Undoubtedly, one of the most essential places in any kitchen is the sink! This is the area where we prepare our food and work from when cleaning and, for a great deal of us, where we still wash our dinnerware, cutlery, pots and pans. Therefore, the best kitchen sinks need to be able to accommodate a variety of our requests while doing so over a long period. Furthermore, for a growing number of homeowners, the sink is fast becoming a significant centerpiece when it comes to choosing the design and décor for the rest of the kitchen!
Whether you’re looking to begin a renovation project, need to replace your current kitchen sink, or merely want to buy a brand new one to complement your kitchen décor, we’ve taken eleven of the best kitchen sink models on the market and reviewed them for you. Highlighting what you need to look out for when selecting such a model for your kitchen here, we discuss the type of installation and mounting, whether it’s a single or round bowl, its dimensions and what materials are used.
Researching the market, we’ve identified those sinks which we feel offer not just great value for money, but which also provide exceptional performance and are the more durable of model types. Placing our findings into an easily accessible table, we’ve included an in-depth review of each product, as well as a short but essential buying guide. Finally, we answer some commonly asked questions about these products. When combined, all this should enable you to select those best kitchen sinks to suit your personal preferences.
Extra features: self-trimming apron; includes cabinet and countertop cut-out templates for better installation
The Kohler Whitehaven Self-Trimming Under-Mount Single-Bowl Kitchen Sink is top of our list here and our Editor’s Choice. This is an undermount single bowl choice of sinks which offers a tall apron. Not only do you get all these beautiful features in standard white, but if you’re looking to make your sink match your kitchen décor, here you have ten colors to choose from! Self-trimming, the Kohler offers a 30-inch base cabinet width minimum, with an apron that’s designed to overlap the face of the cabinet. This ensures that it’s easy to install independently. The apron itself is 8-13/16 inches tall with a nine-inch depth. The premise of this sink is that you can obtain a farmhouse style in your kitchen but without the need to replace your existing cabinets. A single basin design, here you have plenty of space for those more oversized of pots and pans. With Kohler cast iron that is enameled, this is constructed using the most durable of materials. This means it’ll serve you well for many years to come, and resist against burns, cracks, and chips. Completely accessible, this sink has the perfect placing of an offset drain, therefore, increasing the surface of the sink and that of the storage space inside the sink’s kitchen cabinet beneath. Additionally, water pooling is minimized as a result of this placing.
Customers of the Kohler Whitehaven Self-Trimming Under-Mount Single-Bowl Kitchen Sink highly rate the stunning design of this model while being thoroughly happy with the fast installation process.
Extra features: includes a wooden cutting board, stainless steel colander, and a roll-up rack for drying dishes; brushed finish; rubber padding and sound guard undercoat minimize noise; lifetime warranty
Second place on the list and our choice for best workstation kitchen sink is the Ruvati Workstation Farmhouse Kitchen Sink. Another undermount single bowl choice, this is a modern-looking premium grade stainless steel sink which works hard to ensure rusting and staining remain a thing of the past! Offering a commercial grade brushed finish, rather than the usual satin finish, it’s also the easier of sink types to clean and a long lasting one as result of such fantastic properties. The outcome is a sink which not only matches your kitchen decor and appliances but one which looks visually stunning as its centerpiece. The apron front of the Ruvati further adds that more stylistic of touches to the room. When in use, this farmhouse sink has the benefit of a SoundGuard undercoating which is heavy duty. Alongside this, the rubber padding is thick throughout. When combined this works extra hard to not only reduce any noise when in use but also reduces condensation. Complete with a sloped bottom design that has grooves to encourage complete water drainage, the inside corners of this sink are slightly curved to ensure ease of cleaning, as well as a modern look overall. At 36 inches wide this requires a minimum base cabinet of 39 inches wide and has a 3.5-inch standard drain opening to fit all garbage disposal units.
Customers of the Ruvati Workstation Farmhouse Kitchen Sink find this a stunning model for the kitchen area while highlighting how well designed and robust in construction it actually is in use.
