Key Aspects of Kitchen Sinks for a Perfect Cooking Space

The kitchen, though often undervalued, is in fact one of the most important parts of the home. That’s primarily because one spends a considerable amount of time in the kitchen, even if they’re cooking and doing dishes for one. And that’s when we talk of the kitchen sink. If you don’t go for the right sink, a terrible backache will be your durable companion.

You don't just need a sink to clean dishes; you rinse vegetables and wash hands too.

The sink area is one of the most utilized spaces in your kitchen. It’s something that you use almost every single day. And a place that experiences so much use can wear out easily. But you can’t keep replacing it. It is a cumbersome affair. So, make sure you invest in the right sink that lasts for the years to come.

At Kralsu, we help you make a great choice. From types to radius and material used, Kralsu offers a variety of quality kitchen sinks. You are spoiled for choice not only in functionality but also when it comes to boosting the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen.

What is Kitchen Sink?

It is a bowl-shaped, heavy-duty plumbing fixture that is generally used for washing utensils, cleaning hands, and other purposes.

It can have single or multiple faucets that supply water (cold/hot) for washing. A faucet may or may not come with a spray attachment for quick rinsing.

Parts of Sinks

Basin

Basin is the most crucial part of a kitchen sink.

  • Holds water from the faucet.
  • Outfitted with a drain that allows water to flows away.
  • Comes in a variety of materials, sizes, shapes, and styles.
Drain

Every sink has drain at the bottom.

  • Allows the water to flow out of the basin.
  • Usually connected to the various plumbing connections under the sink and within the walls.
  • Includes strainer basket, strainer flange, rubber gasket, strainer nut, and friction gasket.
Faucet

A faucet supplies water to the kitchen sink.

  • Usually mounted at least one inch above the level of the sink.
  • Includes controls, flanges, water spout, gaskets, aerators, and an assortment of washers and screws.
  • Available in a variety of types—pulldown, pull-out, single/dual handle, pot filler, motion detection, and the like.

Type of Kitchen Sinks

There are a variety of kitchen sink styles available in the market. Let’s breeze through a few most popular ones.

Bar Kitchen Sink

Also known as an island sink, an entertainment sink, or an prep sink, it is smaller in size than a standard sink. It has a small basin ranging between 10–18 inches wide.

It is usually installed in the island kitchen as a supplementary sink for food preparation.

Due to its small size, a modern bar sink is a perfect option for limited kitchen counter space. It is typically a single-bowl design used for:

  • Making drink
  • Preparing snacks
  • Washing cocktail glasses
Pros
  • Smaller than a traditional sin
  • Applicable for outdoor and indoor use
  • Easier for multiple people to work at the same time
  • Offers easy access while preparing a meal
Cons
  • Tend to be small and shallow
  • Smaller than your average sink
  • Require more counter space (as a secondary sink)
Allora USA - KSN-2016 - 20 " x 16" x 9" Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$114.99 USD
Allora USA - KH-1518 - 15" x 18" x 8.5" Handmade Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Bar Sink
$149.99 USD
Allora USA - KSN-1518 - 15" x 18" x 8" Stainless Steel Sink
$129.99 USD

Undermount Kitchen Sink

It is mounted directly under the counter. The edge of the counter drops off right into the sink basin.

There is no visible rim or lip. Also, it doesn’t have crevices and grooves where food can accumulate. It is easy to clean as the food debris can be wiped straight into the sink.

It is versatile and works with most kitchen layouts. It is best to install an undermount sink with a drainer under solid kitchen countertop materials such as:

  • Marble
  • Granite
  • Concrete
Pros
  • Does not have grooves or crevices where food can accumulate
  • Allows you to sweep food crumbs straight into the sink
  • Attractive, smooth look
Cons
  • More complicated to instal
  • Not so well-suited for laminate and tile counters
  • Requires an internal support system during installation
  • No place for faucets and attachments (you need to cut holes in the countertop)
Allora USA - ADA-2318 - 23'' x 18" x 5 1/2" Undermount Single Bowl 18 gauge Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$169.99 USD
Allora USA - ADA-2718 - 27" x 18" x 5 1/2" Undermount Single Bowl 18 gauge Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$189.99 USD
Allora USA - ADA-KH-2718-R15 - 27" x 18" x 5" Handmade Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$169.99 USD
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Farmhouse Kitchen Sink

Also known as an apron sink, it is recognized by an exposed front wall or apron. It is mostly preferred for traditional-looking or country-style kitchen design. The farmhouse kitchen sink comes in both single and double basin varieties.

