Best Kitchen Sink for A Sleek and Modern Home Kitchen

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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The area where you put your dirty dishes, prep and wash food. If we take the time to assess, the kitchen sink is probably where we spend the most time than anywhere else in the kitchen. That and the fact that you need a harmonious interior decor relationship in your kitchen is even more reason to make high considerations as you choose the best kitchen sink for your space.

Kitchen sinks now come in various sizes, shapes, and finishes instead of the traditional stainless steel and porcelain sink. Now we have the more modern options that include the black granite and copper options. With practicality in mind, choosing the best sink and faucet to anchor your countertop can be a little overwhelming, so here are the best of the bunch to help you narrow down the search.

If you're in the middle of any home improvement or a major kitchen renovation, there’s certainly a need to buy a functional, shiny new sink with a generous surface area. It will need you to spend a little more to upgrade the kitchen sink, a relatively minor purchase that will significantly determine the overall aura of your space. Here is the best kitchen sink buying guide that cuts across different styles and budgets.

The Best Kitchen Sink for Your Home Improvement

1. Houzer 2522-9BS3-1 Glowtone Series Top mount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

Houzer 2522-9BS3-1 Glowtone Series Topmount Stainless...
  • Overall size 25" X 22", Bowl 21" X 15.75" X 9" deep
  • 18 gauge T-304 stainless steel
  • StoneGuard undercoating over super silencer pad.Clean everyday by...
  • Fits 30" cabinet
  • 3 Holes

Even the lowliest and basic kitchen sink can look stunning when it’s new, but if you’re looking for something more functional and affordable, then the Houzer Glowtone Top mount stainless steel kitchen sink top-mounted model fits the bill. It is one of the best kitchen sink brands that is highly rated by users.

The Hauzer single-basin kitchen sinks come with an 18-gauge stainless steel sink and a commercial-grade satin finish, plus 3 faucet-mounting holes. It also comes with a silencing pad below, which is covered with a marble powder-based coating to quieten the clanking of dishes and running water. 

This top mount kitchen sink is 9 inches in length but has two other models available if you need something a little shallower or if your sink setup will require 4 holes. Houzer sink mounting hardware is made from a durable 304 Type of stainless steel, a premium 18:10 blend of chrome and nickel to make your sink exceptionally resistant to corrosion, dents and stains. These Houzer single basin sinks have a scratchproof, resilient and hygienic surface that requires minimal maintenance and care.

Generally, a stainless steel kitchen sink will last for a lifetime. The other sinks are available as single bowl sinks, double bowl sinks and triple bowl kitchen sinks.

Pros:

  • It is a drop-in sink with the optimal blend of chromium and nickel.
  • It has a construction that is built for maximum durability and corrosion resistance.
  • These sinks are scratchproof, resilient and hygienic surface.
  • They require minimal maintenance and care.
  • It comes with a silencing pad
    It is affordable.
  • It has a limited 10-year warranty.

Cons:

  • It doesn't come with extra features.

2. Kraus KP1TS33S-2 Pax Single Bowl Steel Sink

Sale
Kraus KP1TS33S-2 Pax Kitchen Sink Single Bowl, 33 inch...
  • KITCHEN SET INCLUDES: Sink, Bottom Grid, Drain Assembly,...
  • DURABLE AND DENT-RESISTANT sink made with high quality TRU16 real...
  • DROP-IN SINK DESIGN allows for easy top mount installation with...
  • LARGE CAPACITY SINK: Zero-radius corners, 95° side walls, and...
  • OUTER SINK DIMENSIONS: 33 in. L x 22 in. W x 9 in. D; Minimum...

The Kraus sink is a classic kitchen sink that will fit into any decor style. This highly-rated Kraus kitchen sink is a drop-in sink that is (33 x 22 x 9) inches and includes a stainless steel grid and basket strainers, all at an affordable price. 

Kraus kitchen sinks are made from high-quality grade stainless steel that is resilient to dents and is built for durability. It has tight zero-radius corners with 95° sidewalls that maximise space. The extra-deep sink is most ideal for families who most likely use large pots and a lot of dirty dishes. Overall, it gives a sleek and contemporary look that is perfectly suited for just about any kitchen style.

