How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink is probably the most used fixture in any kitchen design. It can be called the most hardworking fixture in the kitchen, due to the number of times it is used on a daily basis. It could also be one of the things that is most difficult to change due to the complexity of moving it or attaching a different one. For these reasons, it is important to carefully choose the sink you are going use in the kitchen.

With the market flooded with a wide variety of kitchen sinks, varying in sizes, colors, designs, etc., it can be overwhelming to choose just the right one for you.

Here are some pointers to help you along:

Size:

This would depend a great deal on the size of your kitchen. For example, a galley kitchen that is small in size may not have the space to fit that three-basin kitchen sink model that you have been eyeing for some time. The most appropriate sink for a small kitchen would be a single, deep, and large sink that would multi-task efficiently. So you prep your vegetables, wash a large pan, or soak your dishes without any problems. Most of the single basins would be between 33 and 36 inches wide and between 8 and 10 inches deep. If you still pine for a two or three basin sink because of the rinse baskets attached to them, you can still buy accessories for your single sink such as detachable rinse baskets. Large kitchen would have space for two-basin sinks (either of the same size or different sizes) or a three-basin sink (one for garbage disposal and one for rinsing).

Materials:

Sink materials come in stainless steel, cast iron, fireclay, copper and bronze, natural stone, and granite among others. The most popular are stainless steel materials because of their durability and easy-to-clean nature. Cast irons are glossy and last long, but can chip away with time. Fireclay makes a style statement but can be expensive. Copper and bronze are non-rusting but would need polishing to maintain their appearance. Natural stone can give a period look, match your countertops, but would need special cleaning agents. Granite is great if you have hard water as water spots don’t show up on it.

Configuration:

How much washing you do and how you do your washing will determine the configuration of your sink. If you hand wash a lot of dishes, then a double bowl would be helpful to wash and rinse. If you use the dishwasher often, then you might just need a single, but deep, bowl to wash larger pots.

Ease of Cleaning:

Curved sinks may be easier to clean than their angular counterparts. Or you could have sinks that have both features so they are easier to clean and yet have the look you require.

Accessories:

These could include cutting boards, knife blocks, colanders, racks, prep bowls, etc. These would depend on your usage and cooking styles. You would have to keep in mind storage space for these accessories in kitchen remodel.