| From Start to Finish > Buying Guides > Kitchen Sinks |
| Buying Guide: Kitchen Sinks |
| Kitchen Sink Buying Guide |
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Of all the fixtures in your home there is none more overworked and underappreciated than your kitchen sink. From the moment that you fill that first pot of coffee in the morning until the last dish is done in the evening, the sink is an integral part of your kitchen space. So before you go out and buy the first sink you see, take a moment to consider all of the materials, sizes and styles available. A well-chosen sink will contribute both form and function to your kitchen for years to come. |
| Materials |
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Modern sinks are available in a full range of materials from metals to stone to synthetics. These are some of the more popular options for kitchen sinks.
Stainless Steel: Due to price, ease of installation and low maintenance, stainless steel is a favourite for kitchen sinks. It resists stains and corrosion and is easy to clean and care for. Be sure to consider quality before you buy. Light gauge stainless steel is cheaper but it scratches and dents more easily and produces more noise when you’re running water or a garbage disposal. Ideally a residential kitchen sink will be 18 gauge or heavier and will be insulated to reduce noise. Pay attention to the finish as well. A shiny finish looks great at first but it will show scratches and marks more quickly than satin or matte.
Composites: The price and performance of a composite sink depends a lot on what materials go into it. Acrylic and fibreglass blends are cheaper but can be more prone to scratching, staining and heat damage. Stone-based composites such as quartz and granite are more expensive but tend to be more durable and heat-resistant. No matter what material is in your sink be sure to choose a non-abrasive cleaner to keep it looking its best.
Solid Surface: This material is ideal if you’re planning to replace your countertop at the same time. A solid surface sink can be integrated directly into the new countertop to create a smooth, seamless look. Because there are no rims or ridges to catch and hold dirt, food particles or water, it’s a lot easier to clean. Plus solid surface sinks are made from a non-porous material which makes them highly resistant to stains. On the down side, solid surface sinks can chip and are not as heat resistant which may be a consideration if you tend to toss in pots and pans directly off the stove.
Enamel-Coated Cast Iron: A traditional material for kitchen sinks, cast iron is still an attractive choice for modern homeowners. It is extremely tough but also extremely heavy so make sure that you have a countertop that sturdy enough to hold it. Enamel coatings are durable and available in a wide range of colours but they can chip and scratch over time if you are hard on your sink.
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| Installation Type |
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Self-Rimming: With easy, drop-in installation and a wide range of styles and materials to choose from, self-rimming sinks are a favourite with do-it-yourselfers. Because the rim of the sink overlaps the edge of the counter, you can use them with any type of countertop material to hide rough or uneven cuts. However, that little ridge where the edge of the sink and counter meet is difficult to clean and can easily trap dirt, food particles and water.
Undermount: If you find it difficult to keep that edge between the sink and counter clean, you may want to consider a sink that mounts underneath the counter because they are much easier to clean and maintain. However, they are more difficult to install and they don’t hide the edge of the counter so they aren’t a good choice for laminates or other countertops with unfinished edges.
Built-In: If you’re replacing the entire countertop you may want to consider a solid surface, built-in sink. In this case the sink and countertop are designed to fit together for a smooth, seamless look. They are durable and easy to clean since there are no rims or edges to catch water and dirt. |
| Size |
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The sink size you choose will vary depending on the size of your counter, the location of the sink and how much time you spend in your kitchen. If you have a small kitchen or eat out a lot then you may want to maximize your counter space with a smaller sink design. If you are an avid chef with lots of pots and pans then you may need a larger, deeper sink for easier preparation and clean-up.
If you’re only replacing the sink you will need to get one the same size or larger than your old one. You can always enlarge the hole in your countertop to fit but you can’t make it smaller. If you’re planning to replace the entire countertop at the same time then you have a lot more flexibility in terms of size and shape. |
| Number of Bowls |
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Sinks are commonly available with one to three bowls in a variety of layouts. Your choice will depend on the size of your kitchen space and how much time you spend there.
Single or one-bowl provides you with a large enough sink to wash bigger pots and pans but is still small enough for kitchens with limited space. One-bowl sinks are frequently found in apartments and smaller homes.
Two-bowl sinks are generally a little larger than single bowls but are divided into two smaller, equal-size bowls for washing and rinsing or drip-drying dishes. The main benefit of two bowls is the additional work space. Two-bowls can be very helpful if you have one person cooking while the other is cleaning or doing prep-work. On the down side, smaller sink bowls can make it more difficult to get those large pots and pans under the tap.
One and a half or one and three-quarter sinks are the best of both worlds. You get one bigger bowl for washing large items and the convenience of second bowl for rinsing, drip-drying or straining off cooking water while the other bowl is in use.
Triple bowl sinks consist of two large bowls with one smaller one in between. If you spend a lot of time on food preparation you may want a third bowl for cleaning and rinsing those fresh veggies. However, as with two-bowl sinks, the larger bowls may not be big enough for all those pots and pans.
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| Number of Holes |
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The number of holes on your sink will determine how many other accessories you can set up along with your faucet. Three holes is the minimum that you need for a two-handle faucet. Four or more will allow you to install a sprayer, a soap or lotion dispenser or even a separate tap for hot or filtered water. If you have an extra hole in your sink but can’t decide on an accessory, there are plugs that can cover the hole for a finished appearance.
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| Accessories |
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One final thing that you should consider before making your decision is the extras. Many sinks can be fitted with cutting boards, dish racks, strainers or other accessories that will help you make the most of your work space and increase the functionality of your kitchen. Check to see if the sink you want comes with any options that will make your life easier.
Now that you’ve decided what type of kitchen sink you need, it’s time to decide how you’re going to get it up and running. If you feel confident enough to do it yourself, then take a minute to read our handy project guide on how to replace a kitchen sink . If you prefer the ease and convenience of a professional installation, then contact our Installed Sales Team to explore your options.
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Now that you know what to look for, come see our selection of Kitchen Sinks.
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