A sink is the workhorse of any kitchen and quite often purchased for utility rather than looks. But why not combine both? Sure you can buy any old steel sink and call it a day but sinks come in a variety of styles and materials. Whether you prefer a cottage-style kitchen or something ultra-modern, there’s a sink out there for you.
Sinks come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. From large single bowl steel ones to more compact bar sinks, there’s one for every purpose. Sinks can be classified based on specific criteria such as the number of bowls, the size, and the materials it’s made of.
Types of mounting
Drop-in sinks
The classic sink is a drop-in style mounting that you see everywhere. It drops into a pre-cut hole on your countertop. It has a rim that rests on the counter, making it easy to install as it needs no additional support. Drop-in sinks are inexpensive and you can replace them without having to disturb existing plumbing or change the countertop.
Due to their ubiquity, they can seem dated or commonplace. Cleaning around the sink is also problematic as food particles tend to get stuck between the sink rim and the counter. But it doesn’t mean you cannot get stylish drop-in sinks like the RUBI Chardonnay. It’s a wonderfully large steel sink if you’re interested in a drop-in or top-mount sink.
Undermount sinks
Undermount sinks are kind of the opposite of drop-in sinks. They are installed under your counter and require additional support. They tend to be more expensive and need professional installation. You also need to plan for them in advance so that your countertop can be cut to the exact size. For this reason, they are more popular in newly constructed homes or when replacing the countertops in a kitchen remodel.
The RUBI Cabernet is a great under-mount sink. It is made of stainless steel, has square corners and is a spacious single-bowl sink.
Number of bowls
While 3 bowl sinks are available, the most common sinks feature a single or double bowl. Single bowl sinks are perfect if you have many large pots and pans. Since it’s a single bowl, it tends to be quite deep and wide enough for most purposes. If you only have 1 cook in the kitchen, a single bowl kitchen is ideal.
A double bowl sink, on the other hand, is good if you have multiple people using the kitchen daily. If you use the sink for both dishwashing and dinner prep, the 2 bowls are more versatile. They do need a bit more space but are often worth it. Double bowl sinks can be 50/50 or even 70/30 depending on your needs. The Blanco Quatrus R15 U2 is a good choice if you’re looking for a 50/50 double bowl sink. It comes in a brushed finish and features drain grooves as well.
Types of materials
The most popular sink material is no doubt stainless steel. It’s easy to clean, durable, and matches almost any kitchen design. While they can be noisy and dent easily, you can choose specific finishes to reduce these effects.
Composite sinks are the next most common material used. They are either granite or quartz composite. More expensive than steel sinks but they easily last longer and are more durable. Other sink materials include fireclay, ceramic, and even copper. These materials are uncommon and require planning but can be a great addition to specific kitchen styles.
Secondary sinks
Some homes may need multiple sinks, depending on their size and purpose. For instance, you may want a smaller sink in the kitchen itself specifically for meal prep. It makes cleanup easier and prevents cross-contamination. A bar sink has a smaller footprint, so you can install it on an island or in a corner near the bar. You may also need a laundry sink, which is typically larger and placed in the laundry room for washing pets, tools, or art supplies.
