16 Types of Kitchen Sinks: Different Materials and Styles

Cons

Types of Kitchen Sinks by Mounting Style

Double basin sinks are the most popular of sink types. They can feature two basins separated by a ridge the height of the edges of the sink. They can also feature dividers that are lower, rising just halfway up the basin sides.

Undermount Kitchen Sink

Pros
Cons

• Clean and Sleek – Because there is no visible rim, countertops can create a continuous line.
• Easy Maintenance – It is easier to keep countertops clean as you can wipe debris from the counters straight into the sink.
• Resale Value – This gives your kitchen a custom look that is attractive to homebuyers.
• Cons
• Installation – Professional installation is required.
• Cost – With the price of installation and cost of the sink, this is one of the highest cost sink installation methods.
• Replacement – The hole in the counter is measured to the exact specification of a particular sink, so to replace it can be difficult.

Drop-in Kitchen Sink

Cons

• Installation – This kind of sink is easy for anyone to install.
• Cost – You can keep your costs down by buying and installing this sink yourself.

Cons

• Size – These sinks are large with big basins to accommodate large pots and pans.
• Appearance – Farmhouse kitchen sinks have both an on-trend and timeless style that works well with many kitchen styles.

Cons

• Seamless Appearance – There is no break between the sink and the counter, so it presents a clean style.
• Easy Maintenance – It is easy to clean the sinks and countertops because there is no seam where grime can get trapped.
• Customizable – Often fabricators can create the exact style of sink you want based on your specifications.

Cons

• Appearance – This type of sink style gives your kitchen a unique look.
• Installation – This installation requires no cutting of the countertops so the installation is easier.

Cons

• Large Tasks – It is easier to wash large dishes, pots, and pans with one large basin.
• Appearance – Single basin sinks have a classic and timeless look that works well for traditional kitchen styles.

Cons

• Separate Compartment – Two basins allow the separation of duties like washing, drying, and food prep.
• Single Basin Look – Low divide kitchen sink styles appear to be a single basin but allow the separation between basins.

Cons

• Flexibility – The multiple basins allow for flexibility of tasks.

Cons

• Durability – Stainless steel can stand up to high levels of abuse and still remain solid.
• Easy Care – Stainless steel cleans up well with just a few basic cleaners.
• Clean – Stainless steel is antibacterial.
• Cost – Stainless steel sinks are the one of the best sink styles for people on a tight budget.

Cons

• Stain and Dent Resistant – The hard base and enamel covering is resistant to wear.
• Easy Care – Cast iron is one of the easiest sink types to maintain.
• Durable – Cast irons kitchen sinks will last 20-30 years.

Cons

• Durable – Quartz and quartz composite sinks are some of the most durable kitchen sink options lasting 40-50 years.
• Easy Care – These sinks are easy to keep clean and maintain over time and are resistant to scratching, staining, and denting.
• Sound Absorbing – Quartz is a good sound absorber, so it reduces the noise while washing dishes.

Cons

• Durable – Granite composite sinks are some of the most durable kitchen sink options lasting for 40-50 years.
• Easy Care – Granite composite sinks are easy to keep clean and are resistant to scratching, staining, and denting.
• Sound Absorbing – The composite part of granite sinks bring a sound absorbing quality to the granite sink.

Cons

• Durable – The high temperatures that are used to create fireclay sinks create a long-lasting sink that can withstand stains, scratches, and heat.
• Handcrafted – Fireclay sinks are handcrafted so each is unique.

Cons

• Cost – Acrylic kitchen sinks are one of the least expensive varieties of kitchen sinks available
• Weight – Acrylic sinks are light and easy for DIY installation.

Cons

• Beauty – Porcelain has a smooth and silky finish that has a classic appearance.
• Durable – Porcelain sinks are durable and resistant to staining, scratching, and heat.
• Easy Care – Porcelain sinks are easy to keep clean with household cleaners.

Cons

• Style – Natural stone kitchen sinks have a one-of-a-kind look that creates a natural focal point for your kitchen.
• Durable – Natural stone sinks have the longest lifespan lasting upwards of 100 years.
• Resistant – Natural stone is resistant to scratching, staining, and heat.
• Variety – There are many different types of sinks made from natural stone, so you can choose a stone that suits your style.

It is hard to beat the beauty and timeless appeal of a natural stone kitchen sink. These include materials like marble, soapstone, and granite.

• Cost – Natural stone kitchen sinks are some of the most expensive types of kitchen sinks available.
• Weight – Natural stone sinks are heavy and will require extra structural support.
• Maintenance – Natural stone is porous, so sinks will require sealing on a regular basis to maintain their resistance to water and stains.

Cons