With a number of sizes, materials, and styles available, finding the right kitchen sink can feel overwhelming. The wrong choice can negatively impact the design of your kitchen and make cooking and cleaning a hassle.

Maximize efficiency and function in your kitchen when you choose the proper kitchen sink material, size, and drain placement. Other factors to consider include the number of bowls, your home’s design style, and kitchen sink installation. Follow this guide to easily find ideas for the kitchen sink and find the perfect kitchen sink for your home layout and style.

SINK MATERIAL

When selecting the right kitchen sink materials, it’s important to consider function, durability, and style. One of the most popular choices, high-quality stainless steel kitchen sinks are durable, scratch resistant, and sound absorbent. VIGO offers stainless steel sinks with farmhouse or undermount sink installation, making the stainless steel utility sink a great choice for any kitchen style.

VIGO’s proprietary Matte Stone™ material is a refreshing alternative to other standard sink materials like cast iron, fireclay, and porcelain. The white composite sink lacks seams or joints and has a velvety matte finish that’s silky to the touch. Solid to the core, Matte Stone™ kitchen sinks look and feel exactly like carved, polished stone.

Fireclay sinks have a glossy porcelain surface that resists stains and scratches. Cleaning and maintaining these sinks can be simple, although cleaning products cause scratches and dull the glazed finish. Due to its weight, fireclay sinks should only be installed with professional help.

Copper kitchen sinks are recyclable and reduce the spread of germs and grime, however the natural material requires more care and attention than stainless steel or Matte Stone™. You may also opt for a stone kitchen sink, such as granite or marble; stone is a beautiful and natural alternative, but the material is heavy and expensive.

SINK SIZE

Whether too shallow, too narrow, or too large, the wrong kitchen sink size decreases the functionality of your kitchen. Sinks that are too small can cause dishes to break, water to drip, and increase the risk of back pain. Meanwhile, sinks that are too large for your space can take up too much counter space and limit efficient food preparation.

When finding the right size sink, there are a number of factors to consider — including your height, your kitchen faucet, the size of your kitchen, and overall requirements for function. Most kitchen sinks are between 22 and 27 inches in length, with VIGO offering styles that range from 24 to 36 inches. Larger lengths, such as The Bedford 36-inch stainless sink, provide more room for washing large pots and pans ⁠— although they may take up too much space if you have a small kitchen design.

To effectively wash or fill large pots and pans, kitchen sinks should be at least 7 inches deep. Sinks that are too shallow will easily pile up with dishes that reach the kitchen sink faucet. Farmhouse kitchen sinks and stainless steel kitchen sinks from VIGO range between 8 and 10 inches deep.

NUMBER OF BOWLS

Before remodeling your kitchen, you’ll have to choose between single-basin kitchen sinks and double-bowl kitchen sinks. Single bowl sinks are better in small kitchens and make it easier to rinse or fill large pots and pans. On the other hand, double bowl sinks are ideal for washing dishes by hand, offering one bowl for dirty dishes and one bowl for clean dishes.

MOUNTING INSTALLATIONS

The most common types of kitchen sink installment are drop-in, undermount, flush mount, and farmhouse. VIGO heavy-duty stainless steel sinks and Matte Stone™ kitchen sinks allow for an undermount kitchen sink or farmhouse sink installation. Undermount sinks are installed under the counter, so there is no rim between the countertop and sink. Farmhouse sinks are installed the same way as drop-in sinks, but they have an exposed front-facing side for aesthetic purposes.

DRAIN PLACEMENT

Consider the location of existing plumbing and the type of work you do in the kitchen when choosing the drain placement of your new sink. Drains may be located in the center, rear, or off center. To accommodate your space, VIGO offers rear and center drain placements. Center placement ensures fast draining, offers better access for maintenance, and pairs well with centered kitchen faucets. Rear drains ensure seamless water drainage, even when the sink is full of dishes and pans; there is also more space for an under-the-sink storage or garbage disposal.

DESIGN & STYLE

Whether you prefer traditional or modern styles, your aesthetic plays an important role in deciding on the best kitchen sink. Stainless steel kitchen sinks pair well in industrial, modern, and traditional home styles; they also work as laundry room sinks. Apron front sinks elevate traditional, rustic, or minimalist kitchen designs. VIGO offers a range of apron sinks with distinctive designs: smooth flat, 3D geometric patterns, and slotted styles.

HOW TO FIND THE BEST KITCHEN SINK