Have you ever looked closely at your kitchen sink and wondered if it was the right sink for you? Is it too deep? Is it not deep enough? Does it function the way you’d like? Believe it, or not, there is no perfect kitchen sink, but there is a sink for every person depending on your lifestyle.
Here are some things to consider before making an upgrade.
- Check the flat surface area on the bottom of the sink. Sinks with more flat space can be more expensive, but they are a much better product because of the design. You’ll be able to set more dishes on a level surface without them tipping over, such as glass ware.
- Drain location. The drain should be near the back of the sink. When it’s near the back, the disposal and trap are also positioned back in the cabinet below, leaving you much more room under the sink for a garbage receptacle or storage space.
- Is your sink noisy? Less expensive sinks have less sound proofing. When you run your garbage disposal, it will be very loud. Note the thickness of the steel. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the steel. Heavier steel won’t dent as easily and will be much quieter.
- Under mount vs. drop in sinks. Under mount sinks are easier to sweep crumbs from your countertop into the sink and will give you more depth.
- Stainless steel sink finishes. Better quality steel sinks are given hand polished highlights at the factory using a buffing wheel. Look for a sink with a nice shine. It will have more eye appeal and it’s easier to clean.
- Sink material. Some sinks are made of a stone-like material often called ‘quartz’ and are very durable. They’re made to be the most sanitary, hard to scratch and come in several color options.
- One bowl vs. two bowls. One bowl sinks are becoming more popular, however, two bowls are standard. It depends on which you prefer and the types of things you’re washing.
- Low divide vs. high divide. A lower divide works best for soaking frying pans, but you can still fill the entire sink up with water if you need to.
- Sink size. 33×22 inch sinks are the standard size. Most of the sinks in your home could be replaced by another standard size that will fill the same space, but will give you a new look.
- Apron front farm sinks. These sinks are becoming more and more popular. You don’t have to lean over and reach as much, putting much less stress on your back.
No matter what you decide for your kitchen sink, make sure it’s a sink that works for you and your family. What works well for one person might not work for another. Be sure to look at sinks in person if possible, stand in front of them, reach your hands inside as if you were doing the dishes and see how it feels.
Written in partnership with The ‘Hood Magazine. May 2016.
