How To Choose a New Kitchen Sink
Believe it or not, the sink will be one of the most important elements of your kitchen design, so choose it wisely! When comparing sink options, not only do you want to pay attention to the aesthetics and design, but also (and maybe more importantly) the material it’s made of.
Most kitchen sinks today are double basins with separate bowls that sit side by side (50/50, 60/40, or 70/30). However, single basin sinks have been making a comeback these last few years because of people’s desire for open-concept, more spacious looking kitchens.
The three general types of sinks are: Undermount, Drop-In, or Apron Front (AKA Farmstyle).
UNDERMOUNT
Just like it sounds, these sinks get mounted to the underside of your countertop. Undermount sinks are commonly used in applications receiving stone countertops (granite, marble, quartz, etc.) and offers a sleek look. Unlike drop-in styles, an undermount has no lip sitting on the counter, which gives you more counter space and is less area to clean around. Because the edges of an undermount sink are mounted below, it is easy to wipe debris from your counters right into the sink basin. When using this style, your faucet will be mounted directly on the countertop behind the sink.
Generally speaking, undermounts look more high-end and up-to-date compared to the older style drop-ins. As a granite/quartz fabricator in North Georgia, 99% of the sinks we work with are undermounts.
DROP-IN
AKA Top-Mount or Self-Rimming
Drop-in style sinks have been around for a long time, so most people are somewhat familiar with them. These sinks have a sizeable lip/rim on all sides that sits on your countertop, with an even larger lip at the back for the faucet to go into. These lips take up counter space and over time tend to be a spot that collects dirt and grime which can be difficult to get clean.
Drop-ins are most successful when used in laminate and solid surface (Corian/Wilsonart) countertops. The reason drop-in kitchen sinks are not best suited for granite/quartz is because the required cutout is quite large front to back. This means that your sink rail (the small area of countertop in front of your sink) must be cut narrow to accept a drop-in sink. Unlike laminate and Corian materials which have some flex, natural stone and quartz is very rigid and a narrow sink rail can become a weak point that can break during fabrication.
APRON FRONT
AKA Farmstyle, Farmhouse, or Skirted
Apron sinks are another very popular sink style. Your cabinets must be built to receive the exact model of apron sink you choose. An apron sink skirt takes the place of what’s usually a dummy drawer on the cabinet face. Your cabinetmaker will take this sink and build the cabinet to its required specs.
If you are keeping your older cabinets but want to switch to an apron sink, some brands make a retrofit (with a self-rimming skirt) option featuring a shorter apron/skirt, usually around 6.5” instead of 10". Your existing sink cabinet can then be cut and edited to receive the retrofit apron sink. In older cabinets not built specifically to receive an apron sink, a 10-11” skirt will interfere with the cabinet doors below, so that’s where a retrofit model comes in handy.
Additional things to compare:
Configuration — Single, 50/50 split, 60/40 split, etc.
If you’re someone who cooks a lot and uses large sized pots/pans, you may enjoy a single basin or 60/40 sink so that you are able to fit large items.
If you like to handwash your dishes, you may prefer a 50/50 split.
Some offset split basin sinks (60/40 or 70/30) feature different basin depths - the larger basin is deep, and the other is more shallow.
Corner Radiuses -- Do you prefer rounded corners on your sink? Or square corners for a more modernized look?
Zero Edge VS. Radial - Regarding sinks with squared corners, this refers to the sharpness of the corners, as well as where the sink walls meet the bottom/floor. Zero edge sinks will have tight 90-degree corners and can be harder to clean. Radial corner sinks have an ever-so-slight roundedness. They still look very square, but are easier to keep clean.
Drain Placement -- In single basin sinks, some drains are centered at the dead middle. Others drains may be located closer to the back of the sink, and some are offset to the left or right side.
Sink Grid — These are not included with all sinks, but most give you the option of purchasing a matching sink grid. These sit in the bottom and keep your dishes elevated which allows for better water flow towards the drain. Sink grids also help to avoid scratching or denting if something heavy gets dropped in the sink.
Material — Stainless Steel / Composite / Fireclay / Cast Iron / Copper / Solid Stone
Sink Materials - Pro’s and Con’s
STAINLESS STEEL
These days, the stainless steel sink is easily the most popular choice for kitchens. Why? It’s because they are affordable, yet extremely durable. This material cleans easily and performs well over the long term. You don’t have to worry about cracking or chipping stainless like you may with composite or porcelain sinks.
PRO — Affordable
PRO — Scratch and stain resistant
PRO — Available in a variety of thicknesses (gauges) // Note: The lower the number gauge, the thicker the sink. For example, between 18/16/15, 15G is the thickest.
