An ergonomic kitchen is incomplete without elements that contribute to the kitchen’s comfort, efficiency, and productivity while you cook. Elements like counters, drawers, storage cabinets, chimneys, and hob amongst others are essentials in a perfect kitchen. Among these factors, the kitchen sink is one of the most crucial purchases. But before you fix your eyes on one, always remember that all types of kitchen sinks get ambushed with damaging items throughout their lifetime like oily and slimy food, dirty or boiling water, sharp knives, etc.
Here we have come to you to help you tone down your choices of different types of kitchen sinks available in India. Our list is based on two broad classifications of kitchen sinks:
- Types of kitchen sink based on the type of bowls
- Types of kitchen sinks based on their type of installation
The types of kitchen sinks that come under the first broad classification are:
- Single bowl kitchen sinks
- Double bowl kitchen sinks
- Kitchen Sinks with a drainboard
- Prep, bar, or island kitchen sinks
The other broad classification has the following types of kitchen sinks under it:
- Top mount sinks
- Undermount kitchen sinks
- Integrated kitchen sinks
- Farmhouse or country-style kitchen sinks
- Corner sinks
Types of Kitchen Sinks Based on The Type of Bowl
1. Single-bowl Kitchen Sinks
Single bowl kitchen sinks are types of kitchen sinks that come with only one sink that is fitted with the kitchen’s countertop. These types of kitchen sinks are perfect for kitchens that are compact and small as they are super easy to clean. Single bowl sinks lend a streamlined look to your beautiful kitchen.
Pros of Single-bowl Kitchen Sinks
- The single bowl is large enough to wash large items such as cookie sheets and casseroles.
- These types of kitchen sinks are ideal for large households where there are many dishes to wash and many people to use the sink.
- If you love apron sinks, single bowl kitchen sinks are for you.
Cons of Single-bowl Kitchen Sinks
- Single bowl kitchen sinks have no extra space for drying washed stuff.
- Single bowl kitchen sinks are less popular due to their small size and inflexibility.
2. Double-bowl Kitchen Sinks
As the name suggests, the double sink kitchen design is equipped with two sinks with a petition in between them. Most folks swear by these types of kitchen sinks as with them you can multitask effortlessly. Double sink kitchen designs are also a great choice when two cooks are working in the kitchen.
Pros of Double-bowl Kitchen Sinks
- Double-bowl kitchen sink designs are highly flexible and multi-purpose.
- These can be used in households that do not have a dishwasher.
Cons of DOuble-bowl Kitchen Sinks
- The sides of this sink may be too small to accommodate casseroles, baking pans, or large pots.
- Some might not like the utilitarian appearance of these sinks.
- Contemporary kitchen trends favour single bowl kitchen sinks.
3. Kitchen Sinks With Drainboard
Types of kitchen sinks with a drainboard are a popular choice in Indian kitchens. It gives you the space to drain vegetables as well as dry-washed utensils. With a drainboard in different sizes and shapes, these types of kitchen sinks often occupy more space on the countertop.
Pros of Kitchen Sinks With Drainboard
- The size of these types of sinks is quite small so it is the perfect choice for kitchens with limited space or in galley kitchens.
- The drainboard portion has a rim or a lip around it which traps water that can quickly drain into the sink.
Cons of Kitchen Sinks With Drainboard
- The bowls of drainboard sinks are small so cooking for a huge number of people might become a task.
- The drainboard becomes useless if you rarely wash dishes by hand.
4. Prep, Bar, or Island Kitchen Sinks
Primary kitchen sinks are larger than island kitchen sinks. These types of kitchen sinks are used either for preparing supplementary food or bartending purposes. Prep/bar kitchen sinks are always single bowl kitchen sinks but are about 15 inches in diameter.
Pros of Prep Sinks
- You could install this type of kitchen sink design at the far end of your countertop and can use it as a second sink making it easier when several people are using the kitchen.
- These sinks are useful when you want to clean or prepare meals while needing easy access to a bar sink.
Cons of Prep Sinks
- Sometimes you might end up not using these sinks.
- Depending on the layout of your kitchen these sinks might end up taking up valuable space.
- They might be a luxury for which you might break your budget.
Types of Kitchen Sinks Based on Their Installation
1. Top Mount Sinks
The top mount sink is also known as a self-rimming sink or drop-in sink and is seen regularly inside Indian kitchens. These types of kitchen sinks have a ridge that fits over the kitchen countertop. They come with a lip or a sink rim that rests on top of the countertop. They are pretty simple to install and come at a relatively cheap price.
Pros of Top Mount Sinks
- No extra skills are needed to install this sink.
- Most DIYers can make cut-outs of the sink in laminate and solid surface materials.
- The overall cost is quite low.
