When it comes to choosing the type of sink you want in your kitchen, it may not seem like an important decision but at JD Kitchens and Bathrooms we want to design a kitchen that will work for you – so it’s worth considering how you will be using the sinks and what the design of your kitchen is before you make your choice.

Your choice of countertops and your cooking and cleaning habits will affect the type of sink that we recommend; for example we generally recommend stainless steel sinks for granite countertops. We may recommend a double basin depending on whether you prepare a lot of fresh food or like to pre-rinse before loading the dishwasher. We can help you make all these decisions and will advise you on all elements of your new kitchen.

Double sinks

Dual or double sinks are the most popular options for busy home and really useful for kitchens without dishwashers.  Dual basins mean you can wash in one sink and rinse or dry in the other. Our customers report lots of uses for a second sink; like defrosting food so the water can run off or drying their washed recyclables because they don’t want those items on their draining boards. If you don’t use a washing-up bowl, then having a second sink where you can tip liquid away is invaluable. You are limited in sizes of sink if you’re installing a dual basin so this might be a consideration, but they offer huge flexibility and convenience.

Top-mounted or self-rimmed sinks

The most common type of kitchen sink (single or dual) is top-mounted, sometimes called drop-in, rimmed or self-rimmed sinks. These sinks require no special skill for installation and are relatively cheap to buy so are popular in the DIY market. Your installer cuts a hole in your worktop (to the manufacturers template) and the sink is dropped in. The rim of the sink sits on the surface and is caulked to the counter with silicone. This rim is another area of the sink that will need cleaning and prevents you from sweeping anything directly from the surface into the sink – a consideration depending on how you like to cook and clean. Most rimmed skins will have an integral draining board, so water drains directly into the sink. You will then need to decide which side you want this to be on, left or right.

Black curved faucet over stainless steel undermount sink with double basins. The kitchen island has white countertop and cabinets against wooden floor.

Belfast, Butler, Farmhouse or Apron sinks.

Traditionally there were distinct differences between Butler, Belfast and Apron sinks, such as depth, thickness and materials, but these are not so important for this article. Whatever you call them, these large sinks are single sink units whose front is positioned over the edge of the counter, so it forms the front of the sink and the front of the counter. The most well-known style is the Belfast sink which is a thick rimmed, deep ceramic sink, and these are often included in farmhouse type kitchens. We have an article on different kitchen design types. Apron, Belfast and Butler sinks are generally much bigger and deeper than other types of sinks, so are good for large pots and pans. These types of sinks are more expensive but they create a stunning feature and if you are regularly cooking for a large family they might be the perfect choice.

Integrated Sinks

Integrated skins are produced by solid surface manufactures from materials like Quartz, the sink is made of the same material and the countertop flows seamlessly into the sink – eliminating all lines or rims. Think about how a bathroom basin is one piece of ceramic – this is the same idea as an integrated sink, but for the kitchen. Integrated sinks are a very popular choice for people who have chosen a manufactured solid surface as opposed to wood or granite. Because they are custom ordered they are more expensive, and if they are damaged they can not simply be replaced but have to be repaired. If you have the budget and are looking for that seamless look in your kitchen this might be an option worth considering.

These are just three of the types of kitchen sinks to choose. Once you have decided on the type of sink you’d like you may need to choose materials and positioning. JD Kitchens and Bathrooms will help you design the kitchen that works best for you and can guide you through all these decisions, so you get the kitchen you want within your budget.

Call us today on 01865 849 or email sales@jdbathroomsandkitchens.co.uk and arrange a visit to our show room to tell us about your kitchen plans.

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