Your kitchen sink sees a lot of action and takes more abuse than most fixtures, so when it comes time to replace it, choose wisely. The material, installation type, number of basins, and options can make one sink stand apart from another. Follow this guide for help choosing a kitchen sink.
Types of Kitchen Sinks
The most common materials for kitchen sinks are:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most popular sink material. It resists stains, rust, and corrosion. Stainless comes in different gauges, with a higher gauge indicating a thinner material. Most residential stainless steel sinks are 18 gauge. Look for low carbon content for better corrosion resistance.
Pros:
- Durable and stain-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Wide range of styles and prices
- Can be undermounted for seamless countertops
Cons:
- Can be noisy
- Scratches show easily
- Not as heat resistant as other materials
Cast Iron
Cast iron sinks are extremely durable but very heavy. Most cast iron sinks are coated with enamel for ease of cleaning and a wider variety of colors.
Pros:
- Can last a lifetime
- Excellent heat resistance
- Comes in many colors
- Typically quieter than stainless
Cons:
- Very heavy requiring cabinet reinforcement
- Enamel coating can chip over time
- Higher price tag
Composite Granite and Quartz
Engineered stone sink materials offer stone’s classic beauty without some drawbacks. Composite sinks resist stains, scratches, and heat better than natural stone.
Pros:
- Highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat
- Wide range of colors including realistic stone looks
- Seamless installation options
- Quieter than most sink materials
Cons:
- Higher cost than stainless steel
- Can chip if subjected to hard impact
- Limited number of bowls and sizes
Fireclay
Fireclay is a type of ceramic made from clay fired at high temperatures. Fireclay sinks have a classic farmhouse look.
Pros:
- Classic apron-front style
- Available in range of colors
- Durable and scratch-resistant
- Stain resistant
Cons:
- Heavy like cast iron
- Susceptible to chipping on edges
- Higher price tag
Solid Surface
Solid surface sinks are made from resin or quartz composites shaped into one-piece sink bowls. Popular brands include Corian and Swanstone.
Pros:
- Durability and stain resistance
- Integrated seamless look
- Noise absorption
- Wide range of colors
Cons:
- Vulnerable to damage from hot pans
- Can be scratched over time
- Limited size options
- High price point
Natural Stone
Sinks hand-carved from granite, marble or soapstone have old-world charm. These are high end, luxury sinks.
Pros:
- Unique natural patinas and veining
- Excellent heat resistance
- Amazing focal point
Cons:
- Needs frequent sealing
- Easily stained and etched by acids
- Natural flaws make consistent sizing impossible
- Very heavy requiring cabinet reinforcement
- Expensive
Number of Basins
The most common configuration is a stainless steel double bowl sink. However, you have options:
- Single bowl – Offers largest basin size for big pots and pans. Good for small spaces.
- Double bowl – Standard option provides a separate basin for prep/wash. Most affordable.
- Triple bowl – Extra basin for added workspace. Ideal for busy cooks.
- Square sinks – Single or double bowl design in a square shape. Offers corner space.
- Farmhouse/Apront Front – Distinctive style works with traditional and modern designs. Single large basin.
- Prep Sinks – Secondary small sink adjacent to main sinks. Useful for tasks like produce washing.
Choose bowl configuration based on your space and preferences. If you cook large meals often, double is better than single. For small spaces, stick with single or compact double.
Mounting Styles
Kitchen sinks come in three main mounting styles:
Top Mount (Drop-in)
The rim of the sink sits atop the countertop edge. A lip around the sink perimeter hides the countertop edge and any gaps.
Pros:
- Self-rimming design is easy to install
- Allows for laminate or tile countertops
Cons:
- Gap can collect water and gunk
- Not flush with countertops
Undermount
The sink is mounted underneath the counter creating a seamless transition. The counter edge is exposed.
Pros:
- Smooth, flush installation
- Easier to keep clean
- Works with solid surface counters
Cons:
- Shows any uneven counter cutout
- Installation is more complex
- Countertop edge can be damaged
Flush Mount (Integral)
The sink and counter are molded as one continuous surface material. Most often seen with solid surface materials.
Pros:
- Most seamless look
- Easiest to keep clean
Cons:
- Limited material options
- Damaged countertop requires whole sink replacement
- Higher cost
Installation Considerations
- What is your countertop material? Not all sinks work with all countertops.
- What is the cabinet base material? Double check adequate reinforcement.
- Desired mounting style? Undermount requires precise installation.
- How’s the plumbing access? Flexible connections extend reach.
- Desired faucet style? Make sure sink accommodates needed holes.
- Existing garbage disposal unit? Select sink that will accommodate size and location.
Choosing a Kitchen Sink by Material
Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks
Stainless steel is the most common kitchen sink material. It is affordable, durable, and easy to clean. With many styles to choose from, focus on gauge, finish, and features like sound-dampening.