It was originally designed to prevent water from landing on and damaging cabinets below the sink. Its unique design allows excess water to flow down directly onto the floor.

It is available in a variety of materials:

  • Stainless steel
  • Cast iron
  • Copper
  • Porcelain
Pros
  • Additional width makes it easier to wash large dishes and hard-to-clean items
  • Easy on your back as there is a little space between the counter and the sink
  • Alluring appearance
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Prone to dripping due to a narrow barrier between the sink and the floor
  • Needs more space than other kinds of sinks
  • More expensive than its counterparts
Allora USA KH-3321-10-S-R15-FR Farmhouse Retro Kitchen Sink
$249.99 USD
Allora USA - KH-2721F - 27" x 21" x 10" Single Large Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$189.99 USD
Allora USA - KH-3021F - 30" x 21" Farmhouse Single Large Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$224.99 USD
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Top Mount Kitchen Sink

Also known as a drop-in/self-rimming sink, it is the most common type of kitchen sink. As the name suggests, it just needs to be dropped into the cavity in the countertop. A hole is cut into the countertop and the top mount kitchen sink is inserted from above.

The space between the rim and the countertop is filled with silicone to prevent water seepage. The weight of the sink is carried by its rim resting on the counter.

It is compatible with all kinds of kitchen countertops such as:

  • Granite
  • Composite granite
  • Laminate
  • Porcelain
  • Marble
  • Tile
Pros
  • No special skills are needed for installation
  • Less expensive than other kitchen sinks
  • No need for an internal support system
Cons
  • Makes cleaning the countertop a bit tedious
  • Rim prevents you from sweeping debris and water directly into the sink
  • The area between the rim and the counter can accumulate scum
Allora USA - ADA-TOP-1515-S Top Mount Single Bowl Kitchen Sink
$69.99 USD
Allora USA - ADA-TOP-2522-S Top Mount Single Bowl Kitchen Sink
$115.99 USD
Allora USA - ADA-TOP-3322-D Top Mount Double Bowl Kitchen Sink
$159.99 USD
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Double Bowl Kitchen Sink

Also known as double basin sinks, these sinks are rectangular in shape with two side-by-side basins/bowls.

The dual bowl feature allows you to wash dishes on one side and rinse on the other side. The majority of modern kitchen sinks feature two bowls.

Double bowl kitchen sinks come in a wide array of configurations:

  • Equal size bowls of different depths
  • Equal size bowls of the same depth
  • Unequal size bowls of the same depth
  • Unequal size bowls of different depth
Pros
  • Multi-purpose and highly flexible
  • Allows you to separate heavy dishes from delicate items
  • Useful in households without dishwashers
Cons
  • Takes up more counter space than a single bowl sink
  • Not suitable for large pots, baking pans, and casseroles
Allora USA - KSN-2918-7 - 29" x 18" x 7" Undermount 50/50 Double Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$147.00 USD
Allora USA - ADA-KH-3118-R15 - 31" x 17 7/8" x 5" Handmade Undermount Double Bowl Kitchen Sink
$169.99 USD
Allora USA - KSN-3118-16 - 31" x 18" x 9" Undermount 50/50 Double Bowl 16 gauge Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$129.99 USD
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Single Bowl Kitchen Sink

It has one, usually large, basin with no divider. It comes in a variety of sizes, making it perfect for all kinds of kitchens.

It is available in a variety of styles:

  • Top mount sink
  • Farmhouse sink
  • Bar sink
  • Undermount sink
Pros
  • Ideal for small kitchens with limited counter space
  • Large enough to clean large cookware
  • Easier and less expensive to install than double bowl sinks
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Comes in a variety of sizes
Cons
  • Not great for multitasking
  • Difficult to separate clean and dirty dishes
  • No drying area
Allora USA - KSN-3018-7 - 30" x 18" x 7" Undermount Single Large Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$109.99 USD
Allora USA - KSN-2318-7 - 23" x 18" x 7" Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$149.99 USD
Allora USA - KSN-1917-R25 - 19" x 17" x 9" Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen/Bar Sink
$109.50 USD
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ADA Kitchen Sink

It is designed to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It allows people with disabilities or mobility issues to use a kitchen sink without discomfort.

