Are you trying to find the best types of kitchen sinks to consider for your home?
There’s no doubt that kitchen remodels are exhausting, but in the end, it’s worth it to choose the best design possible for optimal ROI and enjoyment.
With the sheer number of sink options, colors, styles, and designs of everything else in your kitchen, you might be overwhelmed. So to avoid getting hung up on which type of sink to get, we’ve laid out this simple pros and cons guide to help you decide.
8 Types Of Kitchen Sinks
1. Top Mount Sink: The Classic
The top mount sink, or drop-in sink, is the traditional style, and it’s probably what you think of when you imagine a kitchen sink. Top mount means the edge of the sink goes over the countertop sitting on top of it. It’s pretty standard and is one of the easiest to install yourself!
👌 Top Mount Sink Pros:
- Easy installation
- Wide variety of colors and styles to choose from
- Inexpensive
- Easy to swap out fixtures if you want
👎 Top Mount Sink Cons:
- It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option
- Can accumulate bacteria and food particles more easily because of the sink edge, which is difficult to clean
2. Undermount Sink: To Showcase Your Countertop
An undermount sink has a similar look and functionality as a top-mount, but it sits just below the countertop. So there is no defined edge of the sink on top; instead, your countertop runs right up to the sink.
👌 Undermount Sink Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Easy to clean because there is no defined edge like a top mount sink
- It can be used with a variety of countertop materials
👎 Undermount Sink Cons:
- It might limit the size/depth of sink you can have
- More expensive than a top mount sink
- May require a professional to install
3. Integrated Sink: Aesthetically Pleasing
An integrated sink is built right into the countertop. This creates a seamless flow between the countertop and sink and eliminates any harsh edges that can be tough to clean and don’t look as nice to many homeowners.
👌 Integrated Sink Pros:
- Seamless integration from countertop to sink
- The sink and countertop can match and looks nearly invisible
- Many styles and colors to choose from—very customizable
👎 Integrated Sink Cons:
- Very expensive compared to other sinks
- Requires a professional installation
- If damaged or cracked, it is not an easy replacement—and may just need to be repaired
- Less common in kitchen design (more prevalent in bathrooms)
4. Single Basin Sink: Old School XL Sink
A single basin sink is a generic category of sinks and can include many others. But basically, it’s one large basin that does not have a divider. It might be common in commercial kitchens or your basement laundry room.
👌 Single Basin Sink Pros:
- Easy to install
- Fits more oversized items to clean
- Often comes in stainless steel
👎 Single Basin Sink Cons:
- Can be more difficult to find in other styles and colors
- Not as aesthetically pleasing
- No separate area to dry dishes
5. Double Basin Sink: For Optimal Functionality
A double basin sink has a divider in the middle, making it ideal for separating dirty dishes and clean ones or washing fruits and vegetables while keeping a second side for something else.
👌 Double Basin Sink Pros:
- Multi-purpose sink
- Great for washing dishes if you don’t have a dishwasher
- Flexible functionality
👎 Double Basin Sink Cons:
- Can’t fit as large of items in it
- A less contemporary style of sink
6. Farmhouse Sink: For a Country Style Feel
Farmhouse sinks have been trending in modern design for a while because they offer a unique take (and tons of extra space) compared to more classic sink styles. The most significant difference between a farmhouse sink and other basin sinks is that the entire front of the sink shows rather than being behind the cabinets.
👌 Farmhouse Sink Pros:
- Beautiful modern design
- Generously sized, which can be great for rinsing large items
- Homeowners love the farmhouse look
- The edge of the sink is closer to the outside, which can save back pain leaning over an otherwise inset sink
👎 Farmhouse Sink Cons:
- Can be easier to spill on the floor which no separation of sink and counter
- Some farmhouse sinks can be costly
- May require professional installation—they’re cumbersome
7. Drainboard Sink: For Easy Dishwashing
A drainboard sink is a more old-fashioned sink style, but it can still be found in many homes, especially if you have an older home. The drainboard is simply a flat surface on one (or sometimes both) sides of the basin that allows dishes to drip dry or gives you extra space to prep food.
👌 Drainboard Sink Pros:
- Excellent for kitchens with limited counter space
- Perfect food prep or dishwashing area
- Rinses off easy
👎 Drainboard Sink Cons:
- If you don’t use the drainboard section, it can be a waste of space
- The sink is quite small
8. Prep Sink: For The Host With the Most
A prep sink is not often your main kitchen sink because it’s minimal in depth and diameter. But they are great for a secondary sink or a wet bar. They can be used to pour liquids down or rinse vegetables at a prep station. But they aren’t ideal for dishwashing or any larger-scale tasks.
👌 Prep Sink Pros:
- Great for a kitchen island or wet bar
- Works as a secondary sink
- Excellent for people who entertain a lot
👎 Prep Sink Cons:
- Petite size
- Considered a luxury item—not common in lower or middle-class homes
Getting Your New Sink Installed
Now that you know the type of sinks available to you, you’re one step closer to your full kitchen remodel. Paladin Plumbing provides customized kitchen plumbing options for any style or budget. Let us help you get the kitchen sink of your dreams installed without hassle! Contact us here for a FREE estimate!
