I don’t think many people will disagree; a sink is probably the most important feature of a functioning kitchen.

Without kitchen sinks you wouldn’t get running water to drink or wash up with.

A sink is of importance to your kitchen, so you’d think that picking one would be simple, right? Most people believe it’s just a case of sticking a standard sink in wherever your water supply is and moving on to the fun stuff like picking out your cabinets and work surfaces.

Well, if all sinks were created the same then it would be an easy task. However, the world of kitchen sinks has evolved, and now there are hundreds of different types to choose from depending on your requirements, and how much money you want to spend. Here’s a quick look at some of the things to consider when choosing your next unit.

How Many Bowls Do You Want?

Gone are the days when sinks were just one simple bowl!

Now you can buy them with one, two, and even three separate bowls. Multi bowl units serve many purposes; one is used for washing up, and the others will be used for food preparation, hand washing and the like.

It can be useful and more hygienic to have separate bowls for washing up and food preparation, but it’s possible to get by with one bowl so don’t feel obliged to go multi bowl.

Many modern units also come with drainers as standard. These will be situated on either the left or right hand side of the main bowl, and you can generally specify which side you want yours on when you make your purchase.

Steel, Granite, Or Ceramic?

Although the majority of kitchen sinks are made of stainless steel, you can also buy them in granite or ceramic.

Stainless steel sinks are hygienic and easy to clean. However, over time they develop scratches, no matter how carefully you use them. This is just general wear and tear and nothing to do with the quality of the unit.

Ceramic sinks are less likely to scratch and more traditional, but there is the risk of cracking if something very heavy fell inside it. They also tend to show up dirt and food residue a little more.

Granite sinks are becoming more popular. They add a modern look to your kitchen. The main advantage with granite sinks is they’re easy to clean and are heat resistant. Make sure you buy a decent quality granite product as cheaper units may fade over time.

Inset Or Undermount?

One of the last things you need to think about is whether you want an inset or undermount unit in your kitchen. Inset sinks are normally built so the sides overlap your work surfaces. An undermount sink is fixed under the work surface to give a much smoother finish.

Inset sinks can become loose over time. When small gaps appear around the side of the unit it can drip or leak into the cupboards below.

Once you’ve decided on the number of bowls, the type of material, and the type of finish you want from your model you can then start to look around in the stores. Many manufacturers are known for very durable and high quality products.

Don’t forget if you’re replacing an existing sink you need to measure the old unit so you don’t go and splash out on a new one that won’t fit in its place! (Yes, we’ve seen people do that before!).

For more information on selecting the right sink for your kitchen contact us.