The kitchen is where people cook, eat, and spend quality time with family. It should feel homey, and it also needs to be functional. For a chic blend of practical design and convivial energy, you might want to consider a farmhouse sink.
Farmhouse—or farmer—sinks are characterized by their exposed apron front, which juts out slightly from the cabinet. They are often larger and deeper than run-of-the-mill kitchen sinks, hence offering more space for rinsing produce and washing dishes. Farmhouse sinks are also more ergonomic than other types since they don’t require you to reach over the counter.
Read on for tips on selecting the best farmhouse kitchen sink for your particular needs and tastes, and then explore some of the top models available.
- BEST OVERALL: Kraus Standart PRO Stainless Steel Sink
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Comllen Commercial 33-Inch 304 Farmhouse Sink
- UPGRADE PICK: Nantucket Sinks Cape Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
- MOST DURABLE: Sarlai 30-Inch Fireclay Single Bowl Farmer Sink
- BEST WORKSTATION: Ruvati Verona 36-Inch Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
- BEST IN BLACK: Ruvati Gunmetal Stainless Steel 33-Inch Kitchen Sink
- BEST DOUBLE-BASIN: Zuhne Turin Double-Basin Farmhouse Sink
- BEST FIRECLAY: Bocchi Classico Farmhouse Apron Front Fireclay Sink
How We Chose the Best Farmhouse Sinks
These recommendations for the best farmhouse kitchen sinks cover a variety of types and styles to best suit multiple needs. Our curated selection was developed based on extensive product research. While choosing a kitchen sink is largely a choice based on style and aesthetics, we still weighed a number of practical considerations when making our recommendations.
We included farmhouse sinks of different sizes to fit a variety of kitchen and cabinet profiles. We narrowed our selection to sinks made with high-quality materials like stainless steel and ceramic. We gave preference to models that included additional accessories to save shoppers money down the line.
Our Top Picks
The following are the top picks for the best farmhouse sinks for a kitchen. These recommendations were selected because of their style, quality construction, capacity, and other helpful features.
Photo: amazon.com
Featuring a heavy-duty stainless steel build and a stylish satin finish, this Kraus Standart PRO farmhouse sink is elegant and durable with resistance to corrosion, rust, and dents. Its rounded corners maximize the space while also simplifying cleanup. As for its gently sloped bottom, it optimizes draining while keeping glassware safely upright.
This stainless steel farmhouse sink features two basins. The larger bowl is convenient for washing and rinsing, while the narrower bowl is better suited for drying dishes or piling dirty utensils. Even better: You can choose the placement of the large bowl—on the right or the left—for a sink specifically tailored to your individual needs and situations.
At a reasonable 33-inch length (though other sizes are available), this sink is suitable for cabinets measuring 36 inches and up. Boasting NoiseDefend soundproofing technology, its extra-thick padding and nontoxic undercoating reduce condensation, absorb vibration, and dampen sounds. The cherry on top is that this model offers several useful accessories such as protective stainless steel grids, a three-piece basket strainer set, and a kitchen towel.
Product Specs
- Style: Double-bowl apron
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 32.87 inches long by 20.75 inches wide by 10 inches deep (other sizes available)
Pros
- Double-basin design can take on multiple kitchen projects at a time
- Durable stainless steel construction is built to last and is easy to clean
- Features soundproofing technology; prevents any added noise when doing dishes
- Includes accessories: protective stainless steel grids, a 3-piece basket strainer set, and a kitchen towel
Cons
- Finish may dull over time; may need to be polished from time to time
Get the Kraus farmhouse sink at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
With this Comllen Commercial farmhouse sink, there’s no need to break the bank to attain a durable and classy design for a modern-looking kitchen. Made of sturdy stainless steel with a satin brushed-nickel finish, it resists scratches, corrosion, and stains. Even if it does scratch, the brushed finish will conveniently mask it.
With its 33-inch length and a standard 3.5-inch drain opening fitting most garbage-disposal systems, this farmhouse sink is suitable for cabinets measuring 33 inches long and up. The single-bowl sink is 10 inches deep, and this open design ultimately leads to the sink having a more spacious appearance.
Thick rubber dampening pads and a stone guard undercoating minimize the noise of dropping dishes into the sink. Gently rounded corners add to its style while also facilitating cleanup.
