The kitchen is the hub of the home, a place where family and friends gather to create meals and memories. The kitchen completes the home and when it comes to design, key considerations include space, workflow, and interior design. The kitchen sink crosses each of these key considerations, so we’re going to break down how to choose the right sink for you.
Selecting the Right Kitchen Sink for Your Home
As you research your future kitchen sink, it’s important to consider some key installation styles, as they can determine the material and style you choose. We will review the two most common installation options – topmount and undermount.
Before purchasing your sink, talk to a professional about your project. A licensed installer can help you determine what would work best in your new or existing design.
Topmounted Sinks
Topmount sinks are the most common and traditional style of kitchen sinks. This is where the sink is set into the cut out hole and the sink lip sits on the bench around the hole. These sinks can be easier to install and remove if looking to update. Topmount sinks generally come with a drainer which makes them more functional for your kitchen, but take up a bit more space. Topmount sinks most commonly have rounded outer and inner edges. They come in a range of sizes and configurations, and range in price from entry level to premium.
This is our new Nugleam Edge 800 Single Bowl with Drainer Kitchen Sink. This topmount sink features a generous drainage tray with a modern, sharp-edged finish to suit any kitchen design.
Click here to view more information about this sink.
Undermounted Sinks
Undermount kitchen sinks continue to increase in popularity as more benchtop materials become accessible and home owners gravitate towards a modern design for their kitchen. This type of sink sit under the benchtop, creating a seamless look.
Undermount sinks come in a range of sizes and configurations. These sinks are also available with additional accessories, including drainers and chopping boards. As installation is dependent on your benchtop material, consult your licensed installer prior to purchase and installation.
This is our Squareline Plus One and Half Bowl Sink with accessories, perfect for undermount installation.
Click here to view more information about this sink.
Click here to view the accessories.
Finding the Right Size
Topmount and undermount kitchen sinks come in a range of sizes, so what you choose is dependent on your available space and how much you use your kitchen. Great kitchen design keeps functionality in mind, which requires understanding your needs in the kitchen and designing your space around this. Do you cook with large items that you’ll need to wash up? Do you have one benchtop to work with or other surfaces you can use for meal preparation? Our recommendation is to measure your available space so you know what you’re working with and then think about how much free space you’ll need. It’s recommended that you reserve some benchtop space on either side of the sink for food prep and cleanup.
Selecting the Right Material
Kitchen sinks most commonly come in stainless steel, although we are seeing various other materials hit the market. Choosing the right material is going to come down to your own preference and how you’ve styled your kitchen.
See below for some kitchen sink material options:
- Stainless Steel – The most common and traditional material used, durable and long-lasting.
- Concrete – Increasing in popularity. This heavy-duty material which was once old is new again and on trend.
This is our Squareline Plus Single Bowl with Drainer, great for undermount installation.
Click here to view more information about this sink.
The Bottom Line: How to Choose
Here are a few quick ways to narrow it down:
- Installation – Consult a licensed installer. Is it an existing benchtop or new? Are there limitations with the material of your benchtop? What installation style works with your kitchen design?
- Shape & Size – How much space do you have? How much are you using the sink?
- Material – Do you want a traditional style or a statement piece? Think about the entire kitchen design to determine what will work best.
Need a hand? For best results, we always recommend that your sink is installed by a licensed installer.
Click here to view our kitchen sink range.
For more detailed information, find a retailer near you or click here to contact us.