The Complete Guide to Kitchen Sinks: Everything We Know After Selling Thousands of Them

There are some things in a kitchen you choose mostly because you like the look of them. Your kitchen sink shouldn't one of them.

Yes, it needs to work with the rest of the kitchen, but this is also the place where you’ll rinse vegetables, fill pots, drain pasta, wash roasting trays, empty half-finished cups of tea and deal with all the other glamorous jobs that come with actually using a kitchen.

And because sinks are often installed into expensive cabinetry and benchtops, choosing the wrong one isn’t particularly easy to undo.

After helping thousands of renovators, builders and designers choose kitchen sinks at Buildmat, we’ve learnt that getting it right usually comes down to a handful of practical decisions: how much space you have, how you use your kitchen, what needs to fit underneath the sink and how everything works together once it’s installed.

Here’s what we’d think about before ordering yours.

Start with how you use your kitchen

Before looking at finishes or deciding whether you want an undermount sink or topmount sink, think about what happens at your sink on an average day.

If nearly everything goes into the dishwasher, you might prefer one generous bowl that can handle the awkward things the dishwasher can’t: roasting trays, stock pots, chopping boards and oversized pans.

Pictured: Alma Clifford 725x450 Single & 1/4 Bowl Sink in undermount configuration

If you regularly hand-wash dishes, a second bowl can be useful because you can wash in one side and rinse or drain in the other. If you do a lot of food prep, you might want a smaller secondary bowl for rinsing produce while keeping the main bowl free.

And if your kitchen is compact, dedicating half a cabinet run to an enormous double bowl might not be the best use of space simply because it looked impressive in the showroom.

There isn’t one kitchen sink configuration we’d recommend to everyone. The best sink is the one that makes the jobs you already do easier.

What size kitchen sink do you need?

One of the most common questions we get is, “What’s the standard kitchen sink size?”

Most Australian kitchen sinks fall somewhere between about 450mm and 900mm in length, with 600mm to 800mm being common in many kitchens. But the size that matters isn’t simply the measurement across the top of the sink. Your sink also needs to work with the cabinet underneath it, your benchtop, tap position, plumbing and anything else you’re planning to squeeze into that cabinet.

As a rough guide, compact single bowls around 450mm to 550mm can work well in apartments, butler’s pantries and smaller kitchens. Around 600mm to 700mm gives you a generous everyday single bowl, while larger single and double bowl sinks can stretch towards 800mm, 900mm and beyond.

Pictured: Noah 700x500 Large Single Bowl Tap Landing Sink

However, bigger isn’t automatically better. A large sink gives you plenty of washing space, but it also takes space away from your benchtop and under-sink cabinetry. If you’ve also planned pull-out bins, a water filter or storage underneath, those few extra centimetres can suddenly become quite important.

We’ve put together a separate guide to standard kitchen sink sizes if you want to get deeper into the measurements.

Check the cabinet, not just the benchtop

This catches people out surprisingly often. A 700mm sink does not necessarily fit neatly into a 700mm cabinet.

You need to consider the external dimensions of the sink, the bowl itself, mounting hardware, waste and plumbing, plus any clearance specified by the manufacturer. Cabinet walls and rails also reduce the clear internal space you have available.

Before ordering, we recommend measuring:

• the internal width, depth and height of the cabinet

• the sink’s overall dimensions

• the bowl dimensions and depth

• the existing benchtop cut-out if you’re replacing a sink

• the space behind the sink for your mixer

• where the waste and plumbing will sit

• anything else sharing the cabinet, including bins, drawers and water filtration systems.

If you’ve already found a sink you like, our kitchen sink cabinet, cut-out and tap clearance guide walks through the measurements to check before you buy.

Single bowl vs double bowl sink: which is better?

This is one of those decisions where people often assume double means better. Not necessarily.

When we’d choose a single bowl

A single bowl kitchen sink gives you one uninterrupted space, which makes it particularly good for washing large pots, oven trays, chopping boards and awkward cookware.

You’re also getting more usable bowl space for the overall width of the sink because there isn’t a divider running through the middle.

If you use a dishwasher for most of your plates and cutlery and mainly need the sink for food prep and larger items, a generous single bowl is often all you need.

Pictured: Alma Willow Brushed Gunmetal Willow 600x450 Medium Single Bowl Sink

When we’d choose a double bowl

A double bowl kitchen sink makes more sense if you like keeping jobs separate.

You can wash in one bowl while rinsing in the other, soak something without losing the entire sink or keep one bowl clear for food prep while the other fills up with dishes.

The trade-off is width. Two useful bowls naturally take up more room, so check what that does to your cabinetry before committing.

Pictured: Alma Madison Brushed Gunmetal Madison 775x450 Double Bowl Sink

What about 1¼, 1½ and 1¾ bowl sinks?

These sit somewhere between the two. You get a larger main bowl plus a smaller secondary bowl for rinsing, draining or food prep without giving over quite as much space as you would to two full bowls. For some kitchens, that compromise is exactly right.

Undermount, topmount or flushmount?

How your sink is installed changes both how it looks and how it behaves.

Undermount sinks

Undermount kitchen sinks are installed underneath the benchtop, leaving the edge of the benchtop exposed around the bowl.

They’re popular in contemporary kitchens because the result is clean and minimal, but there’s also a practical advantage: without a sink rim sitting on the bench, crumbs and water can be wiped directly into the bowl.

Your benchtop material matters, though. Undermount sinks are generally paired with suitable solid surfaces such as stone, and the sink and cut-out need to be properly planned and installed.

Topmount sinks

A topmount kitchen sink drops into the benchtop from above, with the rim resting on top.

Topmount installation works with a broad range of benchtop materials and can be particularly practical with laminate because the sink rim covers the cut edge.

They can also be easier to replace down the track, provided the new sink works with the existing cut-out.

The visible rim means you don’t get quite the same seamless appearance as an undermount sink, but we’d choose the installation method that works properly with the kitchen before choosing one purely because it looks better in a photo.

Flushmount sinks

A flushmount sink sits almost level with the benchtop, giving you the streamlined appearance of an undermount with a very precise finished edge. It can look fantastic.

It also requires extremely accurate fabrication, so this is something we’d discuss with your stonemason before buying the sink rather than springing it on them once the benchtop is already underway.

What makes a good stainless steel kitchen sink?

There’s a reason stainless steel kitchen sinks are everywhere. They’re durable, relatively lightweight, easy to live with and available in just about every size and configuration you could want. But that doesn’t mean every stainless steel sink is the same.

If you’re comparing two sinks that look almost identical online but have very different prices, there are a few things worth checking.

Stainless steel grade

304-grade stainless steel is a strong all-round choice for an indoor kitchen because it provides a good balance of durability, corrosion resistance and everyday practicality. It’s what we use across our core Alma stainless steel kitchen sink range.

For outdoor and alfresco kitchens, the environment changes things. If the sink is exposed to weather or more corrosive conditions, 316 marine-grade stainless steel provides greater corrosion resistance and can be a better choice.

Steel thickness

Thickness affects how solid the sink feels and can influence how much vibration and noise you hear when water or cookware hits it.

Our premium topmount stainless steel sinks, for example, are handmade from 1.5mm-thick steel.

When you’re comparing sinks, don’t assume “stainless steel” tells you everything you need to know. Check the grade, construction and thickness as well.

Sound deadening

Ever turned on a tap and heard the whole sink ring? That hollow or tinny sound is one of the reasons sound-deadening treatment matters. A well-made sink may use pads or coatings underneath the bowl to help absorb vibration and reduce noise during everyday use.

It’s not the glamorous part of buying a sink, but it’s something you’ll appreciate every time you turn the tap on.

Corners and radius

Very square sinks with tight internal corners create the crisp architectural look a lot of people want in modern kitchens.

The trade-off is cleaning.

The tighter the corner, the more attention it can need compared with a softer radius. Neither is inherently better; it comes down to whether you prioritise the sharp geometric look or the easiest possible wipe-down.

Stainless steel, granite or fireclay?

Stainless steel might be the Australian kitchen workhorse, but it isn’t your only option.

A material should make sense for the kitchen rather than simply matching the mood board. If you want something darker and more architectural, granite or a coloured stainless steel finish can completely change the sink area. If you’re designing a classic farmhouse kitchen, fireclay can become a major feature rather than disappearing into the benchtop.

Don't overlook sink depth

Length and width get most of the attention, but bowl depth has a surprisingly big effect on how a sink feels to use.

A deeper sink gives you more capacity for large pots and helps contain splashing, but it also reaches further into the cabinet below.

This is important if you have pull-out bins, drawers, filtration equipment or limited plumbing clearance underneath.

There’s an ergonomic consideration too. The bottom of an undermount sink already sits below the benchtop, so an exceptionally deep bowl can leave you bending further than expected every time you wash something.

For most kitchens, we’d rather see a well-proportioned bowl that suits the people using it than simply recommend the deepest sink available.

Your kitchen sink and mixer need to work together

The sink and kitchen mixer might be purchased separately, but they need to behave like one fixture once installed.

Think about where the water actually lands. A tall mixer paired with a shallow bowl can create more splash. A mixer with insufficient reach might leave the stream awkwardly close to the back of a large sink, while a mixer that projects too far can make a smaller bowl uncomfortable to use.

Pull-out mixers can be particularly useful with large and double bowls because you can direct the water around the sink rather than relying entirely on the swivel of the spout.

Then there’s the question of where the mixer is mounted. Some sinks include a dedicated tap landing, while others are designed for the mixer to be installed through the benchtop. Our tap landing kitchen sinks can be useful when you want the mixer mounted directly to the sink rather than through the surrounding benchtop.

Pictured: Alma Iver 1080x500 Single Bowl Tap Landing with Left Drain Board Sink

This is something you want to decide before the benchtop is cut, not while the installer is standing in your kitchen asking where the tap is supposed to go.

Do you need a drainboard?

Drainboards sometimes get dismissed as the less exciting option, but a drainboard kitchen sink gives wet dishes, glasses and cookware somewhere to sit while directing water back towards the sink rather than letting it pool on the benchtop.

If you hand-wash regularly, it can be extremely practical.

The downside is space. An integrated drainboard increases the overall footprint of the sink, so in a compact kitchen you might prefer a larger bowl and use a removable roll mat or dish rack only when you need it.

Again, think about how you actually use the kitchen. If your dishwasher does 95 per cent of the work, permanently giving up a large section of bench to a drainboard might not make sense. If someone in your household seems philosophically opposed to putting anything in the dishwasher, it probably will.

The kitchen sink mistakes we see all the time

After helping a lot of people through kitchen renovations, there are a handful of mistakes that come up again and again.

Buying the sink too late

If you're building a new kitchen, choose the sink earlier than you think you need to.

Your cabinet-maker needs to know what has to fit underneath the bench, while your benchtop fabricator needs accurate sink specifications for the cut-out. If you're undermounting or flushmounting, this becomes even more important.

Buying the sink the night before the stone is measured is not the kind of excitement we'd recommend adding to a renovation.

Assuming external cabinet width equals usable space

It doesn't. Measure the clear internal space and check the sink's technical drawing rather than making the decision from the cabinet label alone.

Choosing entirely on looks

We understand it. The gunmetal double bowl looks excellent. But if you live in a small apartment, use a dishwasher for everything and own approximately one saucepan, do you actually need it? Choose the configuration first, then find the finish you love.

Forgetting about the mixer

Check mixer position, reach and clearance behind the sink before anything is drilled or cut. Windows and splashbacks can also affect where a mixer can sit and how freely it can move.

Forgetting left and right configurations

If you're buying an asymmetrical sink, drainboard sink or sink with bowls of different sizes, make sure you're looking at it from the correct orientation.

“Left” and “right” suddenly become extremely important once there's a permanent hole in your benchtop.

Ignoring the dishwasher

Think about the workflow between your sink, dishwasher and bins. Ideally, you should be able to scrape, rinse where necessary and load the dishwasher without carrying wet dishes across the kitchen or having an open dishwasher door block the entire work zone.

Going too small

Saving 100mm of cabinet space can look like a win on the floor plan, but if your largest frying pan doesn't fit comfortably in the bowl, you'll be reminded of that decision every night.

Going unnecessarily big

The opposite happens too. A massive sink can consume valuable bench and cabinet space without giving you much practical benefit. Choose enough sink for the way you cook, not the biggest sink that physically fits.

How much should you spend on a kitchen sink?

You can spend anywhere between $200 to $1,000 or more on a kitchen sink, and prices vary enormously, and size is only part of the reason. Material, steel grade, thickness, construction method, finish, number of bowls, included accessories and brand can all affect what you pay.

Rather than setting an arbitrary budget and choosing the largest sink within it, we'd look at the things that are difficult or expensive to change later.

