Kitchen Sinks Buying Guide

Double Bowl Kitchen Sinks and Triple Bowls Kitchen Sinks are ideal for washing dishes by hand, you can wash in one bowl and rinse in the other. Some multi-bowl sinks also come with one bowl smaller than the others which is convenient for scraping food scraps directly into a garbage disposal or simply keeping them out of the way until cleanup.

What type of sink works with your countertop?

Self-rimming Kitchen Sinks are the most popular and easiest to install and are generally used on laminate such as Formica countertops. The sink rim sits on the countertop and weight is supported by the countertop. Clips and bolts under the counter hold the sink securely in place. The faucet usually mounts directly to the deck along the back of the sink.

Under mount Kitchen Sinks are generally used with solid surface countertops such as granite, marble, soapstone, concrete, butcher block and composite such as Corian . These sinks mount beneath the countertop creating a seamless look around the sink and makes counter cleanup a breeze.

Apron-front Kitchen Sinks also known as farmhouse sinks evoke a period style kitchen and have a stylish panel in the front. They can be tiled in or come in under mount models. This is a unique installation and it is recommended that you have the sink on hand during cabinet construction.

Bar/Prep/Entertainment sinks are small sinks originally designed to scrub and prep fruits and vegetables, but their purpose has extended itself to many more applications. These sinks vary greatly in size and shape from 9½” inch round to 18” square. This sink can be found to fit virtually any application from an island in the kitchen, a bar sink in the bedroom or an entertainment sink in the family room.

What kitchen sink materials are available?

* Kitchen sink material is listed in the product details on all product pages.

Stainless Steel is the most popular sink material; it won’t chip, nick, crack, rust, stain or fade. The steel provides a sanitary surface and can be found in stylish finishes from shiny mirrored, brushed or satin. Stainless steel comes in different gauges or finishes and metal content. The lower the gauge the thicker the steel, lower gauges are less likely to dent and are sound deadening. Premium sinks are made from 18 and 19-gauge stainless steel.

Enameled Cast Iron are made of a solid cast iron and layered with an enamel surface which makes these sinks extremely heavy. They are long lasting, quieter than other sinks, are resistant to almost any type of structural damage and have excellent heat retention but very difficult to install because of their extreme weight. The enamel allows you to choose from a wide variety of colors but tends to scratch easily, so purchasing a sink rack or grid is recommended to protect the finish.

Vitreous China and Fireclay sinks are ceramic based material with a baked on porcelain for a glossy finish. Generally referred to as a French country style this material is impervious to water, easy to clean, germ-resistant, durable and available in almost any color including hand painted and sculpted designs. Damage can occur in these sinks so a sink gird or rack is recommended to protect it.

Solid Surface Material sinks have become very popular over the past few years and are available in a wide variety of colors to coordinate with countertops. They can mimic granite and other high end stones and are heat and stain resistant. This material is not completely scratch-proof but scratches buff out easily, some brands have a lifetime warrantee.

Copper sinks are made from a super-thick copper and hand-hammered creating form a of art that adds class to any kitchen. Copper sinks have a living finish that patinas with age. Copper is a healthy choice because bacteria cannot grow on it.

Tips for Finding the Best Sink

1. Be sure to measure the size of your cabinet and confirm that it will accommodate the dimensions of the sink. Remember it will take up width, length and depth.
2. Standard depth for a double basin sink is about 8” if you use large roasting pans and stock pots, look for 9”-10” depth.
3. A sink with the drain hole placed farther back than the usual center position frees up space underneath by pushing the pipes closer to the back of the cabinet. Look for this feature in product details if you keep garbage or recycling under the sink.