The 12 Most Popular Kitchen Sinks

Ryan M. Grambart
Founder & CEO - CopperSmith
linkedin
Ryan M. Grambart

Are you planning a kitchen renovation? These are some of the most popular kitchen sinks by color, configuration, and material.

A kitchen sink is one of the most important parts of any kitchen. It’s where you prepare food, cook, and entertain. And whether you’re completely renovating your kitchen or making a few updates, selecting a new kitchen sink is probably on your list of to-dos.

Not only should you choose a kitchen sink that matches the style of your kitchen, but you should also take trends into account. Choosing an up-to-date sink style will help increase your home’s resale value if you do decide to sell it in the future.

Currently, some of the most popular kitchen sinks include stainless steel sinks, farmhouse sinks, undermount sinks, and single basin sinks. Learn more about each of these sinks below, as well as a list of other popular sinks by color, configuration, and material.

Most Popular By Color

best sink colors

Stainless steel, white, silver/gray, and black are the four most popular kitchen sink colors that will dominate kitchens over the next few years. The best color sink for your kitchen depends on the sink material you’d like and your personal style.

Stainless/Nickel

Favored for its shiny, polished, or matte finish, stainless steel or nickel remains the most popular color for kitchen sinks, and it’s easy to see why. Stainless seamlessly pairs with stainless steel appliances and nickel hardware, such as faucets and drawer pulls. Whether installed next to white cabinets and a light countertop or dark cabinets and a granite countertop, stainless is a dynamic color that will stand the test of time. Pair your stainless sink with chrome, stainless steel, or a nickel faucet for a seamless look.

stainless steel sink

White

With the rise in cottage-inspired kitchens, white kitchen sinks are now the second most popular kitchen sink color. They lighten and brighten any kitchen, especially spaces with limited natural light. Commonly made out of porcelain or fireclay, many white sinks are designed in the trendy farmhouse or apron styles. While white kitchen sinks aren’t necessarily more challenging to keep clean than other sinks, they are more prone to staining. So, it’s important to frequently clean your white sink and follow the manufacturer’s guide on safe cleaning materials.

Silver/Gray

The third most popular kitchen sink color is silver or gray. This colorway is different from stainless steel because it’s not metallic, but flat instead. Gray sinks are most commonly made out of fireclay, granite composites, quartz composites, and porcelain. Modern and sleek, gray sinks pair well with many different countertops and cabinets.

Black

Last, but certainly not least, are black kitchen sinks. These statement pieces are bold and eye-catching and are made in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, granite composites, enamel, and fireclay. Of all black kitchen sinks, granite composites are some of the most durable. They pair beautifully with dark countertops and cabinets for a sophisticated kitchen design. Black sinks look especially stunning when installed with copper faucets and accents. 

Most Popular By Configuration

best sink configurations

Single basin, apron/farmhouse, workstation, and double basin kitchen sinks are the most popular sink styles for the upcoming years. Learn more about which kitchen sink shape is best for your home.

Single Basin

Single basin, or single bowl, kitchen sinks are the most popular kitchen sink configuration. The NKBA Design Report shared that 61% of their survey participants said that single bowl sinks will remain the top kitchen sink choice over the next few years. Single basin sinks usually have one, deep basin, with no dividers. They’re often better for small kitchen spaces and are roomier for washing large pots and pans. However, they’re not as useful if you prefer to soak dishes in your sink. Single basin sinks are made in all of the top kitchen sink materials, including stainless steel, fireclay, granite composites, copper, and porcelain.

Apron/Farmhouse

Farmhouse and apron kitchen sinks are second on the popularity list. These kitchen sinks are known for their front wall, which forms both the front of the sink and the front of the counter. Farmhouse sinks can be undermounted or installed above the countertops. While apron and farmhouse sinks are crafted in a variety of materials, they’re commonly white. Homeowners love them for their classic look and roomy space to wash dishes. Farmhouse sinks will remain in style for a long time, especially as modern farmhouse kitchens have grown in popularity. This sink configuration isn’t going out of style anytime soon.

Workstation

Third on the list is workstation kitchen sinks. According to Lizzie Beesley, the head of design at U.K.-based retail and design firm Magnet, workstation or multi-use sinks are here to stay. Workstation sinks make kitchen sinks even more flexible and functional, allowing users to prepare and cut food directly over the sink. Many multi-use sinks have removable accessories, so if you need access to the entire sink, you can remove the cutting board and other pieces. Not only are these sinks incredibly efficient, but they’re also a sleek addition to any kitchen.

copper workstation sink

Double Basin

Double basin sinks have been a popular sink configuration for many years, and continue to remain so. Double basin sinks have two bowls, which can be equally sized, or two different sizes. Typically, the two sink basins are divided by a wall or divider. Before dishwashers, double basin sinks were very popular because they create an area for washing and for prepping. They’re made in almost all sink materials, from stainless steel and fireclay to granite composite and copper.

