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The Spruce / Jay Wilde
The sink is the command center of any kitchen, where meal prep, clean-up, and many other tasks begin and end. We searched high and low to find the best kitchen sinks available online, evaluating ease of installation, design, durability, and value.
Our top pick, the Kraus Loften Drop-In Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink, is a stylish, all-in-one set with a dishwasher-safe grid, a concealed drain cover, and a commercial-style pull-down faucet.
Ahead are the best kitchen sinks for every home and budget.
Best Overall: Kraus Loften Drop-In Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink with Pull Down Faucet
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Tight-radius corners
Faucet included
Multiple installation options
Limited lifetime warranty
Faucet isn't stainless steel
What do buyers say? 1,600+ Home Depot reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
The Kraus Loften (model KCH-1000) is an excellent choice for those looking for an all-around high-quality, versatile sink. It's made of T-304 stainless steel, which is a durable, low-maintenance, long-lasting material with excellent resistance to rust and extreme temperatures.
This sleek basin has an offset drain on the right side and a gently sloped bowl for easy draining. Straight walls and tight-radius corners offer a modern appeal while making cleaning a breeze. Plus, its dual configuration gives you the option of undermount or drop-in installation.
The Loften comes with a pull-down faucet with a 20-inch reach (made of chrome, not stainless steel) and features an additional hole for a soap dispenser. You'll also get a drain cover, mounting hardware, supply lines, and two cutout templates. As icing on the cake, Kraus backs this product with a limited lifetime warranty.
Best Budget: Ikea Hilljesön Double Bowl Top Mount Sink
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Double bowl style
Strainer included
25-year warranty
Relatively small and shallow
On a budget? Check out Ikea's Hilljesön Double Bowl Sink. At 29.5 x 18.1 x 7.1 inches, it's slightly smaller and shallower than the average kitchen sink, but if you're working with limited space or just want to cut down on renovation costs, this is a prime choice.
The Hilljesön is made of stainless steel, offering strength, durability, and easy maintenance. It features two basins of the same size, plus two drains, and comes with a Lillviken strainer. We also appreciate that Ikea backs this kitchen sink with a 25-year limited warranty.
Best Farmhouse: Kohler Whitehaven Undermount Single Bowl Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
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Attractive design
14 colors
Limited lifetime warranty
Expensive
If you're partial to farmhouse-style sinks, you can't go wrong with the Kohler Whitehaven (model K-5827). It's made of ultra-durable cast iron and features a lustrous enamel finish in your choice of 12 colors ranging from traditional white to neutral taupe to modish black.
The Whitehaven is definitely on the pricier side, but the material is guaranteed not to crack, chip, or burn and is backed with a limited lifetime warranty. With a signature apron front, this single-basin sink balances sleek sophistication and traditional charm.
Best Double: Kraus Quarza Double Basin Drop-In Kitchen Sink
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Reasonably priced
Multiple installation options
Limited lifetime warranty
Shallow divider
Looking for a double basin? Go with the Kraus Quarza (model KGD-442). Made of 80 percent earth-sourced quartz and 20 percent granite composite, this kitchen sink is naturally resistant to scratches, impact, stains, scuffs, and fading. And the unique design looks stunning, so you can appreciate your smart pick while doing dishes.
The Quarza features one small and one large bowl, each nearly 11 inches deep with its own rear drain. This low-divide sink can be installed with a drop-in or undermount method and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Best Drop-In: Elkay Avenue Drop-In/Undermount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink with Bottom Grid
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Reasonably priced
Multiple installation options
Three faucet holes
Grid included
Flat bottom
If you're set on drop-in installation, we suggest the Elkay Avenue (model HDDSB33229TR3), which actually gives you the option for either type of mounting (drop-in or undermount). It's made of durable, low-maintenance T-304 stainless steel and comes with three faucet holes and a removable bottom grid for added versatility.
This kitchen sink features straight sidewalls, a flat bottom, and an offset drain. While the flat bottom can make it tricky to drain liquids, the design helps maximize your usable space.
Best Undermount: MR Direct Quartz Granite Single Bowl Undermount Kitchen Sink with Flange
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Buffers sound
Six colors
Limited lifetime warranty
Trap not included
Partial to below-counter installation? Take a look at the Single Bowl Undermount Sink by MR Direct (model 848-BL-CFL). Made of 80 percent natural quartz and 20 percent acrylic, the nonporous hybrid material is resistant to scratches, stains, fading, and temperatures as high as 550 degrees.
The material also buffers sound and won't harbor bacteria growth. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, this kitchen sink comes in six neutral hues (and a matching flange to boot) to complement any kitchen design scheme for years to come.
Best Workstation: Glacier Bay All-in-One Double Bowl R0 Drop-In Workstation Kitchen Sink
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Commercial-grade
Sliding track
Several accessories
Limited lifetime warranty
Divider isn't removable
For optimal functionality without sacrificing more counter space, consider a workstation sink like the Glacier Bay All-in-One Double Bowl (model 4310F-2). The extra-large basins are ideal for food prep, cooking, and cleanup, while a sliding track makes it all the more versatile.
This commercial-grade stainless steel kitchen sink comes with all the bells and whistles. We're talking an overhanging ledger, a cutting board, a bottom grid, a roll-up mat, a colander, a faucet hole, a soap dispenser hole, and even a hand towel. Not only that but it's backed by a limited lifetime warranty, so you can feel confident in this purchase.
Best Copper: Sinkology Lange Farmhouse Apron Front Pure Copper Sink
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Unique aesthetic
Ergonomic depth
Buffers sound
Lifetime warranty
Develops patina over time
Expensive
Sinkology's Lange Sink (model SEK307-33AC) is made of pure 17-gauge copper and finished with a hand-hammering technique to create an antique-inspired aesthetic. Due to the nature of the metal, you can expect it to develop a greenish patina over time.
