The kitchen sink is an integral part of every functioning kitchen design. This is especially pronounced in a small kitchen area where you have to carry out essential kitchen activities such as dish-washing, cooking, baking, cleaning raw food, etc, – these activities that center around the kitchen sink.
If you have a small kitchen, you have to make use of tight space in order to fit the sink. This article will cover the best kitchen sinks designed for small kitchens. The kitchen sinks listed below will allow you to equip your small kitchenette with an appropriate kitchen sink. There are few other factors to emphasize for small kitchens such as the location of the sink and the size of the sink (which we’ll cover in detail below).
The Optimal Sink Size For Small Kitchens
Here’s the issue: You have a small kitchen. You want to install a sink. But you don’t know the right size you need. Should the sink be smaller than the average US kitchen sink? The answer is that it depends. The average “small” kitchen sink is around 22″, but there are even more compact sinks that run 9-15″ and these sinks are more applicable for tiny kitchenettes. Depending on the amount of space you have at your disposal, you’ll be looking at a 15-22″ sink on average.
Pro Tip: Free up space by prioritizing the sink space in the kitchen. It’s not wise to compromise on sink space if you can allow reducing the size of other items in the kitchen. Example: If you compromise on a smaller sink to place a dishwasher in the kitchen – you would do yourself a disservice. We carry out more tasks in the sink than mere dishwashing such as preparing and cleaning food. Consider that you’ll need extra space for a cutting board as well.
Top 5 Small Kitchen Sinks For Small Kitchens:
Corner Sink
The corner sink is the ideal small kitchen sink because it conserves space and helps you save money on sink installation because you can conveniently place it next to the inlet and outlet of water in the kitchen. Many modern kitchens now utilize corner sinks to conserve space while retaining functionality. To add a corner sink to your kitchen, you only have to account for a few factors such as the shape and layout of the kitchen room.
If the room is U-shaped or L-shaped, this type of sink is ideal. You can immediately save space and add a functioning work surface to your kitchen by opting for a corner sink. Corner sinks are diverse and can be integrated into every home.
Bar Sink
The bar sink is one of the most popular sinks for small kitchens specifically because this sink type was originally designed for the home wet bar. Bar sinks are smaller than sinks such as under-mount sinks and they’re even shallower – effectively serving as secondary sinks. However, they’re some of the easiest to install and can make a great addition to a kitchenette. Bar sinks are also popular for home bars and patios.
Undermount Sink
Undermount sinks are some of the most popular sinks for modern kitchens. As the name indicates, the “undermount” sink is mounted right below the surface layer of the worktop. This design produces a uniquely chic and minimalist look.
The undermount sink is one of the most pragmatic sink designs because it allows you to sweep up the food you prepared directly into the bowl (which you place inside the sink). The undermount sink style can go well with many classic materials such as a timber design or it could be integrated with a granite worktop.
Inset Sink
The inset sink is a conventional sink and sometimes referred to as the “surface mount sink”. Inset sinks are integrated with a section of the main countertop and the edges are located above the work surface. Inset sinks have existed for a long time and they can currently be found in traditional kitchen designs and modernist/sleek designs.
Stainless Steel Sink
The stainless steel sink is a kitchen sink built using reflective stainless steel. This type of sink is sturdy and easy to install which makes it one of the most popular sinks in existence. Stainless steel sinks can be found in small sizes/diameters such as 9″ and they can fit small kitchens.
There are different sub-types of stainless steel sinks depending on the thickness (measured in gauges. The bulkier the sink, the cheaper it’s going to be. If the sink is light/thinner gauge, it’s going to be more premium. The main flaw of stainless steel is that the material can dent.
How Are Small Kitchen Sinks Installed?
There are a few ways to install small kitchen sinks. Smaller sinks come pre-installed in larger countertops, but it’s also possible to replace an existing sink with a new sink. Example: The drop-in sink will fit automatically in the cutout of the large countertop and the rim will rest on the counter. The under-mount sink is lowered below the countertop. The most important thing to do when you’re replacing an old sink is to measure the dimensions and double-check whether the cutout is capable of accommodating the new sink. You may have to expand the cutout of the cabinet if you get a bigger sink.
Pro Tip: Opt for a new countertop that comes with the sink installed. People who are shopping for sinks are usually looking for a full-scale kitchen renovation, and in this case, investing in a new countertop is a great opportunity to make improvements to your kitchen/kitchenette. A larger sink is always a great idea, but if you lack the space than any of the aforementioned sinks are ideal for your small kitchen.