The Best Kitchen Sink (Review) in 2020

Things to Consider When Buying a Kitchen Sink

• Plumbing

Before you purchase your kitchen sink, you’ll need to consider how the plumbing sits and how you can ensure the plumbing reaches the sink. For most people, you might need a little extra pipework, but it’s always best to check the conditions, yourself. If you aren’t sure, it can be worth getting a plumber in to help out with the basics and do the final attachments yourself.

If it’s easier, go for an offset drain that is closer to the drainage, to reduce the risk of damage or having to deal with the headache of readjusting everything under the sink, to make it all fit together. Finally, don’t forget to check the width of the drains and whether they will fit with your garbage disposal, as well as water/sink entrances, along with the drains.

• Size

Naturally, the size of your kitchen will often reflect the size you’ll need to buy. If you’re lacking countertop space, you can opt for a smaller, single bowl or go for a double bowl kitchen sink that comes with added features, allowing you to maximize your living space. Check out our FAQ’s, below, for a more in-depth guide to choosing the right sink size for your needs.

• Materials

Previously, there has been a preference for a porcelain kitchen sink – especially in traditional and rustic kitchens – as the style was more in-keeping with the setting. It also allowed you to replace a sink, without needing to change the worktops or cupboard spaces to fit. However, you can often find a farmhouse kitchen sink (with the exposed front wall) in a stainless steel option.

Similarly, porcelain sinks were often porcelain-coated cast iron sinks, which made the overall sink heavier – meaning you would need more support from the surrounding structure (especially once filled with water) and have less space in the cupboard beneath. Despite this, it can still chip and stain relatively easy, especially for those who have a hard water supply.

Generally speaking, a stainless steel sink is better for most homes, as they are the most resilient to scratches and dents (providing they are made with a suitable quality gauge/thickness). They are also resistant to corrosion, being completely inert and unlikely to react to any foodstuff, whether you opt for a brushed steel or satin finish. Best of all, they tend to be much cheaper and easier to mount than other alternatives on the market, with little risk of damage during installation. If you do prefer some of the benefits that come with cast iron, you can always opt for cast iron fittings or mounting options.

• Type

There are a wide range of different types of kitchen sink options out there and, most of the time, which type you choose will depend on personal preference. Whether you prefer to use a stainless steel single bowl, or an integrated cast iron option, there is something for everyone. If you’re a little stuck on weighing up the pros and cons of each type, check out our guide to the different types of kitchen sinks, below.

• Features and Design

Many kitchen sinks are now produced with a modern design. That’s not to say that they aren’t created to suit traditional décor, but rather that they have a range of added design features to help with the overall convenience and easy use of their products. For example, many of the kitchen sinks given in our Top Picks come with a wide range of accessories, which easily fit into the integrated lip. This lip acts as a shelf that ensures you can continue to use the sink area as a countertop, when you’re not cleaning your dishes, or you can place a drying rack across the bowl, to easily drain water from cleaned dishes.

Similarly, choosing the sink for kitchen décor can sometimes come down to something as simple as picking between the final finish. A satin finish will give you an overall sharper, cleaner look, while brushed steel can help to cover up any scuff marks that might appear over time. Either of these options can also suit the current kitchen appliances you have in the home.

Different Types of Kitchen Sinks

• Undermount

An undermount kitchen sink is one that sits just below the countertop itself. These allow you to show off your counterspace to its fullest, providing a clean, modern and sleek look that suits almost any style of kitchen. Being under the countertop also allows you to quickly sweep any debris and crumbs from the side, into the sink, without getting caught on any ledges.

Due to the nature of the undermount sink, they can be a little more difficult to install and will need to be placed before the counter is placed over the area – and the counter will need precise measurements. Mounting hardware needs to be used in order to fit these, properly.

It can also leave a small gap between the sink and countertop, which may allow mold and debris to become caught in this or cause the counter to rot – to avoid this, you can use a suitable sealant to protect the area.

• Overmount

An overmount kitchen sink will sit on top of the work surface, and is much easier to fit due to this. They’re very easy to replace and, often, you won’t need the help of a joiner or other professional to help you fit this, as they simply slot into place and are held up by the counter itself, so you won’t need any mounting hardware. Because of their simpler design, they are often cheaper to buy, too.

They can, however, ruin the look of a countertop and kitchen décor that thrives on clean lines. Like the undermount, food can become trapped in the gap created, especially as sweeping crumbs into the sink becomes a little more tricky. This, too, can be easily remedied with a good quality, suitable sealant and finish, however.

• Apron-Front

Also referred to as a traditional farmhouse design, the apron-front sink is usually associated with more traditional décor – but can easily suit modern designs, when using the right materials and finish. They add a unique look to the kitchen but offer no major benefit, when compared to any other type of sink, as they can utilize the best of any of these – under or over mounting, double or single bowls and so on.

