As you have no doubt observed in the sections on choosing the right toilet and water heater, choice is the name of the game in this industry. That said, there may be no wider palate of choice than when choosing a new kitchen or lavatory sink and faucet combination.  With so many companies competing for the best prices, sharpest styles and newest technology, it is easy to get overwhelmed. To help make all that selection a little easier to digest, we have put together the following guide.

The Sink

Before we even consider size and shape, we should focus on the material it is made out of: Stainless Steel, a colored Cast Iron or a colored Steel variety are the common choices.  Stainless steel sinks are incredibly durable. True to their name, they are just about impervious to staining if they are maintained properly. Even a very old stainless steel sink can be brought back to a shiny like-new finish by cleaning with the grain using an abrasive cleanser and some effort. The benefit to a cast iron or steel sink with a porcelain finish is that they are available in a whole spectrum of colors ready to coordinate with your kitchen’s scheme. Porcelain coated steel sinks are, generally, the least expensive of the options we’ve discussed. They are not as durable as stainless steel or cast iron, but are available in a variety of colors. These are great sinks for rental properties or when remodeling the home to sell it. Stainless steel sinks fall in the middle for value and resilience. If they are maintained properly, they can keep their luster over a lifetime. They are not as warm and inviting as a color coordinated sink. A porcelain coated cast iron sink is incredibly durable and also available in virtually any color. These are also generally the most expensive of the options covered here.

This is not an exhaustive list of kitchen sink options by any means. Today, kitchen sinks are made of everything from hammered copper to stained glass. The options we have discussed in this section represent the kinds of choices we see our customers making everyday. We are always happy to explore new and innovative designs as well. 

Once you have settled on what type of sink will best serve you, it is time to focus on how it will best serve you. Do you need an oversized sink with large, deep compartments? Do you use your sink to wash dishes regularly? Is your kitchen space challenged? Today, kitchen sinks are available in many interesting layout designs. Spend a little time observing your habits in the kitchen and then begin to imagine how your ideal sink would look. The standard sink layout is still the straight forward two identical compartment styles. This is a great layout for people who wash their dishes in the sink as it provides plenty of room for washing and rinsing as well as soaking. Many people who use this layout choose a sink with one compartment deeper than the other to accommodate large pots. Another popular choice is having one oversized compartment and one smaller compartment. This is a great choice for people who use a dishwasher but still want plenty of space to hand wash large pots or baking sheets. Still another innovation is a tri-compartment sink with two larger compartments bisected by a smaller “prep” sink in between them.

The Faucet

Once you have found the right sink it is time to match it up with the perfect faucet. Check back soon for the companinon to the article, Choosing the Right Kitchen Faucet.