Well, after 30 years in the plumbing business I do know a little about this. When I first started selling sinks for kitchens you had a choice of "Cast Iron Enamel" or "Stainless Steel" that's it and it was easy to choose just by the aesthetics.
Now we have more choices of material so let's break this down with pros and cons of each.
Drops in from above and has a rim edge that overlaps the counter. These types of sinks are usually installed in Formica or any other counter material.
They can be tougher to clean. The rim of the sink sits on the counter and food and dirt is caught around the edge of the sink. If you have Formica counters you have no choice but a top mount sink.
Mounted from underneath a solid countertop (granite, marble, corian, and any composite material).
What I like about the undermount sinks is the easy of cleaning. You can wipe the counter down and go right into the sink because it doesn’t overlap the counter.
The sink is hidden under the counter and adds a sleek modern look to the kitchen. It also accentuates the counters.
Sits on the cabinet base and does not require support for the counter. They do require custom cabinets and countertops as they are pretty heavy.
They are also deeper so if you want to use a disposer you will need a deep flange because the thickness on the sink will not hold a normal disposer without the flange.
These sinks are best in Fireclay and also available in Stainless Steel.
Pros:
Cons:
I could write an entire blog on Stainless Steel but I will try to keep this under control.
Pros:
Cons:
What is Fireclay? It is a ceramic-porcelain material that is, in appearance , much like cast iron enameled but with a stronger finish. This sink is fired, in a kiln,at double the temp than enameled sinks which gives them a nonporous surface and everlasting shine.
Pros:
They come in a variety of styles and sizes from under mount single, and double sinks or the more well-known Farm sink.
Fireclay is available in white, biscuit or black and the color is solid all the way through.
We have found nothing to permanently stain this sink material (not even a permanent Sharpie).
Clean then with almost anything, no need to "be careful" of cleaners like scrubbies or abrasives.
It is a wonderful alternative to the stainless for people who want a durable colored sink.
If the unthinkable did happen you can repair the surface with a kit (only once in 25 years have I sold a repair kit when the electrician dropped his tool from the ceiling into the sink).
Cons:
Now for some different ideas that are less well known.
Copper is maybe most popular of the Metal Sinks but Brushed Nickel is also a beautiful choice.
Native Trails CPS292 - $2,229Many kitchen sink companies have come out with their own blend of material like Franke.
They have a Granite composite made of quartz sand and acrylic resin.
Franke ELG11022MOC - $444.00(Comes in 3 finishes, with many shapes and sizes)
Bates and Bates makes the Z Series out of non-ferrous metals and high tech polymers for a sink that is almost indestructible with a lifetime warranty. Great solution for the client who wants a copper sink but no maintenance with it.
The Zarina - $3,440The Zarina can be an undermount or a drop in. Also available as a bar sink.
Pros:
Cons:
So gone are the days when we only had 2 choices. Today there are endless styles and materials to choose from. You can match you counter tops, your cabinet hardware, your lighting or your appliances.
You have the ability to tie in your sink into the overall look and style of your kitchen.
Or you can always hide it under your counter.
Additional Resources
Get the Yale Kitchen Plumbing Buying Guide with a complete breakdown of different sink, faucet and accessories available. It is a great way to start your kitchen remodel project. Over 200,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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Editor's note: This article was originally published on September 9, 2015 and has been updated for accuracy, freshness and comprehensiveness.