How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink: Buying Guide 2026

How to choose the right kitchen sink comes down to understanding how you really use your kitchen day to day. The sink is one of the busiest spots in the room, so size, material and layout all need careful thought if you want washing, rinsing and prep to feel smooth rather than cramped. A bowl that’s too small makes everyday tasks frustrating, while an oversized sink can eat into valuable worktop space.

From sleek undermount designs to practical inset sinks and classic apron-front styles, each option changes how your worktop, cabinets and tap line up visually and functionally. Your choice of material also has a big impact on durability, noise and cleaning. This blog is HOUSE OF ENKI’s kitchen sink buying guide for UK 2026, designed to walk you through the main decisions so you can match the right sink to your space, style and routine.

• Measure the width and depth of the worktop where the sink will sit, using a metal tape for accuracy.

• Note the internal width of the base cabinet below as your sink has to sit within this, with room for the bowl and plumbing.

• Leave enough clear worktop on either side of the sink for food prep and appliances. As a guide, aim for at least 45cm–50cm of usable space beside the bowl where possible.

• When replacing an existing sink, measure the cut-out in the worktop, not just the outer edge, so the new sink drops in without major alterations.

• For new worktops, finalise your sink measurements before any cuts are made to avoid gaps, overhangs or misalignment.

You can use this as a quick reference when planning:

Base cabinet width: typically 600-1,000mm (sets the maximum sink width)

Worktop depth: usually around 600 mm (limits front-to-back bowl size)

Clear space beside sink: aim for 450–500 mm each side (for smoother prep and movement)

Sink depth affects both comfort and practicality. Standard kitchen sinks sit around 200-250mm deep, but the best depth depends on your height, how much washing-up you do by hand, and the space under the worktop.

Deeper bowls are great for hiding dishes and reducing splashes, but they can mean more bending and less room below for bins, plumbing or filters. If you’re on the taller side, a slightly deeper bowl can feel comfortable; if you’re shorter, a shallower sink is often easier on your back. Always check the under-sink area first so you know a waste kit, filter or disposal unit will still fit.

• Single bowl: Best if you want one large, open space for roasting trays and big pots, or have a smaller worktop.

• 1.5 or double bowl: Handy if you handwash often or multitask, letting you separate washing, rinsing and food prep.

• Match to your routine: If you rely on a dishwasher, a single bowl is usually enough; if several people cook at once, extra basins give everyone more flexibility.

Typical price range: roughly £360–£400+ in the UK for a 600mm single bowl Belfast, depending on retailer and model.

Each kitchen sink material brings its own look, weight and level of upkeep. Durability, resistance to heat and stains, and how easy it is to clean day to day will make the biggest difference to how well your sink matches your cooking and washing routine.

The number of basins in your kitchen sink affects how you wash dishes, prepare food, and use your counter space.

Your choice should match how you cook, clean, and the size of your kitchen area.

• Single bowl sinks: One large, open basin with plenty of room for big pots, pans and trays. They’re great for smaller kitchens or clean, uncluttered layouts. With only one drain and fewer seams, they're easier to clean and usually simpler to install.

• Double bowl sinks: Two separate basins, often equal in size, for washing and rinsing or shared use. These are ideal for families and frequent cooks who like to keep clean and dirty dishes separate. You would need more worktop width and cabinet space, so they’re better suited to larger kitchens.

• 1.5 bowl sinks: One full-size bowl plus a smaller half bowl for rinsing, draining or prep. A good balance between flexibility and footprint, especially in medium-sized kitchens. They’re useful if you want extra functionality without committing to a full double bowl.

• Generally the most affordable and easy to install or replace

• Work with most worktops, including laminate and wood

• The rim can catch crumbs and water, so it needs regular wiping

• Silicone around the edge may need refreshing over time

• Seamless look and easy cleaning at the worktop edge

• No visible rim, so your worktop runs right up to the bowl

• Best with strong, water-resistant worktops (stone, solid surface, etc.)

• Installation and later replacement are more complex and usually need a pro

• Deep bowl makes light work of large pots and trays

• Distinctive, “statement” look that suits classic and modern schemes

• Often need custom cabinet adjustments and solid support

• Heavier than standard sinks and more involved to fit correctly

• Ultra-clean, minimalist look with no visible joins

• Very easy to wipe down, with nowhere for grime to collect

• High upfront cost and specialist fabrication

• Repairs or changes are trickier, as the sink and worktop are one unit

When you choose a kitchen sink, it has to do more than just look good. The right combination of bowl layout, sink design and kitchen tap should match how you cook, wash and prep, while fitting naturally into your overall kitchen design.

Match the bowl layout to your routine: If you regularly wash large pans and baking trays, a roomy single basin is usually more practical, while a 1.5 or double basin sink works better for households that like to split food prep, washing and rinsing into separate zones.

Pair the sink with the right kitchen tap: Check that the tap holes and bowl size suit your chosen kitchen taps or mixer taps, using taller spouts or pull-out sprays for deeper or wider bowls, and keeping finishes coordinated (or deliberately contrasted) so everything looks intentional.

Keep the sink in harmony with your kitchen design: Choose overmount sinks for laminate surfaces and more classic kitchens, undermount models for a seamless finish on solid worktops, and pick materials and colours, like stainless steel, ceramic or granite composite, that sit comfortably with your cabinets and work surface.

Choosing the right kitchen sink is really about matching the bowl, material and mounting style to how you actually cook, clean and use your space every day. Once you’ve measured up, thought about depth and basin layout, and picked a material that fits your routine, the decision feels far less overwhelming. 

From compact prep bowls to full-size family sinks and farmhouse centrepieces, there’s a setup for every layout and style. If you’re ready to narrow it down, explore HOUSE OF ENKI’s range of kitchen sinks and matching kitchen taps to build a combination that feels considered from the first coffee cup to the last pan of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions