There are many different types of sinks to choose from when you are remodeling or upgrading your kitchen.
Each type of sink has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that will best suit your needs. Here is a breakdown of the different types of sinks available on the market today.
Top-Mount Sinks
The most common type of kitchen sink, the top-mount or drop-in, installs from above. Based on a template provided by the sink manufacturer, a hole is cut into the counter material and the sink is inserted from above. All of the sink’s weight is carried by the rim. Then the rim of the sink is caulked to the counter with silicone. Because the sink edge creates a rim, these sinks are sometimes called rimmed or self-rimming sinks.
Undermount Sinks
Undermount sinks are the opposite of top-mount sinks, as the sink is attached to the bottom of the counter with special clips.
The sink lip is then finished with an attractive edge, and the area around the sink is covered with a countertop material like granite or quartz. Undermount sinks are becoming increasingly popular because they make it easier to clean up crumbs and debris without them getting stuck in the countertop crevices.
Double-Basin Sink
The most popular type of kitchen sink arrangement, dual basins allow for washing on one side and rinsing or drying on the other side. Truly multi-purpose and highly flexible, double basin sinks have all sink operations covered: washing, rinsing, and draining. It is hard to go wrong with a good double-basin sink.
Single-Basin Sink
Single-basin is a general category of kitchen sinks, which can include both farmhouse (apron) sinks and in-counter sinks. This type of sink has no divided basin. Instead, it is one large, deep basin. Single-basin sinks are great for washing very large pots and pans or bulky items like baking trays and roasting pans that don’t fit into the average double-basin sink.
Farmhouse Sink
Farmhouse, or apron, sinks are large single-basin sinks distinguished by their front wall, which forms both the front of the sink and the front of the counter. The most popular type of installation is with the sink level and integrated into the counters. However, apron sinks are sometimes installed “country style”: on top of a cabinet or on a freestanding table (fixed against the wall) and not surrounded by counters.
Drainboard Sink
Drainboard sinks combine a small basin on one side with a counter-level drainboard on the other side. They are particularly useful for prepping fruits and vegetables, rinsing dishes, or straining stocks or sauces. Drainboard sinks come in various styles from classic to contemporary.
Low Divider Sink
A low divider kitchen sink is a double basin sink, but instead of the divider rising to the level of the top of the sink, it stops partway up. This makes the sink appear to be a single basin, with plenty of room for washing large pots and pans. Low divider sinks are one of the most versatile types of kitchen sinks and can provide a seamless look that is perfect for modern kitchens.
Bar Sink
Considerably smaller than primary kitchen sinks, bar (or prep) sinks are used either for bartending operations or for supplementary food preparation. Bar/prep sinks are almost always single basin and are usually no more than about 15 inches square or in diameter (round).
Conclusion
There are a variety of kitchen sink types to choose from, and each has its own unique benefits. It is important to understand the different benefits of each sink type in order to make the best decision for your home.
The top-mount or drop-in sink is the most common type and installs from above. The under-mount sink is becoming increasingly popular because it makes it easier to clean up crumbs and debris without them getting stuck in the countertop crevices.
The double-basin sink is great for washing on one side and rinsing or drying on the other side. And finally, the farmhouse (apron) sink is perfect for large pots and pans or bulky items like baking trays and roasting pans that don’t fit into the average double-basin sink.
