When Buying a Kitchen Sink…

Here are a few things to consider before buying a new kitchen sink:

Mounting Type

Top-mount sinks are the most traditional mounting type of sink and feature a rim or lip that sits on top of the counter. Under-mount kitchen sinks are mounted underneath the countertop with no lip to catch dirt and debris, making it easy to clean. Apron kitchen sinks have an old-fashioned farm style with the front side of the sink exposed rather than hidden behind a counter and cabinet.

Size

Measure your space to gauge how big your kitchen sink needs to be. Standard sinks are usually 22 inches by 30 inches in size, though they can be bigger. Consider the overall kitchen size and design before choosing a sink size.

Material

Choose a kitchen sink material that fits with your overall design. Stainless steel is popular for its durability. If most of your large appliances, hardware or fixtures are stainless steel, a stainless steel kitchen sink will match perfectly. Porcelain is also popular for its durability as well as its variety of colors to match many designs. Granite is more expensive, comes in many colors and has an elegant, trendy look.

Configuration

Purchase a kitchen sink with the amount of bowls you need for your work flow. Single-bowl kitchen sinks have one big bowl that works well when you have large pans, though it takes away the option for a separate bowl for rinsing cleaned dishes. Double-bowl sinks give you that extra option, and triple-bowl sinks can be used for handling multiple wash jobs.

Optional Features

Consider whether you want an optional sprayer along with your faucet. Some kitchen sinks do not provide the extra space to accommodate a sprayer. If you know that’s something you want, make sure that the sink you choose will allow for sprayer installation.