Most people choose between a double basin or single basin sink—though, neither is necessarily better than the other. It depends on how busy your household is and how you’d like to use your kitchen sink.

Most Popular By Material

copper sink facts

Stainless steel, composite/solid surface, porcelain/cast iron, and fireclay are the four most popular sink materials currently in kitchens. Here’s what you need to know about each material.

Stainless Steel

While stainless steel kitchen sinks have been around for a long time, they’re still very much in style. There are a few reasons why. First, stainless steel sinks are one of the easiest to keep clean, and they’re highly resistant to rust. Second, stainless steel sinks pair well with stainless appliances throughout the kitchen. Third, stainless steel is an affordable and durable option for most families. Stainless steel sinks are classic and are a great choice for kitchens with off-white countertops. Keep in mind that not all stainless steel sinks are the same quality—lower gauges, like 14- to 18-gauge stainless steel are the highest quality.

Composite/Solid Surface

Granite and quartz composite kitchen sinks are the most affordable choice for today’s kitchens. A composite sink is very hard, meaning it’s very durable and unlikely to chip, scratch, or dent. This engineered material is created using a mix of granite or quartz and acrylic resins. They’re much more affordable than natural granite sinks and are available in a wide variety of colors. Keep in mind that some granite composite sinks can be damaged by heat, so use caution when placing hot pans and dishes in your sink.

Porcelain/Cast Iron

Porcelain and cast iron sinks have been around for a very long time, yet they still remain a top choice for kitchen sinks. Porcelain sinks are non-porous and easy to clean. Cast iron sinks are durable and long-lasting. The most popular style of porcelain or cast iron sink is a farmhouse or apron configuration. If you love the look of a timeless and traditional white farmhouse sink, then porcelain or cast iron style may be best for you.

Fireclay

The fourth most popular material for kitchen sinks is fireclay. Fireclay sinks are made out of a mixture of clay and glaze that’s fired at very high temperatures. This creates a solid, non-porous sink material that looks very similar to cast iron, but is much more affordable. Fireclay sinks are most commonly made in white or off-white, though they can be made in gray, black, or even blue. They’re a popular choice for people who love the look of a traditional farmhouse sink but want a more modern material.

What’s More Popular: Drop-In or Undermount Sinks?

Undermount kitchen sinks remain one of the most popular choices because they create a seamless design. They save space in the kitchen, create a sleek look, and make it easy to clean countertops. They also make great use of limited space in small kitchens or tight spaces, like corners. Plus, undermount sinks can even add extra value to your remodel.

While drop-in kitchen sinks aren’t completely out of style, they are a less popular choice than undermount sinks. Aesthetically, drop-in sinks are outdated, and they don’t add much to resale value. However, if you’re designing your kitchen to have more of a rustic, farmhouse look, then a drop-in kitchen sink may make sense for your home.

While undermount sinks are definitely more popular, drop-sinks can look appealing if they’re high-quality and made with interesting materials. Though most interior designers and experts would agree that entry-level drop-in stainless steel sinks look dated and take away from your kitchen’s appearance.

What’s the Most Popular Kitchen Sink Brand?

CopperSmith designs the most high-quality and sustainable kitchen sinks on the market. Our products are luxurious, yet functional, and are pieces of art for any kitchen. From modern stainless steel sinks to unique copper sinks, we design kitchen sinks in some of the most popular colors, configurations, and materials. Explore a few of our top designs that are currently popular in kitchen design:

1. Undermount Stainless Steel Sink

If you love the look of stainless steel, explore our customer-favorite Undermount Stainless Steel Sink. Made with durable 16-gauge stainless steel, this kitchen sink is very durable and resistant to scratches and dents. The hand-hammered finish gives the sink a luxe look and visual interest.

2. Farmhouse Kitchen Apron Sink

Do you love the farmhouse kitchen sink trend? We do too! One of our top-selling kitchen sinks is our Farmhouse Kitchen Apron Sink. Choose from a variety of metals, including stainless steel, brass, and copper, and a variety of finishes, such as hand-hammered, natural, polished, and more.

3. Undermount Workstation Sink

Beautiful and functional, our Undermount Workstation Sink makes meal preparation and cleaning up a breeze. This sink style features a removable cutting board, so the sink is flexible for your household’s needs. Workstation sinks are loved for their versatility, functionality, and durability. Customize your workstation sink with personal features or accessories to meet your kitchen’s needs.

Are you unsure of which sink is best for your kitchen? Contact our team today and we’re happy to answer any questions that you may have. We can also help you design your own customized sink to make the exact specifications you’re looking for. Feel free to compliment your sink with a custom ducted range hood!

 

April 27, 2023