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The best kitchen sink is the one that suits your counter, your cabinet and the way you wash up. It is chosen on three things, in this order: the material, the way it mounts to the counter, and the size and number of bowls. In an open kitchen the sink is also in plain view from the living room, so its looks count for more than they used to.
| Material | Strengths | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Light, forgiving of dropped dishes, fits any style, widest range of sizes | Shows water spots and fine scratches; thin steel is noisy |
| Composite (granite or quartz) | Resists stains and scratches, many colors, a stone look for less | Heavier than steel, so the cabinet and cutout must be made for it |
| Enameled cast iron | Very durable, smooth glossy finish, many colors | Extremely heavy; enamel can chip, scratch and wear |
| Natural stone | Each one different, long lasting, can match the counter | Expensive; heavy; lighter stones stain |
Stainless steel
Stainless is the default for good reasons. It is light, it does not chip, and it comes in every size and shape, including the small ones an apartment needs. Thickness is given as a gauge, and the lower the number the thicker the steel. A thicker sink with sound-deadening pads underneath is quieter and feels more solid. Expect fine scratches, which blend into a soft finish over time.
Composite sinks
A composite sink is made of crushed granite or quartz bound in an acrylic or polyester resin. It is built to resist stains and scratches, the color runs through the material and does not fade, and it gives the look of stone at a lower price. Composite sinks are easy to care for. The weight is more than stainless, so the cabinet and the counter cutout have to be made for it.
Enameled cast iron
Cast iron is the classic farmhouse sink: an iron bowl with enamel fused onto it, which gives the smooth, glossy surface. It will not dent or crack and it comes in many colors. It is also extremely heavy. The base cabinet has to be sturdy, the counter sound, and the installer experienced. Over the years enamel can scratch, wear and discolor, and a hard knock from a pan can chip it.
Stone sinks
A sink cut from stone is the handsome choice. No two are alike, it lasts, and it can be made from the same stone as the counter. The drawbacks are price and weight, and lighter stones stain fairly easily. Stone sinks are usually mounted under the counter.
How the sink meets the counter
- Undermount: fixed below the counter, so crumbs wipe straight in. It needs a solid counter such as stone, quartz or solid surface, and a clean cutout.
- Drop-in: the rim sits on the counter. It works with any counter, including laminate, and is the simplest to replace.
- Apron-front or farmhouse: the front of the sink is exposed. It needs a base cabinet made for it.
- Integrated: the sink is formed from the counter material itself, as with solid surface. There is no joint to clean, but damage to the sink is damage to the counter.
Because the mount depends on the counter, choose the two together. Our guide to the best kitchen countertop materials covers that side.
Size and bowls in a small kitchen
The sink has to fit its base cabinet, and in a small kitchen the base cabinet is as narrow as you can make it. One large bowl is usually more useful than two small ones, because a roasting pan or a baking sheet will lie flat in it. Leave counter on both sides: the National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a landing area at least 24 inches wide on one side of the sink and 18 inches on the other, and a dishwasher within 36 inches of the sink’s edge. Where the room cannot give you those, get as close as you can and keep the dishwasher next to the sink.
A disposer in New York City
Food waste disposers are permitted in New York City homes. The Department of Environmental Protection’s sewer rules bar devices that grind food waste into the sewer except for food waste disposers within dwelling units (NYC Rules). Whether your building allows one is a separate question, so ask the managing agent before you plan the plumbing and the outlet under the sink.
The sink is ordered with the cabinets and counter, well before it is fitted. See kitchen renovation in NYC for how the pieces come together, custom cabinets and the showroom for the sink base and what surrounds it, and the kitchen gallery for finished examples.
Choosing a sink as part of a new kitchen? Call us or send the request form, and we will help you match it to the counter and the cabinet.
Questions people ask
What is the most durable kitchen sink material?
Each lasts in its own way. Stainless steel will not chip or crack but shows fine scratches. Enameled cast iron will not dent, though the enamel can chip and wear. Composite resists stains and scratches. Stone lasts a long time but lighter stones stain.
Is an undermount sink better than a drop-in?
An undermount is easier to keep clean because there is no rim on the counter, and it suits stone, quartz and solid surface. A drop-in works with any counter, including laminate, and is simpler to replace.
Are garbage disposals legal in NYC apartments?
Yes. The city’s sewer rules permit food waste disposers within dwelling units. Your building may have its own rule against them, so check the house rules or ask the managing agent first.