Which Kitchen Sinks?
Discover which Kitchen Sinks are best and which Kitchen Sinks are right for you.
What Kitchen Sinks
Learn about what Kitchen Sinks can do, the key features of Kitchen Sinks and what to look for when buying Kitchen Sinks.
Best Kitchen Sinks
Find the best Kitchen Sinks by popularity, price and functionality -- browse by the most popular brands and featured stores for Kitchen Sinks.
Your kitchen might well be the heart and soul of your home, but it is the sink that does most of the hard work. This is because the sink is the only area where you not only prepare meals but you clean up afterwards too. And while a good quality sink can last over 15 years, it will eventually wear out, and fashions change too. There are so many different kinds of kitchen sink to choose from nowadays, from aluminium and marble sinks to retro ceramic tubs, the list is endless.
Top Mounted Sinks
These sinks are often best for anyone on a tight budget. They sit straight on top of your kitchen counter, and they can fit well with almost any kind of countertop material. They are also the easiest sinks to install. The disadvantages to them are that grime will build up around the lip where the sink meets the counter, while they can sometimes make a fancy countertop look poor.
Under Mounted Sinks
These sinks are usually pricier than their top mounted counterparts, yet they provide for a sleek look and easy cleaning. Spills and crumbs on the countertop can be wiped directly into the sink, so there will be no build up of grime. However, with these sinks, taps must be mounted into the countertop or on the wall, and they cannot be used with laminate or wooden counters, only waterproof materials.
Farmhouse Sinks
Ideal for a traditional-looking farmhouse or country style kitchen, these stainless steel sinks also fit in well with a more modern look as well. Usually, these sinks are a single deep bowl, with the taps being installed in the counter or on the wall above. These sinks are quite expensive however, and they require a special cabinet.
Trough Sinks
These are used as a bar or prep sink, and they tend to take up a lot of room as well as being expensive. Long and narrow, they usually measure between 8 and 14 inches wide and up to 60 inches long. They are very modern and sleek looking, and can even be used by two people at the same time.
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There are a number of different materials that are used to make kitchen sinks, and you will find it useful to know about the advantages and disadvantages of each one before you make a purchase.
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Stainless Steel |
Cast Iron |
Composite Granite |
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Stainless steel sinks make for a good balance between durability, cost and ease of cleaning. The best quality stainless steel sinks use 16 to 18 gauge or thicker steel in order to prevent scratches and dents and lessen the noise made while using them. Vibration-damping foam is often used underneath the bowl to deaden the sound of water drumming.
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Cast iron sinks are coated with porcelain enamel in order to give them a hard and durable surface that is both smooth and glossy. It tends to last a long time, hiding streaks and water spots, while they are retain heat very well too. On the downside however, the surface is liable to chip if hit hard enough, exposing the black iron surface underneath the enamel. Cast iron sinks are also very heavy, requiring a sturdy countertop.
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These sinks are made from a composite of materials, providing for a sturdy and low maintenance surface. They come in a range of prices, colours and composites, and can tolerate hot cookware.
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Cast Acrylic |
Fireclay |
Copper |
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These sinks are made from moulded plastic and fibreglass. They are an inexpensive when compared with other materials, and provide a stain resistant surface as well as being easy to maintain and clean. They are liable to scratch, but these can be sanded and polished clean.
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Fired at very high temperatures, these sinks are noted for their exceptional durability, while at the same time having a glossy, non-porous finish that won’t fade, rust or discolour. They are resistant to stains, scratches and chips, and can be bought in a range of various colours and sizes. They also offer low maintenance and a high resistance to bacteria so they are a good hygienic choice as well.
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A unique blend of functionality and beauty, copper is a very durable sink material that does not tarnish or rust, and requires very little maintenance. A great match for natural countertop surfaces such as stone or wood, they take on a nice looking aged look after a time. Copper sinks also have strong anti-bacterial properties that can kill bacteria and viruses such as E-coli.
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As well as considering the style and type of material, there are several other design factors that need to be considered when buying a sink.
When we talk about the configuration of a sink, we mean the sink’s size, number of bowls it has, how deep it is and the number of holes for accessories and fittings.
The size of your sink cabinet or countertop will determine the dimensions of the sink you can fit. Typical base cabinets are around 36 to 42 inches tall and 25 to 26 inches wide, and you will need a sink approximately 3 to 4 inches smaller than this to fill it. For anyone who cooks frequently, they should consider a wide sink to accommodate the pots and pans used, while a sink used primarily for washing hands and light rinsing needs to be quite large.
Many sinks now come with multiple bowls, and this can be a useful feature depending on the kinds of activities you use it for. If there is often more than one cook working in your kitchen, then a sink with two or more bowls is a very good option, as it allows for one bowl to be used for peeling and rinsing foods, and the other to be used for placing dirty cookware. The most common sinks these days are double bowls of an equal size.
The bowl depth can be determined by how you use your sink, though largely you should just aim for one that provides both functionality and comfort while using it. Average sink bowl depths are around 8 to 10 inches, with a 10 inch deep bowl being best suited for anyone who cooks with large pots and pans. A deeper sink allows for easier soaking and can reduce the splash of water. Your height should also be considered too, as having a sink at the correct depth will lessen backaches and fatigue while using it. Don’t forget though, that the depth of your sink will impact on how much space there is in the cupboard underneath it.
Sinks usually feature between 1 to 5 holes, usually placed behind the bowl in order to facilitate taps and other accessories like soap dispensers, hot filtered water and spray hoses. You should aim for a sink that has as many holes as accessories you want to use, though it is possible to buy decorative covers to conceal these holes.
One last factor that may influence your decision making is the ease of installation. Many top mounted sinks are quite easy to install, and this can be done by almost anyone. However, under mounted sinks and some other stylish sinks may require the use of a professional to help install them.
- Consider the drain position. Sinks that have a drain set at the rear will have the pipes at the back of the unit, giving you more space in the kitchen cabinet for any items you want to store there.
- If your counter space is limited, you should consider a sink that features a custom fitted cutting board. Many sinks are also designed with the accommodation of drain baskets and colanders, which makes it draining food easier.
Alphasan - This is an anti-microbial agent that is used in some sink materials. It inhibits bacterial and fungi growth that can cause discolouration and odours.
Basket Strainer - A straining device with holes that slots into one of the sink bowls (usually a small one), allowing you to catch food and other solids when draining water.
Mixing Valve - A valve that allows you to combine hot and cold water together in order to deliver water at the temperature you desire.
Pull-Out Spray - A special kind of tap featuring a retractable hose that is able to be pulled out, making cleaning and other tasks much easier.
Tile Edge - A kind of sink that is designed to be mounted perfectly flush with the kitchen counter.