The kitchen sink is one of the hardest-working fittings in the house, used more than almost anything else, so it pays to choose well. Get the material, bowl and size right and it makes daily cooking and cleaning easier for years. Get it wrong and you notice the frustration every single day.
This guide covers materials, bowl configurations, sizing and how it mounts. If you already know what you want, browse our kitchen sinks, and pair it with a kitchen mixer tap or an instant boiling water tap. If a Quooker is on your list, our guide on whether boiling water taps are worth it will help.
Start with the material
The material sets the look, the feel and how much upkeep the sink needs.
- Stainless steel is the practical all-rounder: durable, hygienic, affordable and heat-resistant. Brushed finishes hide marks well and it suits almost any kitchen.
- Composite (granite or quartz) is tough, scratch and stain resistant, and comes in colours like black, grey and cream for a more designed look. A popular premium choice.
- Ceramic (including Belfast and butler sinks) gives a classic, timeless look ideal for country and traditional kitchens. Solid and easy to clean, though heavier and needing sturdy support.
Single, one and a half, or double bowl?
The bowl setup depends on how you cook and how much space you have.
- Single bowl gives you one large, uninterrupted space, great for washing big pans and ideal in smaller kitchens.
- One and a half bowl adds a smaller second bowl for rinsing or draining, a flexible middle-ground favourite.
- Double bowl gives two full bowls for washing and rinsing separately, best suited to larger kitchens.
If you have a dishwasher, many people find a single or one and a half bowl is plenty, since heavy washing-up is less frequent.
Getting the size right
Measure your base cabinet before anything else, as the sink must fit within it with room for the fixings. Check the overall dimensions and the bowl depth, deeper bowls hold more and hide dishes but can be less comfortable to reach into. Also leave room for a drainer if you want one built in, and make sure the sink suits your chosen tap and waste.
How the sink mounts
- Inset (top mount) drops into a hole cut in the worktop and suits most kitchens, straightforward to fit.
- Undermount fixes beneath the worktop for a seamless look and easy wipe-down, best with solid surfaces like stone or composite.
- Belfast or butler sits in a dedicated unit with the front exposed as a feature, the classic farmhouse look.
Don't forget the tap and waste
The sink is only half the setup. Choose a kitchen mixer tap that matches the number of tap holes and gives enough height and reach to fill pots comfortably. Consider whether an instant boiling water tap or a filter tap would earn its place, and make sure the waste and any accessories match the bowl configuration.
Get the right sink first time
We have spent over 40 years helping people choose fittings that last, and the kitchen sink is one worth getting right given how much you use it. If you tell us your cabinet size and how you cook, we will point you to a sink and tap that fit and work.
Browse our full kitchen sinks collection to start, and remember delivery is free on UK orders over £499. Our team is on hand if you would like a steer before you commit.
