Kitchen Sinks

How to Choose a Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink is one of the hardest working pieces of the kitchen. Pick the material first because it shapes the look, the maintenance and the cost. Then settle the configuration (single, double or triple bowl) and the mount style (undermount, drop in or farmhouse).

Material

• Fireclay. Glazed ceramic finish in white or off white. Resists scratches and heat. Heavy. Browse fireclay kitchen sinks.
• Stainless steel. Lightest, most affordable, dent resistant in 16 gauge or thicker. Stainless steel kitchen sinks.
• Granite composite. Quartz and acrylic blend in matte black or grey. Very scratch resistant. Granite composite sinks.
• Copper. Patinated finish, naturally antimicrobial. Heaviest care.

Mount Style

• Undermount. Counter overhangs the rim. Wipe crumbs straight into the bowl. Needs a stone or solid surface counter.
• Drop in. Rim sits on top of the counter. Works with any counter, including laminate and tile. Drop in kitchen sinks.
• Farmhouse / apron front. Exposed front face. Statement look in farmhouse and modern country kitchens. Farmhouse kitchen sinks.

Bowl Configuration

Single bowl sinks are now the most popular choice because they handle large pots and sheet pans without splitting the basin. Double bowl sinks are still the best choice for hand washing dishes while a side runs the disposal. Triple bowl sinks suit large entertaining kitchens with a dedicated prep basin.

Faucet Compatibility

Most kitchen sinks include one to four pre punched faucet holes. A modern single hole faucet looks clean on a fireclay or stainless sink. A three hole spread suits a deck mount sprayer and soap dispenser. Always confirm the faucet hole spacing before ordering.

Match a sink with the right vanity in your bathroom collection if you are renovating both at once, or browse the full range of cleaning equipment for restaurants and food prep kitchens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular kitchen sink size?

The 30 to 33 inch single bowl undermount sink is the most popular kitchen sink in new construction and remodels. It fits a 36 inch base cabinet and gives plenty of room for sheet pans and stockpots.

How thick should a stainless steel kitchen sink be?

Look for 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel for a quiet, dent resistant sink. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel. 22 to 23 gauge sinks are inexpensive but show dings from dropped pots and amplify water noise.

Is a fireclay sink the same as porcelain?

Fireclay is glazed ceramic fired at much higher temperatures than porcelain over cast iron. Fireclay is harder, scratch resistant and heat resistant up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Porcelain over cast iron is cheaper but chips when struck.

Do kitchen sinks come with a strainer or drain?

Most kitchen sinks come with a basket strainer drain. Premium fireclay and copper sinks ship without one because the install style varies. Check the spec sheet before ordering and add a matching strainer to your cart if needed.