Cons of Top Mount Sinks
- The sink’s lip or rim will prevent you from sweeping debris and water from the counter right into the sink.
- The lip or the rim becomes yet another part you need to clean.
- The separation between the sink and the rim may not be likeable for some and is a rather personal choice.
2. Undermount Kitchen Sinks
Undermount kitchen sinks are the types of kitchen sinks that are recessed below the kitchen’s countertop so that the sink can effectively hang underneath the countertop. Since the rim or the lip of the sink does not sit on top of the kitchen counter, the sink can create a meticulous flow from the countertop into the sink. These types of kitchen sinks are easy to clean as there are zero crevices where grime or dirt can get accumulated.
Pros of Undermount Kitchen Sinks
- These types of kitchen sinks allow you to sweep crumbs and water from the countertop into the sink.
- They have no rims.
- It has a smooth-looking surface.
- They are often made of high-quality material rather than overmount sinks.
Cons of Undermount Kitchen Sinks
- The space where the counter and the sink meet may get filled up with gunk.
- These sinks are more difficult to install than overmount sinks.
- Undermount sinks may limit the size of the sink.
3. Integrated Kitchen Sinks
Integrated kitchen sinks are the types of kitchen sinks that seamlessly blend in with the countertop. They will be made of the same material as the countertop such as quartz, solid surface, metal, or stone. These sinks are the perfect choice for a contemporary kitchen because of their elegant and clean design.
Pros of Integrated Kitchen Sinks
- It has no rim which is why the counter can flow seamlessly into the sink.
- There is also no under-counter seam where mould or debris can accumulate.
- Most homeowners love its sleek design.
Cons of Integrated Kitchen Sinks
- These types of kitchen sinks are usually found in bathrooms and very rarely in the kitchen realm.
- Integrated sinks are made by custom order which is why they are expensive.
- If damaged, these sinks cannot be removed or replaced; they can only be repaired.
4. Farmhouse or Country-style Kitchen Sinks
These types of kitchen sinks are also called apron sinks or farmhouse sinks as their walls are similar to the countertop walls. They are usually integrated into the counters but are installed in “country-style”, i.e., on a freestanding table or top of a cabinet without being surrounded by counters.
Pros of Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks
- You could install this type of kitchen sink design at the far end of your countertop and can use it as a second sink making it easier when several people are using the kitchen.
- These sinks are useful when you want to clean or prepare meals while needing easy access to a bar sink.
Cons of Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks
- These types of kitchen sinks are prone to dripping as the barrier between the floor and the sink is narrow.
- It may be a bit expensive compared to the other types of kitchen sinks.
5. Corner Sinks
Corner sinks in the kitchen come with two bowls or basins that are set at right angles to each other.
Pros of Corner Sinks
- These types of sinks are wide enough to have a drying area in their centre.
- They utilise the space wasted by counter corners.
Cons of Corner Sinks
- These sinks are hard to find as they are very rarely needed.
- Since they are hard to find, they don’t come cheap.
- They need custom cuts around the counter corners to bridge the seam at the counter corners.
- This meaning process reduces the structural strength of the countertop.
The Bottom Line
Before shelling out your hard-earned money on a kitchen sink, make sure you invest some time planning out the design for the kitchen countertop. If you are remodelling your kitchen, always choose the countertop and the sink together so that you save a lot of time trying to blend each other. Moreover, purchasing a sink and a countertop together will prevent you from ending up with a mismatched pair.
Why a Kitchen Need a Sink?
A sink is an essential component in a kitchen for several reasons:
1. Cleaning and Washing
The primary function of a kitchen sink is to provide a dedicated space for cleaning and washing activities. It allows for the washing of dishes, utensils, and cookware, making it a central element in maintaining hygiene in the kitchen.
2. Food Preparation
A sink is crucial for food preparation tasks, such as washing fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients. It provides a convenient and designated area for handling and cleaning food items before cooking.
3. Waste Disposal
Kitchen sinks are equipped with a drain that facilitates the disposal of liquid and solid waste. This helps keep the kitchen clean by preventing food scraps and debris from accumulating on countertops.
4. Hygiene and Sanitation
Regular handwashing is a fundamental aspect of kitchen hygiene. Having a sink in close proximity to food preparation and cooking areas encourages proper hand hygiene, reducing the risk of contamination and foodborne illnesses.
5. Cooking Cleanup
After cooking, a sink is essential for cleaning pots, pans, and other cooking utensils. It simplifies the process of maintaining a tidy and organized kitchen space.
The Bottom Line
Before shelling out your hard-earned money on a kitchen sink, make sure you invest some time planning out the design for the kitchen countertop. If you are remodeling your kitchen, always choose the countertop and the sink together so that you save a lot of time trying to blend each other. Moreover, purchasing a sink and a countertop together will prevent you from ending up with a mismatched pair.