Extra features: SoundGuard undercoat and thick rubber padding reduce noise and condensation; sloped bottom and drain grooves encourage water drainage; comes with grids and mounting clips; lifetime warranty
The second Ruvati model on our list, this our selection for the best double bowl kitchen sink. A top mount sink type with a 60/40 double bowl, this is a stainless steel construction which has the design of a considerable all around to give a look of a solid overmount. Utilizing 16 gauge thick stainless steel which is premium T-304 graded, this gives a denser structure than most standard kitchen sinks do. With a brushed finish that is commercial grade, this makes the sink longer lasting and as a result much easier to clean. As it doesn’t use satin finishing, it will not only cope better with surface scratching but also work to match the appliances in your kitchen and your kitchen decor as a whole. Offering standard dimensions, it’s claimed this will fit into most existing drop-in sink cutouts for added convenience. This model also features a slopped bottom drain with grooves to ensure complete water drainage, sharp inside corners to top off the modern visual look, and thick rubber padding heavy duty SoundGuard undercoating. Therefore, you can be assured of a reduced condensation effect which also works on minimizing the noises in the sinks area. Coming pre-drilled with faucet installation ready via a single hole, the drain openings of this model will fit all garbage disposal units.
Customers find the Ruvati Drop-in Double Bowl Kitchen Sink a tremendous low profile purchase which offers high-end specifications at low-end pricing.
Extra features: lifetime warranty; scratch-, stain-, and acid-resistant
The Blanco Diamond Double-Basin Drop-In Granite Kitchen Sink gets our vote here for best granite kitchen sink. A double bowl top mount sink, this consists of 80% solid granite! The required outside cabinet for this model is 33 inches, and it gives a bowl depth of 9-1/2 inches and 8 inches. Featuring a limited lifetime warranty, this hard rock granite sink claims to be resistant to all stains and scratches and even all the standard household acids and alkali solutions that so many of us use daily. Withstanding temperatures of up to 536°C, it’s also claimed to be resistant from burns and scorches! Creating an anti-resistant surface throughout due to the fantastic construction and design of this sink, it’s an ultradurable and nonporous material. Easier to care for than perhaps most other sinks, it even has an advanced and updated surface technology which is claimed to repel water. This, in turn, provides the sink with its permanent protective shield and is also extremely hygienic as a result. Additionally, the designers claim that no less than seven patents and independent tests suggest a 40% greater cleanability all-around in this category. Non-fading, it holds up well even in the direct sunlight and won’t crack, dry out, or fade over time. This is also primarily due to its color advantages whereby it penetrates the entire sink and not just that of its surface.
Customers of the Blanco Diamond Double-Basin Drop-In Granite Kitchen Sink offer rave reviews about its almost perfect performance, with all loving the unique coloring that a granite model brings to the kitchen.
Extra features: heat-resistant and withstands extreme hot/cold fluctuations; non-porous surface –resistant to dirt and grime; antibacterial – enriched with silver ions; sound-absorbing
The Kraus Forteza Dual Mount Single Bowl Black Granite Kitchen Sink is our choice for the best dual-mount sink. This is a stunningly designed sink which benefits significantly from being a dual mount version. This means you have the added installation flexibility that comes from such a convenient choice as this. Here you can choose to under mount or just drop it in for installing. This single bowl solution offers 33 inches of modern black graphite and has a limited lifetime warranty, alongside excellent customer service. Included with this sink are a drain assembly, trivet and silicone mitt, cutout template and mounting hardware. A higher end and granite composite sink, it’s a more effective model at high resistant levels of heat, up to 650 degrees, as well as impact and thermal shock. Offering a deep bowl sink, it also possesses a low center divider which means it naturally accommodates even the largest of your daily kitchenware. A hygienic sink type, the material is enriched with silver ions which repel germs present and therefore provides a much cleaner sink as a result. This also means that it’s a low maintenance surface, making it more resistant than standard sink types to dirt and grime while ensuring it remains easy to wipe clean. Furthermore, this is a quieter sink thanks to its engineered stone like material to ensure it reduces as much vibration and noise when it’s in use. Also, its non-color fading UV protection prevents it from dulling over time.
Customers of the Kraus Forteza Dual Mount Single Bowl Black Granite Kitchen Sink find this an elegant choice which also offers a whole host of functional qualities such as heat-resistance.