Here are ADA compliant kitchen sink specifications:

  • The maximum height for the sink should not exceed 34-inches off the floor
  • There must be 11 to 25 inches of knee depth under the sink
  • There must be 27 x 30 inches of knee clearance under the sink
  • The pipes below the sink must be covered
  • The floor space under the sink must be unobstructed
Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Available in multiple shapes and sizes
Cons
  • Not suitable for all people
Allora USA - ADA-3018- 30" x 18" x 6" Undermount Single Bowl 18 gauge Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$199.99 USD
Allora USA - ADA-KH-2016 - 20" x 16" x 5" Handmade Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$169.99 USD
Allora USA - ADA-KH-2718-R15 - 27" x 18" x 5" Handmade Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$169.99 USD
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Materials Used To Build Kitchen Sinks

Along with the shape of your kitchen sink, its material is also important to consider. The material impacts the cost, installation style, and durability of your sink. With so many material choices available on the market, you can have ample options to match with your kitchen's decor.

Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

It is one of the most common and cost-effective materials for kitchen sinks. It offers a sleek and contemporary look when combined with wood, granite, stone, or marble countertops.

Commercial kitchens always opt for stainless steel sinks as steel can tolerate quite a bit of rough handling. Also, it offers great resistance for heat and stains.

Stainless steel is categorized in terms of gauge/sheeting thickness ranging from 15–24 gauge. Low gauge steel means a heavier and thicker sink, making it more resistant to denting.

Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to install and clean
  • Crack & rust resistant
  • Low maintenance
  • Lightweight
  • No support required
Cons
  • Requires sound insulation pads to reduce the noise from dishes and water
  • Shows watermarks
  • Prone to scratch and dent
  • Higher gauge stainless steel (above 20) is more vulnerable to damage and noise
Allora USA - KSN-3018-7 - 30" x 18" x 7" Undermount Single Large Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$109.99 USD
Allora USA - KSN-2318-7 - 23" x 18" x 7" Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
$149.99 USD
Allora USA - KSN-1917-R25 - 19" x 17" x 9" Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen/Bar Sink
$109.50 USD
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Fireclay Kitchen Sink

A fireclay sink is timeless, elegant, and charming. It has a deep bowl that provides you with plenty of room for pans, pots, dishes, and utensils.

Fireclay is a type of ceramic-coated refractory clay. It is formed by fusing clay and glaze at extremely high temperatures (1600o F). This process creates an extremely durable material that is resistant to scratches, chipping, and cracks.

The fireclay kitchen sink can withstand daily wear and tear and requires low maintenance.

Pros
  • Handcrafted
  • Resistant to acids alkalis
  • High durable and non-porous
  • Easy to maintain
  • Doesn't take up a significant amount of space
Cons
  • Needs additional support for installation
  • Extensive fabrication process
  • Prone to chipping and water stains
  • More expensive than cast iron sink
NEW! Allora USA FC-3220-S Farmhouse Fireclay Kitchen Sink
$374.99 USD

Cast Iron Kitchen Sink

It is made by casting iron followed by a heavy porcelain enamel coating. This process protects the sink from rusting and gives it a bright, glossy finish.

It is extremely robust and does an excellent job resisting scratches and stains. Cast iron kitchen sink can withstand daily wear and tear for decades.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Easy to clean
  • Chip-resistant
  • Available in a wide range of colors
Cons
  • Extremely heavy
  • Needs extra reinforcement
  • Enamel can discolor over the time
  • Vulnerable to chip

Bamboo Kitchen Sink

Bamboo is naturally waterproof making it an ideal material for a busy kitchen. The undeniable strength of a bamboo kitchen sink is an added bonus.

Bamboo has greater compression strength than steel. It is more durable than Red Oak and Maple wood and can easily withstand rigorous daily use.

