How To Choose The Right Sink For Your Kitchen
If you’ve ever tried to wash a giant roasting tray in a tiny sink or fished for lost cutlery in a double basin, you’ll know that not all kitchen sinks are created equal. The kitchen sink isn’t just for dishes—it’s the morning tea station, the veg prep counter, the place where muddy football boots and toddler wellies get rinsed. I even used to bathe my twins in our Belfast sink when they were tiny! Choosing the right one can make your daily life so much easier (and a bit more joyful).
Let’s take a wander through the world of kitchen sinks—sharing local wisdom, real-life stories, and everything you need to know to make the best choice for your own home.
Picture This: The Real Kitchen Dilemma
I’ll never forget working with the family in Listowel. Their kitchen was always buzzing—someone making a sandwich, someone else washing up, and someone (usually the youngest!) using the sink to fill water balloons. But their old, shallow single basin just wasn’t cutting it. After a Sunday dinner, the dishes were stacked in a teetering tower, and every splash landed on the worktop.
We set out to find a sink that could handle their busy family life, fit their space, and suit their style. Here’s the checklist we used—one I’d recommend to anyone choosing a new kitchen sink.
Types of kitchen sinks
1. Top-Mounted Sink (Drop-In Sink)
The Classic Choice
This is the most familiar sink style in kitchens. The sink drops into a hole in the countertop, with a visible rim sitting on top.
Why choose it?
Easy to install and replace (no fuss, no special tools).
Works with most worktop materials—even laminate or timber.
Usually, the most budget-friendly option.
A family from Listowel kitchen tip:
When their “old reliable” top-mounted sink finally needed replacing, they loved being able to swap it out quickly without changing the whole worktop.
2. Undermount Sink
The Sleek Contender
This sink sits beneath the worktop, so there’s no rim on show and you can sweep crumbs straight in. Very popular in modern and minimalist kitchens. Trending and gaining even more popularity in 2025.
Why choose it?
Clean look—makes your counters look bigger and tidier.
No raised rim, so it’s easier to keep clean.
Especially good with granite, quartz, or solid wood worktops.
A word of warning:
Not suitable for laminate countertops, as water can get underneath. And installation is a bit trickier (best left to the professionals).
3. Single Basin Sink
For the Simple Life
One large, uninterrupted bowl—perfect for big pots, baking trays, and all the mess that comes with family life.
Why choose it?
Great for washing larger items.
No divider means more space.
Looks clean and simple.
Who loves it?
Busy families, keen bakers, and anyone who hates juggling pans in a tiny sink.
4. Double Basin Sink
Divide and Conquer
Two bowls side by side—handy for multitaskers who like to keep washing and rinsing separate.
Why choose it?
Wash on one side, rinse, or stack on the other.
You can soak dishes while still using the tap.
Some come with unequal sizes for extra flexibility.
A local story:
My clients in Kerry chose a double basin so the kids could fill water bottles on one side while mam finished the washing up on the other (no more squabbles!).
5. Low Divider Double Sink
The Best of Both Worlds
Like a double basin, but with a lower divider between the two bowls. You get separation, but can still fit bigger pots across both sides.
Why choose it?
Flexible for big and small jobs.
If you need to soak a roasting tray, just let the water flow over the divider.
A real game-changer for anyone who loves to cook (or has ever tried to wash a baking sheet in a standard double sink!).
6. Integrated Sink
Seamless Style
Moulded from the same material as your worktop—think Corian or composite stone—so the sink blends in perfectly.
Why choose it?
No seams, no joins—super easy to keep clean.
Looks sleek and modern.
It can be designed to any size or shape.
A tip:
Integrated sinks are a bit pricier, but if you love a fuss-free, modern look, they’re worth every penny.
7. Belfast Sink (Butler Sink)
A True Irish Classic
Big, deep, and instantly recognisable. The Belfast sink is perfect for traditional cottages, country kitchens, or anyone who loves that timeless look.
Why choose it?
A deep bowl is brilliant for big pots, vases, and even the odd muddy boot.
Thick ceramic is incredibly durable.
Makes a statement—looks gorgeous in period homes or with shaker-style cabinets.
A word to the wise:
They’re heavy, so make sure your worktop and cabinet can handle the weight!
8. Drainboard Sink
Practical Magic
A built-in drainboard sits alongside the sink, perfect for air-drying dishes or draining veggies.
Why choose it?
No need for a separate drainer cluttering the counter.
Keeps water off your worktops.
Great for smaller kitchens.
Real-life use:
A godsend in many homes, especially where counter space is at a premium.
9. Prep Sink
For the Busy Cook (or Entertainer)
A small, secondary sink, usually installed on an island or at the end of the main worktop.
Why choose it?
Handy for washing hands, prepping veggies, or chilling drinks.
Perfect in large kitchens or busy family homes.
Lets two cooks work without getting in each other’s way.
A tip from a local chef:
If you love to entertain, a prep sink is a luxury that quickly becomes a necessity!
10. Round Sink
Small but Mighty
A compact, circular sink—ideal for utility rooms, small kitchens, or as a secondary feature.
Why choose it?
Fits where space is tight.
Great for quick rinses or handwashing.
Adds a bit of fun and quirkiness to your design.
How to Choose What’s Right for Your Home
Ask yourself:
How much space do I have? (Measure twice! Here is a handy little post showing you how to properly measure your kitchen)
What’s my kitchen style—modern, classic, country?
How do I actually use my sink—big pots, lots of washing up, or mostly rinsing veg?
Do I want a statement piece or something that blends in?
A final thought from the family in Listowel:
“Choosing the right sink made our kitchen work for us, not against us. No more juggling dishes or mopping up puddles—just a space that fits our family’s life.”
Final Words: The Heart of the Kitchen
Don’t rush your sink decision. It’s there for the long haul, and the right choice can make your kitchen a pleasure to use every single day. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of a Belfast sink, the sleekness of an undermount, or the practicality of a double basin, there’s a perfect sink for every kitchen.
If you’re still unsure, send me your plans. I’ll help you find a sink that suits your space, your style, and your way of living—so the next time you’re elbow-deep in suds, you’ll be glad you took the time to choose well.
Here’s to fewer splashes, bigger smiles, and a kitchen that truly feels like home!
If you found this guide helpful, you might also enjoy another one of my most popular blog posts: How to Choose the Perfect Extractor Fan for Your Kitchen. It’s packed with practical tips and local know-how to help you create a kitchen that’s both beautiful and brilliantly functional.
