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Our top picks combine style and functionality. stainless steel sink and countertop
The kitchen sink is the center of activity in your home, and one of the most important design choices you will make. “Like the kitchen is the heart of the home, the sink is the heart of the kitchen,” says Phyllis Harbinger, FASID, NCIDQ, CID, a professional interior designer, strategy coach, author, speaker, and educator who has run her award-winning firm, Design Concepts/Interiors, LLC (DCI Studio), for over 30 years.
“The right sink can elevate your kitchen design in both functionality and aesthetic appeal, making it easier to prep, cook, and clean while enjoying activities in the heart of the home,” Harbinger says.
Harbinger recommends prioritizing functionality, practicality, durability, and then style when choosing a kitchen sink. “Function first. Form follows function. While the form is always important, if it's not going to function, it doesn't matter what it looks like because it's not good design.”
Part of this functionality stems from the type of sink you choose. Undermount sinks maximize counter space and are easy to keep clean, but they tend to be more expensive than a drop-in sink. Single-basin sinks offer a large space to accommodate pots, pans, dishes, and utensils of all sizes, but also typically have higher price tags than double-basin sinks.
Apron-front sinks are popular if you have a more traditional, farmhouse kitchen. And workstation sinks offer clever, innovative ways to maximize counter space while also offering convenience with food prep tools like cutting boards that fit right over the sink.
Before you purchase a kitchen sink for your home, take the time to consider which features are most important to you. We’ve done the research and spoken to experts so you can compare and contrast which kitchen sink options are right for you and your budget. Here’s everything but the kitchen sink you ever wanted to know—about kitchen sinks.
We explored major retailers—including Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and Wayfair—to identify the top selling sinks with positive customer reviews. Our top picks reflect a variety of brands, styles, colors, materials, and price points.
In addition to Harbinger, and after selecting our top picks, we spoke to Mark Van Wolvelaere, director, product management at Kohler Co. for additional insights on what to look for.
Single-basin undermount sinks are super modern and offer a great deal of space and versatility when working in the kitchen.
These models are challenging to install, so you’ll likely need to hire an experienced professional, which can add to the cost.
Single-basin undermount sinks are a popular choice given their modern design and versatility. An undermount sink is installed beneath the countertop, with the rim or lip of the sink extending above the surface. It attaches to the underside of the counter rather than resting on the rim, creating a seamless and sleek look. Harbinger exclusively recommends undermount basins to her clients. “The undermount feels like you have…more space, and it's just a cleaner [look],” she says.
Undermount sinks are installed by attaching mounting clips or brackets to the underside of the countertop. Then, silicone caulk is used to seal the sink to the countertop, creating a watertight seal. This helps keep them clean around the rim. Without a lip to trap dirt like drop-in sinks have, undermount sinks are easier to keep clean and remove food particles directly from the counter into the basin.
If you are looking to maximize your space, single-basin undermount sinks are a wonderful option since they extend the countertop all the way to the sink. “Most of my clients prefer the single basin, and the larger the better,” Harbinger says. “I think that most of us would prefer to have a bigger basin where we can put a large soup stock pan or a big roasting pan in and get it cleaned or prepped for the dishwasher.” They also provide more options for faucet placement, which can be installed either behind the sink or on the wall.
The challenge with these sinks is that they need to be installed with precision, typically by a professional, to get the fit and sealing perfect, which can be costly.
Undermount sinks are best used with materials that can be polished or sealed, such as stainless steel, natural stone, or solid surface.
If you prefer using two separate work spaces for your dishes in the sink, then a double basin is a good choice.
You may not be able to fit large pots and pans in either basin, so check the size of each basin before purchasing.
If you prefer to separate clean and dirty dishes, soak dishes, rinse vegetables, or wash multiple dishes at once, then a double-basin undermount sink may be the right choice for you. Along with the same benefits of an undermount installation as mentioned above, these types of sinks provide two separate basins. Some models have two equally sized basins, while others have different size basins to offer a variety of options.
Choosing between a single or double basin really comes down to personal preference. Van Wolvelaere says that “a double bowl offers versatility for both washing and prepping.”