Pros
  • Sustainable and eco-friendl
  • Economical
  • Unique appearance
Cons
  • Requires regular maintenance
  • Limited color options
  • More prone to damage and leaking than other sink materials

Granite/Quartz Composite Kitchen Sink

A composite kitchen sink is usually made of quartz or granite, along with acrylic material. It is constructed by gluing crushed granite/quartz with a resin filler.

This incredibly durable sink is chip & stain-resistant and offers a modern aesthetic look.

Pros
  • Resistant to bacteria and odors
  • Will not fade or discolor
  • Less noisy than stainless steel sinks
  • Can withstand temperatures of up to 535o F
Cons
  • Heavier than stainless steel sinks
  • Requires structural support to withstand the extra weight
  • Mostly available in matte finish
NEW! Allora USA GC-3118-S Black Granite Composite Kitchen Sink
$209.99 USD
Mont Blanc Bridgeport Dual Mount Composite Granite 33 in. 4-Hole Double Bowl Kitchen Sink in White
$299.00 USD
KRAUS Forteza Undermount Granite 32 in. Single Bowl Kitchen Sink in Black
$499.95 USD
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Sink Configurations

The shape, size, and number of bowls you select depend on how you intend to use your sink. Let’s discuss it in detail.

Single Bowl Kitchen Sink

If you cook often, you understand the frustration of dealing with a pile of oversized pans, pots, and serving plates. The single bowl kitchen sink is the perfect solution for this issue.

  • Has one single compartment, making it ideal for stacking big utensils
  • Cheaper and easier to install than double bowl sinks
  • Helps conserve space for other counter installations
  • Available in a variety of styles, sizes, depth, radius, mounting style, and color

Double Bowl Kitchen Sink

It has two basins in one unit, generally separated by a divider. There are different types of double bowl kitchen sinks such as:

Offset Bowl Sinks
  • Has two bowl with different sizes
  • Available in many configurations
  • Separate space for washing and rinsing
Double-Equal Sinks
  • Full range of depths including extra-deep bowls
  • Separate equal bowls offer a versatile workspace in the sink
Smart Divide Sinks
  • Has both qualities of offset and double-equal bowl kitchen sink
  • Features dividers that are half the height of conventional double-bowl sinks
  • Allows you to easily transfer utensils from one bowl to another
  • Accommodates large pans and pots
  • Offers the function of a double bowl with the open feel of a single bowl

Kitchen Sink Sizes

There are a variety of kitchen sink sizes available on the market. Finding your ideal size sink depends on various factors:

  • Your height
  • Your built
  • Counter size
  • Cabinet sizes
  • Overall kitchen size
  • Design preferences

Experts recommend that the kitchen sink should be at least 22–27-inches in length. Also, it should be at least 7 to 7.25 inches deep.

27-Inch Kitchen Sink

Ideal for small kitchens, the 27-inch kitchen sink is the most common sink size. This single bowl sink is available in a variety of edges, depths, gauges, and styles:

  • Undermount sink
  • Top mount/Drop-in sink
  • Apron style sink
30-Inch kitchen Sink

A 30-inch kitchen sink is a great choice to have in your kitchen. It is both practical and stylish. It is available in a variety of edges, depths, gauges, and styles:

  • Undermount sink
  • Single/double bowl sink
  • Top mount/Drop-in sink
  • Apron style sink
  • Shop Now
  • 7-Inch Deep Kitchen Sink

    Be it farmhouse or undermount, a 7-inch deep sink is an ideal depth recommended by industry experts. It is available in both single and double-size bowls.

    Sinks that are more than 9 inches deep can be too deep. Adding 1–2 inches of depth can help you put more dishes in the sink. But, it can make it difficult to reach into the sink.

    Shop Now

    How to Take Care of your Kitchen Sink

    Like every other thing in your house, your kitchen sinks also need regular care and maintenance.

    Your sink gets a lot of nasty stuff—from dirty dishes to raw foods and more. It is essential to make sure your sink remains tidy and clean.

    Every sink material is unique and requires special cleaning techniques.

    Here's how to go about cleaning and maintaining your sink.

