Finding the right kitchen sink is crucial for a homeowner, as that can determine their entire mood while doing chores in their kitchen.
However, with so many features every brand offers, it gets difficult to prioritize what to look out for when buying a sink appropriate for their kitchen’s interior.
This article will help you clarify your priorities as a kitchen sink buying guide and make purchasing kitchen sinks easier.
Factors to Look Out for When Buying a Kitchen Sink
With so many different options to choose from, you may need to weigh several factors before making your final decision. What size do I need? Is it something I plan on installing myself or do I want someone else to install it for me? What material should it be made of?
When starting as a beginner to buy a new kitchen sink, we found eleven essential factors that you have to be informed about before making your purchase. There are,
- Sink Type
- Size and Shape of Sink
- Sink Bowls
- Installation
- Material
- Accessories
- Cabinet Size
- Style
- Brand
- Cost
- Maintenance
Let's Know Them in Detail...
Choosing the right kitchen sink can be confusing. So, here are 11 essential factors you must know to get a clear idea.
Sink Type
Based on specific necessities and tasks in a kitchen, there are multiple types of sinks. Some notable ones are
- Workstation Sink
- Farmhouse Sink
- Drainboard Sink
- Bar/Prep Sink
Workstation Kitchen Sink
Workstation sinks are single-unit and compact. These are made for doing multiple chores simultaneously and uninterruptedly.
In addition, workstation sinks are highly regarded for providing a plethora of accessories that improve your productivity. Generally, stainless steel is used to make these sinks and cover a lot of cabinet area.
Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
Farmhouse sinks are large with an exposed front-facing side. These are designed in this way for an aesthetic appeal. These sinks come in multiple materials such as stainless steel, stone, copper, and fireclay. However, compared to a standard kitchen sink, these are more expensive.
Drainboard Kitchen Sink
Drainboard sinks work as an alternative to having separate sinks or bowls for draining purposes. These are designed with an added apron on one or both sides. And that is angled for water to drain from dishes directly to the sinkhole. Drainboards are mostly made of stainless steel and are relatively smaller in size.
Bar/Prep Sink
Our article on best bar sinks thoroughly discusses a bar and prep sink and mentions some of the best products available now. Bar or Prep sinks are for doing secondary tasks in a kitchen. These sinks specialize in cleaning utilities and are smaller in size.
Size and Shape of Sink
Prevalent sizes of kitchen sinks are around 30 inches, but the range is within 20 to 35 inches.
Knowing the depth of a kitchen sink is essential as that gives you an idea of how many accessories you can use in it and how conveniently your sink can drain water and residue.
The shapes of kitchen sinks are either sharp-edged or oval. Cleaning sharp-edged sinks require more effort as residue may stick to the corners. Oval-shaped sinks are more convenient to clean. However, both types are stylish in their distinct way.
Sink Bowls
For compartmentalizing your kitchen chores sink bowls come in handy. Kitchen sink bowls are mainly divided into three types:
- Single Bowl Sink Kitchen Sink
- Double Bowl Kitchen Sink
- Triple Bowl Kitchen Sink
Single Bowl
Single bowl sinks offer a lot of room for you to do a single task quickly. However, it is less likely that you can do multiple chores simultaneously in your kitchen with it. For example, you may have to wash all your dishes first before keeping those to dry on your single bowl sink.
Double Bowl
Double bowl kitchen sinks have a reduced space because of being divided into two parts. This is done to do more chores simultaneously in your kitchen in a lesser quantity. For example, you can wash dirty dishes in one bowl while keeping the cleaned ones dry in the other.
[ On a side note: Do you want to know the differences between single and double-bowl kitchen sinks? To find the answer, click here. ]
Recommended reading: 50/50 vs 60/40 vs 70/30 Kitchen Sinks
Triple Bowl
The triple bowl kitchen sink is the new craze for time-starved families. With it, you can wash, rinse, and drain all your dishes by just adding water. Not only does it save some space but it also makes dishwashing more efficient.
No more standing at the sink for hours with your back to the family room. Allowing you more time to spend with them, or by yourself!
Recommended reading: Kitchen Sink Vs. Bathroom Sink
Installation
Kitchen sink installations vary in two ways,
- Drop-in sink installation
- Undermount sink installation
Drop-in Sink
Drop-in sinks are easy to install on cabinets because of their practical layouts. In addition, these sinks are comparatively more affordable than under-mount sinks and have single-unit designs.
However, Drop-in sinks are difficult to maintain and clean because dirt sticks to their edges and gaps. Also, your cabinet’s top may stain.
Drop-in sinks are mounted on top of a kitchen cabinet and are easy to replace.
Undermount Sink
Undermount sinks are easy to clean and maintain once set up. Along with that, these have an overall stylish design that can fit any modern kitchen interior.
However, these sinks are generally heavier and more challenging to set up without professional support. And they are priced higher because of all the inherent beneficial features it offers.
Undermount sinks are mounted underneath a cabinet and are installed with clips, brackets, and adhesive.
It is important to follow proper guidelines to ensure the sink is set up correctly. In most cases, it is wise to hire a professional to install your kitchen sinks.
