Choosing A Kitchen Sink

Kitchen Sink Bowl Configurations

There are many kitchen sink bowl configurations.

1. Single bowl kitchen sink (Figure 6) - these sinks come in a variety of sizes and depths.



Figure 6 - Single bowl kitchen sink

2. Double bowl kitchen sink (Figure 7) - you can purchase double bowl kitchen sinks where both bowls are the same size or where one bowl is larger and/or deeper than the other.



Figure 7 - Double bowl kitchen sink

3. Triple bowl kitchen sink (Figure 8) - Usually has one very small bowl and two larger sized bowls. The smaller bowl is usually in the center of the three.



Figure 8 - Triple bowl kitchen sink

4. Corner kitchen sink (Figure 9) - These 45 degree angled sinks are designed to be mounted in a corner kitchen sink base cabinet. There are a number of variations in bowl sizes and materials.



Figure 9 - Corner mount kitchen sink

5. Specialty kitchen sinks - Kitchen sink manufacturers have developed a number of specialty kitchen sinks. The serious cook, can install a kitchen sink with an integral work area (Figures 9 & 9b)



Figure 9b - Kitchen sink with integral work area

The depth of the kitchen sink is often overlooked by the homeowner, yet it is a very important aspect of the sink. Deeper sinks make washing large pots and items such as flower vases, much more convenient. A deeper kitchen sink also allows you to wash more dishes or wash dishes with a lower water level - no overflow spillage!

Kitchen Sink Mounting

There are two popular mounting methods and one that is specific to a style of sink. The popular mounting methods are:

1. Drop-in sinks (Figures 7, 9 & 10) - This style of kitchen sink mounting places the flange of the sink on the top of the countertop. This creates a lip on the countertop. This style of sink is the most popular and hence available in the widest amount of kitchen sink materials, number and sizes of bowls. It can be used on any countertop material.



Figure 10 - Drop-in sink, cutaway drawing shows sink resting on countertop

2. Undermount sinks (Figures 11 & 12) - This style sink mounts underneath the countertop. Although this style of sink is generally considered upscale, it has a couple of inherent problems.



Figure 11 - Undermount sink



Figure 12 - Undermount sink, cutaway drawing shows sink mounted below countertop

• The countertop lip between the top of the sink and the bottom of the countertop can be a difficult area to clean. It is not uncommon to have a build-up of grime in that area.
• This method of mounting should only be used on solid materials such as the natural stones, marble and granite and the solid surface products such as Corian.

Using an undermount kitchen sink on a countertop of laminate or ceramic tile will create a finishing problem on the edge of the countertop between the sink and the laminate or ceramic tile, as shown in Figure 12 - notation "A".

3. Farmer Kitchen Sink Figure 13 - This style of sink sometimes referred to as an "Apron Sink" requires special cabinetry as the front of the sink remains visible after installation.



Figure 13 - Farmer fireclay kitchen sink

The sink can be mounted above (Figure 14), level with (Figure 15) or below (Figure 16) the countertop.



Figure 14 - Farmer sink mounted above countertop level



Figure 15 - Farmer sink mounted level with the top of the countertop



Figure 16 - Farmer sink mounted below the top of the countertop

The farmers sink is generally made of porcelain or fireclay and comes in one and two bowl versions and a variety of depths.

Continued.......