Whether you’re washing vegetables, cleaning up the dishes after dinner, or giving your newborn a bath, the kitchen sink is one of the most important parts of any kitchen. But a kitchen sink can be so much more than useful. It can also be an eye-catching design detail that adds value to your kitchen. By installing the best farmhouse sink, you’re adding a gorgeous centerpiece that’s built to last. These sins are durable, useful, and extremely stylish, which makes them a great addition to any kitchen.
When putting together this review, we considered a few key features about each product. One of the most important things is the material so we included a variety of options, including stainless steel, fireclay, copper, and cast iron. We also took into account whether the sink has a single or double bowl, the size, gauge of thickness of the material, and how much noise it makes when you’re washing up.
We spent hours sorting through reviews from everyone from contractors who install sinks regularly to experts on kitchen design and the people who live and work with these sinks in their homes every day. First, you’ll find a table that lets you easily compare our picks side by side. After that, there are detailed reviews of each product that include all the important information you need to know. Finally, we put together a buying guide to help you find the best farmhouse sink for your kitchen.
The Ruvati RVL2300WH barn sink is made of genuine fireclay and handcrafted in Italy by skilled artisans who’ve learned their craft over generations. Part of what makes fireclay so special is that it’s fired at an extremely high temperature, fusing everything together and creating an enamel surface that’s resistant to chips, cracks, and scratches. In other words, this is an extremely durable sink.
The RVL2300WH has a reversible design and can be mounted with either a smooth or decorative fluted finish showing. You can also choose between a flush mount and an undermount. The large, deep 9-inch basin holds even the biggest pots and pans or stacks of dishes and provides a lot of usable space inside the sink. There’s no slope or grooves of any kind, though, so you do sometimes have to chase things around to get them to go down the drain.
Installation is pretty easy, just follow the included installation guide. A standard drain assembly with basket strainer is also included. One small downside about fireclay is that it’s very heavy. This sink weighs about 120 pounds and will require more than one person to lift it.
There are a lot of really great things about the Latoscana LFS3318W apron sink, but the thing that is most unique is that it’s reversible. Fireclay sinks are finished on all sides and you can choose from a smooth or fluted finish for the front of your sink.
There are several mounting options with this design, too. It can be flush mounted, undermounted, or raised. Overall, installation is pretty easy, but this sink weight over 100 pounds and takes at least two people to get it into position.
The 10-inch deep basin is spacious enough to hold large pots and pans and a center drain. The surface is easy to keep clean. Some users reported that it scratches easily but most did not report any issues. Generally, fireclay is difficult to scratch but it can be damaged easily by the wrong chemical cleaners, scouring pads, and other abrasive materials.
The white finish has a classic look that will match any decor. It features strong, beautiful Italian craftsmanship and is durable and made to last. This isn’t just an apron front design, it’s a true farmhouse sink.
The Kraus KHF203 stainless steel kitchen sink has an extra deep basin so even your largest pots and pans easily fit inside but it’s still compatible with standard plumbing. Underneath are thick rubber pads to for sound dampening and a stone guard undercoating for added durability.
This double sink has a 60/40 split and a standard drain on each side. The drain opening sits near the back of the basin and the surface features channel grooves so that water can drain out even when there are still dishes in the sink.
The satin-steel finish is corrosion and rust resistant though it can scratch easily with normal use. Plus, all of the corners are rounded so the entire surface is really easy to keep clean and the undermount installation creates a seamless, neat look.
A lifetime warranty is included as well as some useful accessories, including two dish grids to protect the bottom of the sink, a three-piece strainer set, drain assembly, and a premium kitchen towel. Installation is pretty easy, too. All the hardware is included as well as a cut-out template to get the fit just right.
The best farmhouse sink for the money is the Kraus KHF200, a great way to enjoy all the benefits of a high-end sink without completely blowing your budget. It’s durable, dent-resistant, and covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
The 10-inch deep undermounted sink is made with industrial-grade, corrosion-resistant stainless steel though some customers have reported that areas of rust do appear over time. Rounded corners and a satin finish are easy to wipe clean and the channel grooves direct water to the rear-set drain for optimal drainage, even when there are left items in the sink.
