family kitchen washing sink upgrade

15 Types of Kitchen Sinks For Every Kitchen Design

Looking to upgrade your kitchen sink?

Whether you're adding the finishing touches to your kitchen remodel or have picked up a newfound love for cooking and need a more capable workspace, there are many reasons to update your sink.

We have compiled a list of 15 types of kitchen sinks ranging between style and material. Each type contains tips on best uses, pros and cons, and counter-fitting points. Once you've narrowed it down to the type of sink that will best fit your needs, check out our extensive selection of kitchen sinks to find one that suits your kitchen.

1. Single-Bowl Sink

Single-bowl sinks feature one large basin with no dividers and are a great choice for small kitchens with limited counter space. They make cleaning large cookware easier because you can lay pots and pans flat at the bottom of the sink and not have to worry about debris splashing onto your counter.

Single-bowl sinks aren't ideal for multitasking, like cleaning and cooking at the same time, so they're recommended for smaller households or single individuals.

Pros:

• Work well in small kitchens: These sinks use less valuable countertop space than double-basin sinks.
• Roomier: One large basin makes it easier to clean large cookware, like roasting pans and lobster pots.

Cons:

• Can make hand-washing difficult: Without a separate basin to rinse or dry dishes, hand-washing dishes will seem less efficient.
• Drying rack will take up counter space: If you can't use one basin to dry dishes, you'll likely need to place a drying rack next to your sink.
• Less hygienic: With a single-basin sink, there's no way to separate contaminated dishes (like those used for raw meat) from other dishes.

2. Double-Bowl Sink

If you plan to hand-wash your dishes, double-basin sinks can offer both functionality and style. These sinks feature a divider so you can designate one side of your sink for washing dishes and the other for rinsing, drying, or food prep.

These sinks were popular before electric dishwashers became standard, but this classic design has yet to go out of style. double-bowl sinks come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles, making them easy to incorporate into your kitchen design.

Pros:

• Ideal for hand-washing:Separate basins for cleaning and rinsing make double-bowl sinks the best choice for washing dishes by hand.
• Accessible garbage disposal:Generally the garbage disposal is installed in the secondary basin, so it's still accessible when the main basin is filled with water or dishes.
• Area for food prep:You can designate one basin for dirty dishes and another for vegetable prep while preparing a meal.

Cons:

• Takes up more space:Double-bowl sinks can measure up to 4 feet long, making them less than ideal for small kitchens.
• May be difficult to wash large cookware:Even though these sinks are often larger than single-bowl sinks, separate basins mean less room to wash large pots and pans.
• Wastes under-counter storage: A sink base cabinet has no shelves or drawers, so you'll sacrifice even more storage space for a larger sink.

3. Low-Divide Kitchen Sink

A low-divide kitchen sink, or a low-score sink, has a low center divider that only rises about halfway up the basin. This gives you room to wash larger dishes that wouldn't fit in a double-bowl or single-bowl sink while still being able to organize washing and rinsing into separate basins.

Pros:

• Room for large cookware:A lower divider provides more room to wash large pots and pans.
• Separate basins: With a low-divide kitchen sink, you'll still be able to designate one basin for cleaning and the other for rinsing or drying.
• Can give the illusion of a single bowl: If you want to follow the single-bowl kitchen sink trend without sacrificing the divider, this option is for you.

Cons:

• Shallow basins:You won't be able to fill either side of your sink past the low divide, which proves problematic if you need deep water.

4. Overmount Kitchen Sink

An overmount kitchen sink, also known as a top mount or drop-in sink, drops into the counter which creates a lip or rim around the sink. This is a versatile option because it's easy to install and provides extra support, meaning that you can use almost any material, no matter how heavy.

One factor to consider is that grime and debris can get caught on the lip and can make cleanup more difficult.

Pros:

• Easy installation:Appropriately referred to as drop-in sinks, you should be able to install a top mount sink yourself.
• Affordable:Even with professional installation, overmount sinks will cost less than undermount sinks.
• Good for porous countertops:Overmount kitchen sinks provide a barrier to prevent water damage on the surrounding countertops.

Cons:

• Interrupts countertop flow:The raised lip around an overmount sink may collect crumbs and debris, resulting in mold.
• Takes up countertop space:If you need every inch of countertop space you can get, an overmount sink is not the best choice.

5. Undermount Sink

An undermount sink is installed directly under the counter, creating a seamless look from countertop to sink. This type of sink is versatile and works with most kitchen layouts. Not only do these sinks look sleek, but they also make for easy cleanup because debris can be pushed straight into the sink without catching on a lip or rim.

It's worth considering the weight of the sink that you choose since it is typically installed with glue that attaches to the underside of the counter and the sink. Most fireclay or cast iron sinks will not work with this installation method because of their heaviness.

Pros:

• Seamless style:Because the sink lip is flush against the countertop, these sinks create smooth lines perfect for a modern kitchen.
• Easy to clean: You'll be able to wipe away crumbs directly into the sink since the lip is below the counter.
• More counter space: If you use an undermount sink, you'll be able to use your counter space right up to the edge of the sink.

