Kitchens are incomplete without a proper sink. It should add both functionality and flair to your kitchen’s design. But what type of sink suits your needs and style? Benditt Mechanical provides the ultimate guide to choosing the best type of kitchen sink for your lifestyle.
Types of Kitchen Sinks
With so many choices, capabilities, and sink components, how do you know what type of kitchen sink is best for your home? Explore the below list of options to see which sink style and features might be best for your Philadelphia area home.
1) Apron-Front or Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
Many people refer to apron-front sinks as farmhouse sinks due to their widespread popularity in rustic farmhouse-style kitchens. They feature a prominent, deep basin that extends over the counter’s edge. Their chic design makes them a stylish choice for modern kitchens. They offer excellent durability and are typically composed of nonporous materials like fireclay or cast iron. Although the large basin gives users extra capacity, this feature often increases the price and requires a lot of counter space.
2) Drop-in or Overmount Kitchen Sink
Also referred to as a top mount sink, overmount kitchen sinks literally drop into the counter, creating a lip around the sink’s rim. This easy-to-install design provides added weight support for the use of any surface material. This model boasts style, versatility, and affordability. However, the raised lip can take up valuable counter space, interrupt the counter flow, and accumulate debris.
3) Undermount Kitchen Sink
Plumbers install undermount models with the rim resting directly under the counter. These sinks provide a sleek look that better flows with counter design and allows for seamless cleanup. Despite their aesthetic design, homeowners must strongly consider their desired surface material. Typically installed with glue, undermount sinks have a weight limit. So, materials like cast iron are too heavy. This kind of model requires expert installation from professional plumbing companies like Benditt Mechanical to ensure proper sealing and support.
4) Low-Divide Kitchen Sink
Low-divide sinks have two basins separated by a low center divider. Most double-bowl kitchen sinks include a high divide, about level with the sink’s edge. Shortening the divider gives users more space for large cookware without sacrificing separate basins. However, this feature also significantly lowers total water capacity.
5) Corner Kitchen Sink
Corner sinks optimize counter space with a unique double-basin design. These sinks require professional installation since most counters require custom cuts to retrofit. Customized installation techniques drive up the price tag and demand practiced expertise. Although uncommon, this specific design choice uses counter space efficiently.
6) Drainboard Sink
Consider a drainboard sink if you don’t have a dishwasher or prefer to hand wash cookware. This design includes a side drainboard apron for drying dishes or prepping food. This feature makes cleaning easier and provides a route for excess water runoff. Remember, this unique style requires significant counter space and may clash with certain interior design elements.
Best Type of Kitchen Sink
Homeowners want a sink that’s both functional and stylish. Like your other kitchen appliances, your sink endures daily use. Certain materials (like enamel or finished stone) tend to chip or scratch with heavy use. Other materials (like stainless steel) can be noisy and may require sound-absorption technology for volume control.
The type of sink you choose should help your lifestyle needs and match your kitchen’s design. Consider how regularly your household uses the sink and how much wear-and-tear it must withstand. The kitchen sink is an integral part of your home, so consider these additional elements when replacing.
Other Features to Consider
Homeowners must first decide on the overall style of kitchen sink they desire. What capabilities are necessary to operate efficiently in your household? Then, they can refine design decisions based on their personal preferences.
Sink Surface and Material Options
- Stainless Steel
- Composite (ex: polyester/acrylic)
- Enamel-Coated Cast Iron or Fireclay
- Solid Surface (ex: granite/engineered stone)
Basic Kitchen Sink Components
Types of Kitchen Sink Faucets
Various types of faucets exist on the market. Each one reflects a particular aesthetic and functionality depending on its design features.
Pull-Down and Pull-Out Faucets
Both types of pull faucets have a removable spout. This gives a much wider range of use than traditional taps. The only difference is the angle at which you can remove the faucet. Pull-down faucets (often seen in more modern and commercial kitchen designs) extend downward toward the floor. Pull-out faucets angle straight out, parallel to the floor, and extend toward the apron.
Single-Handle Faucet
These faucets have one operating handle that controls both hot and cold water. The lever’s right-left position determines the temperature of the water. Moving the handle up or down typically controls the water pressure.
Dual-Handle Faucet
Unlike single-handle models, dual-handle faucets have separate levers for hot and cold water on each side of the main spout. Manage cold water flow with the left handle and warm with the right handle. The user can usually change the water pressure by bringing the levers toward them.
Commercial-Style Faucet
Commercial-style faucets are a wider-range, more flexible version of a pull-down faucet. These industrial spouts are often found in commercial businesses such as pet groomers and restaurant kitchens.
Separate Spray Faucet
Separate spray faucets utilize an isolated shower head nozzle in addition to the main tap. The detached handle includes a trigger to avert water from the main faucet head to the removable shower head. This feature gives users an additional range of motion.
Motion Detection Faucet
We frequently see motion detection faucets in public restrooms to prevent germ transfer between hands. The user activates the water flow by placing their hand or another utensil under the spout. A motion sensor, usually located near the base of the main tap, registers movement to turn on the water. A separate lever controls water pressure and temperature.
Touchless Faucet
Touchless or hands-free faucets offer added convenience in the kitchen when your hands are full or dirty. A hands-free spout registers tactile movement instead of handles or levers. In other words, users only have to touch the spout (with a hand, elbow, or arm) to activate water flow. Similarly to motion detection faucets, these models have separate control levers for temperature and pressure.
Pot-Filler Faucet
Pot-filler faucets include a swiveling arm extension and a downward-angle spout. The jointed extension swivels outward to hover over pots or other large containers. This style often exists in commercial kitchens or the homes of avid cooks and gardeners.
Professional Kitchen Sink Installation Around the Philadelphia Area
Benditt Mechanical encourages residents needing plumbing upgrades to contact our team of experts for all their home improvement needs. As a crucial part of your home, the kitchen sink you choose can make or break your kitchen’s appearance. Our technicians ensure premium service and industry-leading products for every installation. Reach out to us for top-notch HVAC and plumbing guidance when renovating your treasured Philadelphia home.