Choosing a kitchen sink is a major part ofkitchen renovation.
The Spruce / Michela Buttignol
Here are 10 kitchen sink types, including their pros and cons.
All of the sink’s weight is carried by the rim.
The Spruce / Michela Buttignol
Then the rim of the sink is caulked to the counter with silicone.
Because the sink edge creates a rim, these sinks are sometimes called rimmed or self-rimming sinks.
No special skills are needed for installation.
Derek Brumby/ Getty Images
But most do-it-yourselfers can make sink cut-outs inlaminateand evensolid surface materials.
Overall cost is relatively low.
The sink’s rim prevents you from sweeping water and debris from the counter straight into the sink.
Chuckcollier/ Getty Images
The rim adds yet another part of the sink that needs to be cleaned.
Some homeowners dislike the look of separation between sink and rim.
Undermount sinks allow you to sweep countertop water and crumbs straight into the sink with a sponge.
John Keeble / Getty Images
These sinks have no rim to get in the way, making clean-up a charm.
Smoother look is attractive to many homeowners.
Undermount sinks are often of higher quality than overmount sinks.
Glow Decor/Getty Images
Undermount sinks are usually more expensive to buy and install than overmount sinks.
Undermounting may limit the size of your sink.
It is hard to go wrong with a good double basin sink.
Jo-Ann Richards/Getty Images
Multi-purpose and highly flexible.
Useful in households without dishwashers.
Either side can be too small to accommodate large pots, baking pans, or casseroles.
Tatiana Dyuvbanova / EyeEm/Getty Images
Some homeowners dislike the utilitarian appearance of a double sink.
Contemporary trends favor single-basin sinks.
This throw in of sink has no divided basin.
Sisoje/Getty Images
The single basin is large enough to wash big items such as casseroles and cookie sheets.
Single basins are ideal for large-capacity houses with many people and busy cooking operations.
If you like the look of an apron sink, you’re best off with a single basin.
JodiJacobson/ Getty Images
Single basins are less popular due to their inflexibility.
The most popular punch in of installation is with the sink level and integrated into the counters.
These generously sized sinks make it easier to wash big casserole and baking pans.
Dupont/Corian
Many people love the “farmhouse” look of an apron sink.
Can be very expensive compared to other sink styles.
These smaller types of sinks are great ingalley kitchensor any limited space.
Ruvati
Basins tend to be small in drainboard sinks.
So if you love to cook and entertain lots of people, this sink may not be for you.
If you rarely wash dishes by hand you’ll have little use for the drainboard.
Low divider sinks are a perfect combination of single basin and double basin sinks.
When you fill one side low with water, it works as a double basin sink.
Most people find the low divider sink easier to use for food prep.
If you have the space, a second sink is always welcome.
Install this sink in yourkitchen islandor at the far end of your main countertop.
Secondary sinks make it easier for multiple people to prep food at the same time.
Some homeowners install these sinks with good intentions, yet rarely end up using them.
Depending on your kitchen layout, secondary sinks can take up valuable counter real estate.
Secondary sinks are a luxury that may break your budget unnecessarily.
With integrated sinks, the obtrusive rim is eliminated.
The counter flows seamlessly into the sink.
Integrated sinks eliminate the under counter seam (prone to collecting debris and mold) found on undermount sinks.
Many homeowners love the look of integrated sinks.
Integrated sinks, common in bathrooms, are more difficult to find in the kitchen realm.
These are custom-order items and, as a result, are rather expensive.
If the sink is damaged, it cannot simply be removed and replaced: it must be repaired.
Some corner sinks are spaced wide enough to have a built-in drying area in the center section.
Corner sinks cleverly make use of notorious space-wasters: counter corners.
Corner sinks are rarely needed and are thus hard to find.
When you’re able to find them, corner sinks are expensive.
Also, these sinks require custom cuts in the counters.
Choosing a Sink Material
Different countertopsand cleaning preferences can affect your choice ofsink materialand configuration.
For example, stainless steel sinks are best forgranite countertopsand porcelain sinks are easiest to clean.
Copper sinks are just as unique and expensive, however, they are a far less durable material.
For easy maintenance, stainless steel sinks are best.
Undermount sinks are more costly to buy and install.
In addition, they sit low under the sink and hinderstorage.
These types of sinks can also be difficult toremove and replace.
The basin acted as the sink and the pitcher, as the faucet.
They were called dry sinks.