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The sink is the control center of any kitchen, where meal preparation, cleaning and many other activities begin and end. We searched high and low to find the best countertops available online, evaluating ease of installation, design, durability and value
Our top pick, the Kraus Loften Stainless Steel Concealed Countertop is a stylish all-in-one set with a dishwasher-safe grate, concealed drain cover and commercial-grade built-in faucet.
Ahead are the best sinks for every home and budget.
- SINK DIMENSIONS: 33” L x 22” W x 10 5/8” D / MIN. CABINET SIZE required for installation: 36” Undermount / 36” Top mount.
- RICH NON-FADING COLOR: UV-stable material offers a rich and consistent hue that will not discolor over time.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Non-porous material is highly resistant to dirt and grime, easily wipes clean.
- PREMIUM GRANITE COMPOSITE: Ultra-durable material made from 80% natural quartz for the look and feel of real stone.
- Sink Dimensions: 31-1/2″ X 18-1/2″ X 9″ Min. Cabinet Size: 36″
- QUIET: Sound-deadening pad(s) minimizes sound and vibration for a quieter time at the sink.
- SINGLE BOWL: Bowl gives you uninterrupted space for washing and stacking dishes or other household tasks.
- UNDERMOUNT INSTALLATION: Sink is installed beneath the countertop creating a seamless appearance between the sink and the countertop.
- Versatile oversized double bowl sink perfect for multi-tasking, soaking and washing your largest pots and pans
- NoiseDefend soundproofing technology with non-toxic SoundGuard undercoating and extra-thick pads covering over 80% of the sink.
- Resilient and easy to clean, corrosion and rust-resistant; matches most kitchen appliances.
- Dent-resistant T304 stainless steel in TRU16 real 16-gauge (always 1.5mm thick) for superior strength and durability.
1. Best Overall: Kraus Loften Drop-In Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink with Pull Down Faucet:
- Tight-radius corners
- Faucet included
- Multiple installation options
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Faucet isn’t stainless steel
Kraus Loften (model KCH-1000) is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality and versatile sink in all respects. It is made of T-304 stainless steel, a durable, low-maintenance and long-lasting material with excellent resistance to rust and extreme temperatures.
This elegant sink has a staggered drain on the right side and a slightly sloping sink for easy emptying. Straight walls and narrow corners provide a modern look and make cleaning easier. In addition, the dual configuration offers the option of bottom or drop mounting.
The Loften has a 20 inch extendable tap (made of chrome, not stainless steel) and has an extra hole for a soap dispenser. You also get a drain cover, installation accessories, power cords, and two cutting templates. To top it off, Kraus backs this product with a limited lifetime warranty.
2. Best Budget: Ikea Hilljesön Double Bowl Top Mount Sink:
- Double bowl style
- Strainer included
- 25-year warranty
- Relatively small and shallow
On a budget? See Ikea’s Hilljesö double sink. At 29.5 x 18.1 x 7.1 inches, it’s slightly smaller and shallower than the average sink, but if you’re working with limited space or just want to lower your renovation costs, this is an excellent choice.
Hilljesön is made of stainless steel, which offers sturdiness, durability and easy maintenance. It has two sinks of the same size and two drains and comes with a Lillviken filter. We also appreciate that Ikea gives this sink a 25-year limited warranty.
3. Best Farmhouse: Kohler Whitehaven Undermount Single Bowl Farmhouse Kitchen Sink:
- Attractive design
- 14 colors
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Expensive
If you like country style sinks, you can’t go wrong with the Kohler Whitehaven (model K-5827). It is made from highly durable cast iron and has a glossy enamel finish in 12 colors to choose from ranging from traditional white to neutral brown and trendy black.
Whitehaven is certainly more expensive, but the material is guaranteed not to crack, break or burn and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This apron has a single sink that combines elegant sophistication with traditional charm.
4. Best Double: Kraus Quarza Double Basin Drop-In Kitchen Sink:
- Reasonably priced
- Multiple installation options
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Shallow divider
Are you looking for a double pool? Choose Kraus Quarza (model KGD-442). Made from 80% ground quartz and 20% granite composite, this sink is naturally resistant to scratches, knocks, stains, wear and fading. The unique design looks great, so you can appreciate your smart choice when washing dishes.
The Quartz has a small and a large bowl, each almost 30 cm deep and with its own well back. This low profile sink can be installed using the recessed or undercounter method and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
5. Best Drop-In: Elkay Avenue Drop-In/Undermount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink with Bottom Grid:
- Reasonably priced
- Multiple installation options
- Three faucet holes
- Grid included
- Flat bottom
If you are installing a flush mount, we recommend the Elkay Avenue (model HDDSB33229TR3), which actually gives you the mounting option (drop-in or undermount). Made from durable, low-maintenance T-304 stainless steel, it features three tap holes and a removable bottom grid for added versatility.
This washbasin has straight side walls, a flat bottom and a recessed drain. While the flat bottom can make draining liquids difficult, the design helps maximize usable space.
6. Best Undermount: MR Direct Quartz Granite Single Bowl Undermount Kitchen Sink with Flange:
- Buffers sound
- Six colors
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Trap not included
To be installed partially under the counter? See MR Direct’s Single Bowl Undermount Sink (Model 848-BL-CFL). The non-porous hybrid material consists of 80% natural quartz and 20% acrylic and resists scratches, stains, fading and temperatures up to 550 degrees.
The material also buffers sound and does not contain bacterial growth. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, this sink comes in six neutral shades (and a matching flange) to complement any kitchen design for years to come.
7. Best Workstation: Glacier Bay All-in-One Double Bowl R0 Drop-In Workstation Kitchen Sink:
- Commercial-grade
- Sliding track
- Several accessories
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Divider isn’t removable
To achieve optimal functionality without sacrificing workspace, you should consider a workstation sink, such as the Glacier Bay All-in-One Double Bowl (model 4310F-2). Large pans are ideal for preparing, cooking and cleaning food, while the sliding guide makes it even more versatile.
This commercial grade stainless steel sink comes with all the bells and whistles. We are talking about a protruding tree, a cutting board, a bottom grid, a rolling mat, a strainer, a faucet hole, a soap dispenser hole, and even a towel. Not only that, but it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, so you can rest easy with this purchase.
8. Best Copper: Sinkology Lange Farmhouse Apron Front Pure Copper Sink:
- Unique aesthetic
- Ergonomic depth
- Buffers sound
- Lifetime warranty
- Develops patina over time
- Expensive
Sinkology’s tall sink (model SEK307-33AC) is made of pure 17-gauge copper and finished with a hand hammer technique to create an ancient effect.
The ergonomic depth makes washing the dishes a little more comfortable, while the sound insulation pads minimize the echo of the kitchen utensils and reduce the noise caused by the removal. Sinkology also offers his product with a warranty forever.
9. Best Ceramic: DeerValley Single Bowl Reversible Farmhouse Kitchen Sink:
- Porcelain glaze
- Nonporous
- Reversible
- Relatively small/shallow
DeerValley’s single bowl sink (model DV-1K026) is made of solid ceramic and finished with smooth, shiny porcelain enamel. The result is a non-porous surface that resists scratches, high temperatures, rust, stains and fading.
This modern, compact yet spacious farmhouse-inspired sink features a large tub with a central drain and a sloping base for easy cleaning. Its reversible design allows it to be installed with the vertical cutouts facing outwards or with two horizontal cutouts for a more minimalist look.
10. Best Stainless Steel: Kingsman Hardware Zero Radius Undermount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink:
- Buffers sound
- Several accessories
- Modern aesthetic
- Tricky to clean
Kingsman Hardware’s zero-radius undermount sink (model ARL-F3619-GRY) is constructed of extra-thick, high-quality 16-gauge stainless steel with a gloss brushed finish. Thanks to sound-absorbing pads and a protective coating, you can expect as little echo and less ringing as you work.