However, “the double basin can be much harder [to work with],” Harbinger explains. “There are sinks where the one basin is larger than the other and it's not a complete split, but when you're washing pots and pans, if you're a real cook or a baker, those double basins are kind of problematic."
Workstation sinks offer more functionality than any other type of sink around, and are often a conversation piece, with their cutting-edge design and accessories.
They are expensive and may be too complicated for some people, given all their extra pieces.
Also referred to as integrated ledge sinks, workstation sinks are a top trend. They come with all kinds of extra innovative tools to transform your sink area into a more versatile space. The integrated ledge allows you to place cutting boards, colanders, drying racks, and other accessories directly on the sink. This is a huge space saver and helps to streamline food prep and cleanup activities. You can even add utensil holders to store kitchen tools within reach. They also tend to be stylish, with a clean and modern aesthetic.
However, "you do need a lot of space for those workstation sinks, so unless it's a very large kitchen, I don't think a lot of people would even have it on their radar,” Harbinger says.
Her favorite perk when it comes to workstation kitchen sinks is that you can put a plate cover over the sink so it becomes an extension of the countertop. “If you're done with all of your prep in your sink but you're serving, you can set up a buffet and actually use the surface,” she says.
However, workstation sinks tend to be more expensive than other types of sinks due to their additional features, specialized design, and often larger sizes. They also require additional cleaning to keep all the accessories in tip top shape, and can get damaged from the extra activities taking place at the sink.
Most workstation kitchen sinks are constructed from easy-to-clean, durable materials like stainless steel or granite composite. For a more traditional look, you may be able to find them in copper or fireclay.
If you are looking for a large sink with an exposed front to add to the décor element of your home, then this may be the best sink for you.
The distinct look isn’t for everyone, and these sinks typically come with a hefty price tag.
An apron-front or farmhouse sink is a deep, wide sink with an exposed front (called the apron) that usually protrudes slightly above the lower cabinetry. The apron helps protect the person using the sink from splashing water. It is important to keep the apron in mind when designing the kitchen, since that extra depth needs to be accounted for when measuring and installing cabinets and countertops to fit the sink’s dimensions.
“Farm sinks are my absolute favorite for their size, deep basin, and ease of cleaning large pots and pans—perfect for serious cooks with adequate space,” Harbinger says. They are popular for their aesthetic value, serving as a showpiece in the kitchen. They are also quite durable.
Apron-front sinks are often found in porcelain and fireclay for a more traditional or transitional look. While they can be ordered in a variety of colors, Harbinger recommends sticking with white. Apron-front sinks are also popping up more in stainless steel for a sleek, modern appearance, so expect to see them in more contemporary homes as well.
Some of the drawbacks of these types of sinks include their high price tag for both the product and installation, large size if you have limited space, and overall bulkiness that may not appeal to everyone.
If you are looking for an inexpensive DIY option with enough space to tackle all of your dishes all at once, then choose a single-basin drop-in sink.
A drop-in sink is not the best choice if you are looking for the most stylish, seamless, and easy to clean option for your kitchen.
Drop-in sinks, also called overlay or overmount sinks, are installed by fitting the sink basin into an allotted space. The sink sits on top of the counter and is held in place by a rim or lip that goes around the edge of the sink and rests on the countertop. Additionally, there are clips below the countertop to hold the sink firmly in place. Keep in mind that you lose a few inches of counter space with a drop-in sink, since the lip of the sink extends onto the countertop.
For those who are handy, installing a drop-in sink can be a simple DIY project, given that proper measurements are taken in advance. The sink easily drops into the space and can be removed easily as well, unlike undermount sinks. Caulk is then applied to seal the sink to the countertop.
Drop-in sinks are typically available in standard sizes, so you won’t have to customize the size of the hole cut in the countertop. You can find single-basin drop-in sinks in a variety of materials, such as stainless steel.
