Whether you’re redesigning or refreshing your kitchen, the sink is one of the most used commodities in the room and needs careful consideration before buying. Your choice will stay with you for years to come so style, shape, and type all need to be accounted for.
Your needs and personal tastes will determine what kind of sink you should choose, and trust us, there are a lot of different types and style to choose from. There is no one size fits all sink, so doing a little research before you buy will ensure that your kitchen sink will not only last for many years to come, but that it looks great too.
Types of Kitchen Sinks
So, let’s get down to it. When choosing a sink there are a number of different styles available to you. The most common types of sink that you will encounter are ceramic, glass, granite, stainless steel, and composite. Each type has its pros and cons, different price points, and suitability for your home.
Ceramic Sinks
Browse our Reginox Ceramic Sinks!
Ceramic sinks are not only functional, but incredibly stylish. Their glossy finish and clean lines make them very popular in both modern and traditional kitchen settings. They are easy to clean, hard-wearing and although traditionally available in cream and white, can now be found in a range of colours and hues.
Ceramic sinks are often made from materials such as clay, quartz and feldspar, giving them a solid and durable finish. This is why they are a little more expensive than other types of sink.
They make an ideal choice for family homes as they won’t dent like a stainless steel sink might, if something heavy is dropped into it (however, this also means that any plates or glasses that might slip through soapy fingers don’t stand much chance of surviving in one piece). They can withstand hot pans and dishes being placed directly onto their surface without warping or discolouring, too.
Whilst they are hardy, they can chip or crack if treated particularly badly, and a small blemish can result in a larger discolouration around the damaged area.
Ceramic sinks look beautiful in country-style kitchens, especially when fitted farmhouse-style (with the front exposed).
Composite Sinks
Browse our Composite Sinks, starting from £69.99!
Composite sinks strike the perfect balance between hard-wearing durability and good looks. As the name suggests, composite sinks are made from a combination of two different materials; quartz and granite are popular choices though acrylic blends are also available.
The combination of materials makes composite sinks incredibly heat-resistant so hot plates, pots, and pans won’t leave a mark behind. Their compact construction also makes them highly resistant to scratches and dents from wayward silverware or dropped dishes.
Composite sinks are a very popular choice for many homeowners because they look the part without costing the earth. Whilst still more expensive than stainless steel sinks they are long-lasting and hard-wearing and can complement any style of kitchen.
Stainless Steel Sinks
Shop our Clearwater Stainless Steel Sinks, starting from £179.99
Stainless steel is one of the most popular choices for the kitchen sink. They’re classic, hard-wearing and look great in all styles of kitchen.
They’re also very affordable, but don’t let that worry you: we’ve come a long way in terms of design and today’s stainless steel sinks look sleek and are tougher than ever.
They won’t crack or chip, like ceramic might, but the bowl can get scratched so a little care needs to be taken when placing items in.
Buy a brand-new sink from Ship It Appliances today and get fast & free delivery! Available in a range of sizes and finishes.
Styles of Kitchen Sinks
It’s not only the type of kitchen sink that you need to decide on, there are plenty of different styles to choose from too. Each style has its own unique features, so it’s important to think about how you want your sink to function in your home, as well as how you want it to look.
Let’s run through the most popular styles, so you can make an informed choice for your home.
Undermount Sinks
CDA KCC24SS Polished Stainless
Undermount sinks offer an attractive, minimalist look which many homeowners love. Key features include:
- The sink is mounted below the countertop for a seamless finish
- Best suited to solid surface counters rather than tiles, which can’t support the weight of the sink
- Reclaim counter space
- Easy to clean
Overmount Sinks
A classic style that never ages, these are also known as topmount or drop-in sinks as they sit in a pre-cut hole in your countertop. Key features include:
- Slightly cheaper to install than undermount fittings
- Can protect countertops made from soft materials such as marble as the sink sits over the edge
- Classic finish
Integral Sinks
An integral sink is made from the same material as the countertop for a truly seamless and modern finish. Key features include:
- Easy to clean
- Unobtrusive design allows the focus to remain on key features such as beautiful faucets or a unique backlash
- Limited to flexible materials such as quartz, stainless steel and composite materials
Single Bowl Sinks
Single bowl sinks can be as big or small as you need, making them perfect for kitchens of all sizes. Key features include:
- Perfect for washing big pots and baking trays
- Simple design that maximises counter space
1.5 Bowl
Franke Antea Stainless Steel
1.5 bowl sinks feature a larger main sink and a smaller “half” sink attached to it. They look great whether under or overmounted. Key features include:
- Space for washing up and rinsing items at the same time
- Flexible sizing for all kitchen sizes
Double Bowl
CDA CCP3SS Stainless Steel 1mm Heavy Gauge Double Bowl Corner Kitchen Sink
Too many cooks spoil the broth, but when it comes to washing up, the more hands the merrier! A double bowl allows you plenty of space to wash, dry, and prepare. Key features include:
- Enables multi-tasking; wash in one, rinse in another
- Available in wide range of sizes to suit all kitchens
To browse our full range of sinks, click here.
Need inspiration on our sink choice? Then look no further than our buying guides:
Ultimate kitchen sink buying guide
What type of kitchen sink should I buy?
How to clean a kitchen sink