Cons:

• Price:These sinks are often more expensive to install since you'll need to create a custom hole in your countertop.
• Doesn't work with all countertops: Laminate or tile countertops may not be strong enough to support an undermount sink.
• Difficult installation: Hiring a professional to install this type of sink is imperative to avoid serious leakage and improper support.

6. Stainless Steel Sink

Stainless steel sinks are light and easy to install, making them a functional and popular option. They come in a variety of styles, such as farmhouse, undermount, and overmount. While these sinks are typically more expensive than porcelain, they're an affordable option compared to other high-quality materials like granite.

Stainless steel sinks are categorized by sheeting thickness or gauge. A thicker gauge means the sink will typically be heavier and cheaper, while a thinner gauge will mean the sink is lighter and often more expensive. Stainless steel sinks tend to be noisier than other sink materials and they can dent, but they offer great heat and stain resistance.

Pros:

• Good value:For a high-quality sink, stainless steel is a great middle-of-the-road option that will last forever.
• Durable:Stainless steel sinks never tarnish or rust, and they maintain their shine for years.
• Easy to clean: Stainless steel is nonporous and deflects harmful bacteria from accumulating.
• Versatile: These sinks complement every color or style of kitchen.

Cons:

• Noisy:Expect a lot of crashing and banging when cleaning dishes in a stainless steel sink.
• Susceptible to scratching:Abrasive cleaning agents or metal utensils can cause tiny scratches in the steel over time.
• Can dent:Depending on the gauge, stainless steel can dent under pressure.

7. Cast Iron Sink

Cast iron sinks are sprayed with a porcelain enamel coating that gives them a glossy white finish, which appeals to many homeowners looking for a sink to complement their vintage, farmhouse, or country-style kitchen.

Cast iron sinks tend to be heavier and more durable than other sinks, but the porcelain enamel can chip easily. These sinks are not meant to be cleaned with abrasive cleaners, as they will wear down the enamel coating. You'll also need to use caution when washing dishes since the hardness of this sink can easily chip your dishware.

Pros:

• Easy to maintain:The smooth porcelain surface allows for quick wipe-downs to prevent buildup.
• Retains heat: If you're sick of the water cooling down halfway into dishwashing, a cast iron sink will fix this.
• Durable:Cast iron sinks are impervious to cracks and dents and will last a very long time when cared for properly.

Cons:

• Price:Cast iron sinks are some of the most expensive sinks to buy and install.
• Enamel can chip:Abrasive cleaners can cause the porcelain coating to get scratched or chipped, leaving the cast iron vulnerable to rust.
• Porcelain will stain: It's very likely the porcelain coating will become stained over time.

8. Fireclay Sink

Fireclay sinks are made from clay and glaze fusing together at very high temperatures, upwards of 1,600° Fahrenheit. Fireclay sinks are almost identical to cast iron sinks but tend to be slightly more durable. They won't chip, etch, or stain, and you can use abrasive cleaners unlike on a cast iron sink.

Fireclay sinks are usually more expensive than cast iron due to the more extensive fabrication process. This material is often used for farmhouse-style sinks, making it a great fit for hosting fun events, holidays or entertaining.

Pros:

• Non-porous:Fireclay is nonporous, resistant to acids, and easy to keep clean.
• Relatively chip-resistant:Unlike cast iron sinks, fireclay sinks are less likely to scratch or chip.
• Handcrafted: Even when mass-produced, fireclay sinks are individually handcrafted for a custom touch.

Cons:

• Expensive:Even though fireclay sinks are nearly indistinguishable from cast iron sinks, they tend to cost more.
• Variations from sink to sink:Because fireclay sinks are handcrafted, small variations in size and shape can occur even with the same model.
• Limited design options:Nearly all fireclay sinks feature a single-basin, farmhouse-style design.

9. Granite Composite Sink

Granite composite sinks are constructed by gluing crushed granite together with a resin filler. This type of sink is incredibly durable, stain-resistant, and provides a cutting-edge modern aesthetic to any kitchen.

If you're considering a granite composite sink, they are heavier than stainless steel sinks, so you may want to look into adding structural support to accommodate for the extra weight. Granite composite has an inherent sound-absorbing effect due to its density.

Pros:

• Durable, but still forgiving:Granite composite sinks have all the durability of a full-granite sink, but the composite materials used will also lessen the impact when dishes are tossed in the sink.
• Hygienic:Unlike natural granite, granite composite is highly nonporous and almost hydrophobic, meaning there aren't many places for bacteria to grow.
• Easy to clean:Granite composite does not require chemical cleaners and hard scrubbing to keep it looking brand new.

Cons:

• Price:Though cheaper than traditional granite options, granite composite is a lot more expensive than stainless steel or other materials that offer similar benefits.
• Risk of chipping:Granite composite sinks can chip or crack if heavy pots and pans are tossed around carelessly.
• Bulky and heavy:Due to their size and weight, you'll want help installing these sinks and should consider reinforcing the areas around your sink drop-in.

10. Farmhouse Sink

A farmhouse-style sink, also known as an apron sink, extends over the edge of your counter. This type of sink is most commonly used in a traditional or rustic farmhouse-style kitchen.