A sink is installed into your cabinetry and often into a custom-cut stone benchtop. Spending a little more on the right size, material and construction can make more sense than saving on the sink and discovering afterwards that you don't enjoy using it.

Our kitchen sink checklist before you order

If you've narrowed your options down to a few sinks, run through this list before hitting the checkout button.

• Cabinet internal width: ______________
• Cabinet internal depth: ______________
• Benchtop material: ______________
• Existing cut-out dimensions, if applicable: ______________
• Sink overall dimensions: ______________
• Internal bowl dimensions: ______________
• Bowl depth: ______________
• Single, double or multi-bowl: ______________
• Undermount, topmount or flushmount: ______________
• Mixer position: ______________
• Clearance behind mixer: ______________
• Waste position: ______________
• Left/right orientation: ______________
• Dishwasher position: ______________
• Under-sink bins/storage: ______________
• Water filter or other equipment: ______________
• Drainboard required: Yes / No
• Accessories required: ______________
  

If you can answer all of those before ordering, you're already avoiding most of the problems we see when a sink hasn't been properly planned.

So, which kitchen sink should you choose?

Start with function. Work out how much room you have, what you regularly wash, whether you want one bowl or two, how the sink will be installed and what else needs to fit around it. Once those decisions are made, you can get into the much more enjoyable part: material, colour and finish.

For plenty of Australian kitchens, that might mean a generous 600mm or 700mm stainless steel single bowl. For a busy household that hand-washes regularly, a double bowl or drainboard configuration might make far more sense. A compact kitchen may benefit from a smaller bowl and clever accessories, while a farmhouse kitchen might call for something completely different.

There isn't one perfect kitchen sink. There is, however, a sink that makes far more sense for your kitchen, and that's what we'd rather help you find.

Shop kitchen sinks at Buildmat

We stock kitchen sinks across a wide range of sizes, configurations, materials and finishes, including stainless steel, single and double bowl, undermount, topmount, drainboard, farmhouse, granite and coloured options.

If you're in Melbourne, you can also bring your plans and measurements into the Buildmat Selection Centre and we can work through the options with you in person.

Not nearby? We ship Australia-wide. Send us your cabinet measurements, benchtop details and plans and we'll help you narrow down a sink that actually works before you order.

Call: 1300 123 122
Email: [email protected]

Kitchen sink FAQs

What is the most popular kitchen sink size in Australia?

There isn't one standard size, but many Australian kitchen sinks sit between around 600mm and 800mm in length. Smaller 450mm to 550mm bowls can work well in compact kitchens, while large single and double bowl sinks can reach 900mm or more. Your cabinet dimensions and how you use the sink are more important than choosing a supposedly standard size.

Is a single or double kitchen sink better?

Neither is inherently better. A single bowl gives you a larger uninterrupted space for pots, trays and cookware, while a double bowl allows you to separate washing, rinsing and food preparation. If you use a dishwasher for most dishes, a large single bowl may be all you need.

What type of kitchen sink is easiest to keep clean?

Stainless steel is popular because it's durable and relatively easy to maintain. The shape matters too: sinks with softer internal corners can be quicker to wipe out than designs with very tight square corners. Undermount installation also allows you to wipe crumbs and water directly from the benchtop into the sink without a raised rim getting in the way.

Is 304 stainless steel good for a kitchen sink?

Yes. 304-grade stainless steel is widely used for indoor kitchen sinks because it offers a strong balance of durability and corrosion resistance. For outdoor or alfresco kitchens exposed to harsher conditions, 316 marine-grade stainless steel may be more suitable.

Are undermount sinks better than topmount sinks?

It depends on your benchtop and priorities. Undermount sinks create a streamlined finish and make wiping the benchtop into the bowl easy, while topmount sinks work with a broader range of benchtop materials and can be simpler to install or replace. Neither installation method is automatically better for every kitchen.

How deep should a kitchen sink be?

Kitchen sink bowls commonly fall somewhere around 180mm to 250mm deep, although individual designs vary. A deeper bowl can hold larger cookware and contain splashing, but it also takes up more space beneath the bench and may require you to reach further down when washing.

Can I replace a kitchen sink without replacing the benchtop?

You typically can, but your options are determined by the existing cut-out. The replacement sink needs to work with the hole that's already there, or the benchtop may need professional modification. Going larger can sometimes be possible because the cut-out can be expanded, whereas fitting a smaller sink over an existing opening is considerably more difficult.