     

    Fireclay Kitchen Sink

    • Always use a non-abrasive mild cleaner
    • Wipe the surface with a soft cloth to maintain its shine
    • Avoid scouring powder or liquid and concentrated drain cleaners
    • Use a sink grid to prevent cracks and scratches from heavy pans and pots

    Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

    • Use mild cleaners and soft sponges for daily cleaning
    • Wipe down the sink with a soft cloth after everyday use to prevent watermarks
    • Avoid using steel wool pads to prevent scratches
    • Avoid leaving cast iron cookware in your sink

    Cast Iron Kitchen Sink

    • Use non-abrasive cleaners and a soft cloth to wipe it dry after every use
    • Apply a paste of baking soda and water on water stains
    • Use a plastic basin rack to prevent scratches
    • Avoid using abrasive sponge pads, wire brushes, and steel wool
    • Avoid leaving dirty dishes, food, coffee grounds, tea bags, or staining materials in the sink

    Bamboo Kitchen Sink

    • Wipe it down with a soft cloth after every use
    • Do not soak dishes in the sink
    • Apply wood sealer at least once a year
    • Avoid soap buildup and water spots
    • Avoid using ammonia, bleach, and abrasive cleaning chemicals

    Granite/Quartz Composite Kitchen Sink

    • Use non-abrasive cleaners for daily standard cleanin
    • Use 50% bleach and 50% water solution for stubborn stains
    • Avoid using commercial alkalis—ammonia and caustic solutions
    • Apply mineral oil at least once in six month

    Cost of Kitchen Sinks

    The cost of kitchen sinks depends on various factors:

    • Depth
    • Gauge
    • Style
    • Installation
    • Radius
    • Number of bowls
    • Cabinet size
    • Brand

    The cost of a kitchen sink varies, ranging from $90–$260 or higher. A few luxury kitchen sink models can cost as high as $1000.

    However, on average the most homeowners spend around $150 for a standard stainless steel kitchen sink.

    FAQ's

    What is the cost to replace a kitchen sink?

    The cost to replace and install a new kitchen sink depends on various factors such as:

    • The type of sink you want to install—undermount, farmhouse, or top mount kitchen sink.
    • The cost of the sink.
    • The size of the sink-27-inch, 30-inch, 7-inch deep, and so on.
    • The material of the sink—stainless steel, cast iron, fireclay, and the like.
    • Whether you're adding additional components—garbage disposal, faucets, and the like.
    • Any custom request
    What should I consider when buying a kitchen sink?

    The cost to replace and install a new kitchen sink depends on various factors such as:

    • The type of sink you want to install—undermount, farmhouse, or top mount kitchen sink.
    • The cost of the sink.
    • The size of the sink-27-inch, 30-inch, 7-inch deep, and so on.
    • The material of the sink—stainless steel, cast iron, fireclay, and the like.
    • Whether you're adding additional components—garbage disposal, faucets, and the like.
    • Any custom request
    Are farmhouse kitchensink durable?

    The cost to replace and install a new kitchen sink depends on various factors such as:

    • The type of sink you want to install—undermount, farmhouse, or top mount kitchen sink.
    • The cost of the sink.
    • The size of the sink-27-inch, 30-inch, 7-inch deep, and so on.
    • The material of the sink—stainless steel, cast iron, fireclay, and the like.
    • Whether you're adding additional components—garbage disposal, faucets, and the like.
    • Any custom request
    Can top mount stainless steel kitchen sinks have a garbage disposal?

    The cost to replace and install a new kitchen sink depends on various factors such as:

    • The type of sink you want to install—undermount, farmhouse, or top mount kitchen sink.
    • The cost of the sink.
    • The size of the sink-27-inch, 30-inch, 7-inch deep, and so on.
    • The material of the sink—stainless steel, cast iron, fireclay, and the like.
    • Whether you're adding additional components—garbage disposal, faucets, and the like.
    • Any custom request
    Can an undermount farmhouse kitchen sink be used with a laminate countertop?

    The cost to replace and install a new kitchen sink depends on various factors such as:

    • The type of sink you want to install—undermount, farmhouse, or top mount kitchen sink.
    • The cost of the sink.
    • The size of the sink-27-inch, 30-inch, 7-inch deep, and so on.
    • The material of the sink—stainless steel, cast iron, fireclay, and the like.
    • Whether you're adding additional components—garbage disposal, faucets, and the like.
    • Any custom request