Thick rubber dampening pads add superior soundproofing whether you’re doing the dishes or running the garbage disposal. Underneath, you’ll also find a stone ground undercoating for added durability.
This sink comes with some great accessories, too. You get a 3-piece strainer set, premium kitchen towel, and a dish grid to protect the bottom of the sink. It’s recommended you use the dish grid when anything can bang against the bottom of the sink as the surface scratches easily. Some people have also reported having problems with stains.
Installation is easy and all the hardware you need is included as well as a cut-out template to help you get everything just right.
If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the Kraus KGD-442BLACK to add an interesting focal point to your kitchen. This large, double-bowled sink is made from extra-durable granite composite and is suitable for either undermount or top-mount installations. One thing to keep in mind, it requires a cabinet base of at least 36 inches.
This material is very long-lasting which means that it won’t loose its color with use over time. There are two styles available with dark black finishes. As for the drawbacks, it weighs a lot, so you might need someone to help you with installation.
While the material is sturdy, it’s also very thick and can absorb all noises when dishes hit against it. You are not going to face any difficulties with this product in the coming years.
This sink comes with a lifetime warranty, but proper care is important. Unfortunately, a few people recieved their sink with scratches and damages, but in that case, a warranty will help you avoid any issues.
One of the best things about the Ruvati Verona RVH9200 sink is that it is an affordable, functional workstation for modern 36-inch cabinetry. This large, single-basin sink is made from stainless steel and has thick rubber padding to minimize noise. It’s designed not to rust and lasts a really long time. Some users report minimal condensation underneath the sink but that can be avoided with proper plumbing.
With this sink, you’ll recieve a cutting board made of solid sapele wood, deep stainless steel colander with protective corners, a roll-up dish drying rack and a basket strainer to trap food waste. Thus, you can take your kitchen maintenance to the next level!
Thanks to the design that overlaps the cabinet face, installation seems to be not that difficult. You only need a simple rough cut to get beautiful results. While it weighs only 60 pounds, you might still need some extra help to install it. Also, To keep water flowing and to eliminate pooling, the sink has 4 drain grooves. Enough to be effective without being overly noticeable.
There’s no question that farmhouse sinks are a gorgeous addition to any kitchen but there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to choosing the right one. This buying guide will help you determine which sink is the right one for you and your kitchen.
When deciding whether or not to buy a farmhouse sink, it helps to consider the pros and cons.
Pros:
Cons:
How do you know which farmhouse sink is right for you? With so many different options to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming to decide. Here are some of the key features to keep in mind.
Whether you have an instant hot water dispenser or a water filter in addition to your faucet, a kitchen sink will be the central element of them all. Therefore, it should be both aesthetically-appealing and durable. The most popular types of material for farmhouse sinks are stainless steel, fireclay, copper, and cast iron.
Stainless steel resists scratches and chips and won’t rust or corrode unless the surface is damaged. While it’s one of the most inexpensive options for a sink, the metal is high quality and has a bit of a traditional look since stainless-steel sinks are so common. Color options and finishes are very limited.
The Ruvati RVL2300WH is a good example of a handcrafted fireclay sink. Fireclay is created when clay and glaze are fused from exposure to extremely high heat. The result is a durable material that’s resistant to chips and scratches with proper care. That said, the surface can chip and stain over time if not properly maintained. Plus, it’s one of the more expensive options.
Copper is another material often used in farmhouse sinks, which makes them durable and eye-catching. The patina changes color over time as it’s exposed to different chemicals and with general use. This is a normal process that occurs with copper and can’t be stopped. Though it’s thick, copper sinks can dent easily. That said, with the right hammered finish, these imperfections usually aren’t very noticeable. If you don’t think that it is going to last, you can also go for the stainless steel sink, such as the Ruvati Verona RVH9200.
