How to choose the perfect kitchen sink for your home

How to choose the perfect kitchen sink for your home

Get the perfect design for your room using our guide to the best styles available

What are the options?

built-in sinks are the most common. Mounted in a hole cut in the countertop, the rim of the sink and drainboard (if any) are slightly raised and overlap the countertop.

corner sinks they are usually recessed and have a drainboard set at right angles to the sink. Ideal for small kitchens or utility rooms.

Undermount sinks They are placed under the countertop. They are not suitable for laminate countertops as the hole in the sink exposes the raw edges of the countertop. They work well with solid surface materials, such as stone, as slots can be cut into the work surface to provide a drainage area.

Countertop sinks (sometimes called sit-top or stove-style sinks) sit directly on top of a base unit and the drain pipe connects through the countertop.

Belfast and butler sinks they are large, straight-sided, and ceramic. The front of the sink is usually exposed, but they can be mounted below or raised to sit above the counter. The difference between Belfast and Butler sinks is that Belfast sinks have an integral overflow, while Butler sinks do not.

kitchen workstations they are freestanding sink units. The sink section (often white ceramic, but sometimes stainless steel) sits directly on top of a base unit.

What material?

stainless steel provides the largest variety of styles and sizes. Prices vary depending on the grade of steel used. Stainless steel is strong, yet relatively lightweight, durable, hygienic, heat and stain resistant, and easy to clean with detergent, but the surface can be easily scratched.

Ceramic sinks are made of kiln-fired porcelain or fireclay. They are resistant to chemicals, stains and heat, but can chip or crack if something heavy is dropped on them. Clean them with a non-abrasive cleaner and dry them after use to prevent limescale build-up.

solid surfaces (like Corian) have a super sleek look as the sinks can be seamlessly mounted underneath with no joints between them and the worktop. Sinks that combine a stainless steel base with solid Corian are also available. Solid surfaces are easy to clean with warm soapy water. They are also durable and resistant to heat, impact and stains, and surface scratches can be removed with fine sandpaper.

Questions to consider

Double or single bowl? Most kitchens benefit from having a 1.5 or 1 1/2 bowl sink. If you dawdle a lot and have space, a double bowl or even two and a half bowls come in handy.

Sink or countertop faucet holes? Some sinks have a pre-drilled hole for a mixer tap. Otherwise, it will be necessary to place the faucet by drilling the necessary holes in the countertop.

Is it a DIY or professional job? You can fit a sink if you have some plumbing knowledge. A plumber will charge you £80 to £100 to replace a new one with an old one, and around £250 if you want to reposition the new sink.

Good to know Never put a dishwashing container in a ceramic sink; the sand under the container will mark the surface.

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