Although many consider kitchen sinks as a trivial thing, they play a key role in the kitchen. These undervalued sinks can complement and complete the overall look of your kitchen.
If you are remodeling your kitchen or want a perfect kitchen sink to match the décor of your new home, then you are at the right place.
Kitchen sinks are available in different types and styles, each with its own significance and uniqueness. If you are not aware of those kinds, do not worry.
In this article, we will explore the various types of kitchen sinks, their construction, advantages, and disadvantages, etc.
Make sure you read the article to the end to equip yourself with all the required information.
Without any delay, let us dive into our discussion.
Table of Contents
What Are The Types Of Kitchen Sinks?
We can categorize kitchen sinks into three types based on the mounting style, the material, and the number of bowls.
Each type further has different models under it. Let us try to learn about each type and the further classifications in detail below.
a) Kitchen Sinks Mounting Styles & Types
The different kinds or models of sinks available under the mounting style are as below:
- Top Mount
- Under Mount
- Integrated Kitchen Sinks
- Farmhouse Sink
- Kitchen Sink With Drainboard
- Kitchen Island Sink
- Prep or Bar Sink
- Corner Sink
Let us get into a brief discussion of each type:
1) Top Mount
The top mount kitchen sinks are the most common type available and used in most homes.
Construction
These sinks come designed in such a way that you can easily drop them into a pre-cut hole in the countertop. The edges or the rim of this sink helps in holding it on the counter.
Installation
The top mount kitchen sinks are very easy to install. It does not require special skills to install them.
Characteristic Feature
These sinks are compatible with almost every style of countertop. You would not require any plumbing work or remodelling of the countertop when replacing it.
Cleaning
The top mount kitchen sinks are difficult to clean because the scum and debris get accumulated over the rim or the lip.
Advantages
- The top mount kitchen sinks are very inexpensive.
- They are very easy to install.
- They are a versatile option.
- They work well with any style of countertop.
- These sinks are available in stainless steel, porcelain, and cast-iron materials.
- The top mount kitchen sinks are highly durable.
Disadvantages
- The top mount kitchen sinks are difficult to clean.
2) Under Mount
As the name says, these sinks come mounted underneath the counter.
Construction
Unlike the top mounted sinks, these come installed under the counter. Also, they do not have
any rim or lip, and hence the edges directly drop into the basin.
Installation
The under-mount sinks are a little difficult to install because they need to get glued to the lower side of the counter.
Characteristic Feature
The under-mount kitchen sinks are of superior quality when compared to the top mount ones.
Cleaning
The under-mount kitchen sinks are very easy to clean. Any debris or dirt gets pushed into the sink directly without getting accumulated on the rim.
Advantages
- The under-mount kitchen sinks are modern, sleek, and attractive in design.
- They are a versatile option.
- They work well with almost all kitchen layouts.
- They are easy to clean.
- Installing the under mount creates a seamless look to your sink from the counter.
- These sinks are available in stainless steel, fireclay, and cast-iron materials.
- They are of superior quality to the top mount ones.
Disadvantages
- The under-mount kitchen sinks are not that easy to install.
- They are not compatible with spaces having faucets and attachments.
- They are very expensive.
- This may limit the size of your countertop.
3) Integrated Kitchen Sinks
As the name says, the integrated or integral sinks come integrated with the kitchen countertop.
Construction
These sinks are of the same material as the countertop. They are usually designed by the countertop manufacturer.
Installation
They are a part of the kitchen countertop and do not require much installation work.
Characteristic Feature
These are custom-made kitchen sinks that blend in easily with the countertops.
Cleaning
The integrated kitchen sinks are very easy to clean.
Advantages
- The integrated kitchen sinks are available in different shapes, sizes, designs, and styles to choose from.
- They come in stone, metal, and quartz or solid surface materials.
- They are very easy to clean.
- Because of their elegant design, they are best suitable for a contemporary kitchen.
- These sinks eliminate the chances of debris accumulation and mould formation under the counter seam.
- They do not have a rim and blend in easily with the countertops.
Disadvantages
- The integrated kitchen sinks are very expensive.
- If there is any damage to the sink, you need to remove and repair it.
- Installing a new integrated sink might require replacing the entire countertop of your kitchen.
- These kinds of sinks are mostly seen in bathrooms.
- The integrated sinks are custom-made kitchen sinks.
4) Farmhouse Sink
Also known as apron sinks, these sinks are commonly preferred and seen in houses that love a traditional-looking or country-style design.