Product Specs
- Style: Single-bowl apron
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 33 inches long by 21 inches wide by 10 inches deep
Pros
- Scratch-resistant finish provides long-term durability while cleaning or cooking
- Stainless steel construction adds a touch of luxury and is easy to clean
- Features soundproofing technology; prevents added noise while doing dishes
Cons
- Only 1 basin; may get cluttered very quickly during cleaning or cooking
Get the Comllen farmhouse sink at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Unique and useful, the Nantucket Sinks Cape fireclay farmhouse kitchen sink is large enough for heavy-duty kitchen tasks while remaining classic in style. Made with dual 50/50 bowls, this model is perfect for handling multiple tasks at the same time, and the scratch- and heat-resistant and antibacterial fireclay construction is durable enough to last for years.
This design also comes in bluff gray, coffee brown, and white to match current kitchen fixtures while the stainless steel basket strainers and bottom grid are perfect for drying dishes and keeping debris out of the drain. Finally, this Nantucket Sinks model comes with drain assembly.
Product Specs
- Style: Double-bowl apron
- Material: Fireclay
- Dimensions: 33.25 inches long by 18 inches wide by 10 inches deep
Pros
- Scratch-, chip-, and heat-resistant fireclay construction; also has antibacterial qualities
- Double-bowl design allows you to complete multiple kitchen tasks at once
- Comes with drain assembly, basket strainers, and dual-bottom grids
- Comes in multiple colorways: bluff gray, coffee brown, and white
Cons
- Heavyweight design; may take more than 1 set of hands to install
Get the Nantucket Sinks farmhouse sink at Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
This white farmhouse sink by Sarlai is made of special white clay, fired at 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit for extreme strength and durability. It is resistant to heat, chipping, scratching, and discoloration. The nonporous glossy finish absorbs neither odors nor stains, ensuring that it is durable and easy to clean. Soapy water is all it takes to remove residue and blemishes.
At 10 inches deep, this single-bowl farmhouse sink is available in a wide variety of dimensions—from 24 to 36 inches long and 18 to 21 inches wide. It utilizes sound-dampening materials to minimize sound and vibration. As for looks, the curved apron front, curved corners, and smooth lines expertly blend a classic aesthetic with modern practicality for the best of both worlds.
Product Specs
- Style: Single-bowl apron
- Material: Fireclay porcelain
- Dimensions: 30 inches long by 21 inches wide by 10 inches deep (other sizes available)
Pros
- Multiple sizes available; can fit into most kitchen-sink cutouts
- Nonporous finish blocks stains and odors from appearing over time
- Features soundproofing technology; prevents added noise while doing dishes
Cons
- Only 1 basin; may get cluttered quickly during cleaning or cooking tasks
Get the Sarlai farmhouse sink at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Verona by Ruvati is ideal for kitchens with limited counter space. It features an all-in-one design that includes a sink, a hardwood cutting board, a colander, a roll-up drying rack, a bottom rinse grid, and a basket strainer. An optional mixing bowl and butcher block can be purchased separately. The built-in accessories conveniently slide on the integrated tracks for tailoring the work space to each day’s specific needs.
Made of sturdy stainless steel, the sink is durable and easy to clean, while the brushed finish can conceal scratches better than a satin finish. The sloped bottom allows for complete and swift water drainage, and the thick rubber padding minimizes noise and reduces condensation.
At 36 inches long and 10 inches deep, this workstation fits cabinets measuring at least 39 inches long. The same manufacturer also sells this model in 27-inch, 30-inch, and 33-inch-long sizes.
Product Specs
- Style: Single-bowl apron
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 36 inches long by 22 inches wide by 10 inches deep (other sizes available)
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction resists damage and is easy to clean
- Brushed finish conceals scratches and scuffs for long-term use and durability
- Comes with food-prep accessories: cutting board, colander, drying rack, and basket strainer
Cons
- Only 1 basin; may get cluttered quickly during cooking and cleaning tasks
Get the Ruvati Verona farmhouse sink at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Appliances Connection.
Photo: amazon.com
Neither white nor metal colored, this stainless steel sink by Ruvati bears a matte-black gunmetal finish that looks both sleek and modern. It is rust-, tarnish-, peeling-, fingerprint-, and stain-resistant, and its thick rubber NoiseDefend padding ensures a quiet experience. A stainless steel bottom protective grid comes with the sink—both to protect the sink’s bottom and to act as a drying rack.