Cast iron sinks are long lasting and generally easy to clean. This is the same material that cast iron skillets are made of only it’s covered in white porcelain enamel. Some care is required to maintain the surface. If not properly maintained, scratches and chips can appear over time but, for the most part, they’re easy to care for as long as you stay away from abrasive cleaners.
Traditional farmhouse sinks feature one big basin though there are plenty of bowl options available. The number of bowls you need is best determined by the size of your kitchen. Obviously, double-bowl sinks take up more room than singles and won’t fit well in a small kitchen where they would take up too much valuable counter space.
This is a very important thing to consider when choosing a farmhouse sink because of the way they are installed. Unlike normal sinks that use the countertop for support, farmhouse sinks rely only on the underlying cabinetry and are not attached to the counter in any way.
The base cabinet should be 3 inches wider than the sink so there is enough room on either side for another appliance because you don’t want the sink right up against a dishwasher or even a drawer. This also leaves enough space underneath for proper installation.
These sinks are so heavy, additional supports will have to be built into the cabinet.
Most farmhouse sinks have a standard drain size of 3.5 inches. This allows them to hook up to standard plumbing as well as garbage disposals.
Some of these designs feature off-center drains. This means instead of the drain being right in the center of the sink, it’s located toward the back or off to one side. This allows you to place dirty dishes in the sink without covering the drain and it gives you more room under the sink because the plumbing is also off to one side.
Gauge refers to the thickness of metal so you’ll only see it with stainless steel or copper options. The way it works is somewhat counterintuitive because the smaller the number, the thicker the gauge.
The absolute minimum acceptable gauge for a sink is 18, but 16 is much better quality and one of the thickest you can get.
The finish varies depending on the material. A fireclay like the Ruvati RVL2300WH has a white, shiny porcelain finish while the stainless-steel options our list are brushed with a satin finish like the Kraus KHF203.
You may have noticed that these sinks do not have any holes for faucet installation. Since most faucets are designed for installation on the top of a faucet with one, two, three, or four holes, you might be wondering how you choose a faucet for a farmhouse sink.
When you have a farmhouse sink, the faucet is mounted to the countertop, which means that instead of the mounting holes being in the sink, they’ll actually be cut into your countertop.
All of the products we included in our review are covered by a lifetime warranty but some of them do have some limitations as far as what’s covered. That’s why proper care is so important. Scratches, rust, and other deformities that result from using the wrong cleaner or scrubber won’t be covered.
The most difficult thing about installation is making sure the supporting cabinetry is right. Remember, these sinks are heavy and are only supported by the cabinet so it’s a good idea to consult an experienced cabinet maker to make sure you get it right.
After the hole is made and supports are in place, the installation itself is pretty easy. Place the sink in the hole making sure it sits appropriately on the supports. This is absolutely essential.
Make sure the sink is level and use shims if you need to make any adjustments. Then, fill in any gaps around the sink with silicone sealant. Place the countertop over the sink and remove any excess sealant.
Cleaning varies slightly depending on what material your sink is made of but, generally, it’s always best to use warm water and gentle soap. Scrub with a soft sponge or cloth.
Avoid harsh cleaners and scrubbing pads as there can damage the surface of any material.
Our pick for the best farmhouse sink is the Ruvati RVL2300WH. It is handcrafted in Italy by skilled artisians, has reversible design and is resistant to chips, cracks and scratches. We love its extremely durable construction. All in all, it has all impressive features you might need.
Next, we have the Latoscana LFS3318W. This fireclay sink was built to last and also has a special reversible design that can be mounted with either a smooth or fluted design at the front. The white shiny finish has a classic style that will fit with any decor. Plus, you can’t beat the beautiful Italian craftsmanship.
Finally, if you’re looking for a hassle-free maintenance, check out the Kraus KHF203. It’s made of corrosion-resistant industrial grade steel and features a satin finish that’s easy to keep clean. Channel grooves help direct the water to the drain and it comes with a dish grid and strainer set that will get a lot of use in a busy kitchen.
