Kitchen Sink and Faucet Combos
Everything you need to know about kitchen faucet and sink combos before you take that great package deal.
When you want to take the guesswork out of getting a stylish pairing, shop for kitchen sink and faucet combos. These package deals are perfect for a new build or a quick remodel because they feature a sink and a faucet that are expertly paired to work together both functionally and stylistically.
All-in-one sink packages include everything you need to bring a wet feature to a home bar or to tackle all the dishes in your kitchen. With so many different kitchen sink combos available, choosing your kitchen sink and faucet combo still requires looking at a few key features of each package.
What’s Included with A Kitchen Sink and Faucet Combo
Before you make any final selections, make sure to check out exactly what’s included with your kitchen sink and faucet combo. Some of the popular items included in these all-in-one kitchen sink packages include:
- Kitchen sink or bar sink
- Kitchen faucet
- Drain cover
- Bottom grids
- Sink accessories
- Basket strainers
- Sink mounting brackets
- Sink cutout templates
These are just a few of the potential combinations available with sink and faucet packages from many popular retailers. Look around for the features, supplies, and accessories that best serve your kitchen and match your budget. Even with the extras, the most important considerations for your kitchen upgrade will still be the type and style of sink and faucet, to ensure your kitchen design can be exactly what you want.
Type of Sink
While faucets can be changed as a quick DIY project, the sink tends to take a bit more work and planning, so it should set the foundation for any design changes in the busy heart of your home. That is why the sink is at the core of each of these kitchen sink and faucet combos. As you check out the many possibilities, consider what type of sink best suits the design of your kitchen or bar area.
Each type of sink comes in a variety of different sizes and styles, making it easy to find one that will suit the needs of your space. Farmhouse sinks, undermount sinks, and drop-in sinks each provide a distinct look. Choose the best kitchen sink/faucet combo for your home by understanding the differences in these designs.
As you shop for your combo set, make sure to check out any special features associated with each sink, as many can offer things such as insulated pads for sound absorption, dent-resistant materials, and warranties.
Farmhouse Sinks
Farmhouse sinks offer a bold, eye-catching look for the kitchen because they have an exposed apron front that helps to make the sink the focal point of the space. In fact, they are often referred to as apron-front sinks. The front of the countertop needs to be cut away or manufactured to accommodate the installation of a farmhouse sink.
Because farmhouse sinks feature an exposed basin front, the form and material is often incredibly stylish. They can range from traditional country in style to sleek and modern depending upon what colors and materials you select.
Drop-In Sinks
Drop-in sinks, which are often referred to as top-mount sinks or self-rimming sinks, feature a lip around the edge that sits on top of the edge of your countertops. These sinks drop down into the opening you’ve created in your countertops. They are among the easiest to install but are not the most popular choice aesthetically.
The lip surrounding drop-in sinks is typically rounded off to provide a smooth transition from lip to countertop. Of course, there are some options available called flush-mount sinks. They still allow for drop-in installation but the lip is slightly recessed into the countertop to provide a level transition from the lip of the drop-in to the surrounding countertop.
Undermount Sinks
Undermount sinks are designed to install under the surface of the countertop using special mounting brackets. The benefit is that the edge of your countertop can continue right to the sink for a seamless and smooth appearance. Of course, these can be slightly more challenging to install as a replacement because you need to be able to work the sink in through the cabinetry if the countertops are already in place.
Number of Basins
A basin is the term that refers to the recessed area of a sink where you’ll wash dishes, rinse vegetables and more. Most sinks fall into one of two categories: single basin or double basin. Get to know the differences between these two styles and choose a kitchen sink combo that’s right for your kitchen or home bar.
Single Bowl Sinks
Single-basin sinks feature one large area that isn’t subdivided into smaller sections. This gives you more room to work with larger items, whether rinsing a large cookie sheet, filling a large pot with water, or even prepping a huge turkey for a family meal. One large basin makes cleaning easier, because there is only one space to wipe out, without the hassle of a divider. It also means that you never have to worry about which side of the sink features your garbage disposal.
Double Bowl Sinks
Double-basin sinks feature a divider to provide you with two separate work areas. You can always plug one basin off to fill with ice for a party or to defrost meats for dinner. The other basin remains open so you can take on the rest of your kitchen tasks as usual. The dual-purpose design of double-basin sinks makes them a great choice for an avid home cook, just make sure to keep in mind which basin features the garbage disposal and ensure all food waste is put in the proper side.
Sink Material
Once you’ve determined what style and installation type makes the best choice for your kitchen sink and faucet combo, it’s time to look at the material used to craft the sink.
Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel is among one of the most popular choices for kitchen sinks because it is incredibly durable and scratch resistant. It is susceptible to water spots, so a stainless steel sink will require regular cleaning.
Cast Iron Sinks
When you’re looking for something with truly timeless appeal, cast iron sinks make a fantastic choice. Cast iron is easy to clean, comes in a range of color options, and is incredibly heat resistant. If you drop items into your cast iron sink, it is possible for the enamel topcoat to chip or scratch over time, but they are otherwise quite durable and long-lasting.
Composite Sinks
A composite is made of natural stone and other materials that create an incredibly durable, nonporous surface. Because it is resistant to discoloration, chipping, and scratches, a composite sink is a great choice for heavy everyday use.
Copper Sinks
Copper is a naturally anti-microbial surface, making it a convenient choice for use in the kitchen. It is also 100% recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Often, copper sinks will feature a hammered finish for added character. This material will develop a patina over time and, because it offers a living finish, can require more care than other sink materials.
Fireclay Sinks
Fireclay sinks are desired for their durability. Fireclay sinks feature a non-porous, glossy surface that provides the look of porcelain, while maintaining the strength to hold up to high temperatures. Fireclay material is available in a range of different finishes and colors, making it easy to coordinate the sink with your kitchen decor.
Faucet Type
Once you find a sink style you like, it’s time to dive into the type of faucet featured in the combo set you’re considering. The type of faucet function can be just as important as the design of the sink itself.
Bar Faucets
If you’re choosing a combo unit featuring a compact bar or prep sink, it will probably be paired with a bar faucet. Bar faucets are a slightly smaller alternative to a kitchen faucet because they are scaled appropriate to the size of the smaller sinks.
Bridge Faucets
Bridge faucets are inspired by traditional faucet styles and feature hot and cold water knobs on both sides that come together to support the centrally located faucet, thus forming a bridge. They can be a fantastic choice in historic homes.
Pre-Rinse Faucets
These faucets boast an extra-high arch and a high-pressure spray feature that allows you to get tough, stuck-on messes off your dishes prior to loading the dishwasher. Pre-rinse faucets bring a restaurant-inspired functionality to your home kitchen.
Pull-Down Faucets
Pull-down faucets feature a spray head that pulls down from the arched portion of the faucet. This gives you the freedom to direct the stream of water where you need it the most. Pullout spray faucets are very similar but they pull out from the extended faucet and often feature an integrated handle portion.
Single-Handle Faucets
Single-handle faucets boast a single handle that you can manipulate to turn on both the cold water and the hot water. Aside from providing a sleek look to complement virtually any kitchen design, a single-handle faucet will generally make it easier to adjust the water to be at the precise temperature you want.
Touch/Touchless Faucets
Keep your kitchen cleaner and even easier to use when you choose a kitchen sink combo featuring a touch or a touchless faucet. Touch faucets turn on with a tap to the arch. Touchless faucets feature a motion sensor that turns the faucet on with the simple wave of a hand.
Sink Shape & Size
As with anything you hope to install in your kitchen, it’s important to make sure that the all-in-one kitchen sink combo you chose fits in the space you have available. This is especially important for compact work areas, such as those in a home bar, rec space, outdoor kitchen, or space-efficient condo.
Basic Sink Dimensions
For the sink component of your combo, there are five main measurements to take into consideration, including:
- Counter Depth: The measurement from the edge of your counter back to the kitchen wall or opposite edge of the counter (if you’re talking about an island or peninsula).
- Sink Depth: The length of the sink from the front edge to the back. Make sure that the sink depth is smaller than your counter depth.
- Basin Depth: The exterior measurement from the top of the basin to the bottom of the basin.
- Basin Length: The interior measurement of the basin from one side to the other side.
- Sink Length: The exterior measurement of the sink from one side to the other side. The total sink length could span multiple basins.
Faucet & Sink Finishes
With kitchen sink and faucet combo units, all the components can come in a range of different finishes to choose from. One of the biggest benefits of choosing a kitchen sink combo is that the sink and the other components are already perfectly matched to one another. You may find that stainless steel combos feature the same finish for all components involved or you may discover combos that mix and match pieces with various finishes for a more eye-catching pairing.
Of course, you’ll still have to coordinate the finishes of the items in your all-in-one kitchen sink combo with the finishes of the rest of the items you have in your kitchen, including the cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. The finish, color, and design style are all important features to consider against the rest of the kitchen to ensure everything matches. The key is to invest in the combo that will produce the kitchen you are most comfortable and happy to be living with in your home, every day.