A large bowl with a stylish raised panel is what best describes farmhouse kitchen sinks. In the old days, the families in the countryside were big and the daily load of the kitchen was huge. Large bowl kitchen sinks were therefore used to accommodate large pots/pans and the large load of dishes. But they are back in fashion now and people in cities want to install a farmhouse kitchen sink despite a small family size. This is because it adds a lot of rustic, old world charm to your kitchen. If you have designed your kitchen in a countryside decor, farmhouse kitchen sinks are definitely the ideal choice.
In addition to their enormous capacities, their depth prevents any spillage of water (during the washing of pots, pans or dishes) or spillage on the countertop or the lower cabinet. Nowadays farmhouse kitchen sinks are available in various materials eg. stainless steel.
Stainless steel farmhouse kitchen sinks
Stainless steel farmhouse kitchen sinks are durable, look good and have heat resistant properties. They are also easy to maintain and clean. Single bowl or double bowl, stainless steel farm kitchen sinks are relatively lighter in weight compared to sinks made of other materials. Although their appearance has been described by some as ‘clinical’, they give a very clean and hygienic appearance because they are easy to clean. Compared to regular kitchen sinks, stainless steel farmhouse kitchen sinks come with a raised front panel that is like a thick rim. This minimizes splashing and splashing of water.
Farmhouse apron kitchen sinks
Farmhouse kitchen sinks are also known as farmhouse apron kitchen sinks. This is because of the raised front panel that forms an apron between the sink full of water and you. Farmhouse apron kitchen sinks were designed to withstand a heavy load of pots, pans and dishes for large families in the countryside. But now they have become popular because of their deep capabilities, functionality and of course the rustic look. Farmhouse apron kitchen sinks can be heavier in weight due to their size and type of material. A porcelain or fire sink can be heavier compared to stainless steel. Careful installation is therefore required for such sinks.
Porcelain farmhouse kitchen sinks
Porcelain farmhouse kitchen sinks give a very vintage look (especially those with a yellowish tint). The general color used is white, which gives a neat look to your kitchen. But it is prone to stains from food residues and cracks (accidental dropping of a heavy pot or pan). Porcelain farmhouse kitchen sinks are heavier in weight compared to stainless steel. Therefore the clamping of the porcelain farmhouse kitchen sinks to the countertop needs to be firm and strong. In case you are not sure about doing it yourself, hire an expert/professional.
Farmhouse copper kitchen sinks
Copper farmhouse kitchen sinks are the most stylish among stainless steel, porcelain or fireclay. Handcrafted and hammered designs add a very elegant and royal look to the whole piece, making it a prized possession of your kitchen. Even the simplest designs in farmhouse kitchen sinks look very beautiful. But they develop a ‘patina’ (a greenish tint due to oxidation), which can actually look beautiful to some people. But, to keep the sink in its polished and shiny form, you need to clean this layer regularly (grate half a lemon, with salt on it, along the sink).
Farmhouse kitchen sinks in white
White colored farmhouse kitchen sinks are quite in demand as they give a clean look to the kitchen. They can easily hide scratches but can stain due to food residues. Available in porcelain, acrylic etc., farmhouse kitchen sinks in white are now being manufactured in various designs and capacities. The front panel may have some intricate motif design. Such unique pieces can certainly add great value to your kitchen decor, but they come at a high price. So you need to evaluate the functionality and the price while buying one.
Although farmhouse kitchen sinks offer period and vintage style, consider your current requirements before purchasing one. From your daily load, the ease of cleaning/maintenance, your ergonomic convenience in washing (considering the deep bowl of such sinks) to the price and the decoration of the kitchen your – there are many factors to consider before you really get one home.
Click here for the best deals on farmhouse kitchen sinks (sponsored link). Among the well-known manufacturers of farmhouse kitchen sinks are Kohler, Kraus, Franke, Belle Foret, Barclay, Elkay, Vigo, and Whitehaus.
