When building or renovating a house, the kitchen sink is usually not on the priority list for most people. Unless you have a keen eye for detail or a gourmet chef, the sink can come last and be any type as long as it’s functional.
However, this kitchen component is more important than we give it credit for and can make or mar the meals made in that home for years to come. So what type of kitchen sink should you use? We’ll discuss this in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Kitchen Sinks
The most important factor in choosing a kitchen sink is your preference or style. A kitchen sink is typically mundane and functional and not many people give it much thought. But if you’re keen on aesthetics and functionality, you may want to pay attention to the type of kitchen sink you install. The same goes for faucets and other components around this area. So let’s look at some types to help you choose the right one.
A top-mount sink, also called the drop-in sink, is the type that fits into a pre-designed hole or space in the counter. Although the name sounds as if it sits on top of the counter, it actually sits in a unique space.
The name comes from the fact that the rim is visible and in some cases, one side is also visible. In other words, the kitchen countertop doesn’t hide it and is easy to install. Because of this, the top-mount is practical and pretty affordable for homeowners, especially those on a budget.
Again, the name suggests that it sits under the countertop but that’s not exactly the case. An undermount kitchen sink fits below the countertop, not under it. Unlike the top-mount option, it doesn’t have a pre-designed space where it is installed. Rather, the contractor cuts a hole in the counter to accommodate the sink when it’s fixed below that space.
That means it has no visible rims but the sides of the opening form its rims. Everything sits below the surface. This design creates an even and smooth look in the space, with everything aligning beautifully for easy cleaning. It’s ideal if you want a sleek look in your kitchen but note that it may cost more than its top-mount counterpart.
Unlike many other types, this doesn’t come as just the drop-in sink we all know. A drainboard sink has a space on one side, called a drain board, that allows you to wash items or dry dishes. It’s popular and common in many homes because of its convenience and ease of use.
If you have a large home and don’t care much about sleekness but prefer functionality, the drainboard type is ideal. It allows you to cook and clean efficiently without leaving a mess. It’s great at keeping the countertop dry and less messy because it allows water to flow directly back into the sink.
So, while it’s not the best-looking option, it’s practical and functional, especially for busy kitchens. Click here to find out if a drainboard style is right for you.
The double-bowl sink is popular and well-liked because of the space it provides. This type has two basins or bowls, sometimes of the same size and other times of varying sizes, that increase and improve functionality in your kitchen. You can perform two tasks at the same time, such as washing dishes and vegetables.
If you typically prepare large meals and need as much space as you can get for washing, cleaning and drying, consider the double-bowl sink. It’s also ideal for anyone who loves to have separate spaces for different tasks instead of using one space for every cooking task.
A single-bowl sink, as the name suggests, has only one bowl or basin without dividers. It is usually large enough to hold big pots and pans, especially when washing them.
It’s also spacious enough to hold large quantities of food items and produce at the same time for easy and efficient washing. Its size makes it difficult to leave a watery mess on the floor or countertop, which makes it an excellent choice for any kitchen, no matter the design or preferred style.
6. Farmhouse Sinks
This type of sink is distinctive in that it has a front or an edge that extends beyond the edge of the cabinets or countertop by an inch or two. If you’re unfamiliar with the design, you would think it’s a result of poor measurement before fitting but that’s the design.
Farmhouse sinks are usually large enough to accommodate all sizes of pans and pots. This type is designed with the old-time farmhouses and their need for large sinks in mind. It has a rustic charm and beauty that makes it versatile; it can fit in a traditional home, a modern design or a transitional style.
Consider the Materials
Another deciding factor is the manufacturing material. While the sink type is important, the manufacturing material can also make or mar your home’s design. Fortunately, kitchen sinks are available in so many materials that choosing shouldn’t be a problem.
Stainless steel is the more popular choice because of its durability, low maintenance and affordability. You usually don’t need to replace it unless by choice. There’s also fireclay, which lasts for years, almost as long as stainless steel. The upside is that it’s not as bland as the former type so it fits in any modern or sleek kitchen. Moreover, it’s easy to maintain and highly durable.
You can consider granite composite, which is beautiful, strong, resists heat, stains and scratches and is easy to maintain. As with the fireclay option, it fits into any kitchen and works well with different cabinet and appliance colors.
Enameled cast iron is another popular choice, especially for traditional homes or farmhouses. It’s strong, resists stains and holds up well against mold or mildew. It’s also resistant to corrosion and rust and doesn’t buckle under heavy objects. Follow this resource link: https://www.thespruce.com/ to learn more about the materials.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the ideal kitchen sink, your preferred style and home decor should inform your decision. The good news is that the market offers so many options in terms of type and material. Most are customizable so you can have any color you want.
However, ensure you pick according to functionality, even if you’re keen about aesthetics. A kitchen sink is usually busy and you don’t want to spend a fortune on something that doesn’t serve you well. A stainless steel undermount or double-bowl sink is ideal for a busy or large home because of space, durability and functionality.