An ergonomic depth makes doing dishes a bit more comfortable, while sound-dampening pads minimize kitchenware echo and reduce noise caused by your disposal. Sinkology also backs this product with a lifetime warranty.
Best Ceramic: DeerValley Single Bowl Reversible Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
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Porcelain glaze
Nonporous
Reversible
Relatively small/shallow
DeerValley's Single Bowl Sink (model DV-1K026) is made of solid ceramic and finished with a smooth, glossy porcelain glaze. The result is a nonporous surface that resists scratches, high heat, rust, stains, and fading.
This compact yet spacious modern farmhouse-inspired kitchen sink has one large basin with a centered drain and a sloped bottom for easy cleanup. The reversible design allows you to install it with the vertical divots facing out or two horizontal divots for a more minimalist appeal.
Best Stainless Steel: Kingsman Hardware Zero Radius Undermount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
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Buffers sound
Several accessories
Modern aesthetic
Tricky to clean
The Zero Radius Undermount Kitchen Sink by Kingsman Hardware (model ARL-F3619-GRY) is made of extra-thick, premium-grade 16-gauge stainless steel and features a shiny brushed finish. Thanks to sound-deadening pads and protective undercoating, you can count on minimal echo and reduced clanking noises while you work.
"Zero-radius sinks often get dirty in the tight corners and can be a pain to keep clean," Richard Epstein, licensed master plumber and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, tells The Spruce. However, he notes that people tend to appreciate the modern aesthetic of the crisp, clean lines and sharp corners. This sink comes with various accessories, including a roll-up rack, a pot mat, and a basket strainer.
Best Composite: Karran Drop-In Top Mount Quartz Kitchen Sink
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Reasonably priced
Six colors
25-year warranty
Reviewers note it could be more durable
Karran's Drop-In Quartz Kitchen Sink (model QT-812) is made of 80 percent earth-sourced quartz composite crystals and 20 percent acrylic resin. The uniquely durable, nonporous material is resistant to impact, scratches, and temperatures as high as 535 F.
Epstein explains that one perk of composite sinks is that they often come in many colors. Sure enough, this drop-in model is available in your choice of white, beige, brown, black, and multiple shades of gray. We also like that it's backed by a 25-year manufacturer warranty.
The best option overall is the Kraus Loften Drop-In Kitchen Sink, a durable stainless steel model with straight walls, tight-radius corners, and excellent resistance to extreme temperatures. For folks on a budget, we suggest Ikea's Hilljesön Double Bowl Sink, a relatively compact stainless steel model with dual basins and drains.
What to Look for in a Kitchen Sink
Size
Figuring out the correct size sink for your space can be tricky. There are a few different elements at play, including the length, width, and depth othe basin, plus the dimensions of the entire sink and the depth of the counter. The standard recommendation is for your sink to measure at least 27 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 7 inches deep, though that can easily be adjusted if you have a tiny kitchen or a corner sink.
Material
The most popular material for kitchen sinks is stainless steel, which is prized for its durability, resistance to scratching and denting, and versatility. There are, however, plenty of other materials to choose from.
Cast iron with a porcelain coating is growing in popularity for its traditional, farmhouse-friendly look, but the enamel covering doesn't exactly hide wear and tear. Copper, granite, and fireclay are more modern options, and they're all excellent choices that also look stylish—though take note that copper will need a bit more care to keep it looking good.
Installation
You might not realize it at first, but sinks can be installed in several different ways. Drop-in (or top-mount) sinks are simply placed into a hole cut into the countertop, making them the easiest to install. Undermount sinks are attached below the countertop, creating a flat, seamless appearance that will please those with more modern sensibilities. Farmhouse (or apron-front) sinks have their fronts exposed, replacing the cabinetry and making a surprising statement.
Style
Both single basin and double basin sinks are worth considering, with different pros and cons for each. Single basin sinks allow you to work with a greater area, which makes them ideal if you tend to use a lot of pots and pans. Double basin sinks let you wash your dishes more effectively, and you can choose between equal-sized basins or one small and one large basin. Triple basin sinks also exist, but they're best for extra-large kitchens.
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How do you install a kitchen sink?
Though most people opt for below-counter models, Epstein explains that it depends on whether the sink designed for drop-in or undermount installation. Other factors include whether it's simply a sink replacement or an entire kitchen overhaul with new countertops.
"If you have a standardized size," Epstein says, "it might just be as easy as disconnecting the sink, faucet, waste line, and clips to pull it up." However, he notes that you might still need to shave off more around the edges of your cutout to get the exact placement for your sink.
He notes that if you don't already have a cutout, cutting your countertop will likely require a professional. "Otherwise, your cost implication can go up drastically if you damage the countertop."
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Can you replace a kitchen sink without replacing the countertop?
You can replace your kitchen sink without getting new counters. However, Epstein notes, "You need to consider that you may have to find a sink that will fit the existing cutout." If it's a standard-size cutout, you should have no problem finding one that fits, though unusual shapes can be trickier. When in doubt, call on a professional for both selection and installation.
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What type of sink is best for hard water?
Regardless of the material, Epstein explains, "Anytime there is heavy mineral content in the water, a discoloration will occur over time." If you're dealing with hard water, he recommends staying on top of the problem with regular cleaning. Additionally, he says, "If your faucet constantly drips into the sink, you will have stains," so be sure to address leaks promptly.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance copywriter specializing in commerce, home improvement, and interior design. For this article, she interviewed licensed plumber Richard Epstein for insight into kitchen sink materials, styles, and installation requirements. Before making her final selections, she reviewed dozens of models, ultimately choosing sinks with multiple sought-after characteristics, such as a standard size, multiple color options, included accessories, and a generous warranty.
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