It’s a big deal choosing a new kitchen sink, and there are many things to consider before settling on any one in particular. Here is a guideline to help figure out what is best for you and your family’s needs.

What to Think About When Choosing Your New Sink?

If you are building or renovating a home, resist the urge to go looking for a sink and picking one from the first place you see. Go through this checklist first to help you with your search and then go looking.

• What do you like about the kitchen sink you are using now?
• What did you not like about your sink, or one you have noticed at someone else’s home?
• What features would make the sink an easier workplace?
• What part(s) of your kitchen sink do you not use
• Where does dirt and grime tend to build up? (e.g. between the skin and the back wall or splashback)
• Did you just develop the system you are using to get around the sink you got?
• Would it be a better use of space to re-arrange your way of working at a sink?

Variety in Kitchen Sink Materials

There is a huge range of options when it comes to kitchen sinks. Let’s look at the some pros and cons of the materials they can be made of first:

Stainless steel or brushed steel

• Pro – this is the most common and popular material because it is hygienic, hardy, easy to obtain and maintain.
• Con – they can look rather ordinary and boring.

Acrylic

• Pro – they are mostly moulded into a kitchen or bathroom bench-top and are extremely hygienic and easy to clean.
• Con – they scratch easily, so very special care needs to be taken when washing up sharp or large objects. Cleaning products need to be low abrasive.

Porcelain Coated Steel

• Pro – these are mostly white in colour making it easy to see dirt. They are also attractive to look at and brighten the room.
• Con – the porcelain can be chipped or cracked allowing the underlying steel to rust. Careful selection of cleaning materials needs to be made and they may need re-surfacing every few years.

Stone (Natural or Composite)

• Pro – this kitchen sink will make the room look classy as well as being functional. Smooth stone is hygienic and one of the hardest substances, so should last a many years.
• Con – stone is a natural substance and can be eroded by harsh chemicals. The sheen can also be damaged by using abrasive materials.

Wood

• Pro – for an authentic antique look, a wooden sink will definitely achieve that goal, and with modern gel-coating and other anti-mould finishes it will last well and be hardy.
• Con – you need to avoid abrasive materials to prevent unnecessary wear. This means that wood can become unhygienic if not cleaned often. It also needs to be re-coated on a fairly regular basis.

The more common kitchen sinks are available from hardware stores and building suppliers, but the more specialised ones will probably need to be sourced online, through a specialist kitchen building company or be custom made for your particular kitchen.