A Quick Buyers Guide To Kitchen Sinks

Summary: There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different types of kitchen sinks. Choosing one that fits your needs can be intimidating. Undermount kitchen sinks are great for easy clean up. As is a stainless steel kitchen sink. You'll also want to give some thought to your budget and the location of the sink.

Q: I've been searching through a lot of kitchen sinks lately and am a little overloaded and intimidated by all the choices available. Do you have any guidance on how to select one that fits MY needs?

A: Well, there's a basic three step process that I've went through before and that I recommend you do. That is, first of all give some though to where the sink is going.

In other words, what kind of counter top will you be installing the sink in.

Now, you'll want to get a broad range of opinions here because what one salesmen tells you may differ from what you can actually do. So, keep that in mind.

For a good example, let me tell you quick story about our kitchen remodel.

My wife really wanted an undercounter sink look for ease of cleanup. But, to do that we were told you had to have a solid surface counter top so you could mount the sink underneath.

I don't know how much you've searched around but solid surface countertops are expensive. We were looking at going with a nice laminate which we thought would eliminate the undercounter option.

Not true.

My wife called up the countertop guys and they said they had actually done it before.

Now, while it's not a true undercounter sink there is a rabbited edge in the solid core where the sink 'sits' in and then the laminate goes over the top edges. Giving the look of a undercounter sink without the cost of buying solid surface.

So, you'd be surprised at some of the options available to you if you ask around a bit.

Now, back to the installation.

Aside from rare instances like ours your countertop and where you want to install your sink will dictate the type of sink you can get.

When it comes to kitchen sink installation you come to 3 main options.

Undercounter, like you just read about, is exactly that. It's a sink that is installed and secured under the counter.

Undercounter Sink Pros

Ease of cleanup
Clean looks
Highlighting the curved counters and edging of the sink

Undercounter Sink Cons

Installing the sink
Sometimes placement of the sink can be a challenge - especially at 'joints', corners or peninsula's.

The next basic type of sink is the self rimming sink.

This has historically been the most popular option for homewoners. As the name implies, the rim of the sink sits on top of the counter and also serves to hide the cutout made for the sink.

Self Rimming Sink Pros

Ease of installation
Typically cheaper as they are more common

Self Rimming Sink Cons

Take up more counter space
Cleanup can be more difficult

The third - and last - basic of type of kitchen sink is the flush mount model.

In this case the top of the sink is level - or flush - with the countertop. You often see this in what are called 'tiled' sinks where the sink has a flat, straight edge and corners that look very neat.

Flush Mount Sink Pros

Very clean looking
Easier cleanup than self rimming sinks

Flush Mount Sink Cons

Difficult installation compared to self rimming
Generally limited to tile countertops

Once you know where and how your installation needs to occur it will give you a better idea of the right general type of sink for you.

Now you'll want to give some thought to the next general area for kitchen sinks.

Kitchen Sink Materials

Like countertops, you should choose the type of material your kitchen sink will be made from based not only on looks, but also functionality. And there is a fair amount to choose from.

Stainless Steel

This is the good old standby that graces the kitchens by the millions across the country. Not only is it readily available but it is durable and pretty easy to clean.

You can actually get different finishes in stainless steel - from a light brushed finish all the way up to a highly polished finish.

Typically, these sinks are available in undercounter or self-rimming installations.

The one thing you want to pay close attention to when choosing a stainless steel sink is the gauge of the material. In short, the lower the number gauge the thicker the material. The highest grade sinks are typically 18- or 19- gauge steel.

The biggest complaints from stainless steel sink owners is they are 'louder'. The steel reverberates sounds like utensils and glasses being moved around in them. Manufacturers nowadays have even gone so far as to instill sound-absorbing technology into the sinks to minimize this. The other knock against stainless steel sinks is you are only locked into one color choice.

Cast Iron Sinks

While cast iron is a little more rare in today's homes it's notorious for standing up to abuses like dents. Today's models are made with a nice thick layer of enamel which permits it being resistant to staining and chipping. Cast iron is also available in a wide variety of colors and can be formed into custom shapes.

China/Clay

The types of sinks are actually tougher than the name implies. The biggest advantage of these sinks is they are a nonporous, glossy sinks from being fire-glazed.

Now that you've got your installation and type of sink material decide upon you'll want to put some thought into how many basins you want in your sink.

I know, hardly anybody does this but you should really do it.

Our latest sink actually has deeper basins than the normal 8 inches as well as having different sizes. Couple that with our high faucet and it is much more convenient than other sinks I've used.

Other considerations for basins may be

Do you have a dishwasher? If so, a single basin may be all you need.

If not, you will almost surely want a two or three basin sink.

Also, how big of pans and so forth do you plan on having in the sink. If they are relatively large (like roasting pans) do yourself a favor and get deep basins.

How much space do you have?

Most sink models run about 33 inches long by 22 inches wide. But triple basin sinks are larger. Often times, single basin sinks are smaller.

Do you have a trash compactor?

If so, you may want to think about a sink model that incorporates a cutting board in it so scraps can simply be pushed into the sink to be disposed of.

As you can see, limiting your choices down to one from thousands of kitchen sinks available depends on thinking about your needs and how the sink will eventually be used.