Construction
These sinks usually come extended over the edge of the counter. You can install these sinks either on the top of a free-standing table or even on top of a cabinet.
Installation
The farmhouse sinks are very difficult to install as it requires cutting a large portion of your counter.
Characteristic Feature
They come designed with both single and double bowls.
Cleaning
These sinks are easy to care for and also very easy to clean.
Advantages
- The farmhouse kitchen sinks are very large, allowing the cleaning of big baking pans and even casserole pans.
- They are available in fireclay, copper, and cast-iron materials.
- They are very easy to clean.
- The farmhouse sinks are easy to care for.
- These sinks are highly durable.
- Because of their large size, they are best suitable for bigger families and large kitchens.
- These sinks come with both single and double bowls.
Disadvantages
- The farmhouse-style sinks are very expensive of all the sink types.
- They are very difficult, and expensive to install.
- Installing a new farmhouse sink might require cutting a large portion of your counter.
- These kinds of sinks are highly prone to dripping.
5) Kitchen Sink With Drainboard
The kitchen sinks with drainboards are a popular choice for Indian kitchens. It allows the user to drain the utensils and vegetables.
Construction
As the name suggests, these kitchen sinks come with a built-in drainboard. This designated section helps the user to dry the dishes and facilitates a mess-free food preparation process. However, it occupies more space on your counter because of this added feature.
Installation
Installing a kitchen sink with a drainboard is easy when compared to installing an under mount sink.
Characteristic Feature
A kitchen sink with a drainboard comes with a designated space for draining utensils and vegetables.
Cleaning
Cleaning a drainboard kitchen sink is very easy. The built-in drainboard feature helps in keeping the counters clean.
Advantages
- These sinks are eco-friendly.
- The drainboard portion easily traps water around and lets them into the sink.
- These sinks save your time and effort in washing and drying your utensils in a dishwasher.
- They are available in different shapes and sizes to choose from.
- You can use the drainboard portion for a mess-free food preparation process.
- Installation of a drainboard kitchen sink is comparatively easier than the under mount sinks.
- These sinks do not require a second drainage system.
- These are smaller sinks and are ideal for smaller kitchens or limited spaces.
Disadvantages
- If you wash dishes by hand rarely, the drainboard is of little use to you.
- The dashboard kitchen sinks tend to occupy more space on your counter.
6) Kitchen Island Sink
The kitchen island sinks are exclusively for kitchen islands.
Construction
You can have the sink centered and the island built around it to create a beautifully symmetrical design and balance.
Installation
Installing a kitchen island sink is not easy and may require a little extra preparation and work.
Characteristic Feature
Installing a sink in your kitchen island impacts the overall design and feel of your kitchen. They complement your workflow and help you save your main counter space.
Cleaning
The kitchen islands are easy to clean.
Advantages
- The kitchen island sinks create a more aesthetic and symmetrical design for your kitchen layout.
- They create a complete workflow, providing a more functional layout.
- You can use these sinks as primary or prep sinks.
- They help you save more space on your countertops, making them ideal for the preparation process.
- These sinks are easy to clean.
Disadvantages
- The kitchen island sinks are very expensive to install.
- They are difficult to install.
- They require a little extra preparation and plumbing work.
- These sinks may spoil the wow factor of your kitchen.
- Choosing the inappropriate tap and sink may ruin the aesthetic appearance of the kitchen island.
- These sinks are ideal for larger kitchen islands only.
7) Prep or Bar Sink
A prep sink, also referred to as a bar sink is a very smaller type of sink.
Construction
These sinks are exclusively designed for bars or home bars to clean the glasses easily while serving and preparing drinks. You can even install them in your kitchen islands as a secondary sink. They are single-basin sinks that come in round or square shapes.
Installation
Just like the kitchen island sinks, these sinks can be difficult to install and require extra work.
Characteristic Feature
They can be a great option and addition to your home bar.
Cleaning
The bar sinks are easy to clean.
Advantages
- You can use the bar sinks as a secondary sink.
- They are a great addition if you frequently access your home bar.
- They help multiple people in preparing food or drinks simultaneously.
- These sinks are easy to clean.
Disadvantages
- The bar or prep sinks are a secondary option.
- They are usually smaller and shallower than the regular sinks.
- They can take up the valuable space of the counter.
- These sinks are luxurious and can be expensive to install.
8) Corner Sink
