Kitchen sinks are often overpriced. They are marked up so high that homeowners often have to think twice before purchasing a new one. So why are kitchen sinks so expensive?
Kitchen Sinks are expensive because of the material quality and the sink size. Double-bowl sinks are more costly than single-bowl sinks. Extra water attachments can also increase the price of the sink.
This article will show you why kitchen sinks are expensive and how you can buy cheaper alternatives that can fit any budget.
Why Are Kitchen Sinks So Expensive
Kitchen sinks are expensive because they are made of such high-quality materials. The most common material used in kitchen sinks is stainless steel. Top-of-the-line stainless steel can cost up to $2,000 for a single sink.
The second reason kitchen sinks are expensive is that they are made in such large sizes. A standard bathroom sink is usually 24″ x 20″. On the other hand, a kitchen sink can range between 30″ x 22″ and 36″ x 22″. This makes the kitchen sink 6 inches wider and 4 inches longer than the average bathroom sink.
Kitchen sinks are marketed as luxury items when it’s entirely possible to live without one. However, a kitchen would look odd without a kitchen sink and be a significant inconvenience, so we recommend you don’t go this route.
What Are Kitchen Sinks Made Of?
Kitchen sinks are made of stainless steel or porcelain. Stainless steel is a strong metal that will not rust, but it is prone to scratching and can dent easily. It also has a shinier surface than porcelain, which can have a more elegant look.
Porcelain is manufactured so that it can be easily molded into different shapes and sizes. Porcelain is also much stronger than stainless steel since it has been strengthened by adding silicon or aluminum oxides. However, the enamel coating on porcelain tends to crack because of high heat, so make sure you use the proper materials when placing products into your sink.
This is why kitchen sinks are made from Stainless steel because they can withstand the hot water pressure consistently poured into them. The stainless steel base can also withstand the constant banging and contact with the dishes and pans put into it.
Stainless Steel Sinks
There is no single reason why stainless steel is the best material for sinks. Stainless steel sinks have deep roots in America. They were first used in the 1870s by an American company named “Swinn Inc.”
The strength of stainless steel can be attributed to its structure. The stainless steel structure does not have a metallic layer but an oxide layer, making it extremely strong and durable. It also has corrosion resistance which makes it last longer. This is the main difference between normal sinks and higher quality sinks.
The oxide layer is made up of iron, chromium, and nickel at this time of writing. The properties of these metals vary slightly with different grades, but all will help make a quality kitchen sink. Stainless steel sinks are the industry standard.
The key to a clean-looking kitchen is a clean sink where dishes are stored. A dirty sink can make the rest of the kitchen look worn and outdated.
Expensive stainless steel sinks often are large single basin sinks (or double basin sinks) that are resistant to deep scratches and can accommodate large pans.
Alternatives To Stainless Steel
Don’t buy a stainless steel sink if you want to save money on your next kitchen sink. Instead, purchase a porcelain sink. Porcelain sinks are much cheaper than stainless steel and can cost anywhere from $100 to $200.
Most homeowners choose this route because they are cheaper and easier to clean. Another alternative is the granite composite sink. This is another type of material that is becoming more popular in recent years because of its durability and affordability.
If you want to make space in your kitchen, consider replacing your dishwasher with a double bowl sink so that you can fit more pots and pans in the same amount of space in your kitchen.
Kitchen Sink Alternatives (Under $300)
Below is a list of cheap kitchen sink alternatives that you can purchase to save money. These kitchen sinks are available on Amazon and can be purchased directly from them. We recommend these sinks because they have an excellent modern finish and fit any budget.
WMXQX Black Kitchen Sink
This kitchen sink bowl should be at the top of your list, made from unbreakable stainless steel and NANO-PVD technology.
This black stainless steel bowl is 10 inches deep and can hold even the biggest tower of dishes. The noise-reduced design helps minimize the banging that dishes create when they’re piled in. This new design holds cookware and bakeware and prevents condensation with frequent use.
These in counter sinks, which are designed to be double bowl sinks as well are great sink styles for people who like to have a wash sink and a prep sink. One can also be for dirty dishes, while the other has extra room for soapy water to do the dishes.
Bathenum Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
With drop-in sink installation, all you need is the measurements of the countertop, and this sink is ready to go. This sink is stainless steel and is prepared to absorb hot water and a consistent banging of dishes and pans.
Not only will this sink top last you a long time, but its sleek modern look is also great for households who want to stay traditional in design.
Conclusion
Kitchen sinks are pricey because of the quality of materials they’re made with and their larger size.
Don’t buy a stainless steel sink if you want a cheap kitchen sink. Instead, buy sinks made of other materials for anywhere between $100 to $200. We recommend you purchase from Amazon for its excellent customer service and low price guarantee (returns and refunds).
Cheaper alternatives include porcelain and granite composite sinks, which are more affordable than stainless steel. We hope this article has helped you understand why kitchen sinks are so expensive.
If you are still having trouble with the budget for your sink purchase, perhaps now you understand why sinks are such a large part of the budget and how to save money on your next sink.
We’re always happy to help you with your next purchase if you have any questions.
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For over a decade, Robin has been a real estate agent, interior design specialist, and mother. Through her trials and tribulations, she wanted to create the perfect website to help you save money and make your home look beautiful.