Your kitchen's essential anchor: sinks that elevate function and style

Kitchen sinks aren't just fixtures; they're a vital to your culinary space. Discover a diverse world of kitchen sinks to enhance your daily cooking experience. Stainless steel sinks offer durability and a modern aesthetic, while ceramic sinks bring timeless charm and easy maintenance. For those seeking resilience and elegance, explore granite composite options. Choose between undermount or overmount styles, catering to your preferences and kitchen layout. Find the best balance between functionality and style with our range of kitchen sinks, elevating the heart of your home. Now, let’s dive in deeper. 

Discover the variety of kitchen sink types

When selecting a sink, many types are at your disposal. These various types are categorised based on their method of installation. For instance, an undermount sink is not merely a type of kitchen sink but also refers to its installation process. Moreover, the type of worktop you possess in your kitchen will influence the kind of sink you opt for. Here are the different types of kitchen sinks available in the market.

Undermount sink

Arguably the most prevalent type of kitchen sink, undermount sinks are fitted beneath the counter utilising adhesive, brackets and clips. Proper mounting is crucial to the installation of this sink, as the weight of the sink will be suspended underneath the counter. Furthermore, the support required by these sinks makes them unsuitable for tile or laminate counters, which lack the strength of solid materials. 

Be mindful that undermount sinks do not come with a tap ledge. Faucets and other accessories must also be installed on the worktop or onto the wall.

Drop-in sink

Drop-in sinks are the easiest to install and are compatible with most counter materials. All you need is a sealant and a suitably sized cut-out on the counter. These sinks feature lips that extend over your counter, supporting the sink's weight. 

The lip of the sink may also be elevated a few millimetres or an inch, depending on the design and material of the sink. Dirt and water can become trapped between the counter and the rim, which can disadvantage some. However, proper installation and cleaning make you less likely to encounter any problems.

Apron front

Also known as farmhouse sinks, apron-front sinks are traditional-style sinks that are mounted atop a base kitchen cabinet instead of in or on the counter. The front edge is exposed, and the counter overhangs the sinks on the sides and back. These sinks are compatible with most counters as long as the base cabinetry has been modified to accommodate the depth of the sink. 

Since the cabinets fit into the cabinetry, they are supported from underneath. It's highly recommended to hire a professional to install an apron sink. Besides the vintage charm, the apron sink needs counter space in front. This allows for a more comfortable user experience as you don't need to lean over to use the sink. 

Which size and configuration of kitchen sink suits you best?

Kitchen sinks come in many shapes and sizes, each designed to cater to your unique taste and requirements. With such an extensive array of options at your disposal, it's paramount to consider a few key factors. For instance, do you frequently utilise large stock pots and frying pans? Is a dishwasher a part of your kitchen ensemble? Keeping your specific needs in mind will aid in selecting the optimal configuration and size for your kitchen sink.

Single bowl sinks

As the moniker suggests, a single bowl sink is a single bowl. Ideal for those with limited kitchen space, single-bowl sinks come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from compact round units to larger rectangular options. The lack of boundary allows for the cleaning of large items such as pans and pots. They also serve as cost-effective alternatives to double bowl sinks and can function as secondary or bar sinks. However, single-bowl sinks do not offer the convenience of sorting different items.

Double bowl sinks

As the name implies, a double bowl sink consists of two sections. These sinks are either crafted from one large sink divided into two or two separate sinks framed into a single unit. The standard configuration is one large bowl complemented by a smaller adjacent bowl. You may also find options with two equally sized bowls or a configuration featuring a shallow bowl coupled with a deeper one. The primary advantage of double bowl sinks lies in their versatility - they can be used for preparation or drying, and they tend to use less water, depending on your dishwashing technique. However, double-bowl sinks may not be the best fit for compact kitchens.

Round bowl sinks

While round bowl sinks have waned in popularity due to their smaller size, they remain an excellent choice for those seeking to create a compact, retro ambience. Their smaller size may pose a challenge when washing large pans and pots.

Corner bowl sinks

Corner bowl sinks are great for smaller kitchens as they slot nicely into a corner, transforming an otherwise underutilised space into a functional area in your modern kitchen. Most contemporary corner sinks offer the same: 

What material should you choose for your kitchen sink?

Your kitchen habits and routines will significantly influence your kitchen sink's material choice. For instance, sinks subjected to heavy-duty usage should be constructed from robust materials like granite composite or stainless steel. Conversely, if you frequently utilise heavy cookware, porcelain-enamelled sinks should be avoided, as they're prone to chipping or scratching.

Stainless steel

For many, stainless steel is the go-to material when considering a kitchen sink. It's the most prevalent material for kitchen sinks, and for a good reason – stainless steel possesses a timeless aesthetic and requires minimal upkeep. Stainless steel is measured in gauges, typically ranging from 16 to 22. The higher the gauge, the thicker and superior the sink's quality. A budget stainless steel sink can be prone to dents and scratches and can be noisy when water splashes. However, thicker stainless steel, albeit costlier, is sturdier and more durable.

Granite

Granite sinks infuse an element of sophistication and elegance into your kitchen. As anticipated, granite sinks are considerably heavy and hence require correct installation. Most granite sinks feature an apron-front style, showcasing their beauty. They possess a unique chiselled face, revealing the rugged, natural allure of the stone they're crafted from. They can also be intricately carved to inject personality into your kitchen. If you prefer something simpler, opt for a smooth, polished face. However, remember that natural stone is porous; hence, regular sealing is required to prevent staining.

Ceramic

A ceramic sink is an excellent choice if your kitchen boasts a traditional or shaker-style design. These kitchen sinks offer impressive features, including heat resistance, low maintenance, stylishness and durability. Similar to stainless steel sinks, ceramic sinks necessitate proper care. Although rare, they can crack if a heavy object is dropped on them.

Explore kitchen sinks and more at vidaXL

At vidaXL, we boast an extensive range of kitchen sinks, available in an array of materials, dimensions and configurations to cater to your requirements. We strictly source our products from industry-leading manufacturers, ensuring that every item you find within our selection meets the highest quality standards. Feel free to peruse our collection and discover the ideal sink for your kitchen. 

You might also be interested in these products for your kitchen: From sleek, modern appliances that make cooking a breeze to stylish utensils that add a touch of class to your meal preparations. And remember our range of innovative storage solutions, thoughtfully designed to maximise space and keep your kitchen organised. 

• Kitchen cabinets

• Kitchen & dining

• Kitchen appliances

Kitchen cabinets and appliances are integral parts of a kitchen, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. Cabinets provide essential storage for dishes, pots and pantry items and come in various styles and finishes to suit any decor. 

Kitchen appliances, such as hobs and burners, streamline food preparation, cooking, and preservation, making culinary tasks more efficient. Together, cabinets and appliances create a harmonious and practical kitchen environment, making cooking and dining a delight.

Looking for other products? Check out the categories below:

Material: Granite Sink - Stainless steel sink

Type: Round Sink - Double sink