PRO — Dropping something in the sink will not cause breakage or cracking
PRO — Matches nicely with most modern stainless steel appliances
PRO — Heat and stain resistant
CON — Mostly offered in a single color which can limit design options
CON — Has a tendency to show water spots
CON — Can be scratched if enough force is applied
COMPOSITE
AKA Silgranit, Granite Composite, and Quartz Composite — Composite sinks are made using a mixture of materials including particles of crushed natural granite and quartz, as well as acrylic resins used to bind the materials together. This results in a super hard, smooth and consistent finish with antibacterial properties. Kohler, Blanco, Elkay, and Kraus are popular brands that offer composites. They aren’t all created equal, though. Some composite sinks are thinner than others, so make sure you research various brand’s models before buying.
PRO — Available in a wide variety of shapes and colors (white, gray, cream, beige, brown, black, and more)
PRO — Cleans easily with mild soap and water
PRO — Very hard and durable
PRO — The composite material reduces noise while doing dishes, as opposed to stainless steel
CON — Due to it’s hardness, dishes that are easily breakable can crack if dropped in the sink
CON — More expensive than stainless steel sinks
CON — Although heat, stain, scratch, and chip resistant, damage can still occur under certain circumstances
CON — Certain models can be sensitive to harsh chemicals and abrasives
FIRECLAY
Fireclay sinks are made from a type of clay that’s fired inside a special type of high temperature oven, also called a kiln. These sinks are known for their high resistance to heat, and overall sturdiness and durability. Since fireclay is not very porous, cleaning it is simple. Dishwashing soap is usually all that’s needed to remove spills or build-up and get your sink back to looking new.
PRO — Aesthetically pleasing
PRO — Durable
PRO — Very easy to clean
PRO — Available in many shapes, sizes, and colors
PRO — Resistant to both heat and chemicals
CON — Very heavy, often requiring additional support from beneath
CON — On the expensive side
CON — Susceptible to scratching over time
CAST IRON
There used to be a limited amount of cast iron sinks models to choose from, but now every shape and color you can dream of is available for purchase. These sinks have been around forever and are highly sought after for their ability to last a lifetime. Some people today are still choosing to buy pre-owned cast iron sinks for a more vintage look. Cast iron sinks are created using two layers of material - a thick base layer of durable iron alloy which later gets surface coated with a polished enamel. The enamel coating is what gives these sinks their (sometimes unique) colors. Whites, blacks, blues, greens, pinks.. You name it! However, you will pay a premium for these sinks regardless of color.
PRO — Extremely durable
PRO — Easy to clean
PRO — Wide variety of colors and sizes
PRO — Sustainable; made from around 80% of recycled/reclaimed iron
CON — Heavy and undermount models usually require additional support from below
CON — The enamel coating can chip if knocked hard enough, leaving any exposed iron susceptible to rust
CON — Higher upfront cost than stainless steel, composite, and fireclay sinks
COPPER
Copper sinks are favorited not only for their unique appearance, but also for their natural antimicrobial properties. While these sinks are extremely beautiful, it’s worth mentioning that they require substantial upkeep if you want it to stay looking new. Copper has a “living finish” and patinas quickly from day-to-day use. Extra care is needed for it to truly look clean. Certain waxes and copper-specific cleaners can be used to get the finish looking new again. If patina will bother you, it may be best to go a different route.
PRO — Eco friendly / sustainable
PRO — Antimicrobial properties
PRO — Aesthetically pleasing
PRO — Durable
PRO — Available in many shapes, sizes, and finishes
CON — Patinas (changes color) from regular use and must be thoroughly cleaned and waxed to look new again
CON — Susceptible to scratching from sharp objects
SOLID STONE
These carefully crafted sinks draw the eye in and can easily become the focal point of your space. With them being made of various types of solid stone, they are very heavy and difficult to move around, so they usually require additional support from below. These sinks are commonly made out of softer materials like marble and travertine. With this, it’s important to think about how these sinks will hold up based on their expected level of use. Marble and travertine are both affected by acids and can also stain if colored liquids sit on the surface for long without being rinsed away.
PRO — Aesthetically pleasing and a unique design feature
PRO — Available in several sizes and configurations
CON — Limited colors/materials
CON — If made from soft stone, it is susceptible to etching, scratching, chipping, and staining
CON — Heavy
CON — Upfront costs are typically high
In 2024, traditional undermounts and apron front undermounts are more popular than drop-ins for their clean look. With any sink, your countertops will receive a cutout that is specific to the exact sink model you choose, so it’s important to pick one you know wont need replacing for a very long time! Based on the info above, think about your habits when using the kitchen/cooking and weigh your options accordingly.
