With so many choices available, you may be perplexed as to where to begin your search and what to look for in a farmhouse sink. We’re here to assist!
Contents
- Our Top 6 Picks for the Best Farmhouse Sink Reviews
- Different Materials for Farmhouse Sinks
- Pre-Purchase Considerations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
- What is the best farmhouse sink made of?
- What is the most durable type of farmhouse sink?
- What farmhouse sink does Joanna Gaines use?
- Is fireclay better than porcelain?
- What is better fireclay or granite sink?
- Do dishes break easily in fireclay sinks?
- What are the drawbacks of a farmhouse sink?
- Is cast iron better than fireclay?
- Do fireclay farmhouse sinks scratch easily?
- What is the difference between a farmhouse sink and an apron sink?
Our Top 6 Picks for the Best Farmhouse Sink Reviews
We’ve done the legwork to find some of the greatest farmhouse sinks on the market so you don’t have to. Instead, save money and time by researching these excellent goods and gathering all of the information you need to make an informed purchasing choice.
1. Kraus KWF410 Farmhouse Sink
The Kraus farmhouse sink is sturdy, thanks to its 16-gauge stainless steel construction. The coating is rust-resistant, and any scratches that form will be less obvious than on a polished exterior.
The Kraus includes a built-in workstation with a flat front apron design that saves room and lets you to multitask like a pro. This 36-inch model comes with a number of high-quality home chef accessories, including a solid bamboo cutting board that slides into the integrated ledge to provide a smooth surface between the countertop and board. Bamboo is also very resilient and will not warp when exposed to water.
The Kraus farmhouse sink, being one of the finest farmhouse sinks on the market, is also built to take big pots and pans and provides plenty of area to soak and wash your dishes and kitchen gadgets. When you’re ready, roll out the dish drying rack onto the ledge. Simply fold up the rack and store it when everything is dry.
The extra thick padding under the sink, which serve to absorb sound, are another additional benefit. There’s also an undercoat to help with noise and vibration reduction.
The drain is gently inclined to aid water and debris movement into the drainage area.
This is a great farmhouse sink with an industrial flair that has lots of room for preparing meals, soaking tools, and washing and drying dishes. The only thing to keep in mind is that the sink is 10 inches deep and takes some space to install, so make sure you have enough counter space before buying.
2. BOCCHI Apron Front Sink
Fireclay is one of the most long-lasting materials used in modern kitchens. Fireclay is intended to endure extreme heat and is resistant to even the hottest pots and pans. It is heated in kilns to temperatures exceeding 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Furthermore, because of its smooth, glazed texture, the material is simpler to clean than regular ceramic. Simply wipe the surface down with a microfiber cloth to remove filth, bacteria, water marks, and fingerprints. The glaze is also non-porous, stain-resistant, and resistant to cracking, chipping, and denting.
The one problem some people have about the Bocchi is that the drainage slope is not as steep, making cleaning food detritus somewhat more difficult.
3. Swiss Madison SM-KS243 Farmhouse Sink
Although it is simple in form and lacks some of the bells and whistles seen in other farmhouse sinks, the Swiss Madison provides precisely what you need to get the job done.
With a 3018 inch basin, this attractive porcelain farmhouse sink provides plenty of space for cleaning. Furthermore, the Swiss Madison farmhouse sink is reversible. One side has vertical stripes, while the other has horizontal ridges.
The sink is made of stain-resistant porcelain and is finished in a glossy white finish.
The Swiss Madison does not come with a wire rack or other frills, but its appeal lies in its simplicity. This farmhouse sink is worth considering because of its high-quality material, spacious basin, contemporary appearance, and low price.
4. Kraus KHF203 Double Bowl Sink
The Kraus farmhouse sink, with its 10-inch deep basin and two-sink configuration, offers plenty of space for soaking and washing dishes. Furthermore, the vast working area eliminates the need to constantly empty the sink.
The Kraus double-bowl farmhouse sink is built of rust-resistant 16-gauge heavy-duty steel that will not corrode or dent easily. Undercoating is also available to help prevent cabinets from moisture accumulation.
