Sinks and tapware complete a kitchen design and functionally represent one of the most important choices made for the heart of the home. Size, shape, depth and material will all be key considerations, but carefully considering lifestyle factors and use such as the demands that will be placed on the sink are important to help select the best products.

The sink is arguably the hardest working and most vital tool in a kitchen. Yet, when it comes to kitchen design, sinks can be overlooked or an afterthought to the more glamorous benchtops. While of course aesthetics matter, other considerations will include ease of installation, round or cube in shape, sharp corners or smooth, and the appropriate level of durability.  

Which materials and finishes are most commonly used for kitchen sinks?

• Stainless steel

• Stone

• Glass

• Composite granite

• Fireclay

• Copper

• Cast Iron

• Ceramic

• Chrome

Choosing the right kitchen sink

Stainless steel is the most popular material for kitchen sinks and benches - and is both highly durable and cost effective. Granite composite sinks are generally heat, chip, scratch and stain resistant, so also represent a desirable option – and, available in black, white or a range of striking colours, can continue the colour scheme of the bench top for design flow. 

For a busy household where cooking and food preparation is a regular activity, large and double bowl sinks may add real value. Self-rimming sinks can add style through their framing but undermount sinks support a seamless ‘clean and walk away’ lifestyle. 

Top mount vs undermount sinks: what’s the best option?

Topmount sinks and sink inserts sit in a pre-cut hole in the benchtop while undermount sinks are mounted beneath the counter – creating more bench space and easier benchtop cleaning. Top mount options remain the most common however, due to a more straightforward installation, easier cleaning and greater versatility – with installation possible on any benchtop material. 

Double or single bowl sinks? 

Double bowl sinks are a worthy consideration where space is not an issue. They provide increased usage options, versatility and can facilitate multitasking – for example allowing dishes to be soaked in one bowl while rinsing vegetables in the other. They may also encourage less water usage, especially if there is one smaller bowl and one larger one. 

A single bowl sink may be preferable to a double when oversized items are regularly required to be cleaned, as the divider in a double bowl sink will likely get in the way of bigger items. Single bowl sinks are also often all that is required when cooking is not the focal task in the home and the dishwasher is well utilised. 

What are the benefits of drainboard sinks?

*The attached grooved apron of a drainboard sink is angled to direct water into the sink itself

*They’re designed to leave dishes to drop dry - reducing the use of the dishwasher

*They promote a clean and dry bench space by channeling spills into the sink

A drainboard sink allows for ease of cleaning and protects the bench surface from build up of water and staining from food scraps. Where the adjoining sink has a waste disposal unit, a drainboard will allow for tidier food preparation with the ability to scoop scraps directly into the sink and rinse away remnants.