Best Sink and Faucet
Best Overall Kitchen Sink
Best Overall Kitchen Faucet
Best Kitchen Sink and Faucet Combo
Best Kitchen Sink Disposal
Whether you’re doing a full kitchen remodel or just wanting to upgrade your sink space, there are a lot of options on the market. What type of sink and faucet would best fit your needs? Let’s dive into what to look for —
How to choose a kitchen sink
Top mount vs. Undermount
There are a few categorizations for sinks, the first is by how they are mounted into your counter. There are top mounts, also known as drop-ins, that are installed in the available cavity with the sink’s edge being above the counter. The other option is an undermount that attaches to the under surface of the counter. The main difference between the two is that top mounts require less work during installation. Along with that, people usually take into account the difference in aesthetics, the practicality of each, and the price differences. They each have their pros and cons — undermounts are easier to clean and are typically more aesthetically pleasing with a seamless look, however they are more expensive and have less modifications available. Top mount sinks are easy to replace if need be and they cost less than undermounts, but they don’t leave quite as much of an aesthetic touch. You also run the risk of chipping your counter, especially if it’s marble, with a top mount.
Single bowl vs Double bowl
The second major sink category is the number of bowls they have, typically a single bowl and a double bowl. A single bowl is pretty self explanatory — one large sink with no dividers. Then there’s the double bowl which is two bowls in one sink with a divider in the middle. Normally a double bowl is divided in half for each bowl, but there are also options for a 60/40 or a 70/30 bowl ratio.
The choice typically comes down to personal preference. Some people choose the double bowl over the single bowl because it’s easier to multitask. One bowl can be filled with dirty dishes while the other could still be open for use. However, some people can find that a double sink isn’t as spatially convenient for large cookware as a single bowl is.
Choosing a material
Lastly, sinks come in a variety of materials. The most common are stainless steel, enamel, solid surface, and composite. Stainless steel is affordable and easy to maintain, but can be noisy. Enamel is a classic material that adds value to your kitchen and lasts a long time, but it’s very heavy for installation and requires more upkeep for cleaning. A solid surface sink is super affordable and durable, plus it comes with a wide variety of customizations. Its downside is it’s more prone to scratching and can show discoloration over time. Lastly, composite comes in a wide range of styles and is more affordable than stone, but still more expensive than steel or solid surface sinks. All in all, it comes down to personal preference and what your kitchen counters can handle.
Now for the faucet…
Types of Faucets
Now that you’ve picked a sink, it’s time to choose a faucet to go with it. The variety of faucet types is extensive — pull-downs with tall necks, ones with detachable spray heads, fixed-neck faucets, ones with long hoses or shorter spouts. Extended hoses allow for extra reach beyond the sink which can come in handy, or maybe you have a smaller kitchen and don’t need the detachable head to begin with. Think about what you want from your sink and faucet and start there.
Faucets come with controls, with the most obvious being turning the water on and off. The most popular styles are single-handle and double-handle, but there are also faucets without handles that use motion or touch control technology.
Types of Cartridges
In layman’s terms, the faucet’s cartridge (also known as a stem) opens and closes the pathway for the water. There are two popular types: single-function and mixer cartridges.
Single-function cartridges only allow for one water line each, either hot or cold. You’ll find them in two-handle faucets (separate hot and cold handles) and in single-handle faucets that only have one water intake.
Mixer cartridges let you control two water supply lines at the same time using only one lever, allowing hot and cold water to mix before exiting the spout. These are common in most single-handle faucets, turning it one way for cold and one way for hot.
Mounting Holes
Some faucets only require one mounting hole for installation while others may need multiple. If you don’t have enough of them on your countertop, you can easily have more holes cut out during the installation process.
Best Overall Kitchen Sink
This stainless steel sink has a unique built-in integrated ledge to increase your workspace while you cook or clean without taking up counter space. The deep bowl and under mount design with an off-set drain adds to the workspace while giving a seamless and contemporary look. NoiseDefend technology eliminates vibration and noise to make this sink virtually silent, unlike other stainless steel sinks. It is ultra durable to stand up to everyday use and resist dents and scratches. You will love how easy kitchen time will be with this low-maintenance workstation sink.
Best Overall Kitchen Faucet
This sleekly designed tulip kitchen faucet will give your kitchen a fresh look without skimping on functionality. The 3-way spray setting is perfect for filling, rinsing, and avoiding splashing with its multitask mode. Installation is a breeze with a pre-packaged pull-down hose and waterline hose, no need to call a plumber. You’ll love the single-handle water temperature control and swivel sprayer head, along with the rust-resistant and easy-to-clean brushed metal surface. This sink is sure to stand up to daily use.
Best Kitchen Sink and Faucet Combo
This sink and faucet combo is durable and dent-resistant, made with the highest quality stainless steel. A spacious single bowl gives you more room for stacking dishes or washing large cookware with an easy drop-in installation. The slightly sloped design and channel groves keep the sink free of standing water and the pull-down hose gives you the perfect sprayer range around the sink for easy clean up. You will love the fully insulated stainless steel that eliminates noise without compromising its durability.
Best Kitchen Sink Disposal
This powerful, yet compact, disposal is the perfect addition to help keep your kitchen and sink mess-free. It’s built with an energy-efficient, high-speed motor that grinds any leftover food and is perfectly safe to use with septic tanks. The disposal’s sleek design saves space under your sink with an easy twist-and-lock installation on virtually any sink. Simply flip a switch and let the disposal go to work.
FAQs about Kitchen Sinks and Faucets
What is an apron front sink?
A farmhouse style sink, also known as an apron sink, is typically made out of fireclay or cast iron and extends over the front edge of your counter. They have become more and more popular, especially in farmhouse and rustic styled kitchens.
How do I keep my sink from getting clogged?
The best way to prevent kitchen sink from clogging is by tossing items in the garbage instead of down the drain. This includes your coffee grounds or grease. You can also install a screen or drain-grate to prevent debris from falling into the drain.
How long does a kitchen sink last?
It can vary depending on the material it’s made out of, but most kitchen sinks nowadays can last roughly 20-30 years with everyday use and care.
What’s safe to put down the disposal?
For the most part, garbage disposals can grind up most everything you throw down there. That doesn’t mean your plumbing can handle it, though. Let’s first look at what not to put down your disposal —
- Fats, oils, and grease should be thrown away in the trash, not down the drain.
- Starchy foods, some small bits here and there are fine but a huge portion of rice, pasta, potatoes, etc is a no-no.
- Fibrous vegetables and peels like celery, corn husks, artichokes, and asparagus are problematic. Some premium disposals can handle them, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and just toss them in the garbage.
- Eggshells, shellfish, and coffee grounds seem harmless enough, but they don’t decompose quickly and a large amount of them accumulate and can end up clogging the drain.
Basically all other foods can be safely ground up and washed down the drain.