With a standard 3.5-inch drain opening and sizes ranging from 30 to 36 inches long, this farmhouse sink pairs well with most kitchen cabinets. The matching basket strainer will not, however, work with a garbage-disposal unit. If you have a garbage disposal—or intend to purchase one—a matching garbage disposal flange sells separately. At 9 inches deep, this sink is slightly less spacious than the norm, but the compact design could very well prove advantageous for cramped kitchens or smaller cabinets.
Product Specs
- Style: Single-bowl apron
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 33 inches long by 22 inches wide by 9 inches deep (other sizes available)
Pros
- Unique black finish adds a touch of luxury to a kitchen
- Durable stainless steel construction provides long-term use and is easy to clean
- Rust-, tarnish-, fingerprint-, and stain-resistant for long-term durability
- Multiple sizes available; can fit most kitchen sink cutouts currently in place
Cons
- Only 1 basin; tends to get cluttered quickly during cooking or cleaning
- Slightly shallow depth compared to similar farmhouse sink models
Get the Ruvati gunmetal farmhouse sink at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Appliances Connection.
Photo: amazon.com
This double-basin farmhouse sink by Zuhne is made of rust-resistant stainless steel and features lead-free parts that are certified to U.S. and Canada codes. With two bowls—larger on the left and narrower on the right—it allows for compartmentalizing dishes and tasks when washing plates, rinsing produce, soaking utensils, and other kitchen activities.
A gentle wipe down will suffice to keep the sink sparkling. Its natural brushed finish masks scratches, and the sloped base ensures fast draining and drying. Noise and thermal insulation are also integrated into the design to cancel noise and vibration, as well as to prevent condensation.
Ten inches deep, this sink is available in either 33- or 36-inch lengths, matching cabinet sizes of 36 inches long and up. It includes a host of versatile accessories, including a scratch-protector grid, a sponge holder, a colander set, and two drain strainers.
Product Specs
- Style: Double-bowl apron
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 33 inches long by 21 inches wide by 10 inches deep (other sizes available)
Pros
- Double-basin design can tackle multiple cleaning or cooking tasks at once
- Durable stainless steel construction resists scratches and scuffs for long-term use
- Features soundproofing technology; prevents added noise while doing dishes
- Multiple sizes available; can fit into most current kitchen-sink cutouts
Cons
- Only 1 basin orientation available; may not suit some users’ preferences
Get the Zuhne farmhouse sink at The Home Depot or Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
Fireclay farmhouse sinks are durable enough to withstand long-term use while providing antibacterial qualities for ample cleanliness. For the best option in this category, rely on the Bocchi Classico farmhouse apron front fireclay sink. Made with 100 percent natural and organic fireclay, this ultraviolet (UV)-resistant single-bowl sink has proprietary glazing for a smooth, high-gloss look, and the nonporous surface is easy to clean after every use.
This model comes with a large stainless steel sink grid for drying dishes and has integrated sound-dampening technology to prevent loud banging while doing dishes. Plus, this pick comes with a basket strainer for keeping debris out of the drain and is garbage-disposal compatible. Finally, this model comes in multiple sizes and colorways to suit a given user’s kitchen.
Product Specs
- Style: Single-bowl apron
- Material: Fireclay
- Dimensions: 30 inches long by 18 inches wide by 10 inches deep (other sizes available)
Pros
- Fireclay is scratch-, chip-, and stain-resistant while providing antibacterial qualities
- UV-resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Proprietary glazing and nonporous surface provides a long-term, high-gloss finish
- Comes in multiple sizes and colorways to suit a kitchen’s current fixtures
Cons
- Shorter width compared to some other farmhouse sinks; may not suit some users’ preferences
Get the Bocchi farmhouse sink at Amazon or The Home Depot.
What to Consider When Choosing a Farmhouse Sink
While it’s easy to assume that all farmhouse kitchen sinks offer similar performance, a number of factors affect their functionality. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best farmhouse-style sink for a kitchen.
Kitchen Sink Materials
Modern materials have made their mark on kitchen sinks, and shoppers can find a wide variety of choices available at an equally wide range of price points. Choices encompass metals, stone, ceramics, and various man-made materials.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the single most popular material used in kitchen sinks. Stainless steel sinks are lightweight, inexpensive, durable, low maintenance, and can fit into both traditional and contemporary decorating environments.
The thickness of stainless steel sinks is known as the gauge; higher gauges are thinner, and lower-gauge sinks are thicker and more expensive. There are different finishes available, including shiny mirror finishes and satin lustrous looks. Stainless steel sinks are easy to clean, although over time their finish might become scratched and dull. Mirror finishes also can show water spots.
Granite and Quartz
Granite, quartz, and granite composite are extremely popular choices, although natural granite sinks are among some of the most expensive. Granite and quartz are natural stones and feature a pleasing, varied appearance due to the different minerals that make up the stone. They’re often found together in nature and are also often combined in kitchen sinks and countertops.
The two stones are extremely durable but can chip, crack, or scratch if mistreated. Granite composite combines the beauty of natural stone with a percentage of resin—typically 95 percent stone to 5 percent resin. The added resin makes the sink harder and more durable so it can resist chips, scratches, and cracks.
Cast Iron
Cast iron covered in a thick enamel coating was formerly the de rigueur construction of choice for kitchen sinks, but it has slipped a bit in popularity as other materials have become trendy.
Cast-iron farmhouse sinks are coated with enamel, and they are heavy, durable, easy to clean, and can last a lifetime. The enamel in cast-iron sinks can be tinted virtually any color to match your personal decor. Lighter-colored enamels might stain, but they typically clean up easily with nonabrasive commercial stain remover.
Fireclay and Vitreous China
Fireclay and vitreous china are types of ceramics made from clay and “fired” at high temperatures. Fireclay farmhouse sinks typically have a more rustic appearance. They are durable and easy to clean; however, they can be prone to chipping and also may be fairly heavy. Vitreous china was once used primarily in bathroom sinks but is now being used for kitchen sinks as well.
Copper
Copper is a beautiful metal that can be hammered or molded with a variety of designs, making it a lovely addition to many decorating styles. Copper also is naturally antimicrobial, so it is becoming a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.
Since copper is a pricey alternative, this metal is more often used for smaller accessory sinks, such as those on a bar or island location. Copper requires some extra TLC to keep it looking good. The material will oxidize over time, and it therefore needs special cleansers and waxes to maintain its shine.
Solid Surface
Solid-surface materials include acrylic, polyester, and fiberglass. These sinks are typically made from resins or epoxy to emulate the look of natural stone. Solid-surface sinks are extremely durable and resistant to scratches and chipping; if the surface becomes marred, you can often buff it to remove the scratch. The materials are prone to staining, however, and can be damaged from high heat.
Concrete
Concrete is an up-and-coming material for kitchen sinks and combines many of the attributes of granite without the high price tag. Contractors can pour concrete on site, so the sink can be a custom size and shape. Consumers also can find precast varieties. Concrete is very heavy, however, and might require special cabinetry. It is also prone to staining.
Style
There are many different styles and configuration combinations of kitchen sinks; each has its own benefits, though there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some of the most common styles for farmhouse sinks include:
- Double-basin/bowl: Many families prefer a sink with two bowls: one for hot sudsy water and the other for rinsing, or one for soaking encrusted pots and pans and the other for doing a regular washup. One of the most interesting new developments in double-basin sinks is the double-bowl low-divide sink, which offers the benefit of two basins but can also accommodate pots with long handles.
- Single-basin/bowl: Single-basin sinks are the most common and least expensive configuration and offer the advantage of accommodating large pots, pans, and platters, all of which might require soaking prior to scrubbing.
- Drainboard: Another old-time classic that’s becoming trendy again are sinks with built-in drainboards, which allow you to prep vegetables and let them drain without messing up the counter. The drainboard also provides space to drain pots, pans, and utensils. The only downside is that the drainboard takes up valuable counter space, and therefore what users gain in versatility they lose in real estate.
- Workstation: The term “workstation sink” often refers to sinks that come with a variety of accessories that allow you to convert the sink area into food preparation and serving space. These accessories can include cutting boards, colanders, drying trays, warming racks, and similar items that enhance the versatility of the sink area without using additional counter space.
Size
Before you begin shopping for a farmhouse sink, first consider what size sink you need. Whether you’re simply replacing your existing sink or doing a complete kitchen renovation, it’s important to take precise measurements to ensure the new sink fits perfectly.
Farmhouse sink sizes vary widely, with widths ranging from 20 inches long to as much as 60 inches long. The most common size, however, measures approximately 33 inches long by 21 inches wide. Farmhouse sinks are characterized by their deep bowls, which typically have depths of about 10 inches. If you’re replacing your current sink but don’t plan on changing the cabinetry, consider a retrofitted farmhouse sink, which retains its depth but has a shorter apron.
Drop-in vs. Under-Mount
Farmhouse sinks typically come in one of two styles: drop-in and under-mount sinks.
- Drop-in farmhouse sinks—also known as top-mount sinks—have long been the most common on the market. The sink fits into a precut hole in the countertop and is easy for professionals—or even experienced DIYers—to install. The sinks have a lip around their perimeter that secures to the counter.
- Under-mount sinks attach to the bottom of the countertop. Their installation requires heavy-duty clips and caulking or an alternative adhesive. Because they are flush with the counter, it’s easy to scrape dirt and leftover food scraps into them. Under-mount sinks are only compatible with waterproof countertop materials.
Color
The most popular material also dictates the most popular color in kitchen sinks: stainless steel. Stainless steel fixtures and appliances continue to reign supreme in kitchen design, although natural stone finishes, such as granite and quartz in darker shades, have been trending upward in recent years.
White, off-white, beige, and sand remain the most popular shades in fireclay, china, or enamel-coated cast-iron sinks since these versatile neutrals blend in well with many decorating schemes. In recent years, choices of deeper shades such as black and navy blue are surging.
Included Fixtures
Farmhouse sinks generally sell as stand-alone pieces without any additional fixtures like a faucet or built-in soap dispenser. Many include special grids or strainers or offer included or optional accessories for food prep, as described above.
Installation
Installing a kitchen sink is an advanced project that requires skill and specific equipment and typically necessitates professional help. Installation requirements and steps vary based on whether you’re simply replacing your existing sink or doing a complete kitchen remodel.
That being said, most farmhouse sinks have similar installation requirements, so this shouldn’t be a major consideration when choosing between different models. While drop-in sinks are slightly easier to install than under-mount sinks, both styles require a professional unless the buyer is an experienced DIYer.
FAQs
Whether you are planning an entire gut rehab project, building new from scratch, or simply looking to spruce up your existing kitchen, one small change—a new sink—can make a big difference. Farmhouse sinks are typically easy to maintain, especially when you keep these facts in mind.
Q. What is the difference between a farmhouse sink and an apron sink?
While the two terms are often used interchangeably, there is one key difference between farmhouse sinks and apron sinks. Both refer to deep-cut sinks, but the fronts of apron sinks are always exposed. This means that many popular farmhouse sinks are also apron sinks.
Q. What are the best materials for kitchen sinks?
Kitchen sinks typically come in stainless steel, granite, cast iron coated with enamel, fireclay, or man-made composites. Stainless steel is the most popular material due to its contemporary look and durability, but the best material for your kitchen depends on style, budget, and personal preferences.
Q. What is the most durable material for a farmhouse sink?
Stainless steel is probably the most durable material, followed by natural granite, quartz, and cast iron. However, one of the more popular materials that has emerged in the last few years is fireclay, which is heat-, stain-, and chip-resistant while also providing antibacterial qualities for long-term cleanliness.
Q. Do granite sinks scratch easily?
Natural stones such as granite and quartz are extremely hard and durable; therefore, they do not scratch easily. Plus, this material is also capable of resisting heat, stains, and chips for long periods of time.
Q. What type of kitchen sink is the easiest to keep clean?
Stainless steel is by far the easiest to clean and the most durable material. Stainless steel resists staining, chips, rust, and mineral deposits and can be wiped down with a damp cloth or cleaned with a commercial stainless steel cleanser.
Q. How long does a kitchen sink last?
With today’s modern materials and construction methods, most kitchen sinks will last roughly 20 to 30 years under normal use and care. However, some of the materials that are being used for kitchen sinks like granite, fireclay, and stone can last up to 50 years.
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