Of course, there are some drawbacks to using a drop-in sink. They are harder to keep clean and require more maintenance; dirt and grime can collect under the edge of the rim. They also reduce the amount of counter space around your sink. Finally, they are not as pleasing to the eye as other types of sinks. You will be able to see the rim of the sink and may even notice dirt on the edges. In general, they are considered the most basic option and are not as stylish as an undermount or apron-front sink.
Harbinger cautions against drop-in sinks. “When you have the drop in, it takes up more visual space,” she says. “It doesn't look clean, and then you have to grout or caulk. Just like when you have your countertop meet the backsplash, a lot of times you have to get that caulk replaced after a certain amount of time, because it's such an overused area. It also has more of a chance of leakage than an undermount.”
If you are looking for an inexpensive sink for a small space that is easy to install, then consider a double-basin drop-in kitchen sink.
This is the most basic and inflexible option of all the kitchen sink types, but may still fit your needs and budget.
The double-basin drop-in kitchen sink is the most affordable option, but also the most basic. For those looking for style and versatility of a large sink with a single basin, then this is not the best choice. However, there are still some wonderful products to choose from for those with limited space and budgets who are also seeking simplicity and easy installation.
The right kitchen sink for your home depends on a variety of factors, including the material used to design it. Each material type offers pros and cons related to aesthetics, durability, cost, and maintenance that are important to consider when shopping for a sink. Here are some of the most popular sink materials available.
With so many kitchen sink brands on the market today, it can quickly become overwhelming as far as what to choose. Here are some of our favorite brands, but feel free to explore others as well. Please note that all the brands listed below offer a limited lifetime warranty on their kitchen sinks.
Harbinger recommends the following brands for kitchen sinks:
Other brands that we recommend based on reviews and the diversity and quality of their products include:
To prevent discovering stains on your sink over time, stick with stainless steel options. “Stainless steel is an excellent choice for avoiding stains due to its smooth, non-porous surface, which makes it incredibly easy to clean,” Van Wolvelaere says. “Its resistance to dirt, grime, and bacteria means that spills wipe away effortlessly, leaving surfaces spotless with minimal effort.”
On the other hand, porcelain sinks tend to show stains more. “Some [of my] clients have always had porcelain sinks, but they hate that they always get scratched and they start to discolor over time because it's porcelain and it doesn't stay beautiful forever, especially in a kitchen where there's so much going on with staining from food,” Harbinger says.
According to Van Wolvelaere, the most common kitchen sink size based on Kohler sales is 33 inches, which is optimized for standard 36-inch cabinets. However, Harbinger said that sink size really is an individual decision, depending on factors like space constraints and how the sink is being used.
“It's really part and parcel of what you're doing in your kitchen,” Harbinger says. “How tight the design is. What kind of a cabinet have you outlined for that sink? Is it going to fit? Is it going to give you enough space?” She has found that most of her clients are happy with a 24-inch sink, but those who can install larger are very fortunate to have that flexibility and should take advantage of that.
In 2025, apron-front sinks remain a popular choice, while workstation sinks continue to grow in demand, according to Van Wolvelaere. Harbinger agrees that these are popular choices and adds that she is seeing even more trends with regard to faucets and garbage disposals that have all the bells and whistles to enhance kitchen sinks, such as touchless faucets and instant hot faucets and garbage disposal products from InSinkErator.
Sandi Schwartz is an award-winning environmental author of the book Finding Ecohappiness and a journalist with 25 years of experience. She covers home, lawn and garden, sustainability, nature, and wellness topics. Her shopping, how-to, and news articles related to the home and garden space address a wide range of topics, such as the cost and benefits of various landscaping services, features of appliances, home improvement tips, gardening tactics, how to attract backyard wildlife, and much more.
For this article, Schwartz consulted Phyllis Harbinger, FASID, NCIDQ, CID, a professional interior designer, strategy coach, author, speaker, and educator who has successfully run her award-winning firm, Design Concepts/Interiors, LLC (DCI Studio), for over 30 years. She is also a leader in the New York City Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), including a term as president, as well as a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
stainless steel drainer for sink After making product selections, Schwartz also spoke with Mark Van Wolvelaere, director, product management at Kohler Co. for additional insights on what to look for in a kitchen sink.