The kitchen is the heart of every home. It’s a sanctuary of flavors, aromas, and memories and should be both practical and beautiful. The often-overlooked kitchen sink is the silent workhorse handling everything from rinsing fresh produce to cleaning up after a grand feast. Choosing the right sink for your new home or kitchen remodel is vital to marry aesthetics with efficiency. Since preferences vary from person to person, select a sink that suits your lifestyle, complements your design choices, and will last a lifetime. StudyFinds has curated a list of the best kitchen sink models based on expert reviews.
The best kitchen sink models are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, making them a focal point in any kitchen. They come in various materials like stainless steel, fireclay, or granite, each offering its unique advantages in terms of durability and style. The ideal kitchen sink should be spacious, easy to clean, and designed to complement the overall decor of your kitchen, making it a seamless addition to your culinary workspace.
The aesthetics and functionality of a kitchen are crucial, but it’s the magic of cooking that brings it to life. But here’s an interesting tidbit: cooking isn’t always as easy or intuitive for everyone. A recent study reveals that one in four Americans admit they’re intimidated by cooking in their kitchen. A poll of 2,000 U.S. adults who regularly cook found nearly one-third (29%) are so overwhelmed by some recipes, they’ll ask others in their house to prepare the meal instead. Tailoring your kitchen to your own personal style may help combat any intimidation when it comes to getting your hands dirty in the kitchen.
After delving into the world of culinary challenges, let’s shift our focus back to the foundation of the kitchen: the sink. StudyFinds has sifted through online insights and unveiled the top five best kitchen sinks recommended by design experts. If you’ve installed a basin not showcased on our list, please share your experience in the comments below.
The List: Best Kitchen Sinks, According to Experts
1. Kraus 110-32 Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
“You’ll feel like a chef with your own cooking show when you start prepping meals with this kitchen sink,” says Better Homes and Gardens. “It’s made with thicker metal and also comes with a protective undercoating and thick rubber pads that reduce noise and better insulate the sink. This large single-basin sink is ideal for washing oversized pots and pans, such as casserole dishes and cookie sheets, but it fits within a standard 36-inch sink cabinet. The sink is made with high-quality 16-gauge stainless steel, which is thicker than the standard 18-gauge stainless steel you’ll find in most moderately-priced kitchen sinks.”
This Old House raves about the “overhanging lip for sink accessories, including two drying racks, a cutting board, and a caddy. We like that these accessories extend the capabilities of your sink, allowing you to cut fruit, rinse vegetables, wash large pots, and more. It has a sound guard undercoating to minimize noise.”
“Made with thick gauge stainless steel material, the tried-and-tested Kore sink by Kraus allows you to work over the sink with ease,” according to Mom Junction. The spacious and deep kitchen sink is engineered with an integrated ledge to fit a non-porous chopping board and dish-drying rack, encouraging you to chop vegetables without creating a mess on the platform. It includes a bottom grid that protects it from the vessel’s hot surfaces and encourages optimal drainage by preventing tiny cutlery from escaping through the drain hole.”
2. Ruvati 28-inch Workstation Undermount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
Love to cook meals at home? Better Homes and Gardens believes this is a great option. “It is made with 16-gauge stainless steel, which is often found in commercial sinks, and it has sleek 90-degree angles for a sharp modern look. This sink comes with a stainless-steel grid, a drain, and a strainer basket so that you have everything you need to install the sink with a single purchase.”
“The Ruvati workstation sink is a great choice for any kitchen,” according to RTAKB. “Unlike regular sinks, this model offers plenty of accessories to get the job done quickly and efficiently. The roll-up dish drying rack isn’t just convenient; it also helps conserve precious counter space. The built-in colander is seamlessly integrated and provides a great way to rinse produce with ease. The removable ceramic chopping board has been treated with anti-bacterial coating which means you can worry less about cracks and crevices that grow bacteria.”
Buyers Guide gives this sink high marks, saying it’s “scratch resistant, easy to intall and clean, and a great value.”
3. Kohler Whitehaven Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
If you’ve always dreamed of adding a farmhouse sink to your kitchen, this is the one that gets rave reviews. Better Homes and Garden says this sink is “worth the splurge because it is designed to be easy to install” and it will become the “showpiece in your kitchen.” It’s resistant to “stains, chips, cracks, or burns” making it the perfect addition to a busy kitchen.
The Spruce loves this sink because it “has an overhanging lip for sink accessories, including two drying racks, a cutting board, and a caddy.”
“KOHLER Whitehaven is a classic farmhouse sink that adds a touch of vintage charm to your kitchen according to Simple Showing. “Made from durable cast iron with an enamel finish, this self-trimming apron front sink is designed for easy installation and long-lasting beauty. The spacious single bowl accommodates large cookware, while the sloped bottom helps with draining and cleanup.”
4. Blanco Diamond Double Basin Drop-In Granite Kitchen Sink
This basin gets House and Beyond’s vote for the “Best Granite” kitchen sink. “A double bowl top mount sink, this consists of 80% solid granite! Customers rave about its almost perfect performance, with all loving the unique coloring that a granite model brings to the kitchen.”
Germ-conscious individuals will love this sink according to Better Homes & Gardens. “The surface is also non-porous so oils and food residue are easily washed away, reducing bacteria growth. This material is durable and resistant to heat, so it won’t blister, burn, melt, or discolor if exposed to high heat.”
Food Champs calls this a “Best Choice” for designers, builders, and homeowners. “Since it’s incredibly durable, it’s the perfect sink for a busy kitchen. It has a beautiful double bowl design with the larger bowl to the left. The elegant colors and design will make your kitchen look fantastic. Since it has a non-porous surface, this sink is resistant to stains, acid, and alkalis solutions, making it effortless to clean. No longer will you need to invest in heavy-duty cleaning liquids to make your sink look beautiful all year round.”
5. Ikea’s Hilljesön Double Bowl Top Mount Sink
“If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, check out IKEA,” says Food and Wine. “They have some really nice sinks for a fraction of the price. The 25-year warranty on this sink is admirable, while the stainless steel double basin is both practical and good-looking. the Hillesjön is a top-mount sink without faucet holes — which isn’t necessarily a downside because it means you’ll have more flexibility regarding faucet placement and size. The dual basins are the same dimensions, so it’s easy to use one side for washing up while keeping the other free for rinsing hands and produce.”
The Spruce loves this sink if you “have limited space” because it’s “slightly smaller and narrower than a regular kitchen sink.” The stainless steel construction is “attractive, durable, and easy to clean.” It also has “sound-absorbing material under the basin reduces noise while the sink is in use.”
If you toss a lot of pots and pans into your sink, Good Housekeeping boasts this sink is “resistant to dents and easy to keep clean.”
You may also be interested in:
- Best Kitchen Faucets
- Best Granite Countertop Sprays
- Best Dishwashers
- Best Food Storage Sets
- Best Meat Thermometers
Sources:
- Better Homes and Gardens
- Food and Wine
- This Old House
- The Spruce
- Bob Vila
- Simple Showing
- Mom Junction
- House and Beyond
- Kitchen Infinity
- Buyers Guide
- Good Housekeeping
- RTAKB
- Food Champs
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