Kraus drop-in sinks have a streamlined, modern style that works well in any kitchen. The straight sides, low-profile rim, and sharp corners give it a sleek look compared to the traditional sink. It is made from 16-gauge stainless steel for an elegant sink with a satin finish with a large capacity. The two faucet-mount holes are sound-proof underneath and comes with a strainer.

It also has a thick steel construction that means a stronger sink, while the commercial-grade 16-gauge T-304 stainless steel makes the sink exceptionally long-lasting and resilient to dents. To eliminate noise, it has extra-thick rubber pads that cover 80% of the sink base, while the thick protective undercoat helps prevent damage on the sink base cabinet by condensation.

The handcrafted channel grooves are used to direct water to the drain allowing the sink to drain completely and quickly.

Pros:

  • It is a high-quality steel sink.
  • It has straight sidewalls.
  • It has a stainless steel dish grid.
  • It has unique zero-radius corners to maximise the counter space on the sink.
  • The construction allows large pots to lie flat bottomed for easy cleanup.
  • These sinks come with a decorative drain cover that is optional; the CapPro conceals garbage disposal adapters and waste fittings.

Cons:

  • It comes at a relatively high price.

3. KOHLER Whitehaven Farmhouse Sink, Self-Trimming Tall Apron Front

KOHLER Whitehaven Farmhouse Sink, Self-Trimming Tall...
  • Fits minimum 36-inch apron sink base cabinet
  • Basin slopes 2 degrees toward drain to minimize water pooling
  • Offset drain increases workspace in the sink and storage space...
  • 9-inch depth
  • 35-11/16 inches by 21-9/16 inches.Sized for perfect side-to-side...

The Farmhouse style is one of the most popular kitchen sink style designs, and no farmhouse kitchen sink is complete without the apron-front sink. The Kohler Whitehaven farmhouse sinks are one of the most popular farmhouse kitchen sinks in the market today.

These cast iron sinks are made from an enamelled coating for extreme durability and have a self-trimming apron design that overlaps the front of the cabinet, which makes it easy to install. This sink is 30 x 21.5 x 9 inches and needs an undermount installation at the counter. The Whitehaven undermount kitchen sink comes in different finishes, including white.

Like other apron sinks, it features an offset drain and sloped basin that increases the counter space and increases your workspace. KOHLER cast iron kitchen sinks are not just durable, but they are also guaranteed not to crack or burn.

The enamelled cast iron is incredibly nonporous, smooth, and is exceptionally resistant to food stains. The smooth surface is simple to clean and you shouldn't clean it with abrasive cleaners.

Pros:

  • It has a smooth surface that makes it easy to clean.
  • It has an enamelled cast iron surface that is incredibly smooth, nonporous and is resistant to food stains.
  • It has a three-piece basket strainer.
  • This ultrathick enamel is heat-resistant (1000° F).
  • It has multiple configurations which include, farmhouse kitchen sinks, top-mount, undermount, and freestanding options.

Cons:

  • It is expensive.

4. Ruvati 29-inch Undermount 50/50 Double Bowl 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

Ruvati 29-inch Undermount 50/50 Double Bowl 16 Gauge...
  • 16 GAUGE thick premium T-304 grade stainless steel (18/10...
  • Commercial grade BRUSHED FINISH - Easy to clean and long-lasting....
  • Heavy duty soundGUARD undercoating and thick rubber PADDING to...
  • Exterior dimensions: 29" (wide) x 18-1/2" (front-to-back) |...
  • Included in box: Sink, cut-out template, mounting brackets, rinse...

To make the most of your space, consider a double bowl sink, which you can use to separate used dishes. The Ruvati double bowl sink is made from a premium stainless steel construction with a brushed finish to help hide scratches. It measures 29 x 18.5 x 8 inches, and the two sides are equal.

The soundGUARD undercoat and thick rubber pads minimise noise from washing or running water, providing a superior thermal insulation, and it also helps reduce condensation. The Ruvati has a curved side that makes cleaning and maintenance easy. The sink comes with two basket strainers and two rinse grids giving you the best sink deals with the convenience of a single-bowl sink and the functionality of a double bowl sink.

It is constructed with premium 16-gauge steel with a commercial airbrushed finish that is easy to durable, clean, and resistant to scratches and dents. The 18:10 nickel and chromium construction ensure that the sink is completely rust-resistant. This sturdy sink comes with stainless steel rinse grids to protect the lower surface from dents and scratches.