They have a broad understanding of what materials and products to use in order to make sure your kitchen sink is not damaged and sticks firmly to your cabinet.
Hiring professionals for installing a kitchen sink can cost around USD 200 to 300.
Recommended Reading: Undermount vs. Drop-in vs. Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
Material
The material of a kitchen sink determines some inherently beneficial features and its overall durability. The most notable materials are:
- Stainless Steel
- Granite
- Fireclay
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel kitchen sinks are the most widely bought. The material is comparatively more affordable, and it offers benefits such as scratch and rust accumulation resistance.
These sinks can also blend into any sort of kitchen interior because of their texture and design. Some of the most top-rated stainless steel kitchen sinks are; Kraus KHU100-30 Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink, ZUHNE Modena Undermount Kitchen Sink, and Ruvati Workstation Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink.
Recommended reading: 16 Vs 18 Gauge Stainless Steel Sink
Granite
Granite kitchen sinks are one of the durable types material-wise. These sinks are made from hard stones, which leads to features such as heat and stain resistance. Granite sinks also offer a vast selection of colors to choose from for your kitchen aesthetics.
However, these sinks are relatively tougher to clean because you need to use the appropriate material for maintenance.
Some of the most top-rated granite kitchen sinks are; Kraus KGU-413B Granite Kitchen Sink, Ruvati RVG1033BK Drop-in Granite Composite Kitchen Sink, and Kraus KGD-433B Equal Bowls Granite Kitchen Sink.
Recommended reading: Granite Composite Vs Stainless Steel Sinks
Fireclay
Fireclay sinks are regarded for their style and appeal. These sinks are non-porous, heat resistant, and can last for many years with proper maintenance.
Like granite sinks, fireclay also comes with a wide range of choices in texture and design. And these are the easiest to clean among other materials. Some of the most top-rated fireclay kitchen sinks are; BOCCHI Classico Farmhouse Fireclay Kitchen Sink, Ruvati RVL2300WH Fireclay Reversible Apron-Front Kitchen Sink, and Houzer PTG-4300 WH Apron-Front Fireclay Kitchen Sink.
Special Note:
Apart from these materials mentioned above, there are also a few types available on the market. To get in-depth knowledge about materials, you can read our article on kitchen sink materials, which covers all types of sink materials with pros and cons.
Accessories
Accessories are important additions to your kitchen sinks as they enhance your overall kitchen productivity. These make you finish your kitchen chores faster and more conveniently.
Essential accessories that should come with most kitchen sinks are strainers, sink grids, baskets, racks, hole covers, and drainers.
Cabinet Size
Only the right base cabinet can hold your kitchen sink firmly once installed correctly. The standard measurement is 24 inches deep, around 40 inches high, and near 25 inches wide.
You will be able to set up larger sinks if you have a big cabinet, and knowing the right size of cabinets is crucial to let your kitchen sink run all of its functions properly.
Incompatible sizes and material between sinks and cabinets may damage the cabinet because of problems like moisture accumulation, heavyweight, and much more.
Style
Although we have prioritized the overall utility of a kitchen sink in these factors, the style of your sink definitely holds equal regard. Finding the right styled sink for your kitchen’s interior improves the vibe of the room.
Presently, most kitchen sinks are bought in the following styles:
- Modern
- Classic
- Minimalistic
Modern sinks look less detailed in terms of their overall design and texture. However, these sinks emphasize mainly each aspect of it being high quality and having sufficient utility.
Classic sinks have their fair share of utility as well, but these heavily emphasize their appearance. Some of these sinks have handcrafted designs and are made with premium aesthetic material. These sinks are comparatively more expensive.
Minimalistic sinks look simple and offer a limited choice of styles. These sinks are single-colored and mostly made of stainless steel. However, like modern kitchen sinks, these also prioritize their efficiency and aim to be value for money.
Brand
Having an idea of kitchen sink brands can help to make safer decisions when buying a sink. Because each brand focuses on selling a specific type of kitchen sink.
Generally, kitchen sink brands specialize themselves in selling sinks based on,
- Material
- Style
- Budget
- Productivity
Our picks for the top three kitchen sink brands with their top-rated products:
1. Kraus:
The most top-rated Kraus sinks are:
- Kraus KWU110-30 Workstation Kitchen Sink
- Kraus KHU100-30 Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
- Kraus KHF200-36 Standart PRO Round Apron Kitchen Sink
2. Ruvati:
The most top-rated Kraus sinks are:
- Ruvati RVH7433 Undermount Tight RadiusKitchen Sink
- Ruvati RVH8310 Workstation Ledge Undermount Kitchen Sink
- Ruvati Verona RVH9200 Apron-front Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
3. Blanco:
The most top-rated Kraus sinks are:
- BLANCO Anthracite 440149 Kitchen Sink
- BLANCO Anthracite 441094 Diamond Silgranit Kitchen Sink
- BLANCO Metallic Gray 441770 Undermount Kitchen Sink
[ Side Note: In our article on the best kitchen sink brands, we show you how Kraus is a top-rated brand that offers value for money stainless steel sinks. To know more about these top brands, click here. ]
Cost
Ideally, a kitchen sink should be value-for-money, which means its cost should equate to the number of features, accessories, and benefits it provides.
