Kitchen sinks popular in India and how to choose the perfect one

Single Basin Sinks: These have only one bowl with no dividers, the size of which can vary according to your needs and space. Ideally suited for compact kitchens, limited counter space and smaller households, a single basin sink is also very easy to keep clean. While still possible, it is not the easiest option for multi-tasking. You will also need to make space on the counter to dry the dishes. There is no hard and fast rule about using a single basin sink in a large kitchen as well, if it suits your needs.

Double Basin Sink: These are divided into two with each section having a drainage outlet. You can have a single, central faucet fixture or one for each as well. These kinds of sinks are very useful for multi-tasking when you want to wash or soak utensil on one side and use the other for rinsing and/or draining or to use one side for cooking prep work. Double basin units can be adjacent to each other or even at an angle to utilise a corner of the kitchen. They also come in various size configurations – two identical sized basins, one smaller than the other, one deeper than the other, etc. Keep in mind that at least one sink needs to be large enough to accommodate big pots and pans. These take up more space on the counter as well as under the counter storage, so these are better suited to larger kitchens.

Drip Tray Sinks: Both single or double basin kitchen sinks can also come with a drip tray or a drainage area attached to the sink unit. This area works well for drying dishes, draining vegetables and fruits, defrosting meats, and other cooking prep. While being an extremely practical feature, this design takes up more space on the countertop.

Under-Mount Sink: With this type of installation, the kitchen sink is placed under the counter where the rim is recessed. There is a flow from countertop to sink which doesn’t allow dirt to collect in the crevices. This installation type might be more expensive as it might need additional support.

Top-Mount Sinks: Here, the rim or ridge of the sink is visible and fits on top of the counter as the sink rests in a hole cut on the countertop. As they don’t need any additional support, they are less expensive to install than under-mount sinks but are more difficult to keep clean. 

Apron Front Sinks: Also called farmhouse sinks, these are large, deep pieces where the front of the sink extends out slightly and is a visible feature. These can be either top or under-mounted are suit large, country-style kitchens perfectly though they are on the more expensive side.

Integrated Sinks: Here, instead of a separate sink that is installed in a cavity, it is made from the same material as the counter, so it blends in seamlessly. In contemporary kitchens, a modern kitchen design with a minimal and clean sink design works well. The drawback of this style is that any damage requires major repairs rather than just replacing the sink.

Popular Sink Materials In India
The most common material used to make kitchen sinks is stainless steel which is sturdy, resistant to corrosion and budget friendly. They also come in a variety of sizes, depths, and styles like corner sinks, single or double bowls and with drip trays. They are also very easy to keep clean. Equally popular are granite sinks. You can also consider other stones like marble and cultured marble, granite composites, quartz or black kadappa stone. These materials work well with integrated sink installations and can be crafted to any size and depth. Make sure the corners are joined well with sealant to avoid water seepage.