by Jimmy Tang

Visual Guide for More than 15 Different Kitchen Sinks

There is so much renovation jargon and terminology that's used when describing kitchen sinks, we help you understand some of the terms by showing you visually.
Visual Guide for More than 15 Different Kitchen Sinks

Shop Online: Transform Your Kitchen with Stylish Modern Kitchen Sink Designs

In our article today,we're going to talk about the different types of sinks or sink names used to describe a sink. Some of these may get confusing because the one sink might be described using several of these terms. For example an Undermount sink might also be able to be used as a Topmount sink as well, so the names are not mutually exclusive.

If you've come across any sinks that you would like us to add to the list then feel free to drop us email or comment.

Undermount Sinks

A sink that has been undermount means that the lip or edge of the sink has been tucked away under the stone bench (we usually don't recommend this for laminate or wooden benches). People prefer this because it has a sleek look, and allows you to shows off more of the stone bench.

They are more expensive to install because the cut out must be made to the exact measurements of the sink so that the bench top and sink blends perfectly into one. The edges of the bench top may chip overtime if you're not careful.

Undermount kitchen sinks by Buildmat

Shop Undermount Sinks

First-class stainless steel undermount kitchen sinks.

Topmount Sinks

A top mount sinks are also commonly known as a drop in sink and it means that it has an exposed lip which sits on top of the bench top. This is easier to install, is recommended if you've got a laminate or wooden bench top.

It is Cheaper and easier to install, as long as the cut out is big enough to fit the bowls and small enough for the lip to sit on the bench you can drop the sink in. The sink also protects the edge of the bench top because it is covered by the stainless steel lip.

Undermount kitchen sinks by Buildmat

Topmount Sinks

First-class stainless steel undermount kitchen sinks.

Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless Steel Sinks describe the material that it is made of and are the most common type of sinks because it is extremely durable, easy to clean and the cost is relatively cheap compared to other types of sinks.

There are still both really cheap sinks and premium sinks made in stainless steel, so make sure you find one that's high quality, stainless steel sinks are generally made of 304 Grade Stainless Steel.

People prefer stainless steel sinks because they are easy to clean, suits most surfaces, affordable. The only thing people need to know is that over time it may rust when not taken care of, especially on the really cheap sinks because of the lower quality of stainless steel.

Topmount kitchen sinks by Buildmat

Shop Stainless Steel Sinks

Handmade stainless steel topmount kitchen sinks.

Bar Sink

A Bar sink is usually designed to take up a very small amount of space, as bars in the house are generally built quite small so space is scarce.

Bar sinks are usually Versatile and doesn't take up much space, but great for entertaining, There are limited uses though because of it's size so it can't replace a full kitchen sink. Some people also know it as an entertainment Sink or a wet bar sink.

Dry Bar Sink

Dry bar sinks sounds a bit strange, because all sinks would eventually get wet because they're made to contain water. The dry bar sink doesn't have a tap near by, so it's almost always used as a built in ice bucket. Sometimes they're connected to plumbing but others they outlet just goes into a bucket.

Dry bar sinks are small and great for entertaining, chills beers and wines, but if you've got the space for it try and look at getting it plumbed in so it can have more uses.

Corner Sink

A Corner sinks is designed to use up that awkward cupboard space in every corner or L section of a bench. They're an extremely excellent space saver for kitchens that are tight for space. Some people think it looks slightly odd, but it does grow onto people and especially when you don't have to try and utilise that awkward corner.

Granite Composite Sinks

Granite sinks, composite sinks or stone sinks paved the way for black sinks and are still popular. They are made using a mix of granite stone dust, quartz dust and acrylic resins to help set the stone into the mold. They're made in a similar way to composite stone bench tops.

Sometimes people complain about the hardness because it's not as forgiving as a stainless steel sink so some glassware might shatter after just lightly knocking a granite sink.

Cast Iron Sinks

Cast Iron Sinks are considered vintage style sinks and are often seen as an apron or farmhouse sink. They're coated with an enamel so they can be made in several different colours, the only problem is that the enamel can chip over time.

Cast Iron sinks are usually considered to be heavy duty and durable. But beware they are extremely heavy, so there must be a structure built to support the sink. The enamel can chip, wear off or will stain over time so some care is needed.

Large Single Bowl Sinks

Large single bowl sinks are now becoming common, they're replacing the traditional double bowl sink in the kitchen because more people are using their dishwashers for everything, and the only they realised that the only thing that they're cleaning in the sinks are pots and pans.

They're popular because they are easier to clean pots and pans but some people don't like that you cant fill one bowl up to rinse the dishes.

Disappearing Sink

The disappearing sink is a relatively new design and extremely rare because of how expensive it is. The sink is completely hidden away and flush and with the click of a button the center of the sink lowers itself.

It's not something that we've seen in Australia as yet, aesthetically it's very attractive so it won't be long until we see them in high end kitchens.

 

Kitchen Island Sink

This is what we call a sink that has been installed on an island bench, the reason why it's call a kitchen island sink is because it sits within an Island Bench.

They can be any type of sink, it's just called an island sink because it doesn't have a wall or splash back behind it like in traditional kitchens

Pressed Sink

Pressed sinks describe the way that they are made, as start off as a thin sheet of steel and a hydraulic press is used to press or punch the steel into shape. The other method of creating a sink is a handmade sink.

These types of sinks are usually cheaper for two reasons. First being Less labour intensive as it is pressed into shape by machine there's less labour and skill involved. The second being usually they're made in thinner steel. For Australian made sinks they're either pressed sinks for domestic houses or custom made by a steel fabricator.

Handmade Sinks

Handmade sinks are the more premium method of creating a sink. A handmade sink is cut and welded into shape. They are considered more premium because usually a thicker steel or thicker steel gauge is used to create these sinks.

The sink is cut and folded up and then each corner is manually welded by someone which means the sink is significantly more labour intensive and this manual welding gives it the name of it being a "handmade sink".

The major benefit of having a handmade sink is that it is not stretched into shape which means the steels thickness is the same throughout the sink.

Ceramic Sinks

Ceramic Sinks are not as popular in Australia because they are extremely expensive and not very common, they are an alternative to a white fireclay sink

Cearmic is a material that we usually see used in bathroom basin or toilets which is why most people prefer not to have it in the kitchen.

Drainboard Sinks

Drainboard sinks are kitchen sinks that have an attached board that allows you to dry your pots and pans or put a dish rack so that you can stack up your dishes while you're washing.

These are popular because it is very functional but we also see that people are often choosing sinks without drying boards as well because the dishwasher is being used more and more often.

Low Divider Sinks

Low divider sinks generally have the middle divider as only half the height. This allows you to have the benefit of having a double bowl sink and at the same time you're able to fit the entire pot or saucepan with long handles in the sink with no issues for cleaning.

These usually only come in quartz or granite sinks and are not seen in stainless steel.

Butlers Pantry Sink

Butler sinks are often referred the fireclay sinks that were found commonly used by butlers in London.

These days more people are calling the butler sink a small sink that's designed to be installed in the butlers pantry where space is generally tight.

Apron Sinks

Apron Sinks are kitchen sinks designed to have the front exposed, it is a term that's more commonly used in America and popular in the United States.

An apron sink generally has a bit of a curvature to the front of the sink.

Farm House Sinks

Farmhouse sinks are very similar to an apron sink, but it doesn't have a curvature. A farmhouse sink and apron sink terminology is usually interchanged.

Check out our Stainlesss Steel Boden Farmhouse Sink here which is designed to expose the front.

 

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