By: Erica Spangler

Make kitchen tasks easier with a sink designed for the way you work.

Which type of kitchen sink is for you?

Available in a variety of colors and materials, there’s a kitchen sink to fit every lifestyle and decor. We’ve put together some tips for finding the perfect style, size, and configuration for your space.

Kitchen Sink Size

Installing a Sink in a New Countertop
Measure the space between cabinets to determine the maximum length of your new sink. Make sure you have enough counter space on either side of the sink for prep, especially in a corner location. Position the sink closer to the front edge of the counter for comfort and access.

Replacing an Existing Sink

Measure the opening in your existing countertop and choose a new sink to fit. Most drop-in sinks have a ½ inch lip so you will need to consider this for a proper installation.

Make sure to consider sink depth. Additions, like garbage disposals, can add significant depth. Consider a deeper sink for larger pots and pans.

Kitchen Sink Installation Types

Drop-In Sinks
Drop-in (or top-mount) sinks are set into a hole cut into the countertop and the are the easiest to install.

Drop-In Sinks

Undermount Sinks
Undermount sinks are attached below the countertop and create a flat surface, making work-area cleanup easy.

Undermount Sinks

Farmhouse Sinks

Also known as apron sinks, the deep, wide, basins are perfect for washing large pots, pans. Adding a touch of chic country charm, farmhouse sinks are available in a variety of sizes and materials. Some models are available in stainless steel for a more contemporary look.

farmhouse sinks

Farmhouse Sinks

Number of Basins

Kitchen sinks are available in single, double and triple basin configurations. Here are the advantages of each to help you choose which is right for the way you work.

Shopping Tip: “Basin Split” refers to the percentage of space each basin takes up for a double bowl sink. The most common options are 50/50, where the sink bowls are the same size, and 60/40, where one basin is larger for larger pots and pans.

Single Basin Sink

Wide-open area
Great for large pots and pans
Typically much deeper than double or triple sinks
Drains may be off to one side, where the sink is sloped to one side

Single Basin Sinks

Double Basin Sink

Choose between equal sized basins or one small and one large basin
Consider one basin that is larger than the other to hold pots and pans
Great for working on separate tasks

Double Basin Sinks

Triple Basin Sink

Choose two large and one small basin, three equal sized basins, or three basins of different sizes
Typically wider than standard sized sinks
The third basin is great for kitchen prep

Triple Basin Sinks

Number of Faucet Holes

The number of holes in your sink will narrow your faucet choices. Extra openings can be covered by escutcheon plates or special hole covers, or filled with accessories like built-in soap dispensers.

Single hole sinks
Two hole sinks
Three hole sinks
Four hole sinks

Drain Placement

Consider the location of existing plumbing and the type of work you do in the kitchen when choosing the drain placement of your new sink.

Off-center drain

Pro: More Space under the cabinets
Pro: Plenty of space to wash big pots and pans while allowing water to drain freely
Pro: Room to prepare food without having it slip down the drain
Con: Can be difficult for repairs because the plumbing is pushed to the far back or corners

Centered drain

Pro: Water drains faster than an off centered drain because there is less distance to travel
Pro: Better access for maintenance or repairs
Pro: Aligns with a centered faucet
Con: Large pots and pans may block drainage