Whether you’re renovating or building, product selection can be very daunting! When selecting a sink for your kitchen, there are many things to consider. What size do I need? What colour will work best? Should I opt for a single or double bowl sink? Where do I begin?

We are here to answer all your questions and by the end of this blog, you’ll be a sink selection pro!! 

Firstly, you must measure the space you’re working with. Before looking at colours and configurations, you must know what size you need. All sinks will come with a specification sheet, which is a great guide for working out sizing. When looking at a sink specification sheet, it is important to differentiate between cut-out and bowl sizes. The cut-out size of a sink refers to the overall, outer edge size and the bowl size refers to the individual bowl size within the sink. To know what size sink will fit, you should look at the cut-out measurements. You then need to work out if the sink will interfere with anything underneath the sink such as existing pipes or cabinetry by checking the depth of the sink. You can do this by referring to the bowl size on the sink specification sheet. Another thing to look for is whether the sink has a tap hole. It is important to note that specification sheets should be used as a guide only as actual product dimensions can differ slightly, remember to use the actual product measurements for your stone and cabinetry fabrication.

Next, let's think about the configuration, installation and material. Choosing between a single or double bowl sink depends on the space available and what level of functionality you need. A single person living in an apartment might opt for a single bowl as it allows for more bench space and presents a clean aesthetic, as one person doesn’t typically create a huge amount of dishes. A family of 4 on the other hand may opt for a double bowl sink with a drainer as it offers more function for dishes and cleaning. 

Sinks can be top-mounted aka inset, under-mounted or flush-mounted. Top mount means the sink sits above the benchtop, under-mount means the sink is underneath the benchtop and flushmount means the sink is mounted flush with the benchtop (this is typically done with extra fabrication of a recess to the benchtop). Undermount sinks are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a minimalist design that creates a clean look within your kitchen. With sink accessories like the Franke Roller Mat, you can get away with not having a sink with a built-in drainer. 

Sinks are usually crafted from stainless steel, ceramic or granite compound. All offer durable and easy-to-clean surfaces, with different aesthetics. Stainless steel sinks offer durability and resistance to stains and heat, ceramic sinks provide a sleek and easy-to-clean surface, while granite compound sinks combine elegance with robustness, making them a versatile and long-lasting choice for any kitchen. Stainless steel and ceramic sinks offer a classic style that many households choose where as Granite has become popular in the last decade and is currently trending.

All these factors ultimately dictate the style of your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a traditional, minimalist or coastal style, there is an abundance of sink sizes, colours and configurations to suit what you’re looking for. Looking for dark, moody and minimalistic? Go for a black granite single bowl under-mount sink. Want to create a coastal haven? A white double-bowl sink will do the trick!

At Cook & Bathe, we want every customer to enjoy their kitchen. Our extensive range of sinks offers thoughtful design and unparalleled functionality, ensuring your home is complete with the sink of your dreams! Check out our leading kitchen brands such as Franke, Seima, Otti and Bourne today.

Start your sink selection journey

To kick start your next project, we have created this sink selection guide to help you create your dream kitchen.