However, he points out that people appreciate modern aesthetics: crisp, clean lines and sharp angles. This sink comes with a variety of accessories including a rolling basket, base and basket.
11. Best Composite: Karran Drop-In Top Mount Quartz Kitchen Sink:
- Reasonably priced
- Six colors
- 25-year warranty
- Reviewers note it could be more durable
Karran’s Drop-In quartz kitchen sink (model QT-812) consists of 80% earth composite quartz crystals and 20% acrylic resin. Unique durable, non-porous material withstands impacts, scratches and temperatures up to 535F.
Epstein explains that one of the advantages of composite pools is that they often come in many colors. Indeed, this drop-in model is available in white, beige, brown, black and several shades of gray. We also like that it comes with a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty.
What to look for in a sink
Company
Finding the right size sink for your space can be tricky. There are a few different elements at play, including the length, width, and depth of the sink, as well as the size of the entire sink and the depth of the countertop. The standard recommendation is for a sink to be at least 27 inches long, 19 inches wide and 7 inches deep, although this can easily be adjusted if you have a small kitchen or corner sink.
Material
The most popular material for sinks is stainless steel, which is valued for its durability, scratch and impact resistance, and versatility. However, there are many other materials to choose from.
Porcelain-coated cast iron is gaining popularity for its traditional farm-friendly look, but the enamel coating doesn’t really cover the wear. Copper, granite and fireclay are more contemporary options and are all excellent choices that also look elegant, but keep in mind that copper needs a little more maintenance to look good.
Installation
You may not realize it at first, but sinks can be installed in a variety of ways. Drop-in (or top-mount) sinks simply fit into holes in the countertop, making them the easiest to install. Undercounter sinks are placed under the counter, creating a smooth, seamless look that appeals to more contemporary sensibilities. The fronts of the farmhouse sinks (or apron) are visible, replacing the furniture and making a striking impression.
Style
Both single-pool and two-pool pools are worth considering, each with different advantages and disadvantages. Single bowl sinks allow you to work with a larger surface area, making them ideal if you use a lot of pots and pans. With a double sink, you can rinse more efficiently and you can choose between sinks of the same size or a small and a large sink. There are also triple sinks, but they are better suited for very large kitchens.
FAQ
How is a washbasin installed?
While most people opt for undercounter models, Epstein explains that it depends on whether the sink is designed to be recessed or undercounter. Other factors include whether it’s just a sink replacement or a full kitchen renovation with new counter tops.
“If you’re a standard size,” Epstein says, “it can be as simple as removing the sink, faucet, drain line, and clips to lift it.” However, keep in mind that it may still be necessary to shave the edges of the cut more to get the exact location of the sink.
Keep in mind that if you don’t already have an opening, cutting the countertop will likely require a professional. “Otherwise the impact on costs can increase significantly if the work surface is damaged.”
Can you change the sink without changing the worktop?
You can replace the sink without new blades. However, Epstein points out, “You should keep in mind that you may need to find a sink that fits into the existing opening.” If it’s a full opening, finding a suitable cut shouldn’t be a problem, although unusual shapes can be more complicated. When in doubt, contact a professional for selection and installation.
What kind of sink is best for strong water?
Regardless of the material, Epstein explains, “If there are a lot of minerals in the water, the color changes over time.” If you’re dealing with hard water, he recommends keeping the problem under control with regular cleaning. It also says, “If your faucet keeps dripping into the sink, you’ll have stains,” so be sure to fix any leaks right away.
Why rely on fir?
Theresa Holland is a freelance copywriter specialized in marketing, home improvement and interior design. For this article, he interviewed licensed plumber Richard Epstein to learn more about sink materials, styles, and installation requirements. Before making his final choices, he went through dozens of models and finally opted for sinks with several desirable features, such as a standard size, multiple color options, included accessories and a generous warranty.
