Choosing A Kitchen Sink
The kitchen sink may not be the first thing you choose when planning a new or remodeled kitchen but it will probably be one of the most used items in your kitchen so give some thought to your selection.
Under Mount vs. Top Mount Sinks
Unless you are installing laminate counter tops there is no reason to choose a top mount sink. Any type of natural stone or quartz stone can accomodate an under or sub mounted sink which will give a look of continuity and make clean-up that much easier. Remember when choosing an under mount sink that heavier materials such as cast iron or granite composite will require special supports inside of the sink cabinet.
Material
Stainless steel - is the most common of the sink materials used today. It is light weight, comes in shiny or matte finishes and is pretty much stain resistant. Stainless steel will darken over time but using a non abrasive cleaner such as Bon Ami or Barkeepers Friend will help to keep the finish looking like new. (Remember to scrub in the direction of the brushed finish)
When choosing stainless steel remember that the lower the gauge number the thicker the steel so that 18 is thicker than 20 and 16 is thicker than 18 and so on. Also check the underside of the sink for sound proofing which muffles the sound of water hitting the metal. The best quality stainless steel sinks will have a pad as well as a coat of rubber sprayed onto the underside of the bowl.
Enamel on Cast Iron - comes in a variety of colors from white to black and in between. The enamel is shiny and mostly stain resistant. Enamel can chip which will expose the black cast iron. So if you use heavy cast iron pots or large stock pots you might want to stay away from enamel.
Granite Composite - is made of pulverized natural granite combined with synthetic resins. Composite granite is heat, stain, scratch and chip resistant. However if there is a scratch the color goes through the entire body of the sink which will minimize the appearance of the scratch.
Fire Clay Ceramic - is a non porous, stain, scratch & heat resistant material. It has a high polish and comes in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes.
Copper - is a rustic looking material which will age over time and take on dark patina. It will stain and scratch and pretty much look "rustic".
TIP: When buying a sink check to see if the manufacturer makes a bottom grid to fit the inside of the sink bowl. The grids usually made of stainless steel or a coated metal will help prevent scratches and chips & protect your china and glassware as well.
SINGLE, DOUBLE OR TRIPLE BOWL?
Single Bowl - The standard in kitchen sinks is the 21-15 single bowl rectangle sink which is available in almost any material and fits almost any sink base cabinet. A single bowl sink will be an all purpose cleaning center used for everything for hand & dish washing to soaking roasting pans.
Double Bowl - There is the double bowl sink with 2 bowls of equal dimension, the double bowl of equal dimension but with one side deeper than the other and finally the double bowl with one extra small bowl for the garbage disposer and one extra large bowl for everything else. The double bowl will require a larger sink base cabinet usually 36" or more. The double bowl sink gives you the ability to multi-task in the kitchen; prep vegetables while still being able to wash your hands or rinse some dishes.
D-Shape bowls are available in standard single bowl or in a variety of double bowls like the rectangle. HOWEVER, when choosing a D-shape bowl remember that your faucet, sprayer, soap dispenser, etc., will have to off-set to the right or left since the depth of the D-shape prohibits center placement of faucets.
Triple Bowl - a recent addition to the already numerous design styles. The triple bowl comes with a small bowl, usually for the disposer, in the center with a larger bowl on either side so that you can prep, wash and rinse all at the same time! The triple bowl will require a extra wide sink base cabinet.
Farm or Apron Sink - is a large rectangle or square bowl with a flat front face which replaces the front of the sink cabinet base. Unless you are installing new cabinets some carpentry work will be required for installation. They are typically set onto special support brackets built inside the sink cabinet. The counter tops will rest on the side and rear edges of the sink rim+. The typical Farm Sink has an extra deep bowl and is typically larger in dimension than a standard rectangle sink.
Refined Stone carries the following lines of stainless steel and granite composite sinks:
