When you walk into a kitchen, you probably don’t give a second thought to the style and material of the kitchen sink – much less whether it’s installed underneath or on top of the surface. However, choosing a new kitchen sink for your space can freshen up your kitchen and even increase the value of your home by staying on top of trends.

 

The three main types of sinks are inset, undermount and Belfast sinks. Inset sinks are installed by placing them over a cut out on top of the countertop, while undermount sinks are installed from below. Belfast sinks are also installed from below, but are positioned at the front of the countertop so the front panel is on display for a timeless farmhouse feel. You'll also find sinks that can be installed both undermount or inset. There are advantages and things to consider with each option depending on your countertops, space available, and your budget.

 

You’ll find kitchen sinks in a range of sizes, colours and materials, as well as 0.5 to 2 bowl varieties for greater freedom. Want to buy all the hardware together? Our sink and tap combos allow you to pick a style and stick to it to create a seamless and sophisticated look.

Types of Kitchen Sink

Inset Sinks

Inset Sinks

Inset kitchen sinks, sometimes called overmount sinks, are easily installed in a hole in the countertop from above, and are held into place with a lip or frame around the edge. They’re generally square or rectangular framed and often come with a draining board included.

 

Inset sinks are easy to clean because there are no gaps where food and bacteria can get trapped, easy to re-caulk if needed, and are often cheaper than undermount alternatives. They’re also compatible with a number of different worktop materials because they need less support.

 

In terms of aesthetics and practicality, inset sinks are more visible on the counter and take up more worktop space than undermount alternatives. In smaller kitchens you may want to consider how much of the area will be taken up with the sink and whether this will affect the space.

Advantages

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    Easy to install and recaulk when needed

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    Keep clean with ease

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    Compatible with a range of worktop types

Things to Consider

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    Visible on the counter

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    Takes up more worktop space

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    Sink bowls are generally shallower than undermount

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Undermount Sinks

Undermount Sinks

An undermount sink is installed from below the surface of the worktop, which has a cut out made to the size of the bowl. They’re a highly versatile and customisable type of kitchen sink, providing a seamless look in the kitchen.

 

Undermount sinks are ideal for smaller kitchens with less counter space because they don’t sit on top of the work surface.

 

Despite the fact they take up less space on the counter top, they’ll often need more space below the sink to support their weight. Undermount sinks also tend to be heavier than inset alternatives meaning they’re only suitable for solid surface worktops – improper installation could mean everything comes crashing down!

Advantages

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    Versatile and customisable

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    Don’t take up any extra countertop space

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    Seamless, attractive style on the work surface

Things to Consider

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    The ‘lip’ between the counter and sink can catch food and bacteria

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    Only suitable for heavy duty counters with plenty of space underneath

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    Often more expensive and less DIY-friendly than inset sinks

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Belfast Sinks

Belfast Sinks

Belfast sinks are installed similarly to undermount sinks, but are positioned right at the front of the countertop. This means the front panel of the sink is on display for a timeless, farmhouse style. Belfast sinks are made of ceramic and are most commonly white so they will suit any kitchen and colour scheme.

 

You'll find Belfast sinks combine durability with style, and you can pair them with matching drainers for a totally sleek look. Belfast sinks are often seen as a luxury kitchen sink, because they're commonly used in large farmhouse kitchens - but can suit any style and kitchen size.

 

Belfast sinks are far heavier than many other types of sink such as stainless steel, as they're made of ceramic. They require a lot of support underneath so they remain level and secure. These sinks also come at a higher price tag than simpler alternatives.

Advantages

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    Durable

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    Fashionable and versatile

Things to Consider

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    Heavy & require more support underneath

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    Higher price tag than more standard alternatives

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Kitchen Sink Material Types

Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel sinks offer good value for money, are durable, and can withstand high temperatures when you need somewhere to put hot pans.

 

They’re easy to coordinate with taps, as well as other appliances in your kitchen.

 

When it comes to style, there’s less variety than ceramic or tectonite sinks if you want to add luxury and compliment the style of your kitchen. After some time, you may also notice that stainless steel sinks can get scratched with general use.

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Ceramic Sinks

Ceramic Sinks

Ceramic sinks are often found in ‘farmhouse style’ kitchens, offering a classic and luxurious look whilst being durable and hard-wearing.

 

They’re easy to clean and, unlike stainless steel sinks, won’t dent under heavy loads. Ceramic sinks are often viewed as a luxury kitchen sink due to their classic, sleek appearance.

 

However, because they won’t dent, they can chip or crack if enough force is applied (although this is unlikely). Because ceramic is so robust, dropped plates and glasses are also likely to smash – something to consider if you're clumsy!

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Granite Composite Sinks

Granite Composite Sinks

Granite composite sinks come in a variety of styles and colours and have the benefit of being less expensive than natural granite – instead, they’re made from granite and acrylic resin. They compliment modern kitchens because they lend themselves to a contemporary style.

 

Granite composite sinks are tough and can withstand high temperatures and won’t chip easily. 

 

Granite composite sinks are likely to be heavier than stainless steel alternatives – so they’ll be better suited to heavy-duty countertops than can withstand the weight. Granite composite sinks also tend to be slightly more expensive than ceramic or stainless steel alternatives.

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Tectonite Composite Sinks

Tectonite Composite Sinks

Tectonite composite sinks are made of glass-fibre reinforced polyester and feel a little bit like a bathtub. You’ll find these sinks in a variety of colours and styles at a cost much lower than granite composite. They’re resistant to fading in sunlight, making them ideal if your sink is in front of a window.

 

Tectonite composite sinks lend themselves to a contemporary style making them a perfect, lightweight and low-cost option for modern kitchens.

 

If you live in many parts of the south of the UK, or anywhere else with hard water, limescale will be more visible than on other types because composite sinks are darker in which shows up the white limescale.

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Key Kitchen Sink Features

Number of Bowls

You’ll find sinks with anywhere from 0.5 to 2 bowls, but most are 1 or 1.5 bowl models.

 

If you’re likely to need to wash or soak small items that need cleaning, a 1.5 or 2 bowl sink is very useful as you can continue using the main bowl for general washing up.

Colour

Gone are the days where you’re limited to one colour of sink. You’ll find sinks in silver, white, black, grey or graphite in order to give your kitchen a seamless look with a luxury kitchen sink.

 

You can even match the tap, sink and other appliances in your kitchen for an even more sophisticated appearance.

Tap and Sink Combo

Tap and sink combos are perfect if you want your kitchen to appear seamless and put together. Buying them together ensures you have everything you need to install the system and makes it even easier to pick a look that suits your style.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which kitchen sink is best?

What is an undermount kitchen sink?

How much does it cost to replace a kitchen sink?

What is an inset kitchen sink?

What are belfast kitchen sinks?

What are standard kitchen sink sizes?

What is the best material for a kitchen sink?

What is the difference between stainless steel vs. composite kitchen sinks?

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