The Complete Guide to Kitchen Sinks

Looking for the perfect upgrade for your kitchen? We explain all you need to know!

When it comes to choosing a new kitchen sink, we know that it can be a pretty daunting task at times as there are so many different things to take into consideration; do you need a metal or a ceramic finish? Will you require a 1 bowl sink or maybe a 1.5? How easy are they to fit? These are all questions which need answering, so without further ado here’s our complete guide to kitchen sinks.

Metal or ceramic?

As you’ll be using your kitchen sink on a daily basis, it’s important that you make the right decision. You want something that not only suits the look of the room but is practical for your needs. The first choice you need to make is whether you would need a metal or ceramic sink? To help you along, we’ve outlined the benefits of each so you can make a more informed decision.

Metal sinks

Probably the most commonly found kitchen sinks are those made from stainless steel. There’s good reason for this too as they are very affordable, hard-wearing and won’t react badly if you use chemicals on them. Stainless steel sinks also won’t rust and are excellent at resisting heat. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different kitchens so finding the right one for yours shouldn’t prove too difficult.

Ceramic sinks

These are a bit more luxury, and a great option if you fancy splashing out on a more luxurious finish. They’ve been used since the 1800’s but began to take a back seat when stainless steel sinks arrived. However, ceramic sinks are making a strong comeback at the moment, and are really beginning to increase in popularity.

They are available in numerous finishes so you can create a much more bespoke look by installing one. They’re also highly durable and very spacious so are an ideal choice for families (or if you like to throw dinner parties!)

Types of kitchen sink

There are various types of sink, so make sure you know exactly what you want before making a decision.

Inset

These are highly popular and as a result there are quite a few options available to choose from. They are fixed in place and the edge of the sink sits on top of the surface it is mounted on.

Flush mounted

Put simply these sinks sit level with the worktop. These items are a good idea if you’re going for a more modern, designer look.

Butler

These sinks often feature a much deeper design. A common sight in older kitchens, Butler sinks can still look brilliant in more contemporary environments.

Under-mounted

These sinks are fixed underneath the worktop so that makes them perfect for stone or wooden surfaces. As with flush mounted sinks, these items will leave your kitchen with a modern feel.

Another crucial thing to keep in mind is whether you need a 1, 1.5 or 2 bowl sink. 1 bowl sinks are a good bet for smaller kitchens or if there aren’t many people in the house as the amount of prep work and dishes will be minimal.

1.5 bowl sinks are ideal if you need to do things like prepare vegetables or pour away drinks while doing the dishes in the main bowl. They allow you to multi-task which is good if you live in a busy household. 2 bowl sinks are a practical alternative as they feature 2 full size bowls so they can function simultaneously; for example one can be used for dirty dishes and the other for washing food.

Choosing the right style

When selecting your new kitchen sink you’ll need one that works well with the general look of the room. It’s no good putting a traditional offering into a super-modern environment as it’ll just look odd. This bit is easy enough to get right however, and the only real choices you make will come down to a matter of personal taste.

A sleek black ceramic sink will look amazing in a modern kitchen (especially if you’ve gone for a granite worktop!), while a butler basin will look right at home in classically designed settings. Don’t forget to match your lovely new sink with a stylish mixer tap to really complete the look!