You don’t realize how important your kitchen sink is—until the one you’ve got makes daily life harder. Too shallow, and the dishes splash. Too small, and forget washing that big pot. The truth is, your sink does more than hold water—it shapes how you prep, cook, rinse, and clean.
At Cutting Edge Countertops, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners choose sinks that don’t just look good, but make their kitchens work better. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular types of kitchen sinks, their pros and cons, and how to choose the best one for your space.
Need help rethinking the entire layout? These kitchen remodel ideas can help get you started.
The Different Types of Sinks for Your Kitchen
Before you start shopping for a new sink, it helps to know what’s actually out there—and why each style exists.
1. Top-Mount, Drop-In, or Self-Rimming Sink
This is the classic—what most people grew up with. A drop-in sink fits into a hole cut into the countertop, with its rim sitting on top. That rim holds the sink’s weight and gets sealed with silicone to keep water out.
Why people choose it: Top-mount sinks are popular because they’re practical. You don’t ‘always’ need a stone fabricator or a specialty installer—just a decent jigsaw and some patience. That makes it a go-to for budget-friendly remodels or quick upgrades, especially if your counters are laminate or older granite.
Where it shines: For DIYers or anyone working with a modest budget, drop-ins deliver function without fuss. They’re available in everything from stainless steel to porcelain, and the cutout isn’t complex.
What to watch out for: That rim around the edge? It’s a debris magnet. Crumbs, soap scum, water spots—they build up right where your sponge won’t easily reach. And visually, that edge can feel a little dated or disconnected from the rest of your countertops.
Best fit: Rental units, utility sinks, or traditional kitchens where easy install matters more than seamless looks.
2. Undermount Sink
If the drop-in sink is about practicality, the undermount is about flow. Literally. This type is installed beneath the counter so your sponge can glide crumbs straight into the basin—no lip in the way.
Why people love it: The biggest draw is cleanability. No raised rim means nothing to catch gunk. And when paired with quartz or granite, the undermount sink gives a modern, continuous look that elevates your kitchen design.
Where it makes life easier: If you cook daily and want a kitchen that stays clean with less effort, this sink earns its keep. It’s also ideal for those who love minimalist design—nothing interrupts the countertop surface.
What to know before choosing it: It’s not something you install casually. You need a solid surface like granite or quartz and a qualified fabricator. Undermounting adds labor cost, and improper installation can cause long-term issues like leaks or sagging.
Best fit: Modern kitchens, serious home cooks, or anyone who wants their countertops and sink to feel like one seamless, intentional design.
This guide on countertop seams explains why expert installation really matters.
3. Double Basin or Double Bowl Sink
This layout splits the sink into two sections—sometimes equal, sometimes offset. And for a lot of homeowners, it just makes sense: soapy water on one side, rinse or drying on the other.
Why it works: It’s a classic multitasker. If you’re washing dishes without a dishwasher or cooking big meals regularly, the double bowl gives you zones. One side can be soaking pots while the other handles prep.
Where it gets tricky: The downside? Neither basin is huge. So if you need to clean a wide pan or baking sheet, it can feel cramped. And the divider—while helpful—is one more thing to work around.
What to consider: Double bowls are practical, but they don’t offer the same aesthetic punch as a big single basin. And today’s design trends lean toward open, spacious sinks, especially with deep farmhouse styles becoming more common.
Best fit: Traditional kitchens, households that still do a lot of hand-washing, or people who need a clear “dirty” vs. “clean” setup when doing dishes.
See how this monolithic kitchen design leans into minimalism without sacrificing impact.
4. Single Basin or Single Bowl Sink
Think of this as the “no-divider, no-nonsense” sink. It’s one large open space, perfect for washing oversized items or loading up after a dinner party.
Why it’s gaining popularity: Modern kitchens favor simplicity and efficiency, and this type delivers. It’s perfect for rinsing cutting boards, cleaning sheet pans, or soaking a Dutch oven without tilting it sideways.
Where it wins: If your sink does a lot of heavy lifting—like meal prep, cleaning produce, or washing up after guests—this gives you room to move. It’s a powerhouse for people who entertain or cook a lot.
Potential drawback: You lose the ability to separate tasks. No second basin means you may need a dish rack on the side or a removable rinse bin. For those used to dual-functionality, it might feel like a tradeoff.
