What Type of Sink Should I Buy for My Kitchen?

Years ago, the top-mount sink, also called drop-in or self-rimming sink, was the most common sink type found in residential kitchens. Drop-ins were popular because they were practical, relatively inexpensive to purchase and easy to install - even if for a DIYer.

Tastes have changed in recent years. Homeowners rarely purchase drop-in models for their kitchen renovations. In this article, we'll talk about the most popular sinks being installed in kitchens around Connecticut.

It can be tough to pick the right one - especially if you're a new homeowner with little experience choosing new kitchen features. We'll go over their pros, cons and costs, so you can decide which type of sink is right for your home. 

Popular Sinks

Sinks come in lots of different styles, but below are the two most popular types sold to homeowners today. We get requests for both of these styles on a regular basis. The type you choose should depend on the look of your kitchen as well as your personal preferences. 

Undermount

For this type of sink, a hole that matches the shape of the sink is cut into the counter, and special clips are used to attach the sink to the hole. Undermounts can be made from many materials including stainless steel, copper, composite and more.

Pros:

• Compared to drop-in models, the lack of rim on an undermount looks much cleaner.
• Undermounts wow home buyers, if you're remodeling with the intent to sell. 
• There is no raised rim around the sink, making it easy to sweep water straight into the basin if desired. 

Cons: 

• Undermounts tend to be more costly compared to drop-ins.

Farm Sink

Farm sinks, also called apron sinks, are large sinks with a front wall that takes the place of the counter. They usually have only one large basin and can be made from a variety of materials.

Pros:

• Apron models have visual charm that appeals to many homeowners. 
• A large single basin makes it easy to wash large dishes. 
• Since the apron comes up to the edge of the counter, it's easier to stand up straight while doing dishes, which may have some ergonomic benefits.

Cons:

• Apron sinks are relatively heavy and bulky, which can make them challenging to install. 
• These fixtures take up a lot of space, because they are bigger and bulkier than other sinks.

Design Options

Your cooking habits affect how you use your sink. Some people need a big basin for holding large casserole dishes, others prefer two basins for doing the dishes. Think about your cooking habits as you review these design options, and pick the type that is best for you.  

Single Basin

This is a sink with only one basin for washing dishes. Usually, the basin is large and roomy: perfect for big dishes. Single basins are often preferred by homeowners who cook large meals for big groups. 

Pros:

• Single basins are typically easier to use when cooking many meals at once or taking on a larger cooking operation. 

Cons:

• You'll need to establish a place for drying dishes on your counter, as single basins have no place for a drying rack in the sink. 

Double Basin 

A double basin model has two bowls instead of one. Usually, both basins are smaller than those found in single basin sinks, though the total amount of space taken up by a double basin may be larger than the total amount of space for a single basin sink. 

Pros:

• Double basin sinks have space for washing dishes on one side, and a drying rack on the other. 
• Having two basins can be convenient if you enjoy doing your own dishes without help from a dishwasher.

Cons:

• Smaller basins can make cleaning larger dishes more awkward and challenging. 

Corner Sink

A corner sink is an unusual style, but if you have limited room in your kitchen and would like to make use of a corner, it may be the perfect solution. This option usually consists of two basins, one on either side of the corner. The faucet fits in the middle. Some corner sinks are one-basin only, and L-shaped. 

Pros:

• Corner sinks are space-efficient in small kitchens.

Cons:

• Corner models can be much more expensive than standard sink styles. 

How Much Does This Cost?

Sinks vary in price. When we make a list of allowances for kitchen remodels, we usually budget between $300 and $500 for this fixture. Costs vary by quite a bit, and it's not always clear what makes one model more expensive than another. If you've got your heart set on a particular rare material or an unusual format, communicate that with your contractor during the design process, and be prepared to spend a little more. 

Get Ready for Your Upcoming Kitchen Remodel

Which type of sink do you prefer? If you remain undecided, work with your contractor to sort through the options and choose a quality product for your kitchen.  

It can be very exciting to remodel your kitchen, and the team at Litchfield Builders is always happy to be a part of the excitement. We'll help you get started with your upcoming kitchen remodel. Call today to make an appointment for a consultation - or check out our kitchen remodel budget calculator to get an estimate on how much your upcoming kitchen remodel will cost.