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Kitchens have become such a big part of our homes that we pay attention to every detail. So, why stop at any run-of-the-mill sink? When choosing a kitchen sink in Singapore, key considerations include size and space, ensuring it fits well within your countertop and kitchen layout.
Material is crucial, with stainless steel being the most popular due to its durability and ease of maintenance, while granite and ceramic offer aesthetic appeal. Bowl configuration—single or double—depends on your cooking and washing habits, with single-bowl sinks ideal for compact kitchens and double-bowl sinks offering better multitasking. Depth affects usability, as deeper sinks accommodate large cookware but may require more bending.
Installation type matters too; undermount sinks provide a seamless, modern look but need professional installation, whereas top-mount sinks are easier to install and maintain. Lastly, ease of cleaning is essential, as some materials show water spots and stains more than others, impacting long-term upkeep.
Here are the most common types of kitchen sinks available. The most popular kitchen sink materials in Singapore are stainless steel, granite, and ceramic (fireclay or porcelain).
Top-Mount Sink (or Drop-In Sink)
This type is “dropped” into the countertop, and has a rim that holds the sink in place.
The main advantage of a top-mount sink include - easy and inexpensive to install. To replace the sink, you don’t have to replace the countertop. However, you still have to get the same size for it to fit. If you want to minimise costs when changing sinks in future, look for one in a standard size.
However, such sinks are generally considered not as good-looking as top edge is visible. It’s also easy for dirt to accumulate around the rim of the sink.
Undermount Sink
This type of sink is mounted underneath the kitchen countertop, so the rim is concealed.
Undermount sinks are preferred for their modern and clean look, which will suit most kitchens. When you have an undermount sink, you can easily wipe debris from the kitchen countertop into the sink.
However, they are more costly to install, as the kitchen sink has to be glued to the underside of the kitchen countertop, and some require additional support within the carcass. There’s also a risk of water seepage into the kitchen counter carcass, if the installation job is not done well. Finally, in the event you have to replace the kitchen sink, you have to remove the entire kitchen countertop as well!
Integrated Sink
Integrated sinks are made of the same material as the kitchen countertop - which makes them actually a part of the countertop.
Some people like integrated sinks because there are no joints or sink edges to deal with. This makes them the most aesthetically pleasing as it is visually seamless. These are custom-made sinks, allowing you to get specific sizes to fit your kitchen countertop.
However, these are the most expensive sinks, and price varies with material choices. Needless to say, you’ve to change the whole kitchen countertop if you want a new sink.
Double Bowl Sink
A double bowl sink consists of two separate basins within a single sink unit. These bowls can be of equal size or different sizes, with the larger bowl used for washing and the smaller for rinsing, drying, or food preparation. Double bowl sinks are popular for multitasking, especially in kitchens where dishwashing is done manually.
Double bowl sinks date back to the early 20th century, when they were introduced as a functional improvement over single-bowl designs. Before dishwashers became common, households needed an efficient way to wash, rinse, and dry dishes, making the double bowl sink an ideal solution. They were widely used in European and American kitchens and gained popularity in commercial and residential spaces. Today, they remain a preferred choice in homes that prioritise manual dishwashing and food prep convenience.
Farmhouse Sink
A farmhouse sink, also known as an apron-front sink, is a large, deep sink with a distinctive exposed front panel (the apron). Unlike traditional sinks, which are installed inside cabinetry, farmhouse sinks are installed with their front edge exposed, creating a bold, rustic look. They are designed to accommodate heavy-duty washing of large pots, pans, and dishes, making them a popular choice for farmhouses and traditional-style kitchens.
Farmhouse sinks have their origins in agricultural kitchens from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Farmers and families in rural areas needed sturdy, spacious sinks to wash large quantities of produce, clean dishes, and rinse off work clothes. The apron-front design made it easier to work at the sink without having to bend over too much, as the front edge extended beyond the counter, allowing for greater comfort during use. These sinks were originally made of cast iron and later fireclay or ceramic, materials known for their durability and resistance to heat and stains.