The Kohler Smart Divide sink, such as this model at Ferguson Enterprise on Amnicola Highway, features a shortened partition dividing the two sink basins. This accommodates larger pots and pans, cookie sheets or pans with long handles. First made in cast iron, now the line has expanded into stainless steel as well.
The large, single-basin farmhouse-style sink easily accomodates large pots and pans.
A stainless 60-40 sink contrasts the surrounding leathered and honed, black granite countertops in this kitchen. The Ledger stone backsplash consists of all-natural slate in different thicknesses and colors adding texture and great visual effect.
A Fireclay sink by Rohl fits the traditional look of this home. Jackie Howard points out how double sink lined up with the windows adds to the symmetry to the room. White maple cabinets are complemented with white marble countertops.It’s arguably the most-used feature of any kitchen, but one given little thought when purchased.
From prepping food through cleanup after the meal, washing hands or fine china, the kitchen sink is where the action happens. That’s why consumers should research styles and materials available before buying a sink so it performs well in the long haul.
“The kitchen sink is the focal point of the kitchen,” says Allen O’Neal, Kohler sales executive for East Tennessee.
He finds that common mistakes among sink shoppers, who are either updating or building homes, fall into three categories: Not being informed on the variety of sinks available, confusion about stainless steel, and thinking that cast iron sinks are those of their grandparents or great-grandparents.
“People think all stainless steel is created equal, and that’s not the case,” he says. “There are several thicknesses, and you want to buy the thicker gauge. The rule is: The higher the gauge, the thinner the stainless steel. You don’t want anything less than an 18 gauge. You don’t want to go 19 to 22; they will not perform well over time.”