Extra-thick cushions cover 80 percent of the foundation under the sink, working to absorb noise from dishwashing and disposal.
The rounded sides of the Kraus double-bowl sink are one of its distinguishing characteristics. Sharp edges are often more difficult to clean, but round corners are easier to clean and help decrease water entrapment. A round-shaped sink also provides additional workspace within the basin.
This Kraus edition sink is grooved and has a little slope to aid drainage. To prevent clogging, there are two grids and drain strainer baskets.
Although this sink is rust-resistant, you should still clean it off on a regular basis to avoid rust streaks. Some reviewers discovered that if they kept water in the sink for an extended period of time, tiny stains appeared that were difficult to remove.
5. Ruvati Stainless Steel Sink
The sink is made of tough 16-gauge T-304 grade stainless steel and is finished in a matte black paint. The stainless steel, like most sinks, is rust-resistant, but the Ruvati takes it a step further by finishing it with a nano-PVD method that makes the surface even more resistant to wear and strain.
The matte texture not only provides a fashionable accent to your kitchen, but it also helps to prevent fingerprint and stain buildup.
Before buying the Ruvati, take dimensions of your kitchen surfaces, since some reviewers considered the sink to be on the big side. Even though it is 33 inches broad, many like the aesthetic of this sink. If you like receiving praises, this may be the sink for you!
6. Houzer Fireclay Sink
Rounded edges make cleanup a breeze, and the non-porous surface offers a sanitary, stain-free, glossy work surface.
Most people like this sink because of its handmade design. Its sleek white finish and apron front make it the focal point of any kitchen.
Some consumers’ sole issue is that the sink bottom is completely flat, making draining more difficult.
Different Materials for Farmhouse Sinks
When looking for a high-quality kitchen sink, you may come across many stainless steel farmhouse sink reviews, but these fixtures are available in a variety of materials. The material you choose will influence elements such as the sink’s longevity and ease of cleaning. So, what are the various materials used in farmhouse sinks?
Let’s take a deeper look at the most common materials used to make the greatest farmhouse sinks.
Stainless Steel
At a glance:
- Has a smooth, matte finish
- Modern apron-front designs offer a modern appearance.
- Resistant to cracking, chipping, and staining
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
We couldn’t compile a list of typical sink materials without including stainless steel. It is one of the most popular because to its inexpensive cost, durability, and simplicity of cleaning and upkeep.
The gauge (thickness level) of stainless steel is often used to classify it. The lighter the steel, the greater the gauge. Most residential sinks have a gauge of 18 to 22, and most people believe that a thicker gauge indicates superior quality. However, according to a Consumer Reports research, thicker steel is just marginally more resistant to scratches and dents and somewhat less loud.
Copper
At a glance:
- Comes in smooth and hammered finishes
- For apron-front versions, more complex and intricate patterns are offered.
- Copper naturally kills germs and bacteria
- Needs waxing and cleaning with a copper cleaner
Copper farmhouse sinks are one-of-a-kind in that they are often handmade, providing warmth and charm to the heart of the home.
Copper is dazzling and gold-like when new, but its natural finish (the patina) will eventually convert the material a rich rosy-brown hue. Consider comparing a fresh new penny to an old one and noting the color change. This is a natural process that, although it may be slowed, cannot be completely prevented.
One of copper’s most important advantages is its ability to destroy 99.9% of germs. Copper provides a deadly environment for germs, viruses, and bacteria of all types. Because kitchen areas and sinks can become breeding grounds for germs, having a copper farmhouse sink is a tremendous value.
Cast Iron
At a glance:
- Made of sturdy cast iron and durable porcelain enameled
- Has a smooth, glossy finish
- Resistant to cracking, chipping, and breaking
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
Cast iron is created by, you guessed it, casting iron. To give the sink a smooth yet sturdy surface, the bare iron is finished with a hard porcelain enamel finish. This enamel is really hard molten glass that is bonded to the iron, forming a protective barrier against stains, scratches, fractures, and rust.
