Kitchen sink is one of the most used items in your home, but how much do you really know about kitchen sinks? Which materials are the most scratch or stain resistant? Which can withstand hot pots and pans from the oven or stove? Are there certain sinks that will chip and others that don’t? Which sinks perform better -- stainless, composite, cast iron or solid surface?

As you can tell, not all sinks are created equal! They may look alike at first glance -- similar bowl shapes and color options, but the material composition of a sink provides the key to discover how you use your sink on a daily basis and which sink best fits your needs.

When purchasing a new sink, wise consumers educate themselves on how to distinguish one sink from the next. You may be enamored by cool colors and neat shapes, but what you should also be interested in is whether your sink will stand the test of time. After all, with the amount of use (and abuse) it gets, you want something that will look good for years.

When choosing a kitchen sink, there are many different decisions that need to be made. Even the simplest of sinks are available in different types, styles and colors. Here's a simple guide to help you choose a sink.

1. Make sure it fits
2. Material
3. Installation Type
4. Number of Bowls
5. Faucet Holes
6. Features Available

1. Make sure it fits Your sink choice is restricted by the size of your cabinet and counter top. All kitchen sinks require a minimum cabinet size. You can find out the size of your cabinet by measuring under the existing sink or where the new sink will go. Be sure to measure from left to right and from outside edge to outside edge. The measurement you obtain is the cabinet size. You should allow at least 2-3 inches on both sides for mounting hardware. Keep in mind that this will reduce the size of the sink that you can use. (Example: a 36" cabinet measurement would accommodate a 30" - 32" sink).

2-Material Kitchen sinks are manufactured using many different materials. Just to name a few, stainless steel, copper, cast iron, vitreous china, enameled steel, fireclay, and granite can all be found in today’s modern kitchens. Despite this wide variety of options, stainless steel has emerged to become the most popular choice for new installations. Moreover, cast iron remains the material of choice for consumers seeking a colored finished. As noted, stainless steel has emerged to become the most popular choice of materials for new sink installations. This is due to its low cost, lightweight, and almost unbreakable construction. It is important to note that various qualities of stainless steel exist. The gauge of the stainless steel is the thickness of the stainless steel sink. The most common gauges are 18 and 20. The higher the number gauge, the thinner the steel. Eighteen (18) is the most recommended gauge for sinks. For example, light-gauge stainless steel that is higher in number (20-gauge, etc) is more susceptible to denting and scratching. Stainless steel is also available in a mirrored finish. This gives it a shinier appearance, but also increases the likelihood that visible scratches will occur. Brushed-stainless (also called “satin”) finishes are the newest trend because scratches are less visible. Also popular are satin bowls with mirrored rims.

3. Installation Type The installation of the sink can make a substantial difference in the overall look and functionality of it. Self-rimming, drop-in: These sinks have traditionally been the most common in the kitchen. They are mounted from above the counter and have a built-in visible rim on which the faucet sits. These sinks work well with any countertop material but have a raised lip that may, depending on the sink material you choose, interfere with cleaning.

4.Number of Bowls: Kitchen sinks are available in one bowl, two bowl, or three bowl models. The bowls can be deep or shallow, and have straight or sloped sidewalls. When deciding on the number and type of bowls you will need, think of how you are planning to use your sink. Single bowl sinks are basic. If you plan on using your sink primarily for rinsing dishes to prepare them for the dishwasher, then a single-bowl sink will probably meet your needs. Two and three bowl sinks allow for multi-tasking. You can rinse or store dishes in the large bowl, and use the small bowl for a garbage disposal or to rinse vegetables.

5. Faucet holes If you are installing a self-rimming (drop-in) sink then you will have an option for the number of holes you would like the sink to come with. The number of holes you should choose depends on the type of faucet and accessories you are planning to install. You can purchase a faucet that requires one hole (single-handle), or three holes (separate hot and cold handle). However, if you are planning on purchasing an accessory as well, such as a side spray (vegetable spray), soap dispenser, or hot water dispenser keep; in mind they require a hole as well. Below is a chart of hole options and their purpose.
One hole: Allows for a faucet with a single lever handle (no separate hot and cold handles).
Two hole: Allows for a faucet with a single lever handle (no separate hot and cold handles) and an option of a side spray, soap dispenser, hot water dispenser, or chilled water dispenser

6. Features Available Sound Deadening Pad: The last thing you want is for your sink to ring like a gong every time you drop a pot or pan, so sound deadening pads dampen all reverberations.Undercoating: The underside of your sink is sprayed with a protective undercoating to eliminate bothersome condensation and to retain the heat of your dishwater longer.