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Many people think that to change the look of their kitchen, they need extensive remodeling. But, in reality, simply changing your sink can change the look of your whole kitchen. To improve your kitchen’s appearance, you need to find the perfect sink. And with many types of kitchen sink to choose from, you’ve got endless possibilities for your new kitchen.
How to Choose the Right Sink for Your Kitchen
Whether you are looking for a modern kitchen sink design or a classic-looking kitchen sink, you can choose from many options. You can find one that perfectly fits your aesthetic and needs with just a little bit of patience and some searching.
Here we will dive into the different factors to consider when choosing your new kitchen sink.
What Choices Do You Have for the Shape and Size of a Kitchen Sink?
When looking for the best kitchen sink for your home, you have two big questions you need to ask yourself. These are, what shape and size sink do you want in your kitchen?
Now, let’s get into the different shapes and sizes you can get your sink in so you can figure out which option may be best for you.
Kitchen Sink Shapes
There are three primary shapes that you can choose from when getting a kitchen sink. These are single-bowl, double-bowl, and triple-bowl sinks.
Single-Bowl
A single-bowl sink has just one basin. This can be beneficial for individuals with smaller kitchens or individuals who may have many larger dishes that they need to wash frequently. This is because, unlike a double- or triple-bowl sink, a single-bowl sink has just one large basin that can more easily fit larger dishes.
These sinks are also often easier to clean as there are fewer corners, and they are frequently less expensive as well.
Double-Bowl
A double-bowl sink has two basins rather than a single basin. These are the most common type of sink and can be offered in many different configurations. For example, two bowls that are the same size and depth, two bowls that are the same size but different depths, two bowls that are different sizes but the same depth, and so on.
This is a great option for many people because it is much more customizable than a single-bowl sink, and you can pick the right combination of bowls to match your needs.
Triple-Bowl
The final type of sink is a triple-bowl sink. You’ve probably already guessed, but a triple-bowl sink has three basins. This type of sink is usually best for large kitchens with enough space to accommodate three bowls.
The benefits of having a triple-bowl sink are that you can have a smaller bowl dedicated to utensils, smaller dishes, or a separate prep sink. Often these sinks have two larger bowls and one smaller bowl.
Kitchen Sink Sizes
There are a lot of different sizes that you can get your sink in as well. If you are not a fan of the standard kitchen sink size that your home may have come with, you can always opt for a larger or smaller sink depending on your needs and preferences.
In addition to the physical size of your sink, you may also be required to select the gauge of the sink if you opt for a stainless steel sink. Gauge sizes are detailed below.
Gauge
- 16 – these are the most sturdy and durable stainless steel sinks. They are 25% thicker than the standard 18 gauge sink and have improved noise dampening. They are, however, more expensive than lower gauge stainless steel sinks.
- 18 – this is the most common gauge of kitchen sink. It is lightweight and durable enough for most people’s kitchen needs.
- 20, 22, 24 – these gauges are known as the “thin gauges.” They are a great option for small kitchens or bar sinks but are not recommended for larger sink formats as they can be more prone to bowing or denting.
What Material Should You Choose for Your Kitchen Sink?
Just like with shapes and sizes, you’ve got options for what your sink is made of as well. Here, we’ll look into four of the most common kitchen sink materials.
Fireclay
Fireclay sinks are made from clay that has been hardened and glazed. These sinks are resistant to scratching, staining, and germs. They are distinctive and stylish, very tough, and built to last for over 50 years.
They are, however, available in limited colors and styles and are very heavy. Additionally, they tend to cost higher than sinks made from other materials.
Composite
Composite sinks are created from a mixture of stone (usually quartz or granite) and resin. The ratio is usually around 80:20, stone to resin.
They can come in many shapes, sizes, and colors and are resistant to heat damage, cracks, dents, and scratches. They are available at a variety of prices as well.
Cast Iron
Cast iron sinks are still very popular today and are one of the oldest materials used for kitchen sinks. To prevent rusting, these sinks are coated in porcelain enamel. They are incredibly durable and tough and will not dent like lighter gauges of stainless steel can. They are often made with up to 80% recycled iron and can also handle high temperatures but will retain heat.
However, they are incredibly heavy and require strong bracing and support. They are also more expensive than enameled steel and are not available in as many options.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel sinks are the most common type of sink today. These sinks are available in various sizes, shapes, arrangements, and price ranges.
They are incredibly durable, do not chip or crack, and are stain- and heat-resistant. They are also more affordable and lightweight than cast iron or fireclay sinks.
How to Take Care of Your Kitchen Sink
A quality kitchen sink should not require any form of special care instructions. Whether you opt for a stainless steel sink, a composite sink, or any other type of sink, all you should need to clean it is some soap and water.
To keep your sink in top condition, clean it off with soap and water frequently. The longer you let food buildup (or hard water) stay on the surface and in the cracks and crevices of your sink, the harder it will be to clean later.
Conclusion
Which sink is right for you? Realistically, this will depend on your personal preferences, needs, and aesthetics. For example, if you want to create the ultimate, sleek, and modern aesthetic in your kitchen, you’ll probably love a black stainless sink. No matter what your design aesthetic is, you can easily find the perfect sink for your kitchen using the tips above.
Now, we want to know, what do you think is the best sink? Let us know what makes the perfect sink for you in the comments!