Extra features: comes in a wide range of (UV-stable) color options; nonporous surface; noise-absorbing
The Elkay Quartz Classic Single Bowl Undermount Sink makes it onto our list for the best quartz kitchen sink. The under mount installation process of this means that a seamless appearance is possible between the sink and the countertop. Therefore, it fits effortlessly into many a kitchen décor. Available in a vast selection of color choice, the premise of a single bowl allows you to use the vast space area uninterrupted when washing and stacking dishes, or indeed when performing specific household tasks. This is a stain resistant sink and very easy to keep clean. Simply wash it out with warm soapy water when you need to, and you’ll find it works hard itself at ensuring liquids and food will not stain it. The makers of this sink believe it’s the perfect choice of coordinating with the style and many accessories you already have in your kitchen and looks fantastic when in position. What’s more, this is in fact modeled from fine quartz sand which ensures it remains resistant to chipping, banging, and any scratching – it’s also heat safe up to 535°F. A timeless classic piece that transcends style throughout, it also offers hygienic properties through its ultrafine materials. These are nonporous in structure, ensuring that as food and liquid does not stick to the surfaces, they ultimately prevent the spread of bacteria. These materials also make it a quieter sink all-round.
Customers of the Elkay Quartz Classic Single Bowl Undermount Sink find this a great model which is well priced and really does work hard to prevent stains and scratches throughout.
Extra features: rubber dampening pads and Stoneguard undercoating minimize noise; corrosion-resistant brushed nickel finish; 3-year warranty
The best drop-in kitchen sink nomination goes to the KINGO HOME Extra Deep Kitchen Sink. This top mount stainless steel kitchen sink is a commercial type model which offers an incredible 33 inches by 22 inches and 10 inches extra depth. Utilizing the most reliable of constructions, this premium 18-gauge model sink is extra durable and finished with an artisan scratch resistant coating which resists corrosion and everyday use. In addition to such fantastic features, it also boasts a 3 mm extra thick edge. The soundproofing structure of this sink is high quality, with 3 mm rubber dampening pads which are thick and feature StoneGuard undercoating. This further ensures that the water in the sink maintains a consistent temperature while preventing condensation forming, which can damage wooden cabinets (if you have any in your kitchen) over time. Encouraging optimal draining, this precision engineered model also has an extra deep bowl to further enhance the space inside it. This means it works harder to accommodate the role of your dish stacks as well as those larger of pots and pans. To ensure practicality and convenience all-around, it also gives users additional benefits including universal compatibility with its standard drain hole opening, zero radius corners for a more modern look, and perfect diversion lines – encouraging water to drain entirely under one minute. This model also comes complete with three years limited warranty.
Customers of the KINGO HOME Commercial Extra Deep Handmade Stainless Steel Kitchen like being able to access a more spacious washing and cleaning area, thoroughly enjoying the extra depth this model provides.
Extra features: available in multiple size options; sound-absorbing rubber mesh; comes with a grid, 3-piece basket strainer, dish rack, and 3 sponges
Our final and budget pick on the list here is the MENSARJOR Single Bowl Kitchen Sink. This is a simplistic model but one which claims to be an indestructible construction all-around. This is due to its dent resistant and heavy duty stainless steel 16 Gauge. This is an under mount with a single oversized bowl and works on merging superior strength alongside durability – making it suitable for almost all home improvement project types. With a combination of 18/10 Chromium-Nickel, this is claimed to be one of the quietest sinks ever! This is due to its thicker rubber mesh pads. These work to reduce the vibrations when the water flows into this sink. In addition to this, the SoundGuard undercoating is an extra-thick construction to ensure the sink remains condensation free. A worry-free choice, this can be installed in multiple ways! With your purchase, you’ll find mounting hardware, cutout templates, and a pamphlet with installation guide to help you get those best results. Better still, this sink gives you a lifetime warranty! Requiring a minimum cabinet size of 36 inches, you’ll find a variety of free accessories with this sink including a multi-functional dish grid made of stainless steel to protect the sink bottom, a three-piece basket waste strainer, a stretch dish drying rack, and three additional sponges for cleaning use.
Customers of the MENSARJOR Single Bowl Kitchen Sink find this a reliable model which offers fantastic value for money and is as high quality as some of its more expensive counterparts.
