The right sink can make all the difference in your kitchen, so if there was ever a time to do your homework, it's now. In this guide, we're breaking down sink types, materials and other important considerations, so you can find the kitchen sink that's just right for your home.

Overview:

Installation Types
Kitchen Sink Configurations
Basin Depth
Number of Accessory Holes
Important Considerations
Additional Features
Sink Materials
How to Measure and Install a Kitchen Sink

Installation Types

Undermount

Installed directly below the kitchen worktop, undermount sinks maximise space and result in an easy-to-clean counter. They’re best installed on a solid surface and nonporous countertops like granite or marble. These sinks should also be properly supported with screws and clips to ensure they don’t fall under the weight of heavy pots and pans. Depending on the design, some undermount sinks can also be installed as drop-in sinks.

Inset (Drop-In)

Also known as a drop in, top-mount or a self-rimming sink, this easy-to-install style drops directly into an opening in your worktop where it is secured from underneath with clips and screws. Inset kitchen sinks have a rim that rests on the worktop for support and security. This is typically the only installation type that can be used with laminate worktops. If you choose this type of kitchen sink, make sure you have a few inches between the edge of the rim and the back edge of the worktop or backsplash for easy cleaning.

Depending on the design, some inset sinks can also be installed as undermount sinks. Just make sure the sink lip is wide enough to rest on top of your current worktop opening. There should also be enough tap holes for your setup. If you're keeping your faucet, the amount of holes is very important to ensure your sink matches. If you're buying a new tap, make sure the number of holes in your new sink match the tap holes required. See the 'Number of Accessory Holes' section below for more information.

Belfast/Butler

This type of sink is also called an apron sink. Belfast / butler sinks feature an exposed front and a deep basin, making them ideal for washing large cookware. However, their large front requires special, short base cabinets which most likely require modifications to your existing cabinets.

Kitchen Sink Configurations

Number of Basins

Single

Ideal for small kitchens, easy cleaning and soaking pots and pans, single basin (or single bowl) sinks can be as long as 84cm.

Double

This style of sink has a separate basin for rinsing produce and soaking dishes. Double bowl sinks can be as long as 122cm. Depending on the design, the two basins may have a different width or depth. Since these are often larger than single basin sinks, make sure you have enough worktop space for them to fit comfortably.

Triple: Triple basin or bowl sinks feature a small third sink to use as a prep sink. The two other basins look similar to a double basin sink. If you cook and do the dishes often, this type is a great way to separate workspaces for prepping, cleaning and rinsing. Depending on the design, the basins can be of equal width and depth or can come in varying sizes. Triple basin sinks can be as long as 153cm.

Basin Depth

To determine how deep your sink can be, look at the height of the base cabinet that sits under the sink. The average sink basin depth is generally 20-25cm deep. Deeper basins are convenient and great for soaking pans; however, they use more under-cabinet space and can be uncomfortable for shorter family members. If you pick a kitchen sink that has multiple basins with different depths, look at the depth of the deepest basin to see if your base cabinet can accommodate. Make sure to account for immovable objects such as electrical wiring or plumbing fixtures. Along with the sink, space is still needed for plumbing and dishwasher hookups.

Number of Accessory Holes

Inset sinks typically have between one and five holes in the back of the sink for accessories like taps, soap dispensers and spray hoses. Consider the features that you want to include and make sure the sink you choose can accommodate all of them. If you're keeping your current tap and accessories, make sure your new inset sink has the correct number of holes. However, you can also choose a deck plate to cover unused holes – whether you're keeping your old tap or getting a new one.

Undermount and Belfast / Butler kitchen sinks don't come with holes for the tap(s), so you'll need to drill the appropriate number of holes in your worktop if they don't already exist.

Important Considerations

Tap Compatibility: Not all sinks come equipped with a tap. If you're buying one separately or reusing a current spout, be sure to check your sink’s mounting setup, including the number of tap holes. If your sink has more holes than needed, deck plates can be used to disguise them.

Accessories: Take stock of any extra accessories you want and check to see if they’re included. Typically, items like drain covers, sprayers and filtered water spigots need to be bought separately.

Kitchen Sink Combos: This package deal offers a kitchen sink along with a matching tap and coordinating extras like a soap dispenser. Kitchen sink combos are an easy way to get everything you need all at once.

Drain Location: Consider where the drain is in your current sink. If you're picking a new style sink and the drain is in a different location to your old sink, the plumbing may have to be changed.

Waste Disposal: To help dispose of food waste, invest in a kitchen sink with waste disposal. This will also prevent any food scraps from flowing directly down the drain pipes and plumbing and causing potential clogs.

Additional Features

Sound-Dampening: This feature allows you to prepare meals and do the dishes in peace. Sound-dampening sinks have added insulation to reduce the noises made from plates and cookware hitting the sink surface. This is a perfect way to get housework done without disrupting the rest of your family (and makes doing the dishes less painful).

Overflow: An overflow drain is a hole in the rear or front of a sink that allows water to flow out if it rises to a certain height. It's connected below the drain to avert water in case of a clog or spill. The purpose of an overflow drain is to help your sink drain faster and prevent flooding, making dish washing that much easier.

Basket Strainer Included: A basket strainer is a perforated metal piece that sits in your drain and strains and filters out debris before it enters your plumbing system. While these can be bought separately from a kitchen sink, many sinks already include it for convenience. A basket strainer is often used as an affordable alternative to a waste disposal.

Sink Grid Included: These grids sit on the bottom of your sink and allow water to drain beneath pots and pans. They also provide a cushion when placing items in your sink – keeping your sink scratch-free.

Sink Materials

Choose a sink material that meets your needs and complements the rest of your kitchen’s style and fixtures.

Stainless Steel: A common sink material, stainless steel is popular for its resistance to both stains and heat. It is also comparatively lightweight, durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel sinks are available in a brush or satin finish.

Granite Composite: Formed by combining granite particles and acrylic resin, these sinks are reinforced making them highly durable. They have antimicrobial properties and are resistant to stains. Granite composite sinks are available in a variety of styles, finishes and colours.

Fireclay / Ceramic: Glazed and fired at extremely high temperatures in order to produce a heavy-duty ceramic. Fireclay / ceramic sinks are resistant to scratches, chips, bacteria and stains.

Cast Iron: Finished with smooth enamel, cast-iron sinks have a luxurious look while still being affordable. Their enamel coating makes them virtually indestructible and is resistant to scratching, helping them retain their glossy finish for years.

Copper: This artisan option is often constructed with hammered recycled copper. These are more costly but have a one-of-a-kind finish, known as a patina, that will grow richer with age. This process of changing hues is how the copper protects itself over time. Make sure to clean your sink regularly with mild soap, warm water and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Copper also has antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria and viruses.

Stone: Offering a unique and natural look, stone sinks are often hand-carved and can be made to fit a variety of shapes and sizes.

To ensure you're buying the right kitchen sink, make sure you measure your space properly.

Tip: Found this article helpful? Then you might also want to read:

• How to Measure a Kitchen Sink
• How to Install a Kitchen Sink Side Sprayer
• How to Change a Kitchen Tap