Kitchen Sinks 101: Everything You Need to Know
Your kitchen sink is one of the most important things in your home. A sink facilitates cooking, cleaning, drinking water, and many other moments.
A bad sink is obvious and burdensome. A good sink will merge seamlessly with your overall kitchen design and make everything you do in the kitchen easier.
In this blog, we set out to answer the most commonly asked questions surrounding sinks and give you a holistic picture of the top-quality sinks made by World CopperSmith - the types, specifications, and design choices available to you in your pursuit of the right sink for your home.
All these sinks and what they're for
Firstly, let's establish the three most common types of kitchen sink you'll encounter based on their installation. All three of these can be single bowl, double bowl, or workstation sink types; they can be made from copper, brass, or stainless steel, with a cornucopia of finishes. Check out his article: If you want to know the right size cabinet for your sink.
- drop-in sink
- undermount sink
- farmhouse sink
drop-in
The drop-in type installation is as it sounds: a hole is cut in the counter wherein the sink is placed. Widely popular, it is distinguished by the rim that is visible around the bowl.
undermount
The undermount installation type is favored for its seamless appearance - by installing the sink from underneath the cabinetry, you maintain a clean counter lip directly into the bowl while maximizing counter space.
Farmhouse
The farmhouse type is for the sink that begs to be featured prominently. Also called apron-front sinks, in this variation the front of the sink is fully exposed, allowing the deep bowl of beautiful, hand-crafted metalwork to shine in your kitchen.
For a detailed breakdown of the different measurements and considerations to be taken into account when deciding on the sort of installation you'll pursue, visit our article on choosing the right sink for your cabinet.
What are the best quality kitchen sinks?
At World CopperSmith, we are uncompromising in our pursuit of the best sink creation possible. We only work with the best natural materials: copper, brass, and stainless steel. A sink needs a smooth surface, that is, a nonporous surface, to ensure that water doesn't create defects. That's why we don't subscribe to cast iron or granite sinks - even a granite composite can wear down with strong or abrasive cleaning agents that diminish the quality of your sink over time.
What is the most popular type of kitchen sink?
One of the most popular kinds of kitchen sink is the undermount. The reason for this is the uninterrupted counter space - from a distance, only the faucet neck will be visible. This refined style has become increasingly popular in modern homes.
What sinks are in style 2022?
In our contemporary age, there have never been more options when it comes to home design. Browsing the trends of this year, you'll find an overall preference for sleek undermount sinks, but this is by no means the only design idea with energy behind it. Gorgeous farmhouse sinks are seeing a moment, especially in designs that draw inspiration from retro and vintage sources.
What is the current trend in kitchen sinks?
One major trend in kitchen sinks is the presence of one large primary basin to accommodate large pots and pans and a secondary prep basin for separate tasks. You'll find this idea in CopperSmith sinks, many of which feature a double bowl. Another major trend is expressed in workstation sinks, where a removable drying-rack/cutting-board adds tremendous functionality to a large basin.
Are stainless steel sinks out of style?
Preference for materials or finishes comes and goes. Quality never goes out of style. If you're looking for a sleek stainless steel sink, World CopperSmith offers a premium hand-hammered or polished stainless steel finish, with a clean and timeless look that will complement any kitchen design.
How do I protect my stainless steel sink?
Stainless steel is an extremely durable and versatile material. That being said, there are some things you can do to protect your stainless. Firstly, don't let food or liquid sit in the sink for longer than necessary, as eventually hard-water stains and the like could appear. Second, prevent scratches by disallowing heavy or sharp items to clatter into the basin. Aid this effort with CopperSmith's basin grate (which fits perfectly over the drain opening) and metal protect.
What kind of kitchen sink is easiest to keep clean?
All World CopperSmith sinks are designed to be easy to clean, with premium materials and finishes that wipe clean for everything but the toughest stains. Copper sinks have the additional benefit of being natively antimicrobial, meaning that bacteria cannot build up. If you don't leave dirty items in the sink for long periods, cleaning will be extremely easy for all World CopperSmith sinks.
How much should I spend on a kitchen sink?
The price of your sink will vary based on the type, size, and materials used. The base price ranges from $1000 to $2100. Your handcrafted sink will provide function and appeal to your home for years to come. Additionally, a premium sink will add major value to your kitchen should you look to sell your home.
How much does it cost to have a new kitchen sink installed?
Sink installation costs will vary depending on your area and the nature of your installation. A standard installation with labor and materials cost will be around ~$300. If you are replacing an existing sink or if your installation is intensive, the total cost may be over $1000.
How long does it take to install a kitchen sink?
A licensed professional will likely take around two hours to install a new sink. This will, of course, be longer if you must replace an existing sink or have a difficult installation.
How easy is it to replace a kitchen sink?
Apart from the extra time, it is generally very easy for a professional to replace a sink. We don't recommend undertaking this task by yourself if you don't have the training or tools, as the plumbing can be difficult to manage.
Is a granite sink better than stainless steel?
While sometimes prized for the unique look and heat resistance, granite is a porous material, meaning that, without frequent re-sealing, the material can become water-logged, creating an array of problems. Additionally, granite is extremely heavy, making installation much more difficult. Stainless steel does not share these problems, which is why it makes an excellent sink material.
Do all stainless steel sinks scratch easily?
While stainless steel does not scratch "easily," there is a possibility of scratching if heavy or sharp objects are dropped into the basin. An easy way to avoid this is by placing a metal grate on the bottom of the bowl.
What's better, single or double sink?
Ultimately this decision will come down to your individual needs for your kitchen sink. One large single bowl can accommodate extra-large pots and pans, while a double bowl allows you to perform two separate sink tasks simultaneously, which can be advantageous in certain cooking processes. Be sure to consider the placement of faucet holes when you decide, as you'll need water for both bowls.
What color kitchen sink is best?
Consider the overall aesthetic scheme of your kitchen's design. At World CopperSmith, there are over twenty finishes to choose from in a veritable rainbow of colors and textures. Order free material samples if you want to test different looks before making the final decision.
What kind of kitchen sink is easiest to keep clean?
While all of our sinks are easy to clean, copper and brass sinks have native anti-microbial properties that make defending your space against bacteria simpler than ever. With the simple precautions we have discussed above, keeping your sink clean is a breeze.
Are white sinks hard to keep clean?
White porcelain sinks aren't favored for kitchens because the material is easier to stain and damage. For this reason, all World CopperSmith sinks are made of highly-durable metals that resist staining.
Do undermount sinks add value?
There is not an appreciable difference in value between the installation types, as material and functionality largely rule the value, but undermount sinks are considered more modern and sleek, which could be preferred in this estimation.
What is a good kitchen sink size?
There are several measurements you should take into account when choosing the size of your sink.
- width of the base cabinet
- length of the sink (from side to side)
- height of sink
- depth of sink
Take stock of the kitchen implements, pots, and pans you'll be using. You want to make sure to create plenty of space for your cooking and cleaning. Visit this article for a dissection of the different measurements you'll be making, and reach out to our customer assistance for any questions you have.
World CopperSmith's premium sinks
We pride ourselves on making the best sinks possible, using the best materials and most thorough hand-crafted techniques. In this blog, we've covered the essential types of kitchen sinks, how they differ, and the important points of consideration when investing in a new sink. You're ready to start designing your own dream sink!