Kitchen Ensemple in Brushed Satin
Sink Material and Gauges
The material that is used for your kitchen sink will influence both its appearance and performance. Most modern sinks use stainless steel — but even then, not all stainless steel sinks are created equal.
When buying a stainless steel sink, it is essential that you pay attention to the “gauge,” which is a measure of the steel’s thickness. For the kitchen sink, the thicker the stainless steel, the better. A thicker gauge will make the sink stronger and more durable, particularly making it less vulnerable to dents or bowing. This will also make the sink quieter.
However, the thicker the kitchen sink, the lower its “gauge” number will be. For example, a 16 gauge sink is 60 percent thicker than a 24 gauge sink. With stainless steel, your best options are to choose a 16 or 18 gauge sink to ensure lasting performance, such as the Kraus KWU110-32 Kore Workstation 32 Inch Undermount 16 Gauge Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink with Accessories (Pack of 5)
Of course, stainless steel is far from the only material that can be used for kitchen sinks. Many farmhouse style sinks use materials such as cast iron or fireclay stone. Most cast iron sinks feature a porcelain spray that gives them a white finish. Though the sinks are extremely durable, the porcelain enamel can chip, particularly if abrasive cleaners are used.
Fireclay is even more durable, thanks to a process that fuses clay and glaze at temperatures exceeding 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. These sinks are highly resistant to staining, chipping, and etching, even when abrasive cleaners are used. Sinks like the Bocchi 1138-001-0120 Classico 30 Inch Farmhouse Apron Front Fireclay Single Bowl Kitchen Sink, White provide stunning looks that will stand the test of time.
Though less common, copper provides a distinctive look that stands out in any kitchen sink style. Copper adds a natural warmth that brings an elegant sense of comfort to the kitchen, regardless of whether you are going for a farmhouse or modern style. Copper has natural antibacterial properties, which can prevent cross contamination during meal prep, as well as the musty smells caused by small particles of leftover foods. The Polaris P409 Single Bowl Copper Sink 25 Inch Hammered Copper is just one example of the copper sinks available on our site.
Granite is another less common kitchen sink material selection that has nevertheless grown in popularity in recent years. Most granite sinks use a matte finish that gives this natural stone and resin mixture a classy, elegant look. The use of composite materials ensures a wide variety of styles are available, with carved, smooth, and chiseled finishes. When properly sealed, these sinks are quite durable, and will resist heat, staining, and scratches. Sinks like the Kraus KGD-442WHITE Quarza 33 Inch Dual Mount 60/40 Double Bowl Granite Kitchen Sink, White prove this material is more versatile than you might expect.
Workstations & Accessories
Maximizing the functionality of the kitchen sink depends on more than just the bowls themselves. There are several accessories that will go a long way in streamlining your kitchen routine — and some sinks come fully equipped in “workstation” setups that include everything you need to get started. Workstation sinks often come with small ledges on the front and back of the sink to provide a track for the accessories you will be using the most.
Colanders make it easy to rinse fruits and vegetables, with holes that allow water to drain away as you prep your food. While many solid wood cutting boards are designed for countertop use, there are actually some that are specifically designed to sit on a sink’s interior ledges, helping you make the most of your kitchen space.
A dish drying rack can likewise rest on the sink ledges so you can use the space above one of the sink bowls to dry dishes and cooking utensils after washing them. These drying racks pair perfectly with kitchen sink bottom rinse grids, which provide separation between drying dishes and the bottom of the sink. Because these items are constructed in stainless steel, they can even be washed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Even if you have a garbage disposal, you don’t want to overlook the value of a strainer drain assembly. These additions help keep large food waste out of the drain, which can be especially beneficial when working with non-garbage disposal friendly foods like celery or rice. This seemingly minor addition can help you avoid major plumbing repair problems later.
Finally, there are several accessories that can be integrated directly into the sink to streamline your kitchen routine. Air switches provide control of the garbage disposal unit, while sprayers and soap dispensers will make it even easier to clean dishes or wash your hands.
Best of all, many of these accessories are included with the workstation sinks sold here on our website. You’ll be able to start off with much of the equipment that will make your daily kitchen routines easier than ever.
Making the Most of Your Kitchen Sink
When the time comes to update your kitchen, you simply cannot overlook the kitchen sink. Choosing a design and material that best fits how you use your kitchen will have a significant impact on how much enjoyment you are able to get out of this space in the future.
While updating your kitchen sink can be deceptively pricey, it doesn’t have to be that way when you order your materials from Kitchen & Bath Authority. We offer a wide selection of sinks from leading brands like Franke and Ruvati, many of which are available at significant discounts off MSRP. You could easily save hundreds of dollars on your purchase!
Discounted pricing isn’t the only way we’ll help you save on a kitchen sink. We also offer free shipping on our orders, and financing is available on select purchases to make your new sink even more affordable. If you join our lifetime membership program, you can unlock even more savings on products throughout the site.
These great deals are backed by guaranteed fitment and a team of in-house experts who can help you make the right selection for your remodeling project. Place your order today so you can start building the kitchen of your dreams!
