What Kitchen Sink is Best? Your Buying Guide

Knowing which kitchen sink to buy can be difficult if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, but this article will help you make the right choice.

We’re going to cover typical styles of sink, how to find the perfect model for your needs, and how to install it.

What Are the Types of Kitchen Sink?

There are two main types of sink – undermount sinks and inset sinks.

Undermount

Undermount sinks are commonly found in contemporary kitchens, often accompanied by a granite worktop. This style is installed underneath the surface of your worktop, as opposed to the more common design where the sink lips over the top of it. An undermount sink is more difficult to install than an inset sink, but it’s worth it – they’re a very stylish addition to any kitchen.

For more information on how to install an undermount sink, consult our guide on How to Install Your Kitchen Sink.

Inset

Inset sinks also slot into a hole in your worktop, but they sit slightly above the surface. Inset sinks are much easier to install than undermount sinks, to the point that you shouldn’t need any prior experience to install one successfully.

For more information on how to install an inset sink, consult our guide on How to Install Your Kitchen Sink.

How Do You Find the Right Sink?

There are a number of factors to consider when buying a new sink.

Style

This factor relates to the two main styles of sink outlined above. To determine which of these styles are best suited for you, you will need to consider the following:

Your Existing Worktop

As we mentioned above, a granite worktop is best suited for an undermount model, but it isn’t essential. Solid wood worktops work well too. If you have an MDF worktop and don’t wish to replace it, you’ll need to place worktop edging around the inner surface that’s on display. Inset sinks should work with all worktops.

Design

You should ensure that the design you choose is going to complement your existing kitchen; to do this you should consider the colour and finish of your new sink. Most sinks are either stainless steel, ceramic or composite – the last of which can come in many different colours.

Additional Sink Features

Whether or not you need your sink to have any additional features will depend on whether your existing sink has them, and your personal preferences. Common sink features include a drying surface, a waste disposal unit, and a secondary washing bowl. The draining surface is commonly found with inset sink designs, and a secondary washing bowl can be found in a variety of undermount models.

Size

If you’re replacing an existing sink and you don’t want to replace your worktop you’ll have to select a sink that’s the same size as your current model.

If you are replacing your worktop, or purchasing a new sink without replacing an old model, you’ll have a lot more options to choose from. You will be able to determine which size kitchen sink you need from a wide range of options, but you will still need to note its dimensions. These include the distance between the bottom of your worktop and the surface below, and the depth of your worktop.

Once you have worked your way through the areas above you should be well on your way to deciding which sink to buy. Remember to make a list of criteria that you want your new appliance to have and don’t be afraid to add to this as you view all of the available models. If you would like to know more about any of the sinks available through our website please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.