In the market for a new kitchen sink? We’re answering some common questions to help you narrow down your options…

The sink plays an important role in the flow, function and look of your kitchen. From where to best place your new sink, which size to go for, to cost, KBB journo Laurie Davidson has asked the experts for their top tips to help bring you some clarity…

Where is the best place to position your kitchen sink?

There’s no hard and fast rule, as the location will largely depend on your kitchen layout, however there are a few things to consider. “Placing the sink under a window is a traditional choice, as it allows for a shorter waste pipe and is one of the most cost- effective solutions,” says Tamsin Mills, brand communications manager at Blanco.

“This set-up also offers a pleasant view. For more counter space, a compact sink may be ideal, blending into the background. But if natural light is a requirement for you, placing the sink in front of a window combines both practical and visual appeal.”

In a more spacious kitchen, an island can provide the perfect location for a sink, offering efficiency and also keeping it in a more social spot. “Although an island sink provides a social connection, it may be less appealing for those prioritising aesthetics, storage, or minimal maintenance,” says Alex Main, director of The Main Company.

“The decision depends on your everyday kitchen habits and design preferences. Having a sink on both the wall and island works best if you have a large kitchen with ample counter space and you cook or entertain frequently and need separate preparation and clean-up zones. If space is limited or you don’t have a strong need for two sinks, focusing on one well-placed sink is usually more practical.”

Alex adds that sink covers or worktop boards that fit over the sink can hide it when not in use. They also extend your counter space for preparation, serving or entertaining, whilst offering a sleek look. “Materials such as wood, stainless steel or stone can match or complement the island’s surface for a seamless look,” he says.

What goes under or around your sink?

The age-old question: should you have storage, bins or more cabinetry space under your sink? And is there anything you need to include next to it? Ultimately, the answer, as always, is that it really depends on how you live and what items you are most likely to need close to your sink. Perhaps you want to store washing-up liquid and detergents under your sink, or, if you’re investing in a food waste disposal or instant hot-water tap, you’ll need to factor space for that in.

Around your sink, you’ll likely want room to put a draining board, unless you’re having a stone worktop, in which case you can have drainer grooves or a recessed drainer carved into it to help. Lizzie Spinks, head of design at Makers, has a great tip for a compact space: “In a small kitchen, having bins under the sink can be a great space-saver,” she says. “In general, I like to put drawers under the sink that are designed to avoid the waste pipe.”

If you spend a lot of time preparing food, having additional features, such as a cutting board that fits on top of the sink, is incredibly useful. “Those that are left-handed may also want to consider a sink where the drainer is positioned on the right side, making the dishwashing process more comfortable and efficient,” says Tamsin.

“As well as ensuring the sink and surrounding area are as practical as possible, under-sink storage is increasingly being recognised for its potential. Whether it’s for cleaning supplies, waste management or recycling, under-sink solutions create an organised and clutter-free space.”

What kitchen sink size should you go for?

The size of your kitchen will determine, to some degree, the size of your sink, and you should make sure that it’s not so big that it takes up valuable worktop space.

“Sinks come in a wide variety of sizes and models, which gives a great deal of flexibility for choosing something that perfectly meets your practical and aesthetic needs,” says Jo Sargent, sales and marketing director at Franke UK. “The sink and tap is an area of high interaction in the kitchen; it’s important to get the functionality and size right, to help you with food preparation, cooking, drink-making and washing-up, avoiding niggles down the line.”

Jo suggests thinking about your lifestyle and how you like to cook. “Consider if you prefer a large single bowl for washing up big baking trays and roasting dishes, or a one-and-a-half bowl, or double configuration for more flexibility if you have the space,” she says.

“A single bowl can fit in as little as a 40cm wide cabinet if space is at a premium, and will give you a bowl size of 34 x 40cm. The one-and-a-half bowl undermount is a very popular size fitting in a 60cm cabinet, giving you two bowls to work with. Large single bowls and workcentre sinks, such as our Box Center and Mythos Masterpiece, offer spacious bowls areas and require a minimum of an 80cm cabinet.”

Cost

Your budget will likely determine what you spend on a sink, but there’s something for everyone, whether you want a basic design or one with all the bells and whistles on.

“About £600 will get you a great quality sink,” says Lizzie, while Nancy Emery, kitchen expert at Tap Warehouse, says: “The price depends on the style you go for, but a standard, one-bowl, stainless-steel sink can cost as little as £70. Luxurious, ceramic butler designs cost a little more, and prices range from around £175 to more than £1000 for deluxe models. Composite sinks cost from as little as £150, rising to £800 for larger, designer models.”

What style of sink suits which kitchen? Click here to find out

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