Different Types of Kitchen Sinks
Kitchen sinks come in a variety of mounting styles and various sink types. How the countertop is built and the materials that your sink is made from play big roles in which style you select and how your sink will be installed. There are currently three basic types of kitchen sinks available: under-mount, drop-in, and farmhouse sinks. Each has its own unique set of benefits, drawbacks, and extra features. In this article we will discuss the pros and cons of each type.
The most popular kitchen sink style is under-mount. These sinks are made up of a solid countertop and have the appearance (if not the feel) of a pedestal sink with a drop-in or semi-rimless top. The great thing about undermount kitchen sinks is that they require little maintenance and can take a lot of wear with the dishes. These sinks are normally placed on the top of a cabinet and are available in a wide variety of materials including stainless steel, cast iron, copper, stainless steel with chrome, and a host of others.
A stainless steel kitchen sink usually offers exceptional durability and performance but does not offer many styles. While stainless steel is a very durable material it will scratch over time. It also is non-stick, so it does not attract a lot of dirt and the ease of cleaning makes it the most popular material for an undermount kitchen sink.
An undermount kitchen sink goes right onto the countertop. This is a popular choice because it takes up less counter space than drop-in and undermount kitchen sinks. However, these sinks are not as durable as the drop-in and undermount sinks so you need to make sure that it is properly sealed. If not you can expect that water will seep between the countertop and the sink.
The next type of kitchen sink is the zero-radius sink. This is a misnomer since the inner edge of the sink does not touch the countertop at all. The zero Radius sink allows some space between the counter and the bottom of the sink so water can be draining without running into space. Zero-radius sinks are perfect for tighter radius tubs or faucets because water cannot seep between the edges of the countertop and the sink.
The last option is the cast iron kitchen sink. These sinks have a polished finish and come in various sizes and colors. They are typically made from high-quality stainless steel with a polished finish. This gives them a polished look, which is not possible with stainless steel. The cast iron is known to be tough and long-lasting and can withstand extreme heat.
For these example sentences, we will assume that the kitchen sink will be placed on the top of the sink. Cast iron sinks are fine when placed on the countertop as long as there is no seepage. For our second example sentences, if the sink does not fit on top of the counter, then this is the type of sink that is recommended for this situation. If you have a small countertop, then stainless steel would be the best choice. For this second example sentence, it is okay to use a stainless steel sink in this situation.
As you can see, there are several kitchen sinks that you can use for your countertops. However, the size of the sink that you choose should match the size of the countertop. You can choose a sink that fits perfectly on the countertop but does not have enough width to allow you to pour several cups of liquid. Your choice of sink types should also match the materials that are used in your kitchen.