The smooth surface of the sink is simple to maintain and clean, and the porcelain reduces damage caused by light and fading.
Although cast iron sink enameling is meant to endure wear and tear, it is not fully impenetrable to harm. It will rust if the enamel chip and bare iron are exposed.
Another factor to consider is that cast iron is heavier than most other materials, weighing 100 pounds or more. This complicates installation, particularly if a contractor is required to create extra supports under the counter to keep the sink in place.
Fireclay
At a glance:
- Has a smooth, glossy finish
- Flat fronts are common, however grooves or vertical lines may be used to provide texture.
- Resistant to rust, fading, and discoloration
- Easy to clean and maintain
Ceramic clay is molded and cured at high temperatures for up to 40 hours to create fireclay sinks. After the clay dries, a porcelain enamel finish is applied to the sink before it is placed in a kiln to bake for 20 hours at 2000 degrees Fahrenheit (or more). This technique strengthens both the clay and the enamel, making the material very unbreakable.
Fireclay farmhouse sinks resemble cast-iron sinks in appearance but are more resistant to scratches and staining. The material is extremely heavy, therefore additional support is frequently put in under the sink.
Stone
At a glance:
- Comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns
- Natural stone ensures that no two sinks are alike
- Apron-front styles vary from the typical flat surface to complex carved embellishments.
- Stain-resistant
- Easy to clean
Some of the most appealing natural patterns are found in stone farmhouse sinks made of marble, granite, soapstone, or quartz. Color variations and pigmentation produce one-of-a-kind patterns, making each stone sink a piece of art.
Stone is a tough and long-lasting material, but it is also porous, so a stone sink must be sealed to avoid surface damage. The surface becomes non-porous after treatment, so food particles and other debris cannot get trapped within any pores in the material. This makes the sink more stain-resistant and easy to clean.
Other uncommon farmhouse sink materials include black slate, bronze, brass, concrete, wood, and bamboo.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Aside from the various farmhouse sink materials, there are a few more considerations to make before selecting one of these fixtures for your kitchen.
Number of Bowls
Single and double-bowl farmhouse sinks are the most prevalent and may be found on the market. Before choosing on how many basins to include in your farmhouse sink, consider your countertop space and kitchen size.
It might be beneficial to investigate if having just one bowl would make cleaning more difficult. If you’re accustomed to having two bowls in your kitchen sink, one for soaking and one for rinsing, a double-bowl farmhouse sink may be worth the investment.
Bowl Size
Farmhouse sinks are usually huge fixtures with deep basins. Single-bowl sizes vary from 24-42 inches in length, with bowl depths ranging from 6 to 15 inches.
Installation
Farmhouse sinks, due to their weight and size, usually need the installation of additional supports under the countertops. This implies that you may need to modify your cabinets to fit the sink. Because farmhouse sinks are not affixed to counters, it is best to have bespoke cabinetry or custom support for existing cabinets.
It’s also worth noting that most farmhouse sinks do not have faucet holes or mounting decks. You must ensure that there is adequate room between the faucet and the sink, since the faucet must be installed behind the sink, either directly on the countertop or on a wall-mount above the sink.
Drainage
Although it may not seem to be a significant consideration, the location and size of the drain might affect the effectiveness of the sink. The drain hole should be at least 3.5 inches in diameter. If the drain is in the center of the sink, you may wind up plugging the hole when doing the dishes. An off-center drain, on the other hand, makes cleaning up simpler and provides extra room under the counter.
Drainboard
When hand-washing dishes, farmhouse sinks with built-in drainboards provide an easy method to drain and dry them. The drainboard may also be used for food preparation.
Finishes
The greatest farmhouse sinks are composed of high-quality, rust- and stain-resistant materials. Always check the specs to discover what sort of coating was used on the sink, since this will impact its appearance and how long the fixture will endure.
Noise Insulation
If you despise the noisy clang of pots, pans, and cutlery against the sink, a noise-proof sink is your best choice. To reduce impact noise, these versions often feature extremely thick cushioning on the bottom. To reduce noise levels, some may even contain heavy layers of external coating.