Extra features: lifetime warranty; comes with grid and strainer drain
The Sinkology kitchen sink is third on our list and our pick for the best undermount kitchen sink choice. A gorgeous pure solid copper design throughout, this is an entire sink kit which includes the Orwell sink itself, a heavy-duty bottom grid, and a strainer drainer to complete the set. One of the best features of this sink, besides its fantastic functionality and practicality, is its handmade element! This model is handmade using 16 pure gauge solid copper, and the result is just beautiful. The thickness of this material choice is .063 to .068, and it’s all protected by a lifetime warranty. The high-end undermount here works to act as a luxurious design that perfectly creates that more seamless look between sink and countertop. A 30-inch undermount sink with single bowl, this is a model which is designed to be used every day while at the same time adding a stunning focal point to the kitchen area. Making light work of prep and cleaning, the bottom grid included works to keep the dishes and food off the base of your sink, thereby making the rinsing process effortless every time. As well as a sidekick sponge assistant, which you can employ to hold those washing accessories off the bottom of your sink, you can opt for a copper armor to enhance the life of your sink further and retain its shine.
Customers of the Sinkology sink love the overly aesthetic aspect of this sink, with the bottom grid considered a perfect solution in preventing the sink from scratches and further damage.
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There are many advantages to purchasing a top-quality kitchen sink. These include:
Though every sink supplier will be able to offer a select number of exclusive features and benefits with their own models, we believe that there are several of those more essential features that you should be looking out for here. These include easy installation, high-quality material in construction, a choice of a single or double bowl, a variation in sink design, suitable overall dimensions or bowl depth, increased sound absorption, heat-safe elements (especially if you plan on installing an instant hot water dispenser as well), additional warranties and a couple of extra accessories. Though some of these features may be more beneficial to you than others, here we explain in more detail precisely what they can offer you in your sink purchase.
A top mount sink is also referred to as a drop-in sink. These are the more common types of sink and have been the most popular for many years now. They are also known as self-rimming sinks – simply because of the visible lip that is around the perimeter which rests flat upon the counter. This type of installation does exactly what it says – it drops straight into the cut off of your countertop. The lip then works to hold it in place. The hidden metal clips will then clamp the sink to your counter. This sink type is said to be easy to clean and recaulk when needed and is considered the better choice for a DIY install.
The Ruvati Drop-in Double Bowl Kitchen Sink, Blanco Diamond Double-Basin Drop-In Granite Kitchen Sink, Firebird Handmade Drop-In Kitchen Sink, and the KINGO HOME Commercial Extra Deep Kitchen Sink are all top mounted sinks.
An under mount sink is installed from below the countertop. Though it does have a rim, it isn’t visible considering that it attaches to the bottom of the counter. This type of sink is said to increase the counter space slightly and makes cleaning the counter easier.
The Kohler Whitehaven Kitchen Sink, Ruvati Workstation Sink, Sinkology Orwell Copper Kitchen Sink, Elkay Quartz Classic Single Bowl Undermount Sink, and the MENSARJOR Single Bowl Kitchen Sink are all under mounted sinks.
Additionally, there are those sink types which can be both a top mount and an under mount. These are referred to as a dual mount. The Kraus Forteza Dual Mount Single Bowl Black Granite Kitchen Sink is our dual mount sink on this list and offers two choices when it comes to installation.
The materials and construction of your sink may be of importance to you if you’d like to be able to opt for a material which isn’t the standard stainless steel. (Which has been used for so long now in kitchen sinks!) We’ve made sure to include a variety of sink material types here, as well as that of stainless steel, including the favorite enameled cast iron and ceramic. We’ve also added some other fantastic types which caught our eye including granite from the Blanco Diamond Double-Basin Drop-In Granite Kitchen Sink, quartz from the Elkay Quartz Classic Single Bowl Undermount Sink, and copper from the Sinkology Orwell kitchen sink. Additionally, if you’re looking to create a centerpiece in your kitchen, a sink with a different material can be a fabulous talking piece!
Whether you choose a single bowl or double bowl, this sink type may be more about your personal preferences. There are certainly advantages to both kinds.
A double bowl sink offers you a more practical solution when it comes to doing multiple tasks at once. This means you could use a system for cleaning with soapy water in one bowl, and rinsing clean in another, or even prepare meals in one while stacking the dirty dishes in another.
A single bowl is usually the more common, and works particularly well if you also use a dishwasher. Single bowls are typically beneficial for those kitchens that have limited counter space, but they’re also the roomier allowing you to clean larger pots and pans as well.
