The phrase “everything but the kitchen sink” is often used to taking every conceivable item except the actual sink itself. But while the kitchen itself is the heart of the home, most of the daily chores (i.e. preparing and cooking food, washing the plates) is possible because of the sink.
Manufacturers offer sinks in different colors and styles, from ceramic to stainless steel, to sometimes even plastic. Here are the different types and kinds of sinks to consider before installing them in your kitchen:
Kinds of Kitchen Sinks
1. Stainless Steel
This is the most popular choice used in both household kitchens and professional restaurants alike, as most brands can be inexpensive and easily replaceable.
However, you should keep in mind that the gauge actually doesn’t matter and has little to do with its performance. Sinks with sound-absorbing pads are much quieter than those with a spray-coating.
2. Enamel
Enamel comes in two different types: enamel on cast iron, and enamel on steel. Both types come in different colors and are much easier to clean than steel sinks.
Their disadvantage comes with being more likely to chip from heavy and/or sharp objects, such as steel pots and knives. Damaged enamel can cause the metal beneath it to rust. Acrylic sinks look like enamel at first glance, they can scratch more easily and melt under high temperatures.
3. Solid Surfacing
A solid-surface kitchen sink can have integrated materials such to provide a seamless effect and a smooth finish, but that comes at the cost of melting under high heat.
4. Fireclay
Fireclay sinks can withstand high heat, stains, and even scouring, but may chip or break under heavy weights.
Types of Kitchen Sinks
• Double-bowl – These sinks have two sections, which is where they get their name from. They mostly come in rectangular shapes, but can come in D-shapes with a curved back. The good thing about double-bowls is that they let you multi-task.
• Farmhouse – Also called “apron front”, these sinks have a single, deep bowl with a faucet installed in either the countertop or on the kitchen wall. While stylish, they are expensive, and the dripping water can damage the cabinet underneath.
• Topmount – Topmounts are relatively simple to install and work well with almost any countertop material, making them a good go-to if you’re working on a tight budget.
• Undermount – Undermount sinks are called such because they are raised from beneath the counter instead of being lowered onto them. They provide a sleeker finish and tend to be easier to clean.
• Trough – Troughs are best used as bar sinks, as they tend to be narrow and long, and are often used for their aesthetic instead of functionality.
