What are the different types of kitchen sinks?

Welcome to the world of interior design- even something as simple as a kitchen sink can come in more varieties than you could ever imagine. 

From single-bowl to double-bowl, undermount to farmhouse, the styles are endless. It can be overwhelming trying to understand the different options, much less choose the best one for you and your home.

This post breaks down everything you need to know about kitchen sinks.

Materials

Kitchen sinks can come in a variety of different materials, from stainless steel to ceramic. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of the most common materials used for kitchen sinks.

There are more materials you can use too, if none of these are quite what you're looking for.

Stainless Steel

This is the most universal material when it comes to kitchen appliances. It's incredibly durable; it's heat-resistant, doesn't chip or crack, and is stain resistant.

It's also affordable. The main drawback of stainless steel is it does tend to accumulate scratches and dents over time, and can retain water spots without proper care. Aesthetically, it is not to everyone's taste and colors are limited.

Ceramic

These sinks are a budget-friendly option to fireclay sinks. Aesthetically, they fit in well with rustic and farmhouse-style interiors.

They are stain resistant and easy to maintain with household cleaning products. Ceramic isn't as heat-resistant as stainless steel, and may also be vulnerable to cracking or chipping if handled improperly. 

Fireclay

Fireclay sinks are made from molded clay covered in enamel and fired at a high temperature.

They are long-lasting, chip-resistant, and rust-proof, and make the perfect addition to a firehouse or rustic kitchen. However, these sinks can be very costly and may require extra support to hold their weight.

Mounting

The mounting of your sink can affect both the scum buildup in and around your washing area as well as the overall aesthetic look of the kitchen.

Here are the most common mounts for kitchen sinks.

Undermount

An undermount sink is installed underneath the counter to create a seamless appearance. People with natural stone countertops may opt for this style because it doesn't interrupt natural look of the stone.

The drawback of this style is it can lead to gunk buildup in the seam between the sink and the counter.

Farmhouse

This sink is undermounted with an exposed front wall. It is often chosen for it's aesthetic, and can feature as a statement piece in a kitchen that goes with any kind of countertop. However, it can lead to more dripping because of the overhang.

Drop-In

A drop-in sink is installed on top of a countertop and has a surrounding rim. It has a simple installation process, so anyone remodeling their kitchen can put in a drop-in sink more or less on their own.

Shape

The shape of a kitchen sink can impact both the overall look and its utility.

You can get a variety of customized sink shapes that are unique, but here we'll cover the most common shapes you'll find in modern kitchens.

Double Bowl

This is one of the most common kitchen sink designs, in which the sink is divided into two basins, making space for washing and rinsing or soaking.

Typically, these sinks come in stainless steel, but you can also get ceramic sinks in this style. The main drawback of this kind of sink is neither basin may be big enough for large pots and pans.

Single Bowl

A single bowl sink is great for large families with lots of dishes, as well as washing larger casserole dishes and cookware. It is the shape most often used with farmhouse sinks, and can be aesthetically more appealing in certain kitchens.

Prep Sink

These are smaller single-bowl sinks installed on kitchen islands or areas most commonly used for food prep. If you are looking for a secondary sink in your kitchen, this is a great option.

If you are considering remodeling your kitchen, check out these other upgrades you can add to your kitchen sink to increase comfort and convenience. If you need guidance on a remodeling project, or are just looking for a little inspiration, contact us today.