Buying Guide: What to look for when buying a kitchen sink?

This guide was part of our best kitchen kitchen sinks guide. If you want to know which are the 13 top kitchen sinks, check here. Due to long text we decided to make this a separate guide. Now read on to understand what should you know before buying a kitchen sink

Kitchen Sinks Materials

Quality material is the key to a long-lasting kitchen sink. Stainless steel sinks are by far the most popular choice with the masses. They are least expensive, and they go well with almost any home décor out there, be it traditional or modern. Furthermore, they are almost indestructible. Granite sinks are also catching up.

They are heavy and solid, and they are more scratch, stain, and bacteria resistant than stainless steel sinks. Also, granite sinks are available in many different colors, but they cost more than stainless steel sinks. In comparison to stainless steel sinks, they cost almost double, and they demand more care and maintenance.

The less widely used ones include porcelain (ceramic)and copper sinks. They f

all into the luxury category of kitchen sinks. They are sold in different sizes and shapes, and they are quite durable too.On the glamour front, they can look effortlessly stylish. However, use of harsh cleaners can dull the surface over time.

Moreover, they are quite expensive too. That being said, they are easy to clean and maintain. Other sink materials are also available such as natural stone, iron, resin, etc. These materials are costly, and they can chip and scratch. Some of these materials may also require special cleaning products. Therefore, they are not as popular as their counterparts. That being said, they can contribute to the home décor like nobody’s business.

Kitchen Sinks Types

There are two types of kitchen sink — Undermount and Topmount sinks. Between the two, undermount sinks are gaining widespread popularity. On the other hand, topmount sinks have become a thing of the past. Undermount sink sits underneath the countertop. When the sink is under-mounted, there is no lift around the countertop.

So, there is no obstruction around the countertop area. Better yet, it leaves one with a lot more countertop space.Since there is no rim or lip, one can use a sponge to effortlessly push all the stuff on the countertop directly into the sink basin.

Above all, undermount sinks look better aesthetically because you

will see more of the countertop and not the sink itself because it’s mounted underneath. Also, they are deeper than the topmount sinks.

From top to bottom, they are twice as deep as topmount sinks. Now, to speak in favor of topmount sinks, they do a better job at preventing water from getting inside the laminate material.

Also, topmount sink requires less work than undermount sink at the time of installation. And, they can also look beautiful. However, undermount sinks carry more advantages. Hence, they are a favorite pick among kitchen owners.

Kitchen Sinks Styles

Sinks come in different sizes, depth, and styles.Today, there are two main styles of kitchen sinks—single and double bowl sinks.Single bowl kitchen sinks are generally found in most households.

But, bigger sinks are also available for those who have a large kitchen or want more space.Double sink styles will allow you to use the kitchen sink for multiple things at one time. You can use the partition for prep or drying.

If you are remodeling or building a new kitchen, it’s better to go for a double bowl kitchen sink, especially when you need more space.

For those who already own a single bowl sink, they should be better off with a single bowl sink itself. A double sink replacement would mean smaller size bowl to fit into the existing space. So, it can take away valuable drain space when needed.Also, it won’t be able to hold large platters or broilers in them.

Just like double bowl sinks, triple bowl sinks are also available in the market. They include a small extra bowl to organize things better in the kitchen. Remember, multiple basin sinks can overpower a small kitchen. Therefore, you need to consider the kitchen space as well to choose the right kitchen sink.

Kitchen Sink Brands

To purchase a commendable kitchen sink, it’s better to go for a brand whose products have been road-tested by tens and thousands of people out there. So, let’s discuss some of these kitchen sink brands that have stood apart from the crowd. The Kraus Sinks is a popular kitchen sink brand on the market today.

They offer wide range, styles, sizes, and configurations of kitchen sinks.With their versatile products, they have succeeded in capturing a lion share of the kitchen sink market.

The Swanstone Sinks is another trusted name in the kitchen sink industry. They have been in the business for nearly four decades, and their products are like nothing else in the market.

Another kitchen sink brand that’s worth a mention over here is Kohler Sinks. They are one of the leading players in the kitchen sink business. They manufacture a lot of commercial kitchen fixtures, and they offer a great selection of kitchen sinks at hard-to-beat prices.

Kitchen Sink Tip – best way to unclog kitchen sink

For a cleaner look and ultimate convenience, it’s preferred to go for under counter sinks. After all, they make up for an effortless cleanup job.Of course, don’t forget to listen to the age-old advice over here and remove as much food as you can before dumping dishes in the sink to make the cleaning job easier later on. The more you care about the product, the longer it will last.

If you are replacing your existing sink, then you will have to measure the area around the sink to get a new one that’s a perfect fit in the existing cutout. Over here, don’t just measure the basin area.

You should measure the outer rim of the space or else the purchased sink will turn out to be too small for space. If you are building a new kitchen from scratch, you will obviously have a lot more choices.

The ones with round edges are easier to clean. So, make sure to choose the right design if you want to save cleaning time. Also, pay heed to the undercoating material, which is used to regulate the water temperature in the sink in addition to offering protection against condensation.

Your best bet would be to consider latex spray coating to prolong the life of the sink, especially when you are opting for a stainless steel sink.

To decide on the material for your sink, you should consider your habits and practices. For instance, consider durable materials like granite or stainless steel for sinks that experience great traffic.

If money is no object, you can go for porcelain (ceramic)and copper kitchen sinks, especially when you don’t use the sink too often.

Other Considerations:

Remember, a new sink may not necessarily include a drain strainer. So, you might have to spend some money for the same. It won’t cost a fortune, but you will have to ensure that the strainer matches the sink.

For instance, a strainer designed for granite sink may not last long on a stainless steel sink. The length of an average sink is around 10 inches. To get more space, some people out there go for more depth.

The problem with too much depth is that it can make everyday tasks difficult because one will have to reach out to the utensils. So, too much depth can cause strain on your back muscles.

It pays to study the material you are getting. As they say, “Everything lies in the details.” For instance, if you are considering a stainless steel kitchen sink, you should go for 300 series or close to 18 % chromium and 8 % nickel for stain resistance and optimal corrosion. To separate the best from the junk, do a simple magnet test. If the steel holds the magnet, you should know that the steel is not 300 series.