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Kitchen Sinks
Comparing Sinks
Stainless steel
Stainless steel sinks come in 18- to 22-gauge (18-gauge is best, 22-gauge is flimsy) and either matte or mirror finish. Chromium/nickel blends are the only true "stainless" sinks; cheaper grades will stain. Matte finishes are much easier to keep looking clean than mirrored, and they mask scratches better. You'll find a large selection of double- and triple-bowl designs; integral drain boards are available, too. Stainless is relatively noisy, so look for a sink with an undercoating.
Enameled cast iron/steel
Here's where the colors come in. Enameled cast-iron sinks have a heavier layer of baked-on enamel than steel, making them quieter and less likely to chip, but also more expensive. These sinks have become quite popular, especially with the advent of new European designs. White, black, gray, and a palette of other colors and flecked patterns are available in many double- and triple-bowl models. The cast edges of self-rimming versions are prone to warping; be sure to check when you take delivery.
Composite
This durable, resilient newcomer comes with either a smooth or textured finish; it's lighter than cast iron. Composite can be fairly expensive. Some complain about limited style and color options (usually white or off-whites); some dislike the "plastic" look. Quartz sinks, or composites with high quartz content, are toughest; they resemble enamel but are easier to maintain.
Integral solid-surface
Today's solid-surface countertop can be coupled with a molded, integral sink for a sleek, sculpted look. Sink color can either match the countertop exactly or complement it. Edge-banding and other border options abound, including decorative grooving and adjacent drain boards. Although they're not indestructible, solid-surface sinks can be repaired if nicked or scratched. These sinks come in single-bowl versions only. Check the depth -- they may not be as deep as you'd like.
Vitreous china
Vitreous china sinks, a common bathroom component, are starting to show up in the kitchen. The material (made with clay that's poured into molds, fired in a kiln, and glazed) is heavy and is easy to clean; it also resists scratches and stains. These are highly ornamental, sculpted sinks, often with handpainted accents. On the down side, they can be very expensive and are subject to chipping.
Brass and copper
These elegant surfaces are outstanding as accents. However, they require considerable maintenance -- especially if highly polished -- so you may wish to reserve them for wet-bar or other occasional uses. Bar or hospitality sinks come with either a 2- or 31?2-inch drain opening; if you're planning to add a disposal you'll want the larger opening. An 18-inch diameter is typical.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel sinks come in 18- to 22-gauge (18-gauge is best, 22-gauge is flimsy) and either matte or mirror finish. Chromium/nickel blends are the only true "stainless" sinks; cheaper grades will stain. Matte finishes are much easier to keep looking clean than mirrored, and they mask scratches better. You'll find a large selection of double- and triple-bowl designs; integral drain boards are available, too. Stainless is relatively noisy, so look for a sink with an undercoating.
Enameled cast iron/steel
Here's where the colors come in. Enameled cast-iron sinks have a heavier layer of baked-on enamel than steel, making them quieter and less likely to chip, but also more expensive. These sinks have become quite popular, especially with the advent of new European designs. White, black, gray, and a palette of other colors and flecked patterns are available in many double- and triple-bowl models. The cast edges of self-rimming versions are prone to warping; be sure to check when you take delivery.
Composite
This durable, resilient newcomer comes with either a smooth or textured finish; it's lighter than cast iron. Composite can be fairly expensive. Some complain about limited style and color options (usually white or off-whites); some dislike the "plastic" look. Quartz sinks, or composites with high quartz content, are toughest; they resemble enamel but are easier to maintain.
Integral solid-surface
Today's solid-surface countertop can be coupled with a molded, integral sink for a sleek, sculpted look. Sink color can either match the countertop exactly or complement it. Edge-banding and other border options abound, including decorative grooving and adjacent drain boards. Although they're not indestructible, solid-surface sinks can be repaired if nicked or scratched. These sinks come in single-bowl versions only. Check the depth -- they may not be as deep as you'd like.
Vitreous china
Vitreous china sinks, a common bathroom component, are starting to show up in the kitchen. The material (made with clay that's poured into molds, fired in a kiln, and glazed) is heavy and is easy to clean; it also resists scratches and stains. These are highly ornamental, sculpted sinks, often with handpainted accents. On the down side, they can be very expensive and are subject to chipping.
Brass and copper
These elegant surfaces are outstanding as accents. However, they require considerable maintenance -- especially if highly polished -- so you may wish to reserve them for wet-bar or other occasional uses. Bar or hospitality sinks come with either a 2- or 31?2-inch drain opening; if you're planning to add a disposal you'll want the larger opening. An 18-inch diameter is typical.