Gauge – Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker steel. Most residential sinks are 18 gauge or 16 gauge. 20 gauge is thinner and more prone to denting. Commercial sinks can be 14 gauge or lower.
Finish – Brushed and satin finishes hide fingerprints and water spots. Mirror-like polished finishes have visual appeal but show everything.
Sound Dampening – Many stainless sinks use rubber pads, foam, or sound-reducing spray coatings to absorb noise and vibrations from water and dishes.
Styles – Choose from single, double, or triple bowl sinks. Options like apron-front and zero-radius sinks change the look.
Brands – Well-known brands like Kraus, Ruvati, and Elkay offer good quality at multiple price points.
For a durable, affordable stainless sink, consider:
- Minimum 18 gauge for thickness and durability
- Undermount for clean, modern look
- Added sound-dampening features or materials
- Double bowl configuration
- Branded models $200+ for quality assurance
Cast Iron Kitchen Sinks
Cast iron sinks are extremely durable and weigh much more than other sink materials. The heavy weight requires secure cabinet reinforcement during installation.
Cast iron sinks are usually coated with enamel which is essentially a thin layer of glass fused onto the iron. Enameling makes cast iron sinks resistant to rust, acids, stains, and scratches. It also allows for a wide range of color options.
Over time, the enamel can chip, especially if subjected to sharp impacts. Higher-end cast iron sinks have thicker enamel coatings, averaging .4mm to .75mm thick. Avoid models with less than .3mm enamel thickness.
All-white cast iron sinks are the most affordable option but show stains easily. More expensive options include rich colors and even textured finishes.
Brands known for cast iron sinks include Kohler, American Standard, and Elkay. Ceramic designs from brands like Rohl and Lacava cost over $1000.
For beautiful and indestructible cast iron, look for:
- Brands like Kohler or American Standard
- Enamel thickness of at least .4mm
- Thicker cast iron for heaviest duty sinks
- Added sound-dampening like pads and spray linings
Quartz and Granite Kitchen Sinks
Composite granite and quartz sinks offer the look of high-end stone with improved durability and stain resistance. Unlike mined stone, engineered composites are molded as one piece so there are no cracks or seams to trap water and gunk.
Quartz composite sinks like Astracast’s Quartz Classic resist scratches and stains better than granite composite. Both stand up well to heavy use and hot pans. However, their glossy surfaces may show water spots and fingerprints.
Stone composites cost considerably more than stainless sinks. Expect to pay $500 to $1500 depending on material, color options, and bowl configurations.
For beautiful stone looks without the hassle, opt for:
- Quartz composite over granite composite for superior scratch resistance
- Neutral tones to hide water spots and grime
- Single bowl configurations due to limited sizing options
- Brands like Astracast, Sinksology, and Oliveri known for quality
Fireclay Kitchen Sinks
Fireclay sinks have an old-fashioned farmhouse look combined with the durability of ceramic construction. Their slightly porous surface helps minimize condensation.
Fireclay comes in white as well as a range of colors. The material can chip along cut edges if subjected to sharp impacts. Avoid abrasive cleansers which speed degradation of the sink surface.
Many fireclay sink designs feature an apron front making them a good fit forexposed pipework in vintage and farmhouse kitchens.
American brands like Showhouse and Signature Hardware offer affordable fireclay apron-front sinks costing $300 to $700. Imported designs from Spanish companies run $800 to $1200.
For vintage character that endures, look for:
- A genuine fireclay construction
- Farmhouse/apron-front single basin design
- Brands like Showhouse or Signature Hardware
- White or light neutral tones to limit staining
Solid Surface Kitchen Sinks
Solid surface sinks are made from engineered resin or quartz composites like Corian and Swanstone.
Their one-piece molded construction lends to integrated and seamless installation. They are extremely durable and resistant to stains. But solid surface sinks lack the glossy finishes and color options of stone composite sinks.
Scratches and cuts can occur but may be buffed out depending on depth and location. However, hot pans can damage surfaces. Despite their durability, solid surface sinks may stain from coffee, tea, and other liquids.
Solid surface sinks roughly cost $500 to $1200 based on brand and configurations. Swan and Blanco are among the major manufacturers.
For a fully integrated sink:
- Choose quartz/resin composites over acrylic-based materials
- Opt for lighter tones to limit visible staining
- Select a topmount installation
- Expect to pay $700+ for better quality
Natural Stone Kitchen Sinks
Sinks hand carved from granite, marble, and other natural stones are the ultimate luxury choice. No two will ever be exactly the same due to the uniqueness of natural stone.
Natural stone best showcases distinctive veining, colors, and patterns. Soapstone sinks are more limited in hue but offer a classic appeal.
The high price tag stems not only from the raw stone but the laborious process of cutting, carving, and polishing it into a sink. Natural stone sinks weigh hundreds of pounds requiring special cabinet support.
Granite composites match the look of stone at a fraction of the price. But for unmatched beauty, durability, and bragging rights, a natural stone sink is hard to top.
