Kitchen Upgrade 101: The Different Kinds of Sinks Explained

Are you thinking of a kitchen upgrade? Whether you’re renovating your existing home or you’ve recently purchased a home that needs updating, choosing the right sink for your remodel is essential.

However, with all the sinks sold in stores and online, selecting the right sink for your kitchen can be overwhelming. We want to reduce your overwhelm and help make your decision a little easier.

In the blog post, you’ll learn about different types of sinks so you can select the best sink for your kitchen upgrade.

Fireclay Sinks

Fireclay sinks are the creme de la creme of kitchen sinks. They resist stains and don’t chip as others sinks do such as cast iron sinks. Fireclay sinks stand tough and hold up to abrasive cleaners. They’re also more durable than other sink models.

This is due to the fabrication process. Constructed from the fusion of clay, and glaze, fireclay sinks are created at high temperatures. They’re similar to cast iron sinks, but they’re more durable.

Fireclay sinks may be more expensive than cast iron due to their fabrication process. However, they’ll outlast them. They’re a perfect choice for a farmhouse-inspired kitchen, offering years of use and holiday get-togethers.

Farmhouse Sinks

A farmhouse sink sometimes called an apron sink, comes in two styles: single bowl or a double bowl style. Farmhouse sinks are used in traditional and rustic style kitchens and are quite popular.

But most recently, they’ve been seen in modern kitchens as well.

These popular sinks offer homeowners durability and style. Their non-porous material makes them simple to keep clean. They are available in either fireclay or cast iron, however, the fireclay style tends to hold up better through the years.

Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel sinks have been around for many years. They are light in weight and simple to install. This is one of the reasons why they’ve been popular for many years.

Manufacturers design stainless steel sinks in a variety of sheeting thicknesses. This is also known as their gauge. Thinner gauges weigh less and cost more in comparison to the heavier and less expensive options.

The downside of stainless steel sinks: they can be loud during cleanup and their surfaces can form dents. The good news: they resist stains and the heat.

Single Bowl Sinks

When searching for a sink for a small kitchen, one of the types of sinks to consider are single bowl sinks. Single bowl sinks take up less room than larger sinks which makes them good choices for apartments with limited counter space.

They’re good for cleaning because you don’t need to be concerned with food and water splashing onto your countertop. You can lay your pots and pans on the bottom of the sink.

However, if you want a sink to work for cleaning and cooking simultaneously, they’re not the best choice. If you’re looking for a sink for multi-tasking, consider another sink style such as a double bowl sink style.

Cast Iron Sinks

If you’ve seen the types of sinks in a farmhouse kitchen, it may be a cast iron sink. Cast iron provides a glossy white appearance which is achieved by spraying a porcelain coating.

This style looks attractive and coordinates with a country kitchen or farmhouse style kitchen design. However, the coating tends to chip over time and has other cons.

Cast iron sinks are not designed to be used with abrasive cleaners that eat away at their enamel coating. In addition, porcelain chips easily. Due to their hard surface, they also tend to chip dishes.

Kitchen Island Sinks

If you look in any magazine or on any kitchen design website, you’ll discover a kitchen island. While some islands don’t contain sinks, many of them do. This provides an additional surface that allows more people to work in the kitchen.

They’re a good choice when one sink needs to be used for cooking and draining. You can use the kitchen island sink for chopping up vegetables and food prep.

Another benefit: they provide more counter space and offer an added work area other than your main kitchen counter. You can install many different types of sinks in a kitchen island.

However, they require additional plumbing. This can add to the cost of your kitchen upgrade. Make sure to speak to a plumber first before you proceed with a kitchen island sink.

Kitchen Island Sinks with Built-in Drainboards

Drainboards provide a built-in sink feature that is practical for the busy kitchen and environmentally friendly saving water and energy. They help keep your sink area neater and cleaner and work great with food preparation.

Kitchen island sinks with drainboards also provide additional space to dry your dishware because the water runs into the sink. These are one of the types of sinks that save energy because you won’t need to use your dishwasher as often.

Corner Sinks

If you’re limited on kitchen and counter space, one of the types of kitchen sinks to consider is corner sinks. Corner sinks contain two basins in a corner opposite each other.

Do you live in a tight New York City apartment? Or have a tiny kitchen, but still want a nice kitchen upgrade? Installing a corner sink may work when you’re cramped for space. These sinks offer a great way to maximize your counter space.

The con: they can be challenging to install and your installer will need to cut areas of your countertop, which can add to the price of the install. Check with your contractor first to see if it will affect your budget.

Choosing Wisely: Different Types of Sinks for Your Kitchen Upgrade

Now that you’re armed with more information about different kinds of sinks, you should be able to select the best one for your kitchen upgrade. With the right details at your fingertips, get ready to enjoy your new stylish dream kitchen.

Looking for more home improvement tips? Check out more great content on our blog.