Pros:

  • The sink is constructed with heavy-duty padding and undercoat to minimise the noise and provide some thermal insulation.
  • It has a heavy-duty SoundGUARD padding undercoating to minimise noise.
  • It has rounded corners and edges to ensure that water is perfectly drained for easy cleaning, leaving the sink clean and dry.
  • It has the 16 GAUGE Premium T-304 Grade stainless steel with 18:10 Chromium/Nickel to ensure it never rusts or stains and for a superior thermal insulation.
  • It is UPC and cUPC certified by the IAPM, ANSI and CSA.
  • The stainless steel bottom rinse grids that protect the sink from scratches.
  • It comes with a basket strainer drain to trap food waste that can be easily emptied.

Cons:

  • The Ruvati sink is relatively pricey.

5. Sinkology Adams Farmhouse Apron Front Copper Kitchen Sink

Adams Farmhouse Apron Front Handmade Copper Kitchen...
  • Commercial Grade - 16 Gauge Pure Solid Copper .063 - .068...
  • Hammered front apron wraps 2 in. on each side
  • Sinkology Copper Sinks Will NOT turn green with typical indoor...
  • Extra 30 in x 19 in large capacity single bowl, helps make...

Suppose you want to make a bold statement in your kitchen, then the Sinkology Adams Farmhouse copper kitchen sink. This elegant apron-front sink has a hammered copper construction that is 33 x 22 x 9 inches and is made from pure copper. This copper sink allows a flexible built-up, under-mount, and flush installation.

Despite being made from copper, this sink has an easy maintenance routine. Simply by washing with soap and water, you not only clean it but protect it from oxidation. Copper has a living and changing finish called the patina, which evolves with how much it is used.

The patina is a natural protective coating to ensure that copper doesn’t corrode. Additionally, acidic foods or chemicals strip it off; however, time will slowly bring it back, going from light to dark.

Pros:

  • It has a patina that helps protect the sink from corrosion, rust or the brittleness of the metal.
  • Copper sinks are unique.
  • It only needs soap and water to protect it from oxidation further.
  • It has an easy maintenance routine.

Cons:

  • It easily discolours even if dishes are left overnight in the sink.

Factors to Consider when Getting the Best Kitchen Sink

A. Correct Size

Getting the correct sink size can be a little hard because of all the different elements at play. You need to consider more than the length, width, and depth of the kitchen sink, including the dimensions of the entire sink and how deep the counter is.

Generally, it is recommended that the sink is at least 19 inches wide, 27 inches long, and 7 inches deep. However, it can easily be adjusted if you have a corner sink or a small kitchen.

B. Kitchen Sink Material

The most used kitchen sink material is stainless steel. It is most prized for its durability, resistance to denting and scratches, and versatility. There are plenty of others to choose from, which include cast iron with a porcelain layering which continues to grow in popularity.

More because of its traditional, farmhouse-friendly design, but its enamel cover doesn't hide the wear and tear. Granite, copper, and fireclay are modern options that are excellent and also look stylish. Copper will need a little more care and maintenance to keep it looking good.

C. Installation

Sinks can be installed in different ways. We have drop-in (or top-mount) sinks that are fixed into a space cut on the countertop. This makes them the easiest to install. We also have undermount sinks, which are attached below the countertop to create a flat, sleek appearance for a more modern aesthetic interior look in your kitchen.

A farmhouse sink (apron-front) has exploded in popularity over the past couple of years. The front of this sink is exposed to replace the cabinet, making a statement.

D. Style

Both the single bowl and double sink are worth considering, but either has pros and cons. A single bowl sink gives you a greater area to work with, making it ideal if you use many pots and pans.

Double basin sinks give you ample space to wash your dishes, and you have the option to choose between equal-sized double basins or one large and one small basin. We also have triple basin sinks, which are best for extra-large kitchens.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Kitchen Sink

1. What is the most durable type of sink?

Stainless steel sinks give the most durable and most affordable material for kitchen sinks. The stainless steel kitchen sink material is resistant to corrosion and doesn't allow bacteria to breed. The cost then depends on the gauge used, which range between 16-22 gauges.

2. Is a steel sink better than a granite sink?

Unlike stainless steel sink, granite is less prone to destruction and makes way less noise than stainless steel. On the other hand, stainless steel is much easier to maintain than granite, but it also doesn't offer the various colour options or durability of the stone. 

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.