How to find your perfect kitchen sink – follow these tips

I don’t know about you, but for me and my family, the kitchen sink is one of the most used areas in our kitchen. So it goes without saying that it’s worth shopping around and taking your time to find the perfect design. If you’ve had the problem of not having enough room to stack dishes in yours or fit in a baking tray to soak, you know a better sink will really pay off. Having just completed our utility room renovation, I’ve (rather handily) recently shopped for our perfect sink, with the help of journo Sally Smith’s buying advice, so I thought I’d share her words of wisdom with you too…

First things first: don’t be overwhelmed with the HUGE amount of choice when it comes to kitchen sinks.

There is an array of flush-mounted and inset sinks, including popular stainless-steel one-and-a-half bowl styles; large one-bowl options; Butler sinks and double units with chopping boards, drying racks, and garnish bowls that slot on top for multi-purpose use.

You’ll find models as narrow as 20cm wide – ideal for a second smaller sink in the kitchen or utility – to more roomy designs that can be more than 1m wide.

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The choice really is vast, but that’s a good thing! Your perfect kitchen sink is out there.

What are the different materials for kitchen sinks?

A sink has to be practical and hard-wearing so choose wisely and do your research when it comes to materials.

Stainless-steel is durable, lightweight, and good value for money, plus coordinates well with a range of taps.

If you are looking for a more design-led solution, consider investing in an engineered composite that is made to be heat and scratch resistant.

If your style is more traditional, how about a ceramic sink? The material is easy to clean, plus scratch and stain resistant.

How big should I go?

A double-bowl set-up could be more practical if you don’t have a utility – or why not have two sinks at either end of a run of units, separating handwashing from food preparation and improving the workflow?

Think about what kit you have in your kitchen, down to pan size and number of plates you’ll need to wash up and make sure your chosen sink’s dimensions can accommodate. Get the tape measure out and measure those casserole dishes if you need to.

kitchen sink
The Abode Steel Belfast sink in a brushed steel finish, £515, is a modern take on a design classic made from 1.2mm-thick 304-grade brushed stainless steel. It has an Orbit waste with easy empty and a 90mm waste hole for a waste disposal unit, plus a flush-plate overflow.
Zenun 10 110cm
The Zenun 10 110cm sink from The 1810 Company is ideal for keen chefs, as you can add an array of accessories, including a colander, natural bamboo garnish and chopping boards, a drainer, and drying racks to your design. The sink can be flush mounted or inset with a satin finish and is available in four different sizes. Prices start from £1340 for the 110cm-wide double bowl, with accessories priced between £60 for the small and £240 for the large garnish board.
kitchen sink
Blanco’s Etagon sink is available in 11 colours, including Anthracite, Rock Grey, Alu Metallic, Pearl Grey, and the new Concrete. It is made from Silgranit, a heat, acid, and scratch-resistant stone-like material. This sink is available in the standard 500-U size, £634, or with a large bowl (700-U). The shown stainless steel top rails cost an extra £120.

Which design should I go for?

Choose from a wide range of colours and finishes from anthracite, white and matt black to brushed stainless-steel with a rose gold finish, or even patina copper.

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An undermounted design will sit flush to your worktop for a sleek look and works well on island units, while a Belfast sink with an apron front may be better suited to classic schemes and country kitchens. 

CDA KVC35CDA
CDA’s KVC35CDA one-and-a-half bowl stainless steel sink, £229, in a brushed finish includes a roomy main bowl. The sink is designed for undermount installation. 
kitchen sink
Cosentino’s Silestone Integrity Q sink is made from Calacatta Gold quartz surface, which is heat and scratch resistant. One piece of stone creates a seamless transition from worktop to the wash area. A similar sink starts from £800, and Silestone surfaces start from £400 per sq m.
Franke Box Center
Franke’s Box Center reversible inset or flush-mounted sink comes in a range of sizes and installation options. A brilliant space saver and multi-tasker, its second bowl can be used to house the included accessories – three knives, a wooden and a plastic chopping board, a strainer bowl, and a drying rack. This model measures 82 x 52cm, so fits a 90cm cabinet, and is priced £1520.

How much will it cost?

Truthfully, it is hard to say. It depends on the size, material and brand. Expect to pay more than £1000 for a high-end design-led sink, while a more basic models can be as little as £200. As with anything, find a style you like, shop around and weigh up what you’re getting for your money. And remember, the kitchen sink gets a lot of use, so it’s a good idea to invest a little more of your budget to make sure it looks good for years.

Featured image: This geometric MAY1051DG one-and-half bowl sink with a smooth drainer design, £369, from the Mayon collection by Rangemaster is made from composite Teflite which is resistant to temperatures up to 140°C and available in black, white, or Dove Grey. It features a chrome overflow. 

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