Have you ever noticed how much your sink does for you? It is always there to catch the spills, wash dishes, rinse the vegetables, and hold onto whatever else comes its way. Sinks are one of the most important parts of our day-to-day life.
Missing out on choosing the right sink can create issues later. And, most importantly, you should know the different types of sinks available in the market. There are dozens out there - each with a specific purpose.
In this post, we are going to learn about 5 common types of sinks which have generally been used in any household or commercial space. Later in this post, we also learn the different types of materials used in manufacturing these sinks.
5 Types Of Sinks
It’s important to understand the various types of sinks before choosing one for your home. A stainless steel sink is a kitchen favorite due to its strength and ease of maintenance.
Fireclay sinks, on the other hand, are perfect for any farmhouse kitchen because of their beauty and strength. While copper sinks are more charming, they are also more difficult to maintain.
Cast iron sinks are archetypically heavy and sturdy; they are usually coated in enamel to give them a smooth surface finish.
Lastly, made from stone and resin, composite sinks are a perfect combination of beauty and strength which offers diversity in style.
Each type brings unique benefits, so choose one based on your intended use and aesthetic preference.
Undermount sink
An undermount sink simplifies the task of washing by fully hiding underneath the countertop.
Gone are the days of getting your hands caught up on edges or lips because you can now wipe crumbs straight into the sink without any problem.
Deep sinks are perfect for an active kitchen as they are compact and easy to maintain.
However, they do rely on a sturdy stone or quartz counter to hold them in place. If you're a neat freak, you'll get along with this type of sink perfectly!
Service Sinks
Do you know which type of sink is used for dumping mop water, it's a service sink.
Service sinks can handle a variety of jobs like cleaning messes made by mopping buckets, or even scrubbing your gardening tools. Unlike most sinks, service sinks can be found in the basement, laundry room, or even the garage.
When it comes to big cleanups, be sure to keep this sink close by! The deep basin is just perfectly made for all kinds of splashes and spills.
Farmhouse Sink
Farmhouse sinks are the kitchen's central attraction. This is designed to be bold at all costs, and its design achieves just this.
The deep-located sink has enough space to hold all your pots, pans, and maybe even your dog if bath time gets out of hand!
So, whether you’re rinsing veggies or scrubbing dishes, a farmhouse sink makes it feel like less of a chore and more like a breeze.
Drainboard Sink
A drainboard sink can be described as an elder sister of your regular kitchen sink. Having a dedicated place to air dry dishes completely makes this little helper a must-have.
No more counter clutter! The slope allows water to drip right into the drain
This setup is an absolute must for anyone who doesn't wanna get cluttered with wet dishes.
Think of it as the assistant to the sink - always present to maintain cleanliness and reduce the burden of cleaning!
Commercial Sink
These sinks are like wonder sinks – powerful, deep basins, and made of stainless steel which allows these sinks to handle large volumes of dishes and big-sized pots. That’s the reason these sinks are generally used in commercial space such as restaurants.
Like the one found in a restaurant or school, these sinks are made for a busy environment with no breaks.
So if your kitchen is always brimming with activity then it’s time to say hello to your best friend, the commercial sink, as installing one is equivalent to doubling your output efficiency at minimal increased expenditure.
How about the types of materials used in a sink?
With the developments, a good number of materials are used when making sinks. However, stainless steel is the most durable, easy to maintain, and appealing material making it the most popular.
Granite composite is super premium but makes scratches almost impossible so it is also a popular try. Not to mention copper doesn’t only look superb but has the additional perk of battling germs completely on its own.
If you wish to stand out, then fireclay or stone may be more to your liking. Selecting the material is like selecting the captain of your kitchen team.
Stainless steel
For good reason, the selection of Stainless Steel remains the standard when it comes to kitchen sinks. These sinks are hard, long-lasting and stylish.
This makes it a perfect choice because one can scrub it with no fear of rusting or staining.
It can get scratched for sure, but only if caution is not exercised. It is easy to clean and remains looking pristine.
Many homes use this material because of its ability to conceal water stains and spots easily. Anyone looking for strength and sophistication should consider this option.
Ceramic
If you want something classic and easy to clean, ceramic sinks are a great option. They are smooth and shiny, giving a perspective of freshness to your kitchen.
The only limitation: their delicate build when put next to stainless steel means that if a heavy object is dropped, they can chip.
There’s a ceramic sink to match any kitchen design. They may add a little elegance and class, but durability is where ceramic sinks shine.
Stone
No one can deny that stone sinks are the most durable of any kitchen sink. Made from granite or soapstone, these sinks are sure to last a lifetime. The only downside is that they are quite tough to maintain if not handled right.
Due to stone sinks being extremely heavy, there’s little chance of them getting damaged.
But, the sturdiness does come with a catch. If dropped, they are bound to crack.
On the other hand, cleaning them is super easy. Just make sure to watch what you are using. Acidic items like lemon juice and vinegar will dull the stone over time, so it’s best to avoid them.
Copper
Out of all the unique sinks on the market, Copper sinks are truly one of a kind and a rare find. Although Copper sinks can shine with style and good looks, they, unfortunately, require a lot of care to maintain.
To begin with, copper over time develops a patina charm that alters its color. It’s like a pair of old jeans that look much better when they've been worn for a while.
Keeping these pieces shiny copper colored would require one to polish them every now and then though. However, one should refrain from using harsh cleaners. Using some lemon juice and baking soda can do magic.
Fireclay
Although fireclay sinks are considered a bit more delicate, they are also incredibly durable. They come in styles that are glossy and smooth, which gives your kitchen a very polished look; thus, they are quite elegant. But, as with anything of value, effort is required in order to maintain them.
They are not too difficult to clean at all. Make sure to get gentle and non-abrasive cleaners. Use a soft damp cloth or sponge to scrub, absolutely no tough materials that can damage the surface. If you are concerned about stains, using some baking soda can help greatly.
If you show your care and concern to fireclay it will reward you handsomely by looking as new as always.
Conclusion
Taking care of your sink isn’t just about making it look good. It’s about keeping it clean, fresh, and ready for whatever life throws at it. Whether you’ve got a stainless steel, fireclay, or copper sink, knowing how to clean it properly makes all the difference.
A little regular care goes a long way. Just remember: the right cleaner, a soft cloth, and a bit of elbow grease can keep your sink sparkling and functional for years to come.
No need to stress over it, follow the simple steps, and you’ll be a sink-cleaning pro before you know it!
