The Bottom Line
Our overall top pick for the best kitchen sink is the Krause Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink because it is made with a high-quality 16-gauge stainless steel and it has an undermount design, which offers a clean look and is easy to maintain. It also comes with a cutting board and a drying rack that make it a true workstation.
What to Know About Kitchen Sinks Before Shopping
Material
We recommend shopping for kitchen sinks made from durable materials, such as stainless steel, stone composite, enameled cast iron, fireclay, and copper.
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Stainless steel is a common material for kitchen sinks, but not all stainless steel sinks are created equal. For a high-quality sink, look for stainless steel with a gauge of 18 or lower. Stainless steel sinks with a gauge of 19 or more will be thinner, but they will also be less expensive.
“Plumbers often suggest avoiding materials like acrylic, plastic, and low-quality ceramics because they tend to be less durable and can easily scratch, crack, or chip,” says Thomas Dougherty, vice president of operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “These materials may also discolor over time, and some can be difficult to clean.”
Basin Style
There are two basic basin styles: double and single-basin kitchen sinks. Single-basin kitchen sinks have one wide sink, and the benefit of a single-basin kitchen sink is that you can fit large platters, casserole dishes, or cookie sheets in the sink. Single-basin sinks are generally more expensive and you’ll often find single-basin kitchen sinks in high-end kitchens.
Double-basin sinks have two sink areas. Sometimes the two basins are split evenly, and you will see them labeled as 50/50 double-basin sinks. You’ll also find a variety of asymmetrically split sinks in which one side is larger than the other. This option usually has a small side with a garbage disposal for rinsing off plates and a larger side for washing dishes.
It’s nice to have two sink basins if you’re prepping a big meal so there is a place to soak dirty pots while you still have an open basin to rinse and prep produce. One downside to having a double-basin sink is that you can’t submerge large dishes or platters as you can with a wide single-basin sink.
“Double bowl sinks were very popular and sometimes are appropriate,” Popov says. “However, we always encourage the homeowners to think about their prep and clean up style in order to decide whether a double or single bowl sink would best suit them.”
Installation
There are two sink installation methods: drop-in and undermount. Drop-in sinks are installed over the top of the countertop and sit in a hole cut out of the counter.
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They are a great choice if you’re only upgrading the sink and plumbing fixtures, but not replacing the countertops. They may have one to four faucet holes pre-drilled into the sink form, and they are generally less expensive and easier to install yourself.
Undermount sinks are installed below the countertop and have a clean integrated look. It’s important to have the sink opening in the countertop align perfectly with the size and shape of the sink, so we recommend having a professional measure and install your undermount sink.
Farmhouse sinks are a type of undermount sink that is growing in popularity, but they are more difficult to install. They are installed under the counter on three sides and have an exposed apron that rests on the base cabinetry in the front.
An existing sink base cabinet may have to be altered to accommodate a new farmhouse sink. We recommend working with professionals to get your countertops, farmhouse sink, and cabinetry to align properly with your plumbing.
Number of Faucet Holes
Don’t just consider your sink when shopping—think about your kitchen faucet, too. Most undermount sinks do not have any faucet holes because the faucet will sit directly on the countertop, and the faucet holes will be drilled into the countertop. Drop-in sinks will typically have one to three primary faucet holes.
A single faucet hole will only work with a single lever faucet. If you have three faucet holes you can purchase a three-piece faucet, but we recommend going with a single-handle faucet as it’s easier to turn the water on and off when your hands are messy.
If you want to install a single lever faucet but the sink has three faucet holes, you can use a faucet hole cover to hide the extra holes. Some drop-in sinks will have a fourth hole for an optional side sprayer.
Your Questions, Answered
What’s the best material for a kitchen sink?
Popov recommends stainless steel and composite sinks when choosing a material for a kitchen sink.
“When choosing a stainless-steel sink, it’s important to choose the gauge of the steel. We recommend 18 gauge as this ensures durability and longevity,” Popov says.
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“Another important factor is the sound-dampening coating on the underside of the sink. This makes a huge difference in noise reduction from water hitting the sink, dishes clanging, as well as garbage disposals.”
Composites sinks are as durable as stainless steel and provide an additional benefit of design flexibility as they are available in a variety of colors. Stone composite sinks are made with quartz, granite, or another natural stone and a resin that makes the surface very durable and non-porous.
The color goes all the way through the material and it isn’t just applied to the exterior finish, so if you do happen to scratch or chip the material there won’t be a noticeable mark. However, it’s incredibly difficult to chip a quartz sink.
It’s much more likely that the sink will break your dishes or glassware if they slip from your hands. Stone composites also make a great option for kitchen sinks because it is easy to clean with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth.
What should you look for when buying a kitchen sink?
Durability and style are important, but you also need to take into account the size and style of your home. Consider the size of your kitchen and the space available for the sink. You’ll want to choose a sink that fits comfortably in your kitchen and can accommodate your needs.
“One of the most common mistakes is not measuring the sink or the space it will occupy accurately,” says Thomas Dougherty, Vice President of Operations of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “This can result in a sink that doesn’t fit or is too small for the space. Be sure to measure the sink and the space where it will be installed carefully and double-check your measurements before making a purchase.”
How much does a kitchen sink cost?
The cost of a kitchen sink varies widely. Our best budget kitchen sink, the Elkay Dayton Drop-in Stainless Steel Sink, is less than $150. At the other end of the spectrum, the best splurge kitchen sink, the Kohler Whitehaven Undermount Single-Bowl Farmhouse Kitchen Sink is over $1,000.
There are a number of high-quality kitchen sinks available at $300-$500. We recommend buying the best quality you can afford with the features that are most important to you.
Who We Are
Megan Boettcher is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens, writing about a variety of topics including home design, holiday crafts, and more. She researched the ins and outs of the best kitchen sinks and their features for this story. She also consulted with Anna Popov, principal designer of Interiors by Popov, and Thomas Dougherty, vice president of operations of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens
