When is the best time to select a sink?
The ideal time to choose a sink is before the start of any kitchen renovation – before layout design, counter or cabinet selection. If replacing an existing sink, there will be limitations based on the existing sink cutout and cabinet space on what can be selected.
Designing your kitchen layout around the sink ensures that the completed kitchen has an optimal workstation- with enough room and the right sink and faucet to suit your daily needs.
How to choose your kitchen sink?
Choosing the right kitchen sink is one of the most important decisions you can make. Your kitchen sink will have a significant impact on your day to day life, and you want your sink to stand the test of time.
Food preparation, cooking, washing and cutting are important tasks which can be very efficient – even enjoyable – when you have the right sink. Scroll below for what to consider before purchasing your kitchen sink.
Choose Your Preferred Sink Installation
1) DROP-IN KITCHEN & LAUNDRY SINKS:
Drop-in sinks are typically easier to install than an undermount sink. Depending on the thickness of your countertop it could save an inch or more of clearance in the cabinet below the sink. If you have a laminate countertop, then this is the sink for you.
2) UNDERMOUNT KITCHEN & LAUNDRY SINKS:
Undermount sinks have a clean, seamless look and work well with granite, marble or engineered stone countertops. These sinks can also be installed with a positive, negative, or zero reveal. This type of installation also gives you a little extra bowl depth
3) KITCHEN SINKS WITH DRAINBOARDS:
These sinks feature built-in drainboards and provide extended workstation capabilities. Perfect for keeping your work area clean and organized. The built-in drainboards are excellent if you do a lot of hand washing but can also be used as a resting surface for hot pots and pans.
4) FARMHOUSE/APRON FRONT KITCHEN SINKS:
This popular style functions as a large single bowl sink but makes a much stronger statement than a traditional undermount. Many homeowners love the vintage look and feel of apron front sinks
Choose Your Sink Style & Bowl Configuration
SINGLE BOWL
PROS: Popular for their functionality and generous bowl size. Large items can be manoeuvred easily. If you want to maximize the space inside your sink, a super single is an excellent choice.
CONS: You will need to be able to juggle different tasks if you want to do them at the same time. For example, thawing out meat for dinner while washing dishes could be tricky!
EQUAL DOUBLE BOWLS
PROS: Two people can use a double bowl sink at the same time. Each sink bowl can be utilized for different tasks. Washing and rinsing dishes is very comfortable with this setup.
CONS: Larger items like cookie sheets and long-handled pots and pans cannot fit in most equal double bowls but a LOW DIVIDE sink is the perfect solution! Scroll down to read about this unique bowl configuration.
LOW DIVIDE BOWLS
PROS: These sinks come in equal double or offset configurations. The low divide allows large items to fit inside the sink, while one basin can be filled with water for washing or soaking.
CONS: You can only partially fill one of the bowls. If your cooking style requires deep bowls of water, this may not be the sink for you.
OFFSET DOUBLE BOWLS
PROS: Creates a slightly larger work area inside the larger bowl compared to an equal double bowl setup. The smaller bowl is perfect for jobs that don’t demand a lot of space; for example, thawing frozen foods or drying dishes in a small dish rack.
CONS: The smaller bowl may not be used as much if you’re used to equal bowl sizes.