• Single/Double

The terms “single bowl” and “double bowl” simply refer to the divides placed within the sink itself, rather than the size and is more of a sub-type than a standalone type. A single basin is simply an option that uses no divides, so you can wash the dishes in one area and then place them in a suitable drying rack, unless it comes with a draining board. A double basin will have a single divide within the bowl itself, which gives you the option of using the second space as a rinsing area, or a place to let your dishes and utensils dry.

How to Install a Kitchen Sink

How to install your kitchen sink depends on a wide range of factors, which is why it’s always important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, or you can follow a tutorial online that is matched to the make and model of your sink. Whether you use a stainless steel option, or go for porcelain, there should be the same basic premise of marking out the right area in your countertop.

Most stainless steel options will come as an over or undermount, so be ready to use the mounting clips that should come with your choice. If your sink didn’t include any mounting clips, then opt for stainless steel set that best fits the size of your sink. Once in place, you’ll need to hook up your draining system, add in your tap (again, stainless steel is usually the best material for these) and hook up your plumbing and garbage disposal according to the manufacturer’s directions.  Finally, add in your accessories, such as your basket strainer.

Best Kitchen Sink FAQ:

Q: What is the best kitchen sink size?

A: Most sinks come in a range of widths, from 20 inches to 36 inches and choosing the best kitchen sink size depends on your needs. This will usually be based on the size of your kitchen, with smaller spaces requiring a small width, or the option to add in some additional storage and usable space.

Workstations provide an extra ledge along the interior lip, which allow you to use cutting boards or drying racks across the sink itself. This is especially handy, if you like to hide your dirty dishes while they’re soaking, as you can choose a board that completely covers the top of the sink.

As well as the width, you’ll need to consider the length (from the wall to the edge of the kitchen side), as having an overhang can not only look bad but be dangerous, too. Catching yourself on the edge of an undermount style can definitely cause more than a little pain.

Finally, the depth of the sink matters, too. If you like to use professional cookware, you’re more likely to require a deeper sink, so that you can completely submerge these in water when soaking. However, if you prefer everyday pots and pans, you may be better choosing a sink with less depth – so that you can utilize the cupboards below the sink for your cleaning products etc.

Q: What is the most durable material for kitchen sinks?

A: The most durable material for your sink is nearly always going to be stainless steel. Stainless steel has a wide range of benefits that allow you to have a long-lasting, useful features that work well as part of your kitchen. For example, stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and rust, being an inert material that does not react to acidic foods or alkaline cleaning products. It’s also hard-wearing and very easy to clean, making the job of cleaning up your sink andkitchen after cooking your meal, all the easier.

Q: Is a copper sink suitable for food preparation?

A: Copper looks beautiful and adds a unique look as a kitchen sink, especially due to its distinctive coloring. However, they can be very expensive, especially when compared to stainless steel options, and companies often try to lower the cost by using a thinner gauge. Because of this, they can be easily damaged by utensils – especially during food preparation. That’s not to say that a copper sink is a bad choice – just that buyers need to pay close attention to the quality of materials.

Q: Do all sinks come with installation tools?

A: Unfortunately, not every sink comes with the appropriate installation tools. Oftentimes, if you’re looking for a simple replacement sink, the new purchase won’t need these – so sellers may opt to leave them out as an additional purchase, to help save money. However, the description of the sink should clearly state whether installation tools are included or not.

Q: How do I disinfect my kitchen sink naturally?

A: Cleaning your sink with natural products has never been easier, but the best start to a clean sink is to choose a material that is inert, such as stainless steel. Similarly, the accessories should also be resistant to rust, mold, corrosion and so on. However, you can clean any sink with simple products available at your local supermarket.

One of the most popular examples is lemon juice and baking soda. Simply mix the two ingredients together, at a ratio of 1 teaspoon of baking soda for every ¼ cup of lemon juice and pour the mixture over your sink. Let this sit for ten minutes, before washing the mixture away with hot water. Finally, use a soft, microfiber cloth to wipe down the sides of the sink for a sparkling finish.

For the drains, use the same mixture at a ratio of ½ cup of baking soda, for every ¼ cup of lemon juice and pour down the drain. Let it sit for a few hours – overnight is best – and then wash away with hot water.

Our Top Pick

The Ruvati 30-inch kitchen sink is a great choice for a wide range of kitchens, thanks to the sink's simple and modern look that matches any décor. As well as this, however, it comes with a wide range of added benefits. Coming with a full range of accessories, you’ll have everything you need to both fit and use this sink, without issue.

Better still, it’s incredibly easy to clean and is made using high-quality materials, that help maintain overall durability. Because of this, the stainless steel resists scratches from everyday use and won’t fade or scuff over time. The superior design also ensures that your sink will drain effectively, each and every time, while the corners are shaped to help both dirt and fat easily slide away, without building up.