Whether you are remodeling your whole kitchen, or simply have a sink that has seen better days, choosing a new kitchen sink may be more difficult than it sounds. From the best materials to the most usable shape and size, there are a lot of considerations when it comes to sinks. Here’s how to navigate through the world of kitchen sinks to find one that is just right for you.

 

There are many factors that will inform your decision about which kitchen sink you choose. You may have a certain aesthetic in mind, whether it’s functional and smart, or something that offers a little wow factor. Perhaps you have a maximum budget in mind, which will limit the sink materials open to you.

 

Here are the top things you need to think about prior to your kitchen sink purchase.

 

The first thing that will help you decide which kitchen sink to choose is how big your kitchen revamp project is. If you are only replacing the kitchen sink, you will be limited to the size of your current sink, unless you are prepared to get some work done to change the size of the cut-out hole in your kitchen surfaces. This is not usually recommended, as it’s quite difficult to change the size of this hole, and you can’t guarantee an exact fit. 

 

If you are remodeling your whole kitchen–which is a great way to add more value to a home–then you have much more flexibility in terms of sink size. In this instance, try to think how much you will use the sink. Will you have a dishwasher that will take most of your washing up? Or will you regularly be washing up large pots and pans? This will help determine the sink size and whether you get an in-built drying rack.

 

As well as the look different sink materials give, each type of sink material has different qualities that may or may not suit you. Generally sink materials fall into either metal or non-metal types. Non-metal types are usually ceramic, resin, or composite quartz. Ceramic and composite quartz sinks come in at a higher price point than other sinks, but they are scratch resistant, very durable, and easy to maintain. Resin sinks are a little cheaper and are still scratch resistant, but they are a bit less durable and won’t last quite as long.

 

Metal sinks are usually either stainless steel or copper. Stainless steel sinks are usually one of the cheapest kitchen sink options. They’re not as durable as more expensive materials, and they’re not scratch resistant either, although scratches are usually masked by the appearance of stainless steel anyway.

 

At the other end of the spectrum, copper is an increasingly popular choice for a kitchen sink. Costlier than stainless steel, but incredibly durable with a much longer lifespan, copper sinks are also rust resistant and have naturally antimicrobial properties. For those who want a kitchen with a little wow factor, copper sinks have a particularly appealing look, especially undermount copper sinks.

 

If you are getting a kitchen sink as part of a kitchen remodeling project, you need to think carefully about many other aspects of what you want the kitchen sink to do for you. Choosing a single or double bowl is the first consideration. Some people like the idea of a single bowl sink. As long as it’s big enough to wash up all the things you usually need to wash up, having a single bowl saves space on the counter top.

 

For those who have a little more space to play with, a double bowl sink can be tempting. This ultimately gives you more sink space that you can use at any one time. You can stack dirty dishes on one side while you rinse vegetables or start the washing up on the other side. Many people who get double sinks don’t think it’s a necessity, but they really appreciate having the two sinks when reality hits.

 

Drop-in sinks versus undermount sinks is another debate you will need to have when you choose a kitchen sink, as this also affects the way your kitchen looks. Drop-in sinks are dropped top-down through a hole in the counter top, which means the lip of the sink is visible on the kitchen surface. Alternatively, undermount sinks attach below the counter, which creates a more seamless looking surface on the counter top. Undermount sinks are usually more expensive, but they are more sought after too. Not only do they look higher-end and more aesthetically pleasing, there are less opportunities for dirt and grime to become lodged in crevices. This can be more of an issue with drop-in kitchen sinks due to the lip on the kitchen surface.

 

While most kitchen sinks are square or rectangular in shape, it is also possible to find round sinks or sinks of other shapes. This can be another way to make your sink a focal point of a kitchen.