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News »  2012 »  January »  Tips for Selecting Your New Kitchen Sink

Tips for Selecting Your New Kitchen Sink

Updated:   Tuesday, January 03, 2012 - 2:25 PM

When embarking on a total or partial renovation in your kitchen, one of the most important items is your kitchen sink. This is the workhorse of the kitchen. A bad selection could cause regrets for years and it is not easily changed after countertops have been cut.

Here is a quick review of the options I feel are best for the kitchen:

-Stainless steel is an excellent option and the one I personally prefer but it also depends on the style of your kitchen. It is very durable and it won't rust, stain, fade, chip or crack. -You want to buy an 18 or 20 gauge stainless and in this case, a lower number is better. 18 gauge is thicker than 20. If it is 18/10, then it has a ration of 18% chrome and 10% nickel. 18/10 will not rust and will maintain its appearance much longer and is thicker. The thicker the gauge, the less apt the sink is to dent, bow or make noise. A good stainless steel sink does acquire some scratches along the way but it results in a nice patina. Also, look for a sink with an undercoating, it will be much quieter.

-Enamel coated cast iron sinks are very attractive and can be ordered in a variety of colors. You do run the risk of chips or cracks over time. They are very heavy and usually require a support if they are being undermounted. Lighter colors can also stain from wine or berries if they are not rinsed out in a timely manner.

A few last tips:

-I would recommend that any sink be undermounted for a cleaner appearance and you will not have grime build up on the lip on top of the counter.

-Many people like the double bowl sinks but make sure one bowl is large enough to clean a roasting pan if you cook a lot.

-Did you know you can clean stainless with a little olive oil on a rag or towel? That way you can avoid using the expensive chemical stainless cleaners.

-Double sinks sometimes come with the option of a custom sized dish rack. Make sure you install the disposal on the opposite side.

By Lorrie Browne