Kitchen Sink Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Sink for Your Kitchen

A kitchen sink is one of the most frequently used parts of the kitchen, so choosing the right one is about more than finding a shape or colour you like.

Before you buy, think about your cabinet size, benchtop, bowl configuration, installation type and how you use your kitchen every day.

Here are the main things to consider.

Start With Your Sink Cabinet Size

Before choosing a sink, check how much space you actually have inside the cabinet.

Measure:

• Internal cabinet width
• Available cabinet depth
• Benchtop depth
• Plumbing and waste position
• Any drawers, shelves or internal fittings

Do not assume that a 600mm-wide cabinet can automatically fit any sink that is slightly less than 600mm wide.

The bowl, mounting clips and plumbing all need space, so always check the manufacturer's minimum cabinet size before ordering. Oliveri, for example, specifies minimum cabinet dimensions for individual sink models.

A sink that is too large for the cabinet can create problems later with installation, plumbing or benchtop fabrication.

Choose Between Topmount and Undermount

Two of the most common kitchen sink installation styles are topmount and undermount.

Topmount Sinks

A topmount or inset sink is installed from above the benchtop, leaving a visible rim around the sink.

Topmount sinks are practical, versatile and can work with a wide range of benchtop materials.

They can also be a useful option when replacing an existing sink because the rim may help cover the existing benchtop cut-out.

Undermount Sinks

An undermount sink is installed underneath the benchtop.

This creates a clean, streamlined appearance and makes it easier to wipe crumbs and water directly from the bench into the sink.

Undermount installation normally requires a suitable solid and water-resistant benchtop material, such as stone, porcelain or another compatible surface.

Single Bowl or Double Bowl?

This decision should be based on how you actually use your kitchen.

Single Bowl Sinks

A single bowl sink gives you one large uninterrupted washing area.

It can be particularly useful for:

• Large pots and pans
• Baking trays
• Woks
• Smaller kitchens
• Homes where most dishes go into the dishwasher

Double Bowl Sinks

A double bowl sink gives you two separate working areas.

This can be useful if you regularly want to wash in one bowl while rinsing, draining or preparing food in the other.

The trade-off is that two bowls generally require more cabinet space, and each individual bowl may be smaller than a comparable single-bowl sink.

There is no rule that a larger kitchen must have a double bowl. A generous single bowl can sometimes be more practical if you frequently wash large cookware. 

Do You Need a Sink With a Drainer?

A built-in drainer provides a dedicated area beside the bowl for drying dishes, draining washed food or placing wet cookware.

This can be particularly useful if you frequently wash dishes by hand.

However, a sink without a permanent drainer can provide:

• More usable benchtop space
• A cleaner, more minimalist look
• More flexibility around sink placement

If you use a dishwasher for most of your washing, you may prefer a sink without an integrated drainer and use a removable draining rack or roll-up mat only when required.

Choose according to how you use the kitchen rather than assuming a drainer is essential.

Choose the Right Sink Material

The two most popular options in our range are stainless steel and granite composite sinks.

Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel sinks remains a popular choice because it is practical, durable, relatively lightweight and works with almost any kitchen style.

Quality stainless steel sinks may also include features such as:

• Sound-deadening pads
• Protective undercoating
• Different steel thicknesses
• Brushed finishes
• Different corner-radius designs

Granite Composite Sinks

A granite composite sink can be a good option if you want a coloured or matte finish rather than traditional stainless steel.

Black, grey and white granite sinks work particularly well in contemporary kitchens and can be coordinated with coloured kitchen mixers and benchtops.

Different manufacturers use different composite formulations, so always follow the care instructions for the particular product rather than treating every “granite sink” as the same material.

MBS currently offers stainless steel as well as granite and quartz-composite sink options in several colours and configurations. 

Think About Bowl Depth and Corner Shape

A deeper bowl can make it easier to wash large cookware and can help keep splash inside the sink.

However, deeper is not always better.

A very deep sink takes up more space inside the cabinet and may interfere with:

• Waste pipes
• Pull-out bins
• Drawers
• Under-sink storage

Also look at the corner radius.

A tighter square-style radius creates a more architectural and modern appearance, while softer rounded corners are generally easier to wipe clean.

The best choice is a balance between the look you want and how much cleaning and maintenance you are comfortable with.

Check the Tap, Waste and Accessories

Before ordering, check whether the sink has a tap hole.

A sink with a pre-drilled tap hole allows the kitchen mixer to be mounted directly through the sink.

If the sink has no tap hole, the mixer will normally be installed through the benchtop or, less commonly, from the wall.

Also check what is included with the sink, such as:

• Basket wastes
• Mounting clips
• Overflow kits
• Chopping boards
• Colanders
• Bottom grids
• Draining racks

Accessories designed specifically for the sink can make the washing and food-preparation area more useful without taking up additional benchtop space.

Choose the Sink Before the Benchtop Is Cut

If you are installing a new kitchen, choose the sink before the final benchtop cut-out is made.

Topmount and undermount sinks require different cut-outs and fixing methods, and undermount sinks are particularly dependent on an accurate finished opening.

If you are replacing an existing sink without replacing the benchtop, check both:

• The overall dimensions of the new sink
• The existing benchtop cut-out

A sink that is slightly larger overall does not automatically mean it will cover or fit the existing opening.

Check the manufacturer's installation template before ordering whenever possible.

Which Kitchen Sink Is Right for You?

There is no single sink that works best for every kitchen.

If you frequently wash large pots and trays, consider a generous single bowl.

If you like to wash and rinse at the same time, a double bowl may be more convenient.

If you want a clean, modern benchtop, consider an undermount sink.

If you want a simple and versatile installation, a topmount sink can be a practical choice.

If you prefer a coloured statement sink, consider a granite composite option.

Most importantly, choose your sink based on your cabinet size, kitchen routine, benchtop and plumbing first — then choose the style and finish you like.

Need Help Choosing a Kitchen Sink in Melbourne?

Melbourne Bathroom Shop offers a range of single bowl, double bowl, topmount, undermount, stainless steel and granite kitchen sinks, including sinks with drainers and different colour options.

Our current kitchen sink collection includes both single and double bowl configurations, topmount and undermount installation options, plus sinks with integrated drainers.

If you are renovating, visit our Blackburn showroom to compare selected sink sizes, materials and finishes in person.

It is helpful to bring:

• Kitchen cabinet size
• Benchtop material
• Existing sink and cut-out dimensions
• Kitchen plans or photos
• Preferred kitchen mixer

This makes it easier to select a sink that works with the cabinet, benchtop, tapware and plumbing as one complete setup.

A good kitchen sink should look right in your kitchen, but more importantly, it should make everyday cooking and cleaning easier.