We can divide multiple price ranges of kitchen sinks into three types,
- Budget-Friendly Price
- Standard Price
- High-End Price
Budget-Friendly
Budget-Friendly kitchen sinks cost below USD 200. These sinks are less likely to come with many accessories and inherently beneficial features, such as scratch and damage resistance. However, these can function adequately enough to perform all the mandatory kitchen chores.
Primarily stainless steel sinks can be bought in the budget-friendly price range. Our top three picks for budget-friendly kitchen sinks are; Elkay ECTRU30179RT Stainless Steel Sink, Houzer STS-1300-1 Kitchen Sink, and Kraus KTM33 Double Bowl Kitchen Sink.
Standard Price
Standard Price of kitchen sinks may vary based on their material and type. The standard price of a stainless steel kitchen sink is around USD 350, and other materials like fireclay and granite could cost above USD 400.
At this price range, kitchen sinks offer long-lasting beneficial features and essential accessories. Therefore, buying at this price range is recommended for homeowners.
Our recommendations for standard price kitchen sinks are; Kraus KWU110-32 Kore Workstation Sink, Elkay ELGRU13322WH0 Undermount Sink, and Ruvati 32-inch Workstation Kitchen Sink.
High-End Price
High-End Price kitchen sinks offer an abundance of benefits and features that are not found in mostly bought kitchen sinks. These provide extra accessories along with essentials that are generally accepted as separate utilities. And these sinks look more stylish and premium.
The price range of high-end kitchen sinks can start from around USD 600 up to USD 2000. Our picks for the high-end sinks are; KOHLER K-5827-0 Whitehaven Kitchen Sink, Elkay SWUF3320WH Fireclay Farmhouse Sink, and Luxury Heavy Gauge Copper Farmhouse Sink.
Maintenance
Regardless of how good a kitchen sink is, the users’ maintenance of it guarantees its efficiency and long-lasting durability. It is essential to know the needs of a kitchen sink for correct care.
Different kitchen sinks have various necessities based on what material of cloth you can use to clean it, how to clean it, and what liquids are necessary.
For example, sinks of Zuhne Modena should not be cleaned using bleach, and if particular stainless steel kitchen sinks are scrubbed, they may scratch.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Find the Ideal Kitchen Sink
After knowing what you need, measure the total area of your kitchen and cabinet. Based on that information, you can buy the ideal-sized sink that will not tightly or loosely fit. Also, depending on the number of chores you have to do, the size of your sink plays the most significant role.
For example, uninterrupted dishwashing in a big household needs larger kitchen sinks.
Step 1: Understand your need first
Firstly, determine exactly for what purpose you want to buy a kitchen sink. Knowing that can help you narrow down a massive list of sinks available in the market and then decide easily.
For example, suppose you are looking for a stylish sink that can suit an extravagant kitchen interior. In that case, you will probably skip looking at stainless steel sinks offered by Kraus and instead look at Ruvati and Elkay.
Step 2: Determine your interior area and required size
After knowing what you need, measure the total area of your kitchen and cabinet. Based on that information, you can buy the ideal-sized sink that will not tightly or loosely fit.
Also, depending on the number of chores you have to do, the size of your sink plays the most significant role. For example, uninterrupted dishwashing in a big household needs larger kitchen sinks.
Step 3: Choose the right brand
As we already discussed, having an idea about brands ensures safer purchases. It is more likely that if you choose a brand that focuses on aspects similar to your needs, you will be more satisfied.
For instance, if you do not want to spend a lot of time cleaning and maintaining your sink, you may buy sinks from ELKAY because it is a brand known for making kitchen sinks that can mitigate scratches, marks, and spots.
Step 4: Read Customer Reviews
No matter how many guides and articles you read, reading customer reviews can give you a personal insight into a user’s experience with specific kitchen sinks.
You can find numerous pros and cons mentioned by buyers of a sink that the kitchen sink brands themselves never discuss. Such as, issues related to a brand’s delivery and customer service are primarily found in the customer reviews section of a product. This helps you to stay prepared for unexpected problems.
Step 5: Order from reputed sources
Order your sinks from original sellers and suppliers from authentic sources. That can be either on an international platform like Amazon or even a well-reputed local market.
Step 6: Check Warranty
Check whether your kitchen sink has a decent warranty for potential damage and harm. Maintaining kitchen sinks requires you to spend money, and in instances where your sink might need replacement, the cost can be high.
A kitchen sink with a good warranty can substantially reduce your regular expenses.
Step 7: Install and use
Now that you have a clear understanding of what kitchen sink you are looking for, order it and install it with the help of a professional. Give the sink a few tests to see if any unexpected problem arises, and then let the customer support service of its brand know.
To sum up, having the right products in your kitchen can make the experience of working there fun and engaging. And, the best step you can take to ensure you are enjoying yourself while doing your kitchen chores is to get a kitchen sink optimized for your purposes.
We have some great, well-researched, and helpful articles on Kitchen sink. This will cover a lot of your common questions regarding kitchen sink. You can check them out here.
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