There's more to picking out a sink than just the look. After all, it's one of your kitchen's most used items, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your kitchen and your lifestyle.
Sink styles
Sinks come in a variety of styles, sizes and materials to suit different spaces and uses.
Overmount
These sinks are installed from above the benchtop with the edges of the sink over the benchtop's surface. With the sink and drainer combined, they're generally easier to install and more cost effective overall.
Undermount
Installed from below, these sinks are held in place by strong adhesive rather than than being supported by the benchtop. Their sleek look is very popular and make wiping up around them a lot easier. Installation usually takes a bit longer and they're more suited to weight bearing benchtops like granite, marble or engineered stone.
Apron front (or farmhouse)
By protruding out from the benchtop, apron front sinks make washing up and cleaning a lot easier. There's no cabinet or benchtop between you and the sink, which makes doing the dishes more comfortable. They're generally installed a bit below the benchtop level, so that the bench can slightly overhang, making wiping water or food into the sink a lot easier.
Choose the size that works for you
The deeper your sink bowl, the more room you'll have for soaking, washing and rinsing your dishes. A shallow sink can mean less bending over and less strain on your back. Also, it's important to choose a sink size to suit your space. If you have a small kitchen, then a large sink may take up too much valuable bench space and potentially overpower the room.
Go configure
Aesthetics are important but having the right sink configuration can improve your kitchen's functionality. If you only have time to wash your dishes once or twice a day, then a single bowl gives you more space for storing and soaking them. But if you wash up a lot, then two bowls are handy because you can use one for washing and the other for rinsing. If you have a smaller kitchen, there are corner sinks to maximise the space.
Be materialistic
Sinks come in a range of materials from stainless steel and fireclay, to stone and porcelain. You can choose your material based on looks, but also consider durability and how easy it is to clean. If you use a lot of heavy pots or pans, then choose something that's hardy and not going to chip too easily.
Sink accessories
The most important accessory for your sink is the tap. You can choose from a wide range of taps, spouts and mixers. But there are plenty of other accessories that can improve sink performance and keep things tidy. From draining baskets and drainer trays, to cutting boards and colanders, accessories are a great way to personalise your space.
Install it properly
While you can install a sink yourself, it's a good idea to get it done by a professional. This will ensure that your sink is well sealed and supported to prevent leaks, and stop it from potentially collapsing under the weight of a heavy load of dishes. Also, check your cabinetry to make sure the sink will fit.