How To Look For Deep Kitchen Sinks When You Remodel
As much as we try to deny it, the sink is often the centerpiece of our kitchen, mostly because no meal can be cooked without it. From preparing food to cleaning the dishes, a kitchen sink needs to be durable, reliable, but also make dish cleaning an easier process. With that in mind, we’re going to explore the topic of deep kitchen sinks, but not without offering you an overview on what makes a kitchen sink good for you.
Kitchen Sink Styles
Kitchen sinks are often classified based on the materials they’re made from, but you need to consider the style of the kitchen sink if you are to make a correct purchase, one that suits the needs of your household and your family. With that in mind, here are the different types of kitchen sinks you can expect to find on the market:
Single Bowl
Single bowl kitchen sinks are the most common category of all and, as you may have guessed it, they come with just one basin. They are often preferred by those with small kitchen or by people who own a dishwasher and don’t really need that much sink space. However, when you compare the basin of a single bowl kitchen sink with that of a double bowl one, the basin of the former is actually larger, which might make it more convenient for you if you often have to wash large pots. Since there are less edges and corners to deal with, a single bowl kitchen sink is also easier to clean, but also a more affordable item overall.
Double Bowl
Double bowl kitchen sinks are exactly what they appear to be: sinks with two basins. You might think that this is the perfect option for you because you tend to cook a lot and could use the extra space to prepare the food, but you need to consider the fact that these bowls are typically smaller compared to those of a single bowl kitchen sink, which might make it more difficult to fit large dishes inside. There are some double bowl kitchen sinks that have a 50/50 basin ratio, but also some models with a 60/40 ratio.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse sinks (also known as “apron front” sinks) are easy to recognize because of their design. They typically have a large frontal portion that replaces part of the counter. They are often the number one choice amongst those who like to decorate their kitchen in a country-style or traditional design. You can find farmhouse sinks with one or two basins, but the single bowl models are the most common ones. These types of sinks tend to be more expensive than others and they are also more difficult to install.
Top Mount
Top mount kitchen sinks are literally designed to be dropped in a cutout template inside your kitchen counter. They are characterized by a rim or a lip that helps hold the sink on the surface of the counter and gives it a more finished look. Also referred to as “drop-in” sinks, they are probably the easiest sinks to install without the help of a professional. Due to the edge of the sink, it doesn’t really need an internal support system (which is typically found under the counter), and that boosts drop-in sinks as the top of the list for budget-seekers and DIY enthusiasts. Probably the main disadvantage of choosing this type of sink is the fact that there will always be that tiny bit of space between the lip of the sink and the counter itself, and that’s a spot where dirt can easily accumulate.
Undermount
Undermount kitchen sinks are mounted underneath the counter. Unlike the aforementioned style, these do not have that lip/rim, which creates a more seamless design since the edges of the counter will drop directly into the sink basin. Needless to say, this eliminates the problem of any potential dirt getting in between the rim and the counter. But that doesn’t mean that undermount sinks don’t’ have a few disadvantages that make some people steer clear of them. They are typically more expensive compared to their drop-in counterparts. They are also more difficult to install because the sink needs to be glued to the underside of the counter. That shouldn’t be a problem if they are made from a lightweight material (ironically, stainless steel is a good example) but if they are made from heavier materials (like fireclay), they will need an additional support system. Even more, you might be required to make your own faucet holes.
How to Choose a Deep Kitchen Sink
You might be in need of some tips on how to choose a kitchen sink that’s right for you. Depth is just one thing that you need to consider before adding a product to your cart, so let’s take a look at what are your options and whether or not they’re suitable for you.
- If you’re thinking of buying a large kitchen sink with a deep basin, you will get the benefit of being able to soak more dishes or larger pots. However, if you opt for models with a single bowl, you will need to be careful with having to prepare food while also having dishes soaking in the sink.
- A 60/40 double bowl kitchen sink might be more beneficial for those who often want to perform multiple tasks that require a sink at the same time. However, there are limitations to this option and you will have to consider the fact that the smaller basin will make it more difficult for you to soak or rinse larger dishes.
- A 50/50 sink is more suitable for people who love symmetry and want to benefit from equal basins for rinsing and soaking dishes, or preparing dishes.
- There are also kitchen sinks with three basins and they are the best choice for people who own or plan on purchasing a garbage disposal unit. This means that you can use the garbage disposal anytime you need to without having to compromise one of the other two sink basins. However, this will take up a lot of kitchen counter space, so it’s not the best choice for people who have limited kitchen space.
Some of the Best Deep Bowl Kitchen Sinks
Desalvo 33″ L X 20″ W Farmhouse Kitchen Sink with Basket Strainer
Feast your eyes on this gorgeous farmhouse kitchen sink, delivered with a basket strainer and a deep basin for easier dishwashing and meal cooking activities. With a basin that measures 18.75’’ W x 31.5’’ L x 8’’ D, this fireclay kitchen sink is perfect for romantic-vibe homes and those that crave for that classic appeal. The handcrafted fireclay is designed to be very durable, having stain, heat, and scratch-resistant properties.
Granite Extra Large Double Bowl Kitchen Sink
With overall dimensions of 33’’ L x 18.5’’ W, this is another deep kitchen sink worth taking into consideration not just because it’s super practical, but also because it has an awesome design. With 9.5 inches in-depth, this is the sink you want when you have a larger family, use plenty of dishes to cook, or want to conceal the content of the sink because you don’t have time to clean it right away. The granite surface is not porous, which makes it less likely to attract bacteria onto the surface. The undermount kitchen sink comes with two separate bowls so that you can soak the dishes in one bowl and rinse them in the other.
