Sink Options For Your Kitchen — How To Choose The Best Sink For Your Space
Just like the kitchen is the heart of the home, the sink is the heart of the kitchen. Among the plethora of important decisions you will make while remodeling your kitchen, choosing the right sink is the most fundamental one. It is one of the most used features and creates a critical focal point in the overall design. Therefore, it should be made of a material that is not only stylish but also matches your family’s needs for maintenance and durability.
The question is how to make the perfect choice that will not only add a new feel to your space but will also perform well. In this blog, we will be covering the best kitchen sink options to help you with your kitchen renovation.
Sink Sizes
Having a sink of the wrong size is no less than a mess. There are multiple options, dependent on the size of your room.
1. Single Basin Kitchen Sink
This design is ideal for large families who do a lot of dishes multiple times a day. With their substantial size, you can easily wash big pans, pots, and other utensils like cooking sheets without any spillage.
These sinks are available up to 36 inches. However, they are not preferred by many people because of their extra-wide rims.
2. Double Basin Sinks
When you think about the traditional kitchen since, you likely envision the double-basin sink. This design lends itself well to multitasking. For example, put dirty dishes in one side and use the other for food preparation.
It makes garbage disposal easier and helps keep things more organized.
3. Triple Basin Sink
These sinks provide extra functionality and save time simultaneously.
They are best for those who prefer hand-washing utensils daily. The deep and wide sinks allow you to soak dirty dishes while you use the other basin for food preparation.
4. Farmhouse Style
This design has evolved to become one of the most famous styles. Being wide and deep with a broad front edge, these apron-front sinks can accommodate large objects such as household items and clothes and even children.
These sinks were originally single basin sinks but now come in divided two-basin configurations. They are available in a wide variety of materials including natural stone, cast iron, and fireclay.
Sink Materials
Among the best kitchen sink options, the perfect choice for you is a sink with durable material that lasts for years and fits your personal aesthetic.
Enameled Cast Iron
Cast iron is one of the most durable and heavy materials with versatile styles.
When making the decision, you need to check whether your cabinets need reinforcement to be able to stand the weight of your sink (especially when filled with water and dishes).
The non-porous enamel coating of these sinks comes in a wide range of colors. They can be matched with nearly any decor.
Enamel is easy to clean, but scratches from heavy pans can expose the iron to rust. An easy solution is to place a silicone grid on the base of your sink.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel will last you 10-30 years. It is bacteria resistant and works well with natural stone countertops. It is low maintenance and easy to clean.
Trying looking for basins made with heavier gauge steel, 16 to 18 gauge would be ideal. These will make the sink more dent-resistant.
Such sinks may, however, be prone to scratches. Plus, they are noisier than other materials.
Quartz or Granite
Solid stone sinks are towards the high end of the price range. But they make a true statement in the kitchen with their attractiveness.
Stone is durable and solves the problem of scratches, drains, and similar damage. Bonus points if you can give your kitchen a seamless look by choosing the same species of stone as your countertops.
A con you might have to face is that the porous nature of stone may require regular sealing. Cabinetry may also require reinforcement for safe installation.
Fireclay
This material is very lightweight and famous for large farmhouse styles.
The ultra-high glaze finish makes these sinks stain-resistant and heat-resistant. The cleanup is as simple as wiping it down with dish soap and warm water. Using wax-based polish will help water and debris flow easily off the basin surface. They are available in many colors but are commonly found in white or off-white.
Methods of Sink Installation
Upgrading your kitchen sink will give your kitchen a makeover but deciding the type of sink that will best fit your needs may be tricky. Here’s a concise list to help you make the right choice:
Under-mount Sink
Pros:
Adds aesthetic value
Easy to clean
Cons:
Limited choice in countertop material selection. It has to be waterproof for an under-mount sink.
Integrated Sink
Pros:
Maintenance-free design that only requires a casual wipe-down
Can be customized according to your style
Provide a streamlined, minimalistic look
Cons:
Cannot be replaced. The entire countertop will need to be changed.
Prone to stains and scratches
Drop-in Sink
Pros:
Simple and easy installation as it can be installed on any countertop.
Available in a large variety of materials
Cons:
Hard to clean
Take up more counter space
Your sink is a critical element in your kitchen that contributes to both its beauty and functionality.
How often you cook and the type of cooking you do can influence the sink you should install. However, no matter what your budget, style, or practical needs are, there is a kitchen sink material that fits all your requirements! Some research paired with the opinions of experts will help you pick the correct option.
So, what are you waiting for? You’re familiar with the pros and cons of the best kitchen sink options. Upgrade your kitchen now!
