The Best Kitchen Sinks for Your Cooking Needs
A kitchen sink is the central workhorse of any kitchen. With countless daily tasks from washing dishes and preparing meals to cleaning fruits and vegetables, your sink handles it all. Upgrading to a superior quality sink can make a world of difference in cooking comfort, cleanliness, and efficiency.
Choosing the perfect sink for your kitchen requires careful consideration of size, design, installation type, and material. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to select the ideal model to complement your space.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Kitchen Sink
Replacing an old, worn out sink with a new quality fixture offers many advantages. Here are some of the top reasons to upgrade your kitchen sink:
- Improved functionality and workflow - New sinks boast helpful features like deep basins, optimized drain locations, added accessories like drying racks and cutting boards, and sensor faucets for touchless operation.
- Enhanced durability and longevity - Modern sinks utilize robust materials like thick gauge stainless steel, durable composites and enamels, and stain/scratch-resistant finishes built to withstand years of hard use.
- Greater style and design options - There are countless styles from contemporary to traditional. Choose a sleek modern sink or classic apron-front to match your kitchen's decor.
- Increased value and appeal for resale - Updating to a higher-end sink brand can increase your kitchen's value. Stylish sinks like gleaming stainless or authentic fireclay farmhouse sinks add character.
- Better hygiene and cleanliness - Antimicrobial sink materials like copper naturally kill bacteria. Deeper basins allow you to handle large pots and pans. Features like bottom grids prevent surface scratches that harbor grime.
Choosing the Right Sink for Your Kitchen
With hundreds of sink options on the market, choosing the right one for your unique space and needs takes careful consideration:
Consider Size, Dimensions, and Layout
Measure your existing sink cutout or countertop space. Ensure adequate room for faucets, backsplashes, and accessories. Account for larger pots and cookie sheets. For high use kitchens, bigger is better.
Number of Basins Needed
Single basin sinks simplify cleanup with extra room. Double basin models add versatility for multitasking. For entertaining, bar/prep sinks give added space.
Depth for Cleaning Large Pots and Pans
Check basin depth - at least 8 to 10 inches allows convenient soak and scrubbing of large cookware. Deeper undermount sinks may fit better.
Drainage and Garbage Disposal Requirements
If adding a disposal, ensure adequate room for the unit. Account for drainage placement; off-center often maximizes space.
Desired Material: Stainless Steel, Porcelain, Composite
Each material has pros and cons for durability, ease of cleaning, noise, and aesthetics. Stainless and enameled cast iron are very durable; composites add stylish options.
Installation: Top Mount, Undermount, Apron-Front
Top mount sinks drop in making DIY install easier. Undermount styles have a built-in look. Apron front sinks make a bold visual statement.
Top Materials for Kitchen Sinks
With an array of sink materials available, here are some of the most popular choices:
Stainless Steel
- Very durable and dent-resistant
- Withstands heavy daily use
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- More affordable cost
- Can show water spots without frequent cleaning
- Thicker gauges minimize noise
Cast Iron
- Very durable and heat resistant
- Traditional styling with porcelain enamel finish
- Keeps water warm for longer
- Prone to chipping if porcelain finish is compromised
- Enamel coatings limit color options mostly to white
Porcelain Enamel
- Glossy, sleek glass-like finish
- Seamless installation undermount or as apron-front
- Stain and scratch resistant for easy cleaning
- Chipping can occur if surface is compromised
- Non-porous finish limits bacterial growth
Composite Granite/Quartz
- Highly durable and scratch/stain resistant
- Stylish natural or patterned visual appeal
- More lightweight than stone for easy installation
- Higher price point than other sink materials
- Limited heat resistance
Copper
- Naturally anti-microbial killing up to 98% of bacteria
- Durable and heat conductive properties
- Visually appealing for a focal design statement
- Higher cost for a premium material
- Develops patina changing appearance over time
Key Features to Look For
Beyond material, today's sinks offer helpful features and innovations to enhance functionality:
Drainage and Garbage Disposal
Conveniently located and designed drains maximize basin space. Disposals offer added convenience.
Industrial Grade Sound-Deadening
Special padding and extra thick materials absorb noise and vibration for quieter operation.
ADA Compliant Design
For accessibility, ADA sinks allow wheelchairs to roll underneath and are installed at proper heights.
Antimicrobial Properties
Copper, silver ions, and other materials help eliminate bacteria and germs.
Heat Resistance
High-grade fireclay and cast iron allow very hot pans minimizing cracking or chipping.
Stainless Steel Thickness
Thicker gauge stainless steel from 18 to 20 is more dent and noise resistant.
Undermount Installation
An undermount creates a seamless counter-to-sink transition that is easy to wipe down and keep clean.
Reviews of the Best Kitchen Sinks
With an overwhelming array of sink styles and brands available, we've compiled top options to consider based on critical reviews and buyer experiences:
Top-Rated Single Bowl, Double Bowl, and Bar/Prep Sinks
Having enough bowls and space for food prep, cleaning, and multitasking is essential. Here are well-reviewed models:
- Ruvati Single Bowl - Extra deep, tight radius corners with sloped bottom
- Kraus Double Bowl - Offers workstation accessories and drainage optimization
- Kohler Bar/Prep Sink - Compact enamel steel with optimal dimensions
Budget-Friendly and High-End Options
Find the best in your price range. Affordable doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality and performance:
- Budget: Lordear 23" Single Bowl Topmount
- Mid-Range: Zuhne Modena 32" Undermount Double Bowl
- High-End: Native Trails Sink - Hand-hammered copper