As perhaps the most practical item in any kitchen, you might think that the “style” of your kitchen sink is largely irrelevant. Surely all you need is a standard stainless steel sink to wash the dishes, right? Wrong. In fact, sinks come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials, and your choice will have great practical and aesthetic ramifications for your kitchen. But what are the different types of sinks available, and how will they affect the way you use your kitchen? Here is a summary of the sinks on offer:

Materials

Stainless steel is the most popular sink material and for good reason. Durable, easy to maintain and highly cost-effective, the elegant metallic effect is a perfect fit for almost any kitchen. However, if you’re looking for something different, you may want to consider granite, which is incredibly resistant to scuffs and scratches, and offers a contemporary aesthetic that’s both understated and commanding.

However, if you can’t fit your budget into high-quality granite, you may be drawn to composite sinks, which are made from a mix of natural materials and fillers. Priced slightly lower, they offer some of the best qualities of granite, making them a great option.
Alternatively, you can opt for the classic hues of ceramic sinks, which combine a bright white material with a high-gloss finish to create a dramatic focal point in the kitchen.

styles

While single-bowl sinks are nearly ubiquitous in home kitchens, there’s a lot to be said for some of the alternatives. Two-bowl sinks, for example, offer enough space to prepare food and wash at the same time, without the risk of dropping carrots in soapy water. However, they take up a lot of space, which means they may not be suitable for smaller kitchens where space is at a premium.

One-and-a-half bowl sinks offer a good compromise, giving you extra area that doesn’t take up too much countertop space. However, there is still a lot to be said for large single bowl sinks, especially if you have a dishwasher. A single large sink allows you to soak larger pans and dishes that won’t fit in the machine.

mounting options

When it comes to mounting options, you can opt for surface mounted, built-in or built-in sinks. Surface mounted sinks sit in a pre-cut hole in the countertop surface and offer a good all-round mounting option for many different types of countertop material. For a more subtle touch, you might consider an undermount sink, which installs under the counter and doesn’t create a lip between the sink and the countertop surface. This makes the area around the sink easier to clean. Finally, the built-in sinks are integrated into the countertop and are made of the same material, offering a fluid aesthetic that blends perfectly with the granite.

And there you have it. An almost endless range of options are available, meaning you’re sure to find a sink to fit your home perfectly.