Sinks or kitchen basins are essential fixtures in every kitchen, and often play a central role. Sinks come in various configurations and sizes to suit various uses in different households.
Discover all of the different sink types, from single-bowl farmhouse sinks to double-basin kitchen sinks with unequal sides. Select from various styles and installation methods such as topmount or undermount.
Single Basin
Single basin kitchen sinks feature an attractive yet simple design, making them the ideal solution for smaller spaces like wet bars or islands. Furthermore, their single bowl provides ample room to wash larger cookware items like roasting pans or cookie sheets.
Double-basin sinks, on the other hand, are perfect for large families and multifunctional households. Their double basin design makes simultaneous washing and rinsing much simpler while making it simple to soak stubbornly greasy dishes before cleaning.
Multiple-basin sinks such as farmhouse (apron) styles typically feature multiple basins of different sizes arranged in rows. This style works well in larger kitchens and can help separate sink activities like hand-washing, soaking and food prep. Low-divide kitchen sink styles appear single bowl but feature an adjustable center divider which rises only halfway up the basin sides; you can designate one side for washing while another side rinsing or drying can take place simultaneously. Low-divide models come in stainless steel (apron styles), fireclay and granite composite materials.
Double Basin
Double kitchen sinks (commonly referred to as 60/40 sinks) feature one basin split down the middle with an adjustable divider, making dishwashing simpler by segregating dirty plates from clean water for rinsing purposes. They also offer greater access to garbage disposal units.
A double-basin sink is ideal for large households or those who frequently cook and entertain, as it enables you to easily wash large pots and pans without worrying that they won’t fit or leave water behind. Furthermore, its dual basin design also reduces cross-contamination risks by keeping dirty dishes away from food prep items.
Triple-bowl sinks may be less common than single and double basin options, but you can still find them available in materials such as stainless steel and copper. Triple bowl sinks make a statement in your kitchen with their sleek and modern appearance; Nesta collection features one featuring an integrated stainless-steel rinse grid that adds functionality as well as its classic aesthetic that complements many kitchen styles.
Undermount
Kraus undermount sinks provide more seamless integration into countertops because they are secured beneath them rather than sitting atop. Furthermore, their mounting style makes cleaning simpler by eliminating caulked gaps between sink and counter; making it simple to wipe crumbs directly into the sink for quick cleanups – particularly suitable for resilient surfaces like marble and granite that resist damage from water damage.
Single-basin undermount sinks feature one large basin, making them an excellent option for households that regularly wash large pots and pans. Double-basin sinks add extra functionality for washing and rinsing dishes, providing space-saving dishwashing solutions. Decorative models come in an assortment of styles and finishes, adding an opulent flair to any kitchen design – with quartz being an especially good option – resisting scratching, staining, and being easy to maintain clean.
Overmount
Though self-rimming sinks come in all materials, stainless steel remains the preferred material choice as it looks more stylish while often being less costly than other sink types.
However, this type of sink does have its downsides; specifically in regards to cleaning it. The gap between sink and countertop can be challenging to keep clean of grime accumulation; also be mindful to only use cleaners suitable for stone surfaces when cleaning this style of sink.
Though an overmount sink can add a personal touch to any kitchen, it does not work with certain specialty counter surfaces such as marble. Moisture may seep into particle board underneath laminate laminate countertops and cause damage. Therefore, in these instances a drop-in sink would be preferable.
