Choosing the Right Kitchen Sink

There’s no such thing as a kitchen without a sink. Choosing the right kitchen sink is an important decision as it has such an essential role for cooking and cleaning. The choice will largely depend on whether the sink is destined for home or commercial use, as well as the available space and budget. The location of plumbing for the taps and evacuations may play a role in your choice. The style or aesthetic appeal of the sink may also be a determining factor.

This guide will focus on sinks for home and residential use -whether it’s a house, studio, apartment or student accommodation. It will not focus on commercial sinks. As regulations for commercial kitchen sinks may vary from country to country, it is important to familiarize yourself with the regulations of your local authority that apply to your business.

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How to choose the ideal kitchen sink?
In this guide, we’ll look at crucial criteria to consider when choosing a kitchen sink, including the choice of material, type of installation, number of basins, shape and whether to select a sink with a drainboard or not.

The choice will depend on :
- Material
- Installation
- Number of basins
- Shape
- With or without a drainboard
What are the material options for kitchen sinks?
The most popular kitchen sink materials include stainless steel, composite, ceramic and natural stone. Each material has its own reasons for popularity and this should help you in your decision making.

Stainless steel is light, stain resistant, and easy to maintain, but can be prone to scratching or denting. Certain types of stainless steel have scratch resistant properties, come in different thicknesses, and may have a textured surface finish to increase longevity.

Composite and resin based sinks are available in the widest a range of colors, forms and finishes. They are generally heat, scratch and shock resistant, and are easy to maintain, but may stain over time. Popular high-end materials for stone composites include granite and quartz, some of which have an 80/20 ratio between the stone and the resin, giving an attractive and durable finish.

Ceramic and natural stone both have a high thermal, scratch and stain resistance. They are often favored for their durability and are popular in traditional kitchen designs. However, they are heavier and less shock absorbent than other popular materials. The finish on ceramic can chip and some types of stone may require specific care such as sealing to avoid damage.

MARMORIN Composite Kitchen Sink

SIMAS Ceramic Kitchen Sink

DADA Steel Kitchen Sink
Common Kitchen Sink Materials :
- Stainless Steel
- Composite and Resin
- Ceramic
- Natural Stone
How to choose the right type of kitchen sink installation?
There are various types of kitchen sink installations and this might greatly impact which sink you choose. We won’t go into detail on how to install the sinks, but here’s what you’ll need to know about each type of installation.

Recessed “overmount“, “top mount” or “drop-in” sinks are the most common type, inset into a cut-out hole, overlapping the countertop, hiding unsightly edges. “Undermount” sinks are fitted underneath the countertop. This can save counter space and be easier to clean, but they require the countertop cut-out holes to be carefully measured and prefinished to align with the sink. They are a popular solution for minimalist kitchens.

Apron-front sinks (aka farmhouse sinks) sit on top of a cabinet base underneath the countertop, with the front exposed. They are often large and deep and popular in traditional kitchens. Ensure that the dimensions of the base cabinet are suitable so that the sink can be installed at the correct height.

Other types of sink installation include countertop, freestanding units and integrated kitchen sinks. Seamless integrated kitchen sinks allow for hygienic and easy cleaning. They may be made to measure out of materials such as welded steel or composites such as corian.

MUNDILITE Overmount Sink

ZECCHINON Undermount Sink

HERBEAU Apron-Front Sink
Main Types of Sink Installation :
- Overmount
- Undermount
- Apron-front
- Countertop
- Free-standing
- Integrated
What to consider when choosing the number of basins?

OFFICINE GULLO Double Kitchen Sink

The number and dimensions of basins will mostly depend on the available countertop and under-counter space for the sink depth and connections. How the sink will be used is also a key factor—large cookware may require a deeper and larger basin than basic dishes or food preparation. The frequency and volume of use also needs consideration. Larger drainers and basin options could be more adapted to more frequent use.

Double sinks come in a large number of configurations including basins of equal size, one large and one small, completely separated or with a low level divider. Low level dividers can offer more flexible use for washing larger dishes or objects. Two large sinks may be a more comfortable option for spacious kitchens and multiple users. For those with limited space, double sinks with one large and one small sink are a popular choice.

Single-bowl sinks can come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Small single-bowl basins may be favored by those who have limited space or cook rarely. Large single-bowl sinks may be preferred to divided versions for cleaning large cookware or other equipment.

Streamlined modular sink accessories that fit over sinks are becoming more popular to optimize space. Accessories may include chopping boards, sink covers, draining baskets and draining boards.
Which shape should I choose for my kitchen sink?
The shape of a kitchen sink can help facilitate tasks. The configuration of your kitchen and countertop might lead you to choose a specific shape best suited to your needs.

ALPES INOX Corner Kitchen Sink

Rectangular sinks are the most popular and are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations such as with two sinks or with a draining board. Corner sinks allow unused corner space to be optimized, particularly in L and U shaped kitchens, freeing up counter space for other tasks. As with rectangular sinks they are available in a number of configurations. Round and square sinks are usually one basin without a drainboard and are suited to kitchens with limited space. While round basins may be more difficult for washing larger dishes, their smooth curves are usually easier to clean than square types.

Another thing to consider with the sink shape is the ease of maintenance. While rectangular and square sinks with angular corners are becoming more popular, especially with minimalist kitchens, they may be more difficult to clean than those with rounded edges.
Should I consider a sink with a drainboard?

SANINDUSA Kitchen Sinks

There are evident reasons why choosing a sink with a drainboard could be a good idea, such as easier cleaning since washed dishes are left to drain on the board which slopes into the sink, avoiding the accumulation of water. However, sinks without drainboards now have some accessories to help with draining issues without overtaking countertop space.

A sink with drainboard may help protect delicate countertops from splashes. However, it takes up more counter space and is less flexible than using a removable drainboard.

A sink without drainboard may be preferred for minimalist finishes to emphasize the worktop and take up less counter space. There are also a number of sinks that now come with removable drainers, which can be placed over the basin. There are now even shallow drain sinks for draining and food preparation that can be inset or fixed on the countertop.