How many times a day do you fill a pot with water, rinse a glass or wash your hands? There’s a reason why most kitchen sinks are positioned under a window. We end up spending a lot of time there, whether we like it or not.
A kitchen renovation comes with a lot of expenses, but the sink is not an area where you want to cut corners. There are so many types of sinks out there, you’ll want to narrow down your priority list before you even click Search. Before you topple into the black hole of colors, specs and prices, here are some basics to consider.
1. Choose Your Shape
Yeah, this is the obvious one. Sinks come in a few basic shapes: single basin, 50/50 (divided in the middle with equal bowls on each side), and 60/40 (one basin larger than the other). Everyone has their own personal preference, so we’re not going to tell you which kitchen sink is best.
But it’s worth putting some thought into the sink shape. If you’re a baker, you may want a low-divide or single basin that can hold your cookie sheet when you leave those burnt crumbles to soak. Lefties may go for a 40/60 instead of a 60/40, which puts your faucet in closer reach. Chances are you’ll have this sink for years, so don’t let it be a source of frustration, however minor.
2. Select a Gauge
The durability of a stainless-steel sink is described in terms of its gauge, typically either 16 or 18. The lower number actually indicates higher durability, so 16-gauge sinks tend to be more expensive because they’re a thicker stainless steel than 18-gauge.
Try not to go any higher than 18-gauge for your kitchen or utility sinks. You might be tempted by lower prices, but you’ll end up replacing your sink much sooner than if you shell out for the more durable options.
3. Additional Features
No one wants to read all the fine print, but some of those features have a big impact. Insulation, for instance, reduces that annoying tinny sound of water hitting steel – a deal-breaker for many. The depth of the bowl also varies: most homeowners prefer at least an 8” depth for their primary kitchen sink.
4. Where to Buy Your Sink
If you’re thinking about getting countertops in the next few years, you should seriously consider trading out the whole kit and caboodle in one go. Your countertop fabricator will need to know your exact sink and faucet specifications before they cut your countertop; and if you have the option, buying your sink directly from the fabricator can make the whole process move along much more smoothly.
In the course of a big renovation, choose a sink model that improves your time in the kitchen. Nobody needs another reason to avoid doing dishes.
