When we're designing a new kitchen or remodeling, the kitchen sink is often overlooked. Maybe they're not sexy enough to compete with the kitchen cabinets or granite countertops, but they're really important. Your kitchen sink can make a big difference in whether you find cooking enjoyable, as there are many small tasks that happen at the sink.
That's why we're exploring what to consider when shopping for a new kitchen sink, so you love your sink as much as the rest of your kitchen. But how difficult can it be to pick a kitchen sink? At first glance it might seem easy. Kitchen sinks come in different sizes, shapes and they're made from different materials so what's the worry?
Kitchen Sinks Come in Many Shapes
Your kitchen sink style or configuration depends on how you use your kitchen, and the kitchen sink. Maybe your kitchen is more contemporary and you want a sink that matches that style? It's not easy picking a sink, but you can have a lot of fun …
So you'll want to first decide on the functionality of the sink you need.
- Single, rectangular kitchen sink.
- Sink with two bowls, where both sides are the same size?
- Double bowled sink where one side is smaller than the other.
- Three-bowl sink with two large bowls on either side, and a small one with the garbage disposal in the center?
Kitchen Layout Can Affect Your Choice of Sink
So before you head out to shop for your kitchen sink, here's what you need to review because the best sink if it's not positioned correctly within your kitchen, might not work the way you expect it to.
- How much counter space can you set aside for your kitchen sink? Be honest as you might be better served with a smaller, single bowl sink to free up more counter space for food prep.
- Can you place your kitchen sink under a window which is the traditional location? Maybe the best place is matching corner
sinks or the island? - Maybe you'd rather have 2 smaller sinks in different parts of the kitchen versus the traditional one sink?
- Do you want your dishwasher next to the sink, as this can sometimes affect where the sink (or dishwasher) gets located?
- Will plumbing lines need to go on exterior walls where they may be prone to freezing (How to Avoid Frozen Water Pipes)?
- Can you easily run water lines to the kitchen island, e.g. can you get under the floors?
sinks or the island?
Features to Consider When Picking a Sink
In the last few years, there's been an explosion in kitchen sink designs that give you a lot more choices. You'll want to consider the overall design of your kitchen and pick a sink that fits this style.
- Consider both the width of your sink, and the depth you want for large pots.
- Sinks now come in more shapes than rectangular – circular, kidney shaped and more.
- You should know the type of faucet you want, so you pick a sink with the right number of holes – single handle faucet, dual controls and do you want added features like sprayer, soap dispenser or hot water dispenser?
- Noise has been a common complaint with stainless kitchen sinks so listen to Consumer Reports' advice where they “… found the gauge (of the stainless steel) had little to do with performance and sinks with sound-absorbing pads, placed on the exterior's bottom and sides, were quieter than those with a spray coating.”
What's your favorite type of kitchen sink?
When we were building our house, I was tasked with finding a sink for the kitchen. Our plumber sent me to the local plumbing supply showroom. He forgot to tell me I needed an appointment. Suffice to say I got a less than warm reception. I couldn’t wait to fit into the salesperson’s schedule as we were headed out of town. I found a sink I liked, but almost choked when the guys in the service department told me it was $900!! I found a second sink that was less money, but not really what I wanted. I left explicit instructions with the GC (my husband’s cousin). That I didn’t want to pay $900, but if the plumber could find something similar for less money go with that option.
Somewhere along the line, there was a miscommunication and the plumber purchased the $900 sink! At the time I was flabbergasted, but there isn’t a day that goes buy that I don’t LOVE that sink. We’ve lived here ten years and don’t plan on moving, so I guess when you divide the cost of the sink over the life of the house, it was worth it!
What a great story as more often than not, we come to regret these types of extravagant purchases. For example, our architect told us more than half the Jacuzzi tubs installed get removed which is a huge waste of money.
I’m so glad you love your sink & therefore enjoy the time you spend in the kitchen preparing food & eating at home.