Normal 0
If you’re replacing your sink, either as a small change to spruce up your kitchen or as one change of a larger overhaul, you may wonder what’s available. Stainless steel sinks are one of the more popular types of kitchen sinks today. The variety may be overwhelming, but when boiled down there are really only a few basic options. Before you shop, take a look at the break down below of what you can expect to find at your local kitchen showroom.
Stainless Steel Sink Basics
Top Mount or Undermount sinks. Top mount sinks have an exposed lip that prevents water from running off onto the countertop. These are used frequently with tile and laminate countertops but can work with any. Undermount sinks are mounted under the countertop. They are commonly seen with granite countertops. This look is seamless and classy. Undermount sinks are available in all types, including single, double and triple bowl size.
Heavy duty stainless steel single bowl sinks. These sinks are one large, stainless steel bowl. They may be rectangular or round, small or large. Single bowls can be good for cleaning up dishes and work well for smaller sinks, including bar size. If you do not need a lot of room for doing dishes, a single bowl will be just right.
Double bowl sinks. These come in equal as well as offset variations. Equal double bowls are two bowls of the same size, side-by-side. Offset double bowls include one large bowl and one smaller bowl connected to it. Double bowls can be good for separating dishes or work spaces. In offset double, the smaller bowl can be used for food preparation, and the larger bowl can be used for cleanup.
Heavy duty triple bowl stainless steel sinks. Triple bowl stainless sinks may include three bowls of varying sizes – one large, one medium, and one small. They’re all connected to each other and feature separate drains. You will need a fair amount of kitchen countertops space for this size of sink. You’ll want to consider that two of the bowls are relatively small and may not function the way you need. If you’re desperate for sink space, you may want to consider adding a separate, smaller sink in another part of the kitchen.
Bar sinks. Bar sinks are typically smaller, single bowl sinks. They're good for bars but will work well as a secondary sink in the kitchen as well. Bar sinks make a nice addition to an island.
Round sinks. You will probably come across rectangular or square sinks, although round sinks do exist as well. Horseshoe shape kitchen sinks are available, if you want something that isn't quite round or rectangular.
These are just a few of the basic sink types you'll see in a hardware store. Again, your basic choices include top mount or undermount sinks, single bowl, double bowl, triple bowl, bar size, and round (or other shapes). Choose the style you need according to your countertop space and what you will generally be using it for. Whatever you choose, you’ll no doubt benefit from the style and function of stainless steel.
