Selecting the right sink for your kitchen

Undermount Sinks vs. Drop in Sinks

Kitchen sinks are primarily broken up into two distinctive styles, drop in and the now popular undermount sinks. The drop in sink is the most versatile because it can be utilized in any countertop surface, whereas the undermount is primarily restricted to solid surface countertops. The hottest sink on the market for style today is without a doubt the stainless steel undermount sink because it gives a very clean line to the countertop and is now the option of choice for most new homes with granite and other types of solid surface.

When selecting a sink you need to first determine the type of countertop you will have, any type of Formica will require a drop in sink. If you are using any type of solid surface you will have many options to choose from. It is important to stay up to date with the current trends especially for resale value, but it is equally important that you get that functionality that you deserve.

Undermount sinks require a fabricator to cut a hole in the countertop that match the size and contour of the chosen undermount sink. The sink is then mounted under the countertop and is secured with mechanical fastners. These sinks are primarily used with the following surfaces granite, marble, limestone, concrete, butcher block, and composite countertops have grown in popularity, undermount kitchen sinks have also become an increasingly popular choice. These sinks come in a variety of sizes and to give the home owner an opportunity to meet any special needs because of design challenges. It should be noted that if you have a design challenge your best bet to finding a sink that will fix your need is looking for a high quality undermount stainless steel sink because they seem to have a much larger variety of odd shape and sizes to meet your individual needs.

Double Bowl vs. Single Bowl Sinks

The current trend is starting to change in the stainless steel undermount sink. In the past most people preferred a double bowl sink, however a single large bowl is being selected much more frequently. It would seem many people are using the dishwasher and they want a larger
single sink to wash just the pots and pans. It should be noted that the largest undermount single bowl on the market today is typically 30 inches long (measured horizontally) by 18 inches wide (front to back). This does not seem like big difference from the typical double bowl that measures 33 inches long (measured horizontally) by 22 inches wide (front to back), but the reality is the reduction of the sink size allows for much greater room behind the sink which will now open up your faucet choices and it also allows placement of the sink a little farther back in the countertop which allows the front edge of the counter top more meat which helps significantly in keeping breakage of the countertop to a minimum. This is truly important because most solid surface countertops fail at this critical point not only at installation but a year or two after installation after your fabricator is now no longer responsible.

Sink Accessories

It is critically important if you are choosing an undermount kitchen sink that is made from stainless steel that the product be made from high quality 304 stainless steel. It is also important that any sink you purchase has the availability of additional sink accessories, such as grates that fit in the bottom of the sink. These grates help eliminate some of the scratches that can appear over time in that nice finish of your undermount. These sink grates also have another nice function, they allow fruit and vegetables to rest inside the sink with out laying in the bottom of a sink that may not be as germ free as some mothers would like. It is important to be able to have a nice match between the strainers and the finish of your undermount kitchen sink as well.