How to choose a kitchen sink

Before you start dreaming about stainless steel versus concrete sinks, take a moment to consider size and bowl configurations.  

• If you use your sink only occasionally (like rinsing out a glass here and there), a single bowl may suffice. They are also ideal for kitchens short on surface space. 

• A two-bowl sink does provide greater flexibility (i.e. peeling veggies). 

• Got little ones running around the house? We definitely recommend a two-bowl sink to enhance your kitchen sink’s practicality. 

Give the depth of your kitchen sink some thought, too. More often than not, it’s a case of striking a balance between a sink that can accommodate large pots, and one that’s shallow enough to be filled up rather quickly. If you’re opting for more than one bowl, choosing bowls of different depths offers flexibility.

Fitting the sink – have a look at a product’s minimum cabinet size. Most sinks tend to fit within a 600mm cabinet, but it’s always best to check as certain sinks may require a larger cabinet size.  

Tap holes – remember that some inset models may already have one or more pre-drilled holes to accommodate a tap. This is perfect for us who don’t have clearance or wall space behind to mount a tap, but not ideal when the circular hole won’t accommodate a new square tap. In this case, we recommend a tap-and-sink package. 

Undercoating – check if your new sink comes with an undercoating, which is applied to the underside. This ensures great sound insulation, preventing your sink from making too much noise when washing bulky items like pots and pans. It also helps prevent condensation build-up on the sink’s base. 

homify hint: Undercoating protects the worktop area which has been cut from exposure to water and damp. A solid granite worktop won’t be bothered by this type of exposure, yet a laminate one would expand.

In terms of style, stainless steel and the newest granite or quartz sinks flaunt a more contemporary look, especially when paired with granite, quartz or wooden countertops. Ceramic is perfect for a more enduring and timeless look. However, personal preference also plays a big part in the choosing of kitchen sink materials. 

Stainless steel – as it’s hardwearing, highly temperature resistant and easy to clean, most people immediately envision stainless steel for their kitchen sinks. But keep in mind that cheaper models can easily scratch and dent if the gauge is not heavy enough and too much pressure is applied in one place. A mirrored-effect sink drainer also shows scratches easier than a polished one. 

Ceramic – although a robust, easy-to-clean option, dropping heavy items into a ceramic sink (which would chip the glaze) is a big no-no. When it comes to butler- and Belfast sinks, fireclay ceramic is a very popular choice. These sinks are fired at a very high temperature, helping to fuse the glaze surface to the clay and making the end product highly durable.

Composite – as a more recent development, composite sinks present various different choices. We recommend scoping out those with a high granite content (2nd option would be a high quartz reading), as those are the most hardwearing and durable. Another advantage is the design potential offered by the various colour finishes, with black being particularly trendy and elegant. 

Some of the more exceptional kitchen sink materials to choose from include timbers, copper and even concrete.

Inset sinks (also called ‘top’ or ‘overmount’ sinks) are popular due to their easy installation methods. With the bowl dropping into an opening, the rim overlaps and rests on the worktop. Drawbacks include dirt that can build up around the raised edges, plus pooling water causing the sealant to peel over time. 

Undermount sinks (which sit below the worktop) and integral sinks are other options. In the end, your choice will be influenced by: 

• the material of your worktop 

• your budget 

• the look you want to go for.

When installing a worktop in the same material, an integral corian sink could well be an obvious solution. Installing a worktop in the same material ensures a clean, seamless look. Undermount sinks work great with solid worktops like granite. However, an inset model with integral drainer would be the better choice with a laminate worktop, as an undermount sink would cause the exposed edges to be subject to water damage. 

Inset sinks traditionally work well with any type of worktop, and are good choices for cost-effective laminate worktops. Undermounted or butler-style sinks are ideal with either real wood (where commitment to a high-quality sealant is crucial) or stone worktops like granite.

A more recent trend is sinks that sit flush to the worktop. These are popular due to the high-end minimalist finish, yet they can be more expensive than other options. 

In the end, ensure that, when you choose a kitchen sink, you take functionality and style into consideration. And make sure your final choice complements the rest of your kitchen’s look, whether it be modern, rustic, Scandinavian, or another design altogether. 

Fancy a less-is-more look for your cooking space? See 7 stylish steps to a minimalist kitchen.