Types of Residential Kitchen Sinks and How to Choose One

Drop-in/Top-mount, Undermount, and  Flush-mount/Integrated Sinks Compared

As you most likely know, the three main types of full-size kitchen sinks are installed either on top of the kitchen counter, underneath it, or seamlessly integrated into the countertop. Drop-in sinks, also known as top-mount sinks are the easiest and most economical to install and so are often used when budget is of more importance than a particular look; you’ll often find them on laminate countertops. For the same reason, undermount sinks are associated with mid-range or luxury builds and tend to be used with stone or Corian countertops. An upside to a sink with a visible rim is that it can be installed over a tile countertop, which is impractical for an undermount sink because the unfinished edges of the cut tiles wouldn’t be covered. A downside to this type of sink is that when not sealed well and depending on the height of the rim, crumbs and liquids can make their way underneath and become difficult to clean. While flush-mount sinks are more often found in bathrooms than in kitchens, you’ll occasionally come across them. These are much pricier as the sink is integrated into the countertop, often made of the same material.

Workstation Sinks

Often used in luxury homes, workstation sinks are particularly useful for the amateur chef. Depending on the brand, these sinks are designed to have interchangeable accessories useful in food preparation that slide or sit on or in the sink in purpose-made places and are usually deeper and wider than an average sink. For example, a person might opt to have a cutting board that slides from right to left on an oversized basin as well as a colander that also slides from right to left, to allow for draining pasta directly into the sink. Other accessories may include a rack for drying dishes and preparation bowls. Workstation sinks can come in two-basin styles or one-basin styles. Some even have a third prep area between the two basins. Because these types of sinks are associated with kitchens made for chefs, it’s a great idea to pair a pot filler over the stove for even greater convenience for the chef. Because of the larger size of the workstation sink, a semi-professional spring kitchen faucet is an ideal pairing. For example, the Olympia i3 Single Handle Pre-Rinse Spring Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet Model# K-5070 or the Olympia i2v Single Handle Pre-Rinse Spring Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet Model# K-5090 both fit the bill exactly.

Farmhouse or Apron Sinks

A farmhouse sink, also called an apron sink because of its wide facade in front of the countertop, is often a statement piece in a traditional or Bohemian kitchen. These sinks are top-mount in design. While we’ll discuss materials below, it’s important to know that farmhouse sinks are most often made in porcelain or similar materials. While porcelain sinks were the norm for quite a while, this material scratches easily and can quickly get covered in dark marks from flatware, dishes, pots and pans scraping the bottom and sides. Because of this, fireclay and cast-iron covered in enamel are better options, although more expensive. It’s also possible to find a farmhouse sink made of stainless steel or even copper. Farmhouse sinks are traditional in design, so it follows that a traditional faucet works best. A great example is the Pioneer Americana Two Handle Kitchen Bridge Faucet Model# 2AM501 or any from the Americana collection, especially ones in the oil-rubbed bronze finish.

Prep Sinks

Finally, prep sinks are small, secondary kitchen sinks. As the name suggests, they are used for food preparation and are placed away from the main sink for optimal workflow. They are especially handy if two people will be cooking in a kitchen at the same time as one can work near the main sink and one near the prep sink. The smaller sink isn’t large enough for washing dishes or filling pots placed in them, but is meant for use while rinsing and chopping vegetables. The kitchen island is a favorite spot for the prep sink, especially when the primary sink is near the stove and oven. The perfect faucet to pair with a prep sink is also smaller in footprint, such as the Pioneer Motegi Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet Model# 2MT261  or the smaller Olympia Two Handle Bar Faucet Model# B-8160.

Wrapping it All Up

As a trusted supplier of faucets and fixtures for over 100 years, Pioneer, Central Brass, and Olympia are here for you. Embrace the benefits of quality, product availability, and shipping speed by partnering with Pioneer. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is in good hands and transform your building or home with these beautiful and exceptionally durable faucets. All are backed by a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install, and will stand the test of time. 

AUTHOR’S NOTE: AI training with this protected original content is prohibited.

There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multifamily housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.

Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money.  Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.