Choosing a Kitchen Sink and Faucet

Of everything found in a kitchen, the sink might be the most commonly used thing there. It’s used not just for food preparation, but also for getting water and various other tasks. Having the right sink and faucet can make all the difference in how satisfied you are with your kitchen, but with so many options, it can be difficult to narrow down the choices. Knowing where to start can make an otherwise overwhelming process into a less stressful one.

Sink Materials

Among the most popular materials for kitchen sinks are stainless steel, cast iron, fireclay, and composite. Each has unique attributes and its own set of pros and cons, but knowing what you want for a sink material will help filter your search. Since each has a distinct look, selecting a material is a good starting point.

Bowl Configuration

Most kitchen sinks feature double bowls, in which there is a left bowl and a right bowl, but you might also find farmhouse sinks with one large bowl and single-bowl sinks that have a reduced size and are typically found in small kitchens where space is precious. Going deeper, there are sinks that divide the bowl sizing so that the left bowl is bigger or smaller than the right bowl and there are also sinks that feature bowls that have rounded edges, giving a sense of style that some homeowners desire.

Faucets

The primary distinguishing feature of faucets is their aesthetics. There are various shapes and you can get a faucet in a number of finishes, including stainless steel, chrome, bronze, and nickel. Another thing to consider is whether you want a single-handle faucet or something with dual handles, one for hot water and one for cold water. Faucets with one handle are more convenient to operate and clean, but less precise because of the nature of having half of the available precision in adjusting water temperature compared to having two handles. Some faucets also offer a hands-free option in which a motion sensor on the faucet can automatically turn the water on when you come into close proximity.

To choose a kitchen sink, you’ll usually just pick one that stands out to you for how it looks. Knowing how to narrow down the list of potential sinks for your kitchen provides you with a good starting point, but exploring a kitchen design showroom can really help you decide what you want as well.