For the ultimate focal point:
- Select granite or marble over soapstone for color variations
- Choose a single bowl design to best display the stone
- Expect heavy reinforcement needs for the weight
- Budget at least $1000 but often much more
Choosing a Kitchen Sink by Bowl Configuration
Kitchen sink bowls come in different combinations to best suit your space and needs. Most sinks are divided into either single, double, or triple bowl configurations. But new designs also expand possibilities.
Single Bowl Kitchen Sinks
The single bowl sink offers the largest unbroken workspace. It provides enough room for washing large pots and baking sheets. For small spaces like galley kitchens, one large single bowl makes sense.
Farmhouse and apron front sinks typically feature single basins. Single bowl stainless steel sinks often use sloped bottom designs to improve drainage.
Even with a garbage disposal, a single bowl may leave you wishing for a second basin. Double and triple bowls provide more utility for most home cooks.
For a versatile single bowl:
- Choose a deep 10+ inch depth
- Minimum 30 inch width for ample workspace
- Sloped or grooved bottom to prevent standing water
- Position near the dishwasher for easy unloading
Double Bowl Kitchen Sinks
The double bowl sink is the most common configuration, for good reason. The divided basins make it easy to wash produce on one side and stack dirty dishes on the other. For anyone cooking more elaborate meals, double bowl sinks add utility.
Double bowl sinks feature either a 60/40, 50/50, or 70/30 split. The main basin is deeper. Look for at least 9 inches deep on the primary basin. For resale value, a stainless steel double bowl is your best bet.
Be aware that the divide between the two basins often harbors gunk. Look for options with a shallow nook or beveled edges to make this area easier to keep clean.
For added convenience:
- Select a 60/40 split for largest main basin
- Minimum 9 inch depth on primary basin
- Consider beveled edges on divider ridge
- Allow 33 inches minimum width
Triple Bowl Kitchen Sinks
Need even more workspace? Then a triple bowl sink could be ideal, providing separate areas to wash produce, stack dishes, drain pots, and more. The additional basin delivers more versatility for busy cooks.
Triple bowl sinks feature three basins in configurations like 60/30/10 or 40/40/20. The main basin is deeper while the others are shallower. The smaller third basin can also function as a disposal prep area.
With more dividers, triple sinks can collect more gunk in crevices. Again, look for beveled edges on the ridges between basins. Stainless and fireclay are the most common triple bowl sink materials.
When two bowls aren’t enough:
- Look for a 60/30/10 split for main basin priority
- Minimum 9 inch depth on main basin
- Allow for a 36 inch minimum width
- Select stainless steel for affordability
Square Kitchen Sinks
Instead of rectangular, square kitchen sinks offer a change of shape. Most feature a square single bowl or two square basins in a double bowl sink.
The square shape can utilize corner space more efficiently while adding visual interest. However, overall bowl capacity in a square sink is typically less than a rectangular sink of similar dimensions.
Brands like Kohler, Elkay, and Ruvati offer a variety of square sinks from modern minimalist to classic styles. The shape works well with contemporary and transitional kitchen designs. Porcelain enameled cast iron is also common.
To take advantage of corners:
- Look for a single or double bowl design
- Minimum 32 inch width to allow ample room
- Consider fireclay or porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Place diagonally in a corner to maximize space
Farmhouse & Apron Front Kitchen Sinks
The farmhouse style sink features a deep single basin and an exposed apron front. This style pairs beautifully with vintage and country kitchen designs.
Also called apron front, farm style, and farmhouse sinks, this look exposes the sink’s front panel to create a distinctive focal point. The shape complements exposed plumbing and pipework.
Farmhouse sinks look best as undermount installation. Most are fireclay, enamel-over-cast iron, or stainless steel. Depth is typically 10 inches or more. Off-center drain placement is common.
To add vintage character:
- Select a deep 10+ inch single basin
- Choose fireclay or cast iron construction
- Install as an undermount if possible
- Expect to pay $500+ for authenticity
Prep Kitchen Sinks
In addition to the main sink, adding a small prep sink nearby can be extremely useful for keeping tasks separate. Prep sinks are great for washing fruits and vegetables away from meat and dishes.
Bar and prep sinks often install adjacent to the main sink along the same countertop. They come in handy for things like draining pasta water, rinsing produce, and more.
Select a prep sink at least 12 inches wide and 5 inches deep. Smaller bar sinks don’t have enough capacity. Match the finish and material to your main sink for a cohesive look.
For expanded utility:
- Choose a 12 to 18 inch width
- Minimum 5 inch depth
- Install next to main sink along countertop
- Match style and material for unity
Choosing a Kitchen Sink by Installation Type
Kitchen sink installations fall into three main categories:
Drop-In/Top Mount Kitchen Sinks
Also called self-rimming or topmount sinks, these sinks rest on top of the countertop. The rim around the sink edges overlaps the countertop. Silicone sealant fills any gaps.
Top mount sinks are straightforward to install making them a budget-friendly option. They