Look at factors such as how much space you have, how you tend to clean up, how often you may entertain and how many people use your kitchen before choosing your ideal bowl type.
Both the Ruvati Drop-in Kitchen Sink and Blanco Diamond Granite Kitchen Sink are double bowl sinks, with the rest on this list single bowl types.
Aside from the usual square/rectangle shape of a sink, you can find variations on the standard sink designs. These include a tall apron style, a traditional farmhouse style, or a workstation design such as that of the Ruvati Workstation Farmhouse Kitchen Sink. As well as looking great in most kitchens these variations on style ensure an extra benefit, such as offering increased sink space or additional work space.
We’ve made sure to include the dimensions and bowl depth of all the sinks we’ve reviewed on this list. This is the most essential feature which you’ll need to be aware of beforehand to ensure that your preferred sink fits the space you have available on your counter. Most models will also give the required cabinet size which is recommended when guaranteeing a perfect fit. Be sure to have the measurements of your space to hand before making your final purchase, as nearly all sinks will vary in their overall dimensions, and even a few inches could make all the difference when it comes to the installation process.
Opt for a model with a greater depth if you’ll be washing large pots and pans or other items – it’ll make things a lot easier for you in the kitchen!
Higher quality sinks are now designed using noise-absorbing materials. These work to reduce the vibrations in the sink area and minimize noise all-round. This is usually done using Stoneguard undercoating. If you’d prefer a sink which works to absorb sound, look for those claiming these qualities, alongside those that have rubber dampening pads underneath.
The maximum temperature that your sink can cope with overall may be another factor you want to look into when choosing your best model. This is particularly important if you’re after a sink which can effectively handle some extreme temperature fluctuations. The best way to check this is through the manufacturer’s information.
For example, most sinks will offer around 300°C as standard, but the Blanco Diamond Double-Basin Granite Kitchen Sink states up to 536°C. Therefore, if you think this will be an important factor in your decision, be sure to check out the maximum figure before making your decision.
Due to both the expense and nature of these kitchen products, you may prefer to look to select a model which offers a good guarantee with it as standard. This means that should you have a problem with your sink which requires fixing, or you need to have it replaced, you’ll be adequately covered if it’s under a great additional warranty.
You may wish to look for sinks that come with plentiful additional accessories in your purchase. This can include those more practical items such as grids, drains, drying racks, and even cutting boards for a workstation. Though these may not be essential, they can be accommodating if they’re included as part of your sink choice as they’ll be the most suitable size wise and model wise.
Though you may need to adhere to the manufacturer care instructions regarding specific material types for your sink, these are a few general tips you can take advantage of to prolong its lifespan:
One of the best ways to clean a kitchen sink, regardless of the type of material it’s constructed from, is to do so carefully and gently! This means using the softest of cloths, rather than scouring pads or harsh abrasive materials. A soft cloth will not scratch and should be efficient enough to do an excellent job – if you clean your sink on an ongoing basis this way. Try to ensure your sink is cleaned and dried by the end of every day and never let substances build up overnight. Harsh chemicals and other substances aren’t usually needed, nor are they recommended. A simple wash with warm soapy water should do the job well. Then, rinse off with fresh water to finish. Finally, always remember to dry your kitchen sink after every clean. This leaves it looking clean and new each time.
Check out the video below for a natural, chemical-free way to get your sink clean and streak-free!
If your sink becomes blocked, there are several easy solutions you can try when unblocking it, including:
Wrapping up, we’re confident that all this information combined will help you when selecting that most perfect of kitchen sinks for your individual needs.
Our top-rated model here and Editor’s choice is the Kohler Whitehaven Self-Trimming Kitchen Sink. Though one of the costlier on the market, we feel this offers all those essential features and indeed benefits you could possibly ask for in a sink. Second place is the fantastic Ruvati Workstation Farmhouse Kitchen Sink which not only looks wonderful when installed but is also brilliantly designed. Finally, third place goes to the Ruvati Drop-in Double Bowl Kitchen Sink which has a two-bowl design and is constructed using solid stainless steel.
Whatever model you choose, we’re sure that you’ll find every one of these sinks a perfect addition to your kitchen, with all of them offering excellent value for money and a whole host of additional benefits to suit your requirements.
