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6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Sink

Use this guide to help you think about sink size, bowl depth, location and other factors

If you’re in the market for a new kitchen sink, you’ve probably noticed you have a lot of options. Perhaps too many. But this guide is here to help. It includes six considerations for choosing a kitchen sink: material, installation type, configuration, bowl depth, size and location. And each section includes a link to more in-depth information.
The ABL Group
1. Sink Material

Determining the best sink material for your kitchen involves considering many factors. Aesthetics are important, of course, but budget, durability and ease of cleaning also need to be taken into account.

JN Interior Spaces

Stainless steel and fireclay are common materials for sinks, but composite granite is quickly gaining popularity for its durability, ease of cleaning and good looks.

For those seeking a statement-making sink, material options include copper, quartz, natural stone and colored stainless steel.

Neil Kelly Company
2. Installation Type

The type of sink installation you choose affects other elements in your kitchen, such as the surrounding countertop and cabinetry. Installation options include undermount, drop-in, integral and apron-front, the latter of which can be installed as a drop-in or, as seen here, an undermount type.

Lydia Maskiell Interiors
Each type has pros and cons. A drop-in sink is the most budget-friendly, because it’s the easiest to install of the bunch and it can be installed in lower-cost laminate countertops.

At the top end of the price spectrum is an integral sink, which is made from the same material as the countertop and fabricated to appear seamless with it.

Rikki Snyder
3. Sink Configuration

Another important consideration is how many bowls (or sinks) you need. If you mostly wash dishes by hand, likely you will prefer a double- or triple-bowl sink. Keep in mind, however, that larger items are easier to wash in a large single-bowl sink.

RBL Architects
If you have a large household and cook often, multiple sinks might be handy. But having more sinks and the associated plumbing means a higher installation cost. It also requires a generously sized kitchen to avoid traffic jams and to ensure adequate countertop space remains for cooking tasks.

Chrissis & Company Interiors
4. Bowl Depth

You might think deeper is better when it comes to your kitchen sink, but that’s not necessarily so.

Chantel Elshout Design Consultancy
For example, a super-deep sink takes up more cabinet space, especially if a food waste disposal is installed. And particularly tall or short folks might find it uncomfortable to work over a very deep sink for extended periods. But others, like me, might find a deep sink ideal for hiding dirty dishes.

pulsar design inc
5. Sink Size

The other important dimension to consider when selecting a sink is width. Width is measured from left to right, and the typical range is 24 to 36 inches.

SINGLEPOINT DESIGN BUILD INC.
Sizing your sink to fit your budget is an obvious strategy, but you should also consider the size of your kitchen and whether you want it placed near a window or another fixed element. In other words, you want the sink proportioned for the kitchen.

Hufft
6. Location

Just like in real estate, location is everything. Ideally, someone standing at the kitchen sink will be facing something pleasing to look at, whether it’s a good view out a window or of the rest of the room.

Bria Hammel Interiors
If you place your kitchen sink under a window, try to center it under the window unit, or under one of the panes in a multipane window. The dishwasher needs to be nearby; ideally it will be right next to the sink, with room for the dishwasher door to fully open without blocking foot traffic.