If you’re in the market for a new kitchen sink, you may find that there are plenty of options out there. Maybe it’s too much. But this guide can help you. It includes six considerations for choosing a kitchen sink: material, type of installation, configuration, sink depth, size, and location. Each section contains links to more in-depth information.
1. Aquarium Material
There are many factors to consider when determining the best sink material for your kitchen. Of course, aesthetics are important, but there are also budgets, durability, and ease of cleaning that need to be considered.
Stainless steel and refractory clay are common materials for sinks, but composite granite is becoming increasingly popular due to its durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetics.
For those looking for a personalized sink, material options include copper, quartz, natural stone, and colored stainless steel.
2. Installation Type
The type of sink installation you choose affects other elements in your kitchen, such as the surrounding countertops and cabinets. Mounting options include undermounted, flushed, monolithic, and skirted, with the latter being flush-mounted, or, as shown, undermounted.
Each type has advantages and disadvantages. A built-in sink is the most budget-friendly because it is the easiest to install and can be installed in a lower-cost laminate countertop.
At the high end of the price range is the one-piece sink, which is made of the same material as the countertops and is manufactured to fit seamlessly with the countertops.
3. Sink Configuration
Another important consideration is how many bowls (or sinks) you need. If you mainly wash dishes by hand, you may prefer a double or triple sink sink. Keep in mind, though, that larger items are easier to wash in a large single-bowl sink.
If you have a large family and cook a lot, multiple sinks can be handy. But having more sinks and associated plumbing means higher installation costs. It also requires a spacious kitchen to avoid traffic jams and ensure that there is enough countertop space for cooking tasks.
4. Sink Depth
You might think that the deeper the kitchen sink, the better, but that’s not the case.
For example, an extra-deep sink can take up more cupboard space, especially if a food waste disposer is installed. People who are particularly tall or short may find it uncomfortable to work on very deep sinks for long periods of time. But others, like me, may find deep sinks great for hiding dirty dishes.
5. Sink Size
Another important dimension to consider when choosing a sink is width. Width is measured from left to right, with a typical range of 24 to 36 inches.
Adjusting the size of your sink to fit your budget is an obvious strategy, but you should also consider the size of your kitchen and whether you want to place it near windows or other fixed elements. In other words, you want the sink to match your kitchen.
6. Location
Just like real estate, location is everything. Ideally, the person standing by the kitchen sink should be faced with something pleasant, whether it’s a view from the window or the rest of the room.
If you place your kitchen sink under a window, try placing it under the window unit or under one of the panes in a multi-pane window. The dishwasher needs to be nearby, ideally next to the sink with plenty of space for the dishwasher door to be fully open without blocking the flow of people.