How to Select Kitchen Sink

Kitchen Sink Selection Guide

Your sink, along with your stove and refrigerator, form the three critical points of an efficient kitchen work triangle. That's why it's especially important to choose the one that's right for you.

The first step in selecting a sink is deciding how it will work with your countertop material. If you have laminate counters, you'll probably need a self-rimming or metal frame sink. Solid surface materials, on the other hand, provide opportunities for a wider variety of sink types.

Undermount Sinks

Undermount sinks mount beneath the counter, and are used with solid surface countertop materials. As granite, marble, limestone, concrete, butcher block, and composite countertops have grown in popularity, undermount kitchen sinks have also become an increasingly popular choice. An undermount installation highlights the curved contours of the sink basin and makes counter clean-up a breeze.

In some kitchen layouts, deciding on the best location to install the sink can be a challenge. This is especially true for corner, angled and peninsula installations. Thinking creatively, such as placing two separate undermount sinks side-by-side to function as one sink, can transform previously unusable space into the ideal work center.

After you've decided on your countertop material and sink installation, you need to decide which material your new sink should be made from. A variety of different materials are available to fit your style and the needs of your kitchen.

Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel is a durable, easy-to-clean material. Typically made with a brushed finish, it can be polished to a mirror finish to highlight the design lines and basin contours. Undermount and self-rimming installation options can accommodate different space configurations.

Stainless steel is measured two ways: in its metal content and its thickness, called gauge. Look for sinks that are made of 304 stainless steel (18% chromium, 8% nickel) which is stain- and corrosion-resistant. The lower the gauge, the thicker the material. Premium sinks are made from 18- and 19-gauge stainless steel. All of our stainless steel sinks and undermount kitchen sinks at MySinksandFaucets.com are made of 16 or 18 gauge 304 stainless steel. In-sink disposal noise and vibration can be minimized by selecting sinks with sound-absorption technology. And all of our Undermount stainless steel sinks are Sound dampened with sprayed sound proof coating and an additional thick rubber sound proof pad.

Copper Sinks

In today's architectural climate of understated elegance and clean lines, copper sinks are becoming more and more commonplace. Copper sinks are certainly some of the more beautiful choices where kitchen sinks are concerned. From large, bold farm sinks to traditional undermount sinks, copper sinks add an element of sophistication to even the most conservative of spaces. Regardless of size, décor or design, any kitchen can benefit from the stunning presence of a copper sink. At MySinksandfaucets.com , we also carry heavy weight 16 gauge handmade copper kitchen sinks, Copper Bar sinks and Copper Vanity Sinks, each sink are handmade and unique and are designed and created by experts who put just as much emphasis on beauty and aesthetics as they do on functionality will give your kitchen life time of elegance and functionality.
Finally, you should decide how many basins you need for your kitchen sink. How you use your sink and how much space you have available should factor into your decision.

When remodeling, if you're not changing the countertop, remember to take into consideration the cutout area of your old sink. The new sink you select should fit into the existing hole in your countertop.

Single-bowl sinks

If you use a dishwasher, you may prefer a sink with a large single basin. Overall dimensions of single-bowl sinks tend to be smaller than the standard 33 inches long (measured horizontally) by 22 inches wide (front to back).

For large kitchens, consider installing a single-bowl bar/prep sink in an island to help make food preparation more convenient. The island sink can be the anchor for a second work triangle in a two-cook kitchen. Position a sink, small refrigerator and microwave in a transitional area between the kitchen and living spaces. This creates a place for kids and guests to prepare snacks without interfering with the primary cooking workflow.

Double Bowl and Triple Bowl sinks

If you hand-wash your dishes, you may prefer a sink with two or three bowls.

Standard depth for sinks is about 8 inches, so if you need to accommodate large roasting pans and stock pots, look for sinks that are wider and about 9 or 10 inches deep.

These multi-basin sinks often offer a small separate compartment. This feature can be handy for scraping food leftovers directly into the sink, for garbage disposal or recycling.

Standard sinks, usually double-bowl sinks, are 33 inches long by 22 inches wide and fit in regular base cabinets which are 36 inches long by 24 inches wide. Triple-bowl sinks are larger than standard size.

Additional Considerations

Sink Accessories

Consider extending the convenience and utility of your kitchen sink by adding some well-designed accessories.

Using a cutting board that fits snugly over the sink basin can help maximize your counter space. Extend food preparation efficiency with a colander for catching and draining food scraps.

If you hand-wash plates, glassware and utensils you might consider using rinse baskets. The best models are custom-made to fit your sink shape and hold fragile items upright to dry quickly. Bottom sink grate sets are also shaped to fit to cushion dishes while protecting the sink surface.

Sinks usually have three or four holes. Depending on which faucet you have, there may be one or more holes available for additional accessories. Consider using some of those extra holes for a soap/lotion dispenser, hot water dispenser or a filtered water faucet. A Screw-in strainer can also add some convenience.

At MySinksandFaucets.com, we offer a full selection of great quality products and a full line of accessories. We are also very attentive to customer’s need. The fact of us being a direct manufacturer and not a reseller of other company’s products allows us to offer a great quality product at a price point that is a great value to our consumer. You are welcome to browse our website at www.mysinksandfaucets.com , where you can find premium quality Undermount Kitchen Sink, 18 or 16 Gauge Stainless steel sink, Copper Sink, Bathroom/Vanity Sink, and other sink accessories at a price that gives the end user a true value for their dollar. Feel call us at 1-866-787-4657 if you have more question.