Until you actually go to buy one, you might not spend a lot time thinking about your kitchen sink, but it is the most used fixture in the home. It’s often used in the preparation of meals, and it is there for when you clean up.
In trying to find the right kitchen sink for your home, there is a lot to consider. Most people tend to look for sinks from high-end manufacturers, believing that the brand will ensure them the best quality. While many of these top brands do make good products, most people will find that it is the material that matters most.
Whether you are planning a kitchen for a new home, a remodel or simply replacing the sink in your existing kitchen, you want to make sure to get one that will serve you well for many years. In this post, we are going to go over some of the choices that you have, and explain some of the advantages and disadvantages behind your different options.
Size
When it comes to the practical uses of the sink, factors like the dimensions of the bowls and the depth will have a significant impact. If the sink is too small in its dimensions or too shallow in its depth, you might have a hard time washing some of your larger items.
You want to make sure to select a sink that has both the dimensions and the depth to accommodate these items. As an additional point, a deeper bowl can help to reduce the amount of water that will splash out when you are cleaning. On the other hand, one of these deeper bowls might be uncomfortable for a shorter person to use.
Materials
Kitchen sinks come in a wide array of materials. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is a point that deserves careful consideration. Among the material options that you will have for a kitchen sink, you have stainless steel, enamel, acrylic, stone and solid surface sinks.
Stainless Steel
This is the most common option for kitchen sinks. Stainless steel offers good durability, and it is more affordable than many of the other options. When it comes to quality, the biggest factor in stainless steel sinks is the thickness of the steel. A heavier gauge steel like 16 will be more expensive, but it will also be less noisy and more durable.
One downside to stainless steel is that it is a material that has a little more give, so it will scratch or dent easier than other materials. However, this give does mean that it is less likely to damage items that are dropped in the sink when washing.
Enamel
These are sinks that have a porcelain enamel finish. In this category, you have the option of the enamel finish on stainless steel or enamel on cast iron. Stainless steel is a more affordable option in this category, but they are not quite as durable as the sinks with a cast iron base.
A sink with an enamel finish will be durable and it should handle heat well. The one drawback is that the finish can chip or crack. If you happen to drop a heavy item in the sink, it could damage the enamel. While it can happen with either type enamel sink, it is more of a problem with those that have a stainless steel base.
Stone
Stone is great for its durability, but it is one of the most expensive options that you will have. If you are looking for a stone sink, popular options include quartz, granite and slate. Stone sinks tend to take heat well, and they will last a long time.
Other than the price, the big drawback with stone sinks is that they can be prone to scuffing and scratching. In addition to that, some types of stone might have issues with staining.
Solid Surface
A solid surface sink is made from a material that is designed to pair seamlessly with the look of the countertops. This is a choice that is more for the style than it is for durability or function. For the most part, these sinks do not handle heat well, and they can be damaged by dropping heavy items or sharp knives.
Installation
Different types of sinks are installed in different ways. This will not only have an impact on the difficulty with which the sink can be installed, but it will also have an effect on the sink’s practical usage. When it comes to sink installation, the two most common options are top-mount sinks and undermount sinks.
Top-mount
Top-mount or drop-in sinks are a common option, and they are the easiest to install. As the name suggests, these sinks are installed by positioning them through the cutout in the counter from the top. The sink will take its support from the flange around the edge that rests on the countertop.
While being popular for their easy installation, there is an issue with the gap that is created by the flange resting on the counters. This can make it difficult to sweep crumbs and bits of food from the counters into the sink, and debris can collect around the edges.
Undermount
Undermount sinks are raised into position from under the counter. They usually cost more, and they take longer to install. Many people like them for the nice sleek look, with the sink sitting slightly recessed below the countertops.
Being more expensive and time-consuming to install, some people will avoid the undermount sinks or seek professional plumbing installation services. However, the advantage is that with the sink sitting below the countertops, you can sweep spills and crumbs into the sink without them getting caught on the lip, as they would with the top-mount models.
To select the right kitchen sink, you will need to familiarize yourself with the different options that you have. Consider the material that will work best for your home, the type of mounting that you want, and the configuration of the bowls and the faucets.
