There's More to Choosing a Kitchen Sink Than You Think
Basin configurations, sink shape, materials and even accessories are the things you need to consider
Mary Jo Bowling
10 September 2017
Houzz Contributor; writer, reader, serial remodeler.
The etymology of the phrase “everything but the kitchen sink” probably has to do with the fact that the sink is difficult to move. For instance, if a person absconded with “everything but the kitchen sink,” it means he or she made off with every conceivable portable item. But here is a new way of looking at the term: What if said person didn’t take the hypothetical sink because it was too necessary to the kitchen?
When you think about it, there are very few features in the home that are used as often. And what other home item performs as many different tasks? It could be argued that the selection of a sink is one of the most important kitchen choices you will make – and it’s a decision that will affect your daily life for many years to come. We spoke to designers who belong to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) about how to select the right sink.
When you think about it, there are very few features in the home that are used as often. And what other home item performs as many different tasks? It could be argued that the selection of a sink is one of the most important kitchen choices you will make – and it’s a decision that will affect your daily life for many years to come. We spoke to designers who belong to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) about how to select the right sink.
How Many Basins, and in What Configuration?
1. A large, single sink
Pros: A single, deep basin means you can easily soak or wash a big pan or prep large quantities of food.
Cons: Rinsing vegetables while soaking a large pot requires a bit of juggling – as does hand washing and rinsing dishes.
A certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer for 30 years, Sharon Flatley has seen the kitchen sink grow wider, deeper and more diverse. “There’s so much more to choose from now,” she says.
These days Flatley, the principal of Flatley & Associates in Dallas, says most of her clients opt for a single, deep basin that is 83 to 91 centimetres wide and 20 to 25 centimetres deep. “This kind of sink is very versatile,” she says. “It works whether you cook a lot or not much.”
Flatley says the delicate dance of doing prep work and cleaning duty at the same time can be accomplished with accessories. “Most sink manufacturers offer a wealth of add-ons,” she says, “including rinse baskets that fit nicely in the basin.”
1. A large, single sink
Pros: A single, deep basin means you can easily soak or wash a big pan or prep large quantities of food.
Cons: Rinsing vegetables while soaking a large pot requires a bit of juggling – as does hand washing and rinsing dishes.
A certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer for 30 years, Sharon Flatley has seen the kitchen sink grow wider, deeper and more diverse. “There’s so much more to choose from now,” she says.
These days Flatley, the principal of Flatley & Associates in Dallas, says most of her clients opt for a single, deep basin that is 83 to 91 centimetres wide and 20 to 25 centimetres deep. “This kind of sink is very versatile,” she says. “It works whether you cook a lot or not much.”
Flatley says the delicate dance of doing prep work and cleaning duty at the same time can be accomplished with accessories. “Most sink manufacturers offer a wealth of add-ons,” she says, “including rinse baskets that fit nicely in the basin.”
2. Two basins of differing sizes (a 60/40 or offset sink).
Pros: Two basins allow you to perform separate tasks, such as cleaning dishes and preparing food, with ease. A 60/40 sink has one basin that is usually about 45 centimetres wide and another that is 36 centimetres wide. The idea is that you can clean up in the large basin and prep in the smaller one. Dual basins also come in handy when you are washing items you don’t want to put in the dishwasher (soap in one basin, rinse water in the other).
Cons: A smaller basin makes it harder to wash and soak large pans.
“For clients who want flexibility, a double sink can be the way to go,” says Flatley. “There are also a number of people who are accustomed to working with two basins, and they don’t want to change.”
Dave Burcher, principal at In House in New York, notes that double sinks aren’t necessarily limited to the 60/40 split. “Although that ratio is the most common one, the customisation options are nearly limitless,” he says.
Pros: Two basins allow you to perform separate tasks, such as cleaning dishes and preparing food, with ease. A 60/40 sink has one basin that is usually about 45 centimetres wide and another that is 36 centimetres wide. The idea is that you can clean up in the large basin and prep in the smaller one. Dual basins also come in handy when you are washing items you don’t want to put in the dishwasher (soap in one basin, rinse water in the other).
Cons: A smaller basin makes it harder to wash and soak large pans.
“For clients who want flexibility, a double sink can be the way to go,” says Flatley. “There are also a number of people who are accustomed to working with two basins, and they don’t want to change.”
Dave Burcher, principal at In House in New York, notes that double sinks aren’t necessarily limited to the 60/40 split. “Although that ratio is the most common one, the customisation options are nearly limitless,” he says.