Radius 15″ L x 20″ W Undermount Kitchen Sink with Faucet
Here we have a practical stainless steel kitchen sink that measures 15’’ L x 20’’ W and is 10 inches deep. Because of the sharp corners, you have more room for pots and pans, but it’s not as easy to clean as a sink with curved corners. While initially designed for outdoor use, this is a kitchen sink that could easily fit into a smaller kitchen. The 16-gauge stainless steel surface comes with scratch-resistant construction so you can rest assured that you’re investing in a quality metal product. Together with the sink, you will also receive a drain assembly, a soap dispenser, a basket strainer, and a basin rack. The faucet head is expandable, so you can easily clean dishes that are too heavy to too large to maneuver.
Kohler Under-Mount Double-Bowl Kitchen Sink with Basin Rack
Measuring 35.5’’ L x 20.25’’ W overall and divided into a larger and a smaller basin, this is a kitchen sink made from quality 16-gauge stainless steel. It measures a little over 9 inches in depth and comes with SilentShield® technology meant to absorb sound and eliminate that pesky noise you hear when you wash dishes. It is compatible with base cabinets that measure at least 36 inches and includes the installation hardware needed to set up the sink. You also receive a divider utility shelf (for storing scrubbers and sponges) and dishcloth bar, plus a basin rack for the bottom of the sink.
Handcrafted Stainless Steel 33″ L x 19″ W Undermount Kitchen Sink
The KIBI is another 16-gauge stainless steel kitchen sink designed to offer you depth space for stacking dishes, pans, and pots, in a generous 16’’ W x 31’’ L x 10’’ D basin. The 10-inch deep bowl is more than spacious and allows you to wash the dishes without too much splashing. The drain opening measures 3.5 inches, which should be enough to cover most waste disposal units. The corners are rounded, which makes the sink easier to clean. Included with your purchase, you will also receive a cutting board, a basket strainer, a colander, and a basin rack that doubles as a bottom grid.
Kraus Gauge Single Bowl Stainless Steel Undermount Kitchen Sink
Measuring 18.5’’ W x 18.5’’ L x 10’’ D, we are now looking at a square kitchen sink that’s fashionable and deep enough to conceal and stack up more dishes compared to your average sink. It’s made from 18-gauge stainless steel that’s durable and dent-resistant. It features noise proof technology and zero radius corners meant to maximize the space inside the bowl. It’s fully padded to absorb vibrations. With your delivery, you will also receive the template and the mounting hardware needed, as well the instruction you require to see this setup through.
Kraus Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
If you’re a fan of Kraus products, you might just fall in love with this sink. It’s basically a rectangular version of the square model we’ve shown you earlier, but aside from the larger space, it maintains all the other specification and quality features that we saw in the KHU19 model. You can expect to get the same quality 18-gauge steel construction that we talked about earlier, as well as vibration reduction thanks to the padding system integrated, and the noise reduction technology. It includes the mounting hardware, the instructions, and the template needed to get this baby up and working.
KHU32 Pax™ 31″ x 18″ Undermount Kitchen Sink with Drain Assembly
Those of you looking for a more affordable Kraus kitchen sink will simply have to check out what the KHU32 has to offer. Measuring 31.5’’ L x 18.5’’ W and having a little over 10 inches in depth, this product is a 16-gauge stainless steel kitchen sink that delivers the same quality you’re used to seeing in other Kraus products. The noise reduction technology is couples with the pads that help reduce vibration for a quieter dishwashing experience. It comes with a modern square drain that measures 3.5 x 3.5 inches and is delivered together with a cotton tower, a utility bag, a square sink strainer, and fitted stainless steel dish grid.
Lular Farmhouse Kitchen Sink with Basket Strainer
Fireclay sink will most likely never go out of style, so if that’s something you’d like to see in your kitchen, we recommend taking a look into the Lular sink. It measures 33’’ L x 20’’ W and has a depth of 10 inches, which is more than enough for washing even larger pots and pans without too much effort and without splashing water all around. The sink is designed with a non-porous surface, which makes it less likely to attract bacteria on the surface of the sink. The sink is delivered together with a basket strainer and a basin rack that doubles as a bottom grid.
Ruvati Double Basin Undermount Kitchen Sink with Basket Strainer
Workstations have really started gaining a lot of popularity over the past few years and when you come across products like the Ruvati workstation, you begin to understand why this is happening. Made from 16-gauge stainless steel and combined with a few hardwood elements, this 33’’ L x 19’’ W is compatible with kitchen cabinets of at least 33 inches in width. There are plenty of features that will come in handy, and this time it’s more than just padding and noise reduction technology (yes, the RVH8356 comes with those as well). The kit is complete and includes the mounting brackets and template needed for installation, but also a decorative drain cover, two basket strainer drain assemblies, two stainless steel bottom rinse grids, a dish drying foldable rack, a solid wood cutting board, and a stainless steel colander.
Bottom Line
A deep kitchen sink can go a long way in making sure that you have plenty of basin space for a stack of dishes or for that really deep pot that you use to boil pasta for the entire family. However, depth is not the only shopping consideration that needs to be in the back of your head when you choose a kitchen sink. Deep in mind that it’s more than just basin space you need to worry about, it’s also about the materials, durability, and ease of installation (especially if you want to mount the sink yourself).