Kitchen Sink Buying Guide

Kitchen Sink Buying Guide--Material Options

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel sinks are the most common designs on the market. They are popular because of their affordability and ease of installation. They are also easy to clean, although they do gather water spots and may scratch easily.

A stainless steel design can dent if a heavy enough object is dropped in it. Check the gauge of the steel before buying. Eighteen to twenty-gauge models are the sturdiest options.

Metal can also amplify sounds, such as running water, the garbage disposal, or even a sink full of dishes rattling around. An undercoating can help to reduce this noise.

Porcelain

Despite the name, a porcelain sink is actually made from porcelain coating another material. Cast-iron as a base material provides a more durable material compared to sheet metal. Because they are coated, porcelain models are prone to chipping. The coating is also susceptible to stains.

Solid-surface

Solid-surface sinks are durable options that resist heat and stains. Unfortunately, this increased strength comes with a price. In fact, sold-surface models may be as much as three times the price of a similar stainless steel design.

Solid-surface sinks are also available in "seamless" models. These designs use the same color material as the countertop, creating a look similar to the typical bathroom sink.

Acrylic

Acrylic sinks are stain-resistant, but they are not as heatproof as other models. They hold up well against dents and scratches. One unique feature of acrylic designs is the potential to incorporate antibacterial properties in the material.

Design Basics

A kitchen sink buying guide wouldn't be complete without mentioning the basic bowl and faucet options.

Bowl

A double bowl is fairly common, but single bowls are still available, and some sinks even come with a smaller third bowl to be used for the garbage disposal or to provide extra space in a busy kitchen. You may want to consider a deeper bowl if you wash large pots and pans or just like the versatility a larger sink offers.

Faucet

Faucets with sprayer heads are popular choices. Whether it extends with a sprayer or not, make sure the spout can go everywhere you need it to. This is especially important with deeper bowls or three-bowl designs.

Another aspect of the faucet is the handle. Do you want a one or two-handle model? Choose a handle design that complements your overall kitchen décor. You also want to choose a durable finish for your faucet to make sure it lasts as long as your brand new sink.

Additional Shopping Tips

Keep the following points in mind while shopping for this new addition to your kitchen:

• Consider whether you would like to add accessories, such as a separate sprayer or built-in soap dispenser.
• Make sure there are enough holes in the sink deck to accommodate the number of faucets and accessories you plan to use. It can be difficult to add holes later, so think big. There are options for covering empty holes, so you don't have to worry about an eyesore in the kitchen.
• Bring kitchen measurements with you so that you can find a model to seamlessly fit into your current countertop.
• You will need to choose between top-mounted, under-mounted, and flush-mounted designs. The best choice for your kitchen depends largely on the style and composition of your countertops.
• Home improvement stores, such as Lowe's or Home Depot, are the best sources for kitchen sinks and knowledgeable advice about your potential purchase. The only danger of visiting these stores is you may get caught up in the displays and decide to remodel your entire kitchen!