Kitchen Sinks Overview

I started with some Internet research for an overview of kitchen sinks and in about five minutes of search, cut, and paste I had 24 pages of information.  With that in mind I am starting with an overview of choices and options and what to consider when choosing a kitchen sink.  Then the next three blogs will cover {1} material choices, {2} configuration and size, and {3} installation types and features. 

Many clients look for exactly the same things in a sink; most people want a simple, elegant design and easy maintenance.  With thousands of different types of kitchen sinks to choose from deciding which sink is best for you can be difficult.  Below are some key points to consider when choosing a kitchen sink.

§         Type of expected duty is a key factor.  You will use the sink on a daily basis so consider function over form.  If you hand-wash a lot of dishes, then a double bowl sink may work well, one for washing and one for rinsing/drying.  However, if you only wash large pots, pans, and a few other items, then one large single bowl may work better.

§         Faucet and accessory setup is another key factor.  The sink needs to have the correct number of faucet holes for the type of faucet you choose, plus any other accessories you plan to install, such as sprayer, instant hot water, filtered water, or soap dispenser.

§         Where it will be located should be considered.  Replacing a sink in its current location is the least expensive option, as the plumbing rough-in does not need to be changed.  But if the location does not work for your day-to-day use, relocation may be a better choice.

§         Kitchen size often governs the size and style of sink; smaller sinks for smaller kitchens and larger or multiple sinks for larger kitchens or kitchens where two people cook at the same time.  An incorrectly sized sink may look out of scale with your kitchen.

§         Some kitchen sinks such as farm sinks or large multiple bowl sinks may require special cabinetry.  If you are remodeling the entire kitchen this is not as much of an issue since the correct cabinetry can be ordered to accommodate the sink.  But some pre-planning and decision making is required so all elements {sink, faucet, counter, cabinet} work together.

In summary, the steps to choosing a new sink are determine what your needs are, determine how the sink will be used most efficiently day to day, determine how the other parts of your kitchen will work with the sink, and the review all the sink options available to meet your goals.