Kitchen Sink Buying Guide

Think about your kitchen sink for a minute. Is there ever a day you don’t use it? Kitchen sinks are exposed to a lot of grimy activities, like peeling, scraping and splashing when you’re in food-prep mode, and they serve as the parking lot for pots and dishes that await washing. They must endure the wear and tear of water, harsh chemicals and germs on a daily basis. Doesn’t sound too glamorous, does it? But there’s the rub—a sink has a role to play as the kitchen’s fashionista element. It’s got to function as a culinary pit stop and make your kitchen look good at the same time.

 

Before changing up your kitchen sink, consider how much use it gets and compare the proportion of the size of your sink to the size of your kitchen. If your kitchen is over 200 square feet and the sink is used for light washing and a garbage disposal, the popular double bowl will allow the sink to handle multiple jobs at once, like stacking dishes in one side and rinsing vegetables in the other. Large basins, which are on trend right now, and triple bowls can be used for those who frequently cook or wash dishes in the sink, but their size might overpower a smaller kitchen—say, one that’s less than 150 square feet. In a kitchen this size, smaller single bowls will not only function well, they also fit the room best.

 

You probably won’t use anything in your kitchen more than your sink, so you will definitely develop an opinion (good or bad) about it based on its size and the tasks you tend to perform. When you’re in a showroom, stand next to the sink at a counter and picture yourself scrubbing pots or peeling carrots. Will you bang your elbows on a sink that’s too deep? Will your favorite platters chip when they hit the sides of a sink that’s too narrow? 

 

That being said, the material your kitchen sink is made of has a big impact on not only how it functions for you, but also its aesthetics and cost effectiveness. While you want to invest in a sturdy surface that will maintain its appearance over a long period of time, sinks are a notable design element in your kitchen—choose one that complements the other fixtures and decor of the space.

 

Stainless Steel: It’s no secret that stainless steel is the most popular material for kitchen sinks, offering a good balance of cost, durability and ease of cleaning as well as availability in a variety of types, styles and sizes. Stainless-steel sinks are very budget friendly, but be aware of how easily they can scratch and show water marks. Choose a brushed satin finish rather than a mirror finish so water marks and scratches will be less noticeable. Stainless-steel sinks are known to be noisy, so look for sound-absorbing pads on the bottom. $100–$800

 

Composite Granite: These are the go-to sink for interior designers because of their attractive look and reliability. Unlike stainless steel, these sinks don’t show water marks or scratches. They come in a variety of neutral colors, but the darker hues best disguise grit and grime. Although these sinks are durable, they can crack if mishandled—especially during shipping and handling. $300–$600

 

Fireclay: If you’re looking to make over your kitchen in solid whites and neutrals, think about choosing a fireclay sink. These are manufactured at extremely high temperatures and are resistant to scratches, staining and chipping. Clean up is simple, just use dish soap on a sponge; but for tougher marks, a mild abrasive cleanser and some elbow grease will get that sink back to bright white. $400–$1,000

 

Natural Stone: If you install natural-stone countertops in your kitchen remodel, think about purchasing a matching sink. This integral style makes the flow from your countertops seamless to your sink. Caveat: some stones, like marble, are susceptible to stains, so test a sample of the stone first and watch how it stands up to constant water splashes and colored liquids. Starts at $1,000 

 

 

Pros: Wider, deeper, heavier; gives a vintage kitchen look; stainless-steel material can work well with modern designs

Cons: Requires a 36-inch-wide sink cabinet; easy to break a dish or glass against apron sinks when you place the item in the sink; stainless steel can be scratched; water can drip on and damage the cabinet

 

Pros: Sits below the surface of the counter, so spills and crumbs can be wiped into the sink; sleek look

Cons: Requires a professional to install; can only be mounted under a sturdy, waterproof countertop material

 

Pros: Easiest to install, budget friendly, vintage look

Cons: Raised lip where the sink meets your countertop makes it difficult to wipe grime directly into the sink

 

Pros: Clean and seamless; no crevices where grime or food particles can collect; popular solution when the countertop is also being renovated

Cons: Most expensive because of cost of material, fabrication; usually custom designed

 

CR Home/BSI | CRhomeusa.com

Elkay | Elkay.com

Noland Company | 770.458.2111

NorthPoint Kitchens | NorthPointKitchens.com