Best fit: Open-concept kitchens, home chefs, or design-forward spaces where form and function meet in one uninterrupted basin.
5. Farmhouse or Apron-Front Sink
This is the showstopper. The farmhouse sink (also called apron-front) has a large exposed front that replaces part of the countertop edge. That deep, wide basin? Built to handle it all—casserole dishes, stock pots, and everything in between.
Why people fall for it: It’s not just a sink—it’s a statement. That front-facing apron brings old-world charm with modern convenience. And because it sits slightly forward, you can lean in closer, which means less back strain during long cleanups.
What it’s perfect for: Big families. Big dinners. Big vibes. The farmhouse sink is made for people who love to cook and gather. It’s a favorite in open kitchens with quartz or butcher block countertops, where the sink becomes a focal point—not an afterthought.
Watch out for: The exposed front makes drips more noticeable. And it’s not the most budget-friendly option. Proper installation takes skill—especially with heavy materials like fireclay or cast iron.
Best fit: Design-forward kitchens, classic-meets-modern remodels, or homeowners who want a blend of function, comfort, and a little drama.
If you’re comparing quartz vs. granite, this breakdown clarifies the difference.
6. Low Divider Double Basin Sink
A clever in-between. This is a double basin sink, but the divider doesn’t go all the way up—just partway. That gives you the flexibility of two sections without losing the space of a single basin.
Why this sink makes sense: Let’s say you’re filling one side to soak something—but then realize you need extra room to rinse a pan. Because the divider is low, water can flow across, and you get that single-basin feel when you need it.
What it’s great for: Multi-taskers. It’s ideal for people who want separation for washing and rinsing, but don’t want to be limited by small compartments. It’s also easier to clean large pans, since you can tilt or move them across the divide.
What to consider: They’re less common, which means fewer design choices—and sometimes a higher price tag. Also, if you always need a deep single space, a full single-bowl sink might serve you better.
Best fit: Busy kitchens where flexibility matters. Think families, semi-regular entertainers, or just anyone tired of working around a full-height divider.
77. Corner Sink
The corner sink is a space-saver with strategy. It’s often designed with two basins positioned at right angles, tucked into the corner of a counter run—turning otherwise wasted space into a functional zone.
Why it’s a smart move: Corners are tricky. A corner sink turns that awkward angle into a feature, not a flaw. It also opens up longer stretches of usable counter space elsewhere.
Where it really shines: In U-shaped or L-shaped kitchens, especially when you want two people working at once. One person can prep at the corner, while another’s chopping or mixing down the line—no bumping elbows.
What to weigh: Corner sinks are a little harder to install, and because they span across countertop seams, the installation must be solid to avoid long-term issues. Also, unless designed well, the corner cabinet below can feel tight.
Best fit: Compact or oddly shaped kitchens that need creative solutions, and homeowners who want to maximize every inch of space without sacrificing utility.
Here’s how to prepare for a countertop upgrade—so you get the most out of your visit.
Sink Materials: What They’re Made Of
A sink isn’t just a shape on your countertop. What it’s made of affects how it holds up, how it looks, how much noise it makes, and how you feel using it every day. Let’s break down the most common sink materials, so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
- Stainless steel sinks are affordable and modern. Thicker steel (like 16 gauge) means less noise and better strength.
- Fireclay has a charming farmhouse feel but can chip if hit hard.
- Granite composite sinks blend stone and resin—tough, quiet, and scratch-resistant, great with quartz or granite countertops.
- Cast iron sinks are heavy but built to last, finished with glossy porcelain enamel.
- Porcelain sinks look similar but are lighter and more prone to stains and scratches.
Every sink material has its pros and quirks. The right one depends on how much wear your kitchen sees—and how much maintenance you’re willing to handle.
Final Thoughts: Find the Sink That Fits Your Kitchen—and Your Life
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to kitchen sinks. Each type of sink and sink material offers something different, whether it’s function, form, or the feeling it gives your space. The best kitchen sink isn’t just about what looks good today. It’s about what makes prep easier, cleanup faster, and your kitchen more enjoyable to use every day.
At Cutting Edge Countertops, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners pair the right sink with the right countertop, layout, and lifestyle. If you’re still unsure whether an undermount, farmhouse, or workstation sink fits your kitchen, stop by a showroom or talk with one of our experts.
Because a sink isn’t just a basin—it’s the hub of your kitchen. Let’s make sure it works for you.