Apron Design
The farmhouse sink’s front, known as the apron, is what is visible after installation and may be as traditional or ornamental as you choose. Many farmhouse sinks have flat, smooth apron fronts, while some have overhanging lips, fluted or grooved fronts, and hammered textures.
Cost
Farmhouse sinks vary in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the material and style. Of all, spending thousands of dollars on a sink does not guarantee a high-quality product.
Study farmhouse sink reviews like this one to get a sense of what’s available and what to look for when searching for your own. The majority of the sinks in our evaluation provide everything you may want or need in a farmhouse style fixture at a reasonable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve made it this far, you now know everything about the finest farmhouse sinks, what they’re constructed of, and what to look for when buying one. However, it is quite normal if you still have questions. There’s a lot to learn about these culinary marvels, and we’re here to assist.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning farmhouse sinks.
The style, sometimes known as a farmers sink or an apron sink, is typically broad with a deep basin and nothing jutting from the corners. The completed front (the apron) that is visible after installation is the distinguishing characteristic. Farmhouse sinks may accommodate much more dishes, making cleaning up easier and more efficient. People like these sinks because of their size, efficiency, and appealing design.
If you don’t currently have cabinets or are planning on getting new ones, you may buy them depending on the size of the sink you want. If you already have cabinets built or chosen, the sink should be three inches shorter than the cabinet it will be put in. You should also consider the sink’s depth, since this will impact how much beneath counter space you have left.
If you buy a farmhouse sink, you should take care of it to extend its life. The material of the sink will dictate what cleaning chemicals to use and how often the sink should be cleaned. A basic cleaning recommendation for farmhouse sinks:
1. Clean the area with a gentle brush, a cloth, warm water, and soap.2. Avoid using strong chemicals and bristles that are too firm, since they might harm the sink’s surface.3. Rinse the sink with warm water after removing trash and food particles. Scrub the bottom and corners of the sink carefully with soap and water.4. Rinse with clean water and look for any leftover filth.5. Keep cleaning until you get the desired results.
When cleaning fireclay and porcelain, use a soft cloth and avoid using abrasive chemicals. To clean filth and stains off stainless steel, use a scrub brush. Remove any standing water in the basin to avoid water spot discoloration.
A sink grid guards against scratches and other surface damage. It may also cushion the shock of large pots and pans, preventing dishes from becoming clogged in the drain. A sink grid is not required, but it is useful for the following reasons.
All farmhouse sink materials have benefits and disadvantages, but when it comes to durability and pricing, stainless steel provides the finest product for the money. The material is long-lasting, sturdy, and simple to maintain, as well as resistant to cracks, stains, and chipping.
Both yes and no. Although custom cabinets are advised for convenience of installation, you may modify your existing cabinets to accommodate a farmhouse sink. This may include rebuilding the face, removing cabinet doors, and constructing bracing to sustain the sink’s heavy weight.
Final Thoughts
A farmhouse sink adds longevity, utility, and charm to the kitchen. The correct farmhouse sink may change the aesthetic of your kitchen as well as how you approach dishwashing. These sinks’ great size and depth make the whole operation much more doable. Furthermore, some farmhouse sinks have a workstation.
If you’ve read our best farmhouse sink guide, you’re on the right track to selecting a low-cost, practical kitchen sink that you’ll love for years.
Because of its high-quality features, space-saving workstation, and sink accessories, we believe the Kraus Farmhouse Sink is one of the finest on the market.
The Swiss Madison Farmhouse Sink gives everything you need in a basic, yet elegantly constructed fixture for budget shoppers. You won’t receive all the bells and whistles that some other sinks provide, but you will get a quality sink that is as functional as it is beautiful.
Finally, the Ruvati Stainless Steel Sink is an excellent alternative to the traditional farmhouse sink design. The matte gunmetal black finish contrasts well with lighter-colored cabinets and offers a durable surface.
See Also:
- Double Bowl Kitchen Sink Reviews
- Best Sink Protector Mats