3. Two basins of equal sizes (a 50/50 sink).
Pros: This is for people who love symmetry in design. It also has the benefit of allowing separate tasks (cleaning, prepping and washing, rinsing).
Cons: That large pan could be soaking on the counter.
“Some people have only worked in this kind of sink, and so they prefer it,” says Flatley. “But I personally have not had a client ask for one in several years.”
Pros: This is for people who love symmetry in design. It also has the benefit of allowing separate tasks (cleaning, prepping and washing, rinsing).
Cons: That large pan could be soaking on the counter.
“Some people have only worked in this kind of sink, and so they prefer it,” says Flatley. “But I personally have not had a client ask for one in several years.”
Choosing the Shape of Your Sink
1. Farmhouse
Pros: Many farmhouse sinks are simply single, large basins. The difference is their distinctive apron front, which has a vintage vibe many homeowners love. For a typical sink, the basin can be 10 centimetres away from the edge of the countertop, but this sink can sit a bit beyond the counter line. For people of shorter stature and kids, a farmhouse sink can be more accessible.
Cons: A farmhouse sink makes a deliberate design statement that will be with you for a long time –which is wonderful, unless your tastes change.
“A farmhouse sink is mostly a pure aesthetic choice,” says Flatley. “It functions like a large single sink.”
Shop for kitchen sinks and taps
1. Farmhouse
Pros: Many farmhouse sinks are simply single, large basins. The difference is their distinctive apron front, which has a vintage vibe many homeowners love. For a typical sink, the basin can be 10 centimetres away from the edge of the countertop, but this sink can sit a bit beyond the counter line. For people of shorter stature and kids, a farmhouse sink can be more accessible.
Cons: A farmhouse sink makes a deliberate design statement that will be with you for a long time –which is wonderful, unless your tastes change.
“A farmhouse sink is mostly a pure aesthetic choice,” says Flatley. “It functions like a large single sink.”
Shop for kitchen sinks and taps
2. Double farmhouse
Pros: Same benefits as any other double sink.
Cons: It does not have the true vintage style of a single-basin farmhouse sink.
Pros: Same benefits as any other double sink.
Cons: It does not have the true vintage style of a single-basin farmhouse sink.
3. Rounded sides
Pros: Many homeowners consider a curved sink easier to clean than one with square edges.
Cons: If a sleek, minimalist look is your kitchen style, this might not be the look you’re after.
Butcher notes that some have crisp, angular corners near the spot where they join the countertop but rounded corners at the bottom of the basin where most of the cleanup happens. “This feature gives people the best of both worlds,” he says.
Pros: Many homeowners consider a curved sink easier to clean than one with square edges.
Cons: If a sleek, minimalist look is your kitchen style, this might not be the look you’re after.
Butcher notes that some have crisp, angular corners near the spot where they join the countertop but rounded corners at the bottom of the basin where most of the cleanup happens. “This feature gives people the best of both worlds,” he says.
4. Built-in drainboard
Pros: Of course, it’s great for draining dishes, so if you do a lot of hand washing, it’s convenient. The drainboard can also allow fruits and vegetables to dry after washing.
Cons: This is a wider sink that eats up countertop space.
Pros: Of course, it’s great for draining dishes, so if you do a lot of hand washing, it’s convenient. The drainboard can also allow fruits and vegetables to dry after washing.
Cons: This is a wider sink that eats up countertop space.
Choosing a Sink Material
1. Stainless steel
Pros: This is a very durable, easy-to-clean material.
Cons: The metal can scratch, but the marks can be buffed out of brushed stainless steel. Some manufacturers offer bottom grids (wire trays that are placed in the bottom of the sink to prevent scratching).
“Stainless steel is a nearly indestructible, classic material,” says Flatley. Butcher says, “I tell my clients that stainless steel is very flexible. It tends to blend into whatever environment you put it in – traditional or modern.”
1. Stainless steel
Pros: This is a very durable, easy-to-clean material.
Cons: The metal can scratch, but the marks can be buffed out of brushed stainless steel. Some manufacturers offer bottom grids (wire trays that are placed in the bottom of the sink to prevent scratching).
“Stainless steel is a nearly indestructible, classic material,” says Flatley. Butcher says, “I tell my clients that stainless steel is very flexible. It tends to blend into whatever environment you put it in – traditional or modern.”
2. Porcelain
Pros: This is a traditional material that looks authentic in kitchens with a vintage style. For people who love colour, the choices are many.
Cons: Porcelain sinks can chip, leaving a black mark. Metal pans can also leave black marks or scuffs that are difficult to remove.
Pros: This is a traditional material that looks authentic in kitchens with a vintage style. For people who love colour, the choices are many.
Cons: Porcelain sinks can chip, leaving a black mark. Metal pans can also leave black marks or scuffs that are difficult to remove.
3. Granite composite
Pros: Made of granite particles and polymers, this material resists scratches and chips. It does not show water spots.
Cons: Lighter-coloured granite composite sinks can stain, and some special maintenance is required.
Learn more about granite composite kitchen sinks here
Pros: Made of granite particles and polymers, this material resists scratches and chips. It does not show water spots.
Cons: Lighter-coloured granite composite sinks can stain, and some special maintenance is required.
Learn more about granite composite kitchen sinks here
4. Natural stone
Pros: A natural stone sink can exactly match your countertop material and can give a kitchen an authentic period look.
Cons: The material is costly, and it can scratch and chip. Special cleaning products may be required.
Read more about kitchen sink materials
Pros: A natural stone sink can exactly match your countertop material and can give a kitchen an authentic period look.
Cons: The material is costly, and it can scratch and chip. Special cleaning products may be required.
Read more about kitchen sink materials
Sink Accessories
Pros: Sink manufacturers are making the sink work harder with myriad accessories built to perfectly fit on the lip of the basin. The choices include cutting boards, prep bowls, knife blocks, colanders and racks for dishcloths or cleaning utensils. These items can centralise and organise prep work.
Pros: Sink manufacturers are making the sink work harder with myriad accessories built to perfectly fit on the lip of the basin. The choices include cutting boards, prep bowls, knife blocks, colanders and racks for dishcloths or cleaning utensils. These items can centralise and organise prep work.
Cons: To achieve a perfect fit, it’s best to buy directly from the manufacturer. If you subscribe to the “basic is better” school of thought, sink accessories are not for you.
Burcher says since the accessories are usually designed to be removed for cleaning and when not in use, where to store them has to be considered. He also notes that if a sink manufacturer doesn’t make the accessory you want, a designer can have it custom made.
Burcher says since the accessories are usually designed to be removed for cleaning and when not in use, where to store them has to be considered. He also notes that if a sink manufacturer doesn’t make the accessory you want, a designer can have it custom made.
Specialized Sink Configurations
1. Sink systems
Pros: More manufacturers are making very specialised sink systems, such as the galley sink. In units such as this one, everything from rinsing to chopping to serving (made possible by ice chest and condiment container inserts) happens at the sink.
1. Sink systems
Pros: More manufacturers are making very specialised sink systems, such as the galley sink. In units such as this one, everything from rinsing to chopping to serving (made possible by ice chest and condiment container inserts) happens at the sink.
Cons: This sink can take up a lot of countertop space, although the prep areas it provides may make up for that.
Because it’s so involved, this option is not for the casual cook. The industrial look makes a strong statement.
Because it’s so involved, this option is not for the casual cook. The industrial look makes a strong statement.
2. Lowered Divider
Pros: Want to have a double sink and be able to comfortably wash or soak a long-handled pan? A sink with a lowered divider might be for you.
Cons: If your cooking style demands deep water, this is not an ideal configuration.
“So much is possible,” says Burcher. “With so many options and custom possibilities, if you can dream it, there is usually a way to do it.”
TELL US
Is the sink your favourite element of the kitchen? Tell us what kind of sink you like and why in the Comments below.
MORE
Savvy Work Zones + Smart Ergonomics = Winning Kitchens
Pros: Want to have a double sink and be able to comfortably wash or soak a long-handled pan? A sink with a lowered divider might be for you.
Cons: If your cooking style demands deep water, this is not an ideal configuration.
“So much is possible,” says Burcher. “With so many options and custom possibilities, if you can dream it, there is usually a way to do it.”
TELL US
Is the sink your favourite element of the kitchen? Tell us what kind of sink you like and why in the Comments below.
MORE
Savvy Work Zones + Smart Ergonomics = Winning Kitchens
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By draining, I am referring to the same action you would be doing by removing the stopper. But you don’t touch it. The drain is stopped automatically by turning the dial. The stainless steel basket lowers and stops the sink from draining. It is then lifted by turning the dial in the opposite direction. The basket lifts and the water drains out.. You never need to put your hands in water. I can’t imagine not having this type of sink.
Love the shape