Kitchen Sink: Everything You Need To Know Before You Buy

Kitchen sinks aren’t created equal. Some are simply better than others. What are some of the things you need to look for before you buy?

Kitchen remodelling doesn’t have to cause you headaches. If you know what to look for in a kitchen sink it will simplify life. Read through our practical kitchen sink buying tips.

1 Consider the material

You want a kitchen sink that’s going to give you good value for money and last for years. To find such a sink you’ll need to first consider the material the sink is made of. In a nutshell, here are some kitchen sink materials pros and cons:

Stainless steel sinks: are stain-resistant, have lengthy longevity, look sleek and polished. The downside is that that they require regular cleaning to keep them looking optimum.

Fireclay sinks: resist most stains, chips and scratches. However, because of their delicate nature, they need a gentle hand. Avoid installing them near appliances like garbage disposals which can damage them.

Enamel sinks: are heavy, require professional installation, and solid counters to accommodate their weight. However, they are durable and bring that much loved glossy look to any kitchen.

Copper sinks: are heat and rust-resistant. They are extremely hygienic as microbes can’t survive long on them. The biggest disadvantage of copper sinks is the gradual development of blue-green patina.

2 Drop-in sinks vs under-mount sinks

If you’re renovating or remodelling your kitchen and have been doing a bit of reading on the latest trends, you might have come across the following names: drop-in sinks and undermount sinks. Drop-in sinks have been the most-used option for decades but newer and more sophisticated options are now emerging in the form of under-mount sinks. If you’re looking for space-saving kitchen sinks then undermounts are the way to go.

3 Consider your available dimensions

Before you go out and purchase your new kitchen sink, you’ll need to determine the size of the sink you need. Bigger isn’t always best. Measure the sink you’ve removed so you’ll have a good idea of the kitchen sink size you need. Remember that the size of the sink must look proportional to the rest of the elements in the kitchen. If you go up a size or down a size make sure that the sink won’t look out of place. Standard sink sizes for reference are 22 to 33 inches long.

4 Do you want sink cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets below the sink are a common feature in many kitchens. However, many new style kitchen sinks are choosing to say goodbye to the storage space below sinks. The type of sink you choose can affect whether or not you opt for cabinets beneath the sink. However, it’s worth remarking that cabinets beneath the sink can act as a foundation for the sink. In addition, they are very useful for storing cleaning supplies.

5 Work with leading kitchen sink suppliers

Armed with these tips you’re well on your way to finding the right sink for your new kitchen. Christopher Alexander is a leading kitchen tapware, basin and accessories provider. Browse our extensive online collection to find exciting models for your renovation projects.

Renovating your kitchen? Check out our extensive collection to see what’s on offer.