How to Choose the Right Type of Sink for Your Kitchen

Find the sink that fits your needs, space, and style using this comprehensive guide.

Whether you’re planning small kitchen refresh or embarking on a total kitchen remodel, there’s no shortage of decisions to be made. From cabinet colors and countertop finishes to backsplash tile choices and flooring options, there’s plenty to consider. Selecting the sink might seem like a simple task, at least in comparison to all the other details, but it’ll be one of your most-used features, so it’s worth putting thought into.

Not only are there several kitchen sink types available, but numerous materials and configurations to choose from as well. To arm you with as much information as possible, we’ve compiled a guide to the types of kitchen sinks, their advantages and purposes, and the aesthetic they’ll best complement. While picking out the right sink is essential for the efficiency of any kitchen, each feature in your new kitchen should reflect your design style as well.

Related: The 13 Best Kitchen Sinks for Your Home of 2024

Kitchen Sink Materials to Consider

Stainless steel: This is one of the most popular materials for kitchen sinks because it’s easy to clean, durable, and inexpensive compared to other types. Additionally, stainless steel can be used for any kind of kitchen sink.

Ceramic, porcelain, or acrylic: Other commonly used materials for kitchen sinks are ceramic, porcelain (a type of ceramic), and acrylic. The simple appearance of these materials matches most design styles, so it’s a good long-term choice. Acrylic is more lightweight and non-porous, making it ideal for fending off mold and mildew. However, it’s not heat-resistant, so a hot pot can easily damage an acrylic sink. Porcelain sinks tend to be more sought after than ceramic options, since ceramic is softer and shows chips and scratches more easily.

Stone: Whether it’s made of natural materials such as soapstone, marble, granite, or a manufactured kind like a granite and quartz composite, a stone sink is bound to be the star of the kitchen. However, be prepared, because they require much more maintenance than the previously mentioned materials.

Copper: If you don’t want the upkeep of a stone sink but want yours to stand out in the kitchen, try a stunning copper version. Not only are they durable, but the material is antimicrobial and refrains from rusting (although it will develop a beautiful patina over time).

Cast iron: Cast iron kitchen sinks, commonly found in older homes, are sturdy. However, they’re also cumbersome and expensive to install. Cast iron sinks are commonly coated with a protective porcelain finish that allows them to withstand scratches.

Fireclay: Sinks made of fireclay often resemble cast iron sinks, but that’s not their only similarity. This material, which is made by cooking clay at high temperatures, also weighs—and costs!—a significant amount. Plus, you’ll want to be extra careful when handling dishes, as dropping one can cause irreparable damage to the glazed clay.

Related: What is a Granite Composite Sink? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Kitchen Sink Configurations

Before considering the types of kitchen sinks, it’s smart to first decide what kind of configuration works best for you. Large, single-basin sinks (like a farmhouse sink) are ideal for washing large pots and pans, but there are advantages to choosing divided basins.

You can add extra basins to most sink styles. Unlike single-basin sinks, double basins allow for multitasking, such as washing on one side and rinsing or drying on the other. The basins can be equal sizes, or one can be wider, and the divider between them can either fit the entire depth of the sink or sit low for ease of movement. Some also choose to add a third section in the middle strictly for the garbage disposal. One downside to double or triple basin sinks is that there’s often not enough room to handwash oversized dishes comfortably. Although, that’s when a low divider might come in handy!

Related: The Pros and Cons of Common Kitchen Countertop Materials

Popular Types of Kitchen Sinks (And When to Choose Each One)

Find the sink that fits your needs by considering your cooking style and lifestyle habits. Here, you’ll find the most popular kitchen sink options, along with the perks and disadvantages of each.

Drop-In Sink

Also referred to as a top mount sink, this is one of the most common choices for kitchen sinks because of the ease of installation. After a hole is cut in the top of the countertop, the sink is dropped in from above, and the edge or rim of the sink rests on the counter. This helps to keep the sink stable, which is one benefit of a drop-in sink. Other perks include a low price point, ease of installation and repair, and the fact that it goes with virtually any kitchen style.

Related: How to Install a Drop-In Kitchen Sink

Undermount Sink

As the name suggests, these sinks are installed underneath the counter rather than from above. While they cost more than drop-in sinks, one thing that attracts people to them is their seamless look. Not only would they blend in well with a modern kitchen, but the lack of a rim makes cleaning the countertop easier.

Farmhouse Sink

If modern farmhouse is your go-to decor style, consider installing one of these. Sometimes referred to as apron sinks, a farmhouse sink gives the kitchen a rustic touch—but they’re not just easy on the eyes. The basins of farmhouse sinks are designed to be wide and deep, making them ideal for handwashing large pots and pans. They also sit closer to the edge of the countertop than other sinks, which minimizes back and shoulder strain since you don’t have to lean over too far to wash all those oversized dishes.

Related: 23 Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas to Add Rustic Charm in Modern Spaces

Workstation Sink

These hardworking sinks make the daily tasks of cooking, chopping, and cleaning a whole lot easier for anyone who installs one. They’re especially helpful in a small kitchen because they increase counter space by making the sink an extension of it. Workstations often include integrated accessories such as cutting boards, colanders, and drying racks that fit directly on top of the sink and allow you to dice, slice, and rinse food or dry dishes without spreading out too far. Plus, if you install a garbage disposal, cleaning up food scraps will be a breeze.

Related: Workstation Sinks Are This Year’s Must-Have Kitchen Upgrade

Drainboard Sink

These sinks usually include a single basin on one side and a drainboard on the other. Workstation sinks may look similar but often have more features, whereas a drainboard sink’s only added benefit is allowing items to air dry. This option is useful for those without a dishwasher or abundant counter space for a drying rack.

Bar Sink

An alternative place to add a workstation is in a home bar. Perhaps your kitchen remodel includes adding one somewhere within the room or in a hallway just off of it. Regardless, every wet bar needs a sink! Bar sinks, sometimes called prep sinks, are usually on the smaller side and can be added to a kitchen island if you don’t have a bar area. While one is helpful for those who love to host and require a place to prep food and drinks, if you don’t use it often, it’ll wind up being a waste of countertop space.

Related: 39 Wet Bar Ideas for Entertaining in Style

Commercial Sinks

You likely won’t want a commercial sink unless you run a food business out of your home. Restaurants use these because they are much larger than standard sinks. They’re always made of stainless steel for sanitary purposes and are available in drop-in or undermount styles. Unless you plan to start that homemade cookie company soon, installing a commercial sink in your home likely isn’t necessary.

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