Every so often a trend comes along that somehow allows you to make your home both traditional and modern at the same time. The farmhouse sink is one such trend.
Farmhouse style sinks are able to accomplish such a feat because they’re trendy but have been around for centuries. Adding one to your kitchen remodel evokes that timeless appeal but the current popularity ensures that there’s no risk that a farmhouse sink will make your home feel dated.
But what exactly are farmhouse sinks anyway? And how do you choose the right one for your home?
In this guide, we’ll be answering both of those questions and more. Plus we’ll even recommend our top five picks for the best farmhouse sinks currently on the market to help you get started on your search.
So let’s get to it!
Our Best Farmhouse Sinks
- Kraus Standart PRO Apron Front 16 Gauge Stainless Steel 60/40 Double Bowl Kitchen Sink (Our Top Pick)
- Bocchi Classico Fireclay Single Bowl Farmhouse Apron Front Sink (Best Budget)
- Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide Undermount Double-Bowl Farmhouse Kitchen Sink (Best High End)
- Latoscana 33″ Reversible Fireclay Farmhouse Sink
- Ruvati Verona Apron-Front Workstation Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
What Are Farmhouse Sinks?
A farmhouse sink, also called an apron front sink, is different from other types of sinks because the front side of the sink is exposed, extending out a bit from the surrounding cabinetry.
That extra extension allows farmhouse sinks to be longer from front to back, but farmhouse sinks tend to be larger than other sinks in all directions. They’re usually significantly wider and deeper than the average sink.
Homeowners love these expansive sinks because they provide plenty of room for washing large pots and pans and they’re not so quickly filled by families that use lots of dishes.
The large size and exposed front make a farmhouse sink a clear focal point for any kitchen they find themselves in. Despite this, farmhouse sinks generally have pretty simple designs. Most have a flat, smooth, and unadorned front, though there are exceptions.
Even those tend to just use some texture for decoration, though, rather than bright colors or added embellishments.
What Are The Different Types Of Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks?
There are a couple of different ways that farmhouse sinks can be categorized. Let’s talk about each.
Installation
One thing to consider when choosing the type of farmhouse sink you want is if you should go with a drop-in or undermount sink.
Drop-in sinks, also called topmount sinks, sit on top of your counter and have a lip around the edge that rests on the countertop.
This makes this sinks easy to install, but a topmount sink made from a heavy material can put a lot of strain on your counters. Some homeowners also don’t like the look of the rim or that it can build up grunge and makes it harder to brush debris off the counter into the sink.
That vast majority of farmhouse sinks are more undermount sinks. In this more traditional design, the rim of the sink is below your countertop and attaches with clips.
This makes it easier to provide extra support for a heavy sink, but also allows you to easily brush messes from the counters into the sink.
Single Or Double Basin
To take full advantage of the size of a farmhouse sink, many owners opt to go with a single basin sink. These sinks have only a single bowl, giving you as much room as possible for handling large items.
Single bowl farmhouse sinks are the most popular style.
On the other hand, other owners feel like farmhouse sinks are the best way to enjoy a double basin sink. These sinks have a divider in the middle to split the sink into two bowls.
This means you can use the sides independently of one another. For example, one side can be used to soak dishes or just to pile up dishes while the other is left clear for washing hands and filling containers.
It also means that you’ve cut into the amount of continuous space in the sink, giving you less room for handling large dishes.
But because farmhouse sinks are so large to begin with, each of the basins is larger than you’d get with a normal sink and still gives you a good bit of room. Some owners feel like double basin farmhouse sinks give you the best of both worlds.
Some double basin farmhouse sinks are made with a low divider that only goes about halfway up the sink. Others have a full height divider, but it divides the sink unevenly so one section is larger than the other.
Both of these designs are intended to section off your sink while still providing you with more continuous space. Each can be a good option if you’re having a hard time deciding between a single or double bowl farmhouse sink.
What Do You Look For In The Best Farmhouse Sink?
Aside from the types we just discussed, there are a few different things to consider to ensure that you’re selecting a high-quality farmhouse sink that works for your needs.
The main one of these is the sink material, which makes a significant difference in two ways.
The first is durability. The kitchen is the center of activity in many homes and the sink is the center of activity in the kitchen, so you want a sink that’s made from a durable material.
Ideally, a kitchen sink should be made of something that’s scratch-resistant and stain-resistant that will hold up against high temperatures and isn’t prone to chipping.
Stainless steel, fireclay, and enameled cast iron are all great materials that fit the bill. Stainless steel and fireclay are far more affordable than enameled cast iron, but fireclay and enameled cast iron are available in a more diverse array of colors and styles.
On the other hand, stainless steel can lend a more commercial, industrial look. In addition, stainless appliances are very popular right now and a stainless steel farmhouse sink can coordinate with them nicely to pull the room together.
This brings us to the second major impact of the material: the appearance of the sink. While you want your sink to have excellent durability and functionality, you also want it to look good.
Before deciding on a particular material, consider how it will look with the rest of your kitchen.
But obviously, the material of a sink isn’t the only thing that impacts its appearance. You’ll also need to consider the sink’s shape and finish.
How do the style, materials, and finish of the sink look with your cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and other kitchen fixtures like your faucet?
Best Farmhouse Sink Reviews
Now you know everything you need to in order to choose the perfect farmhouse sink for your home. That means it’s time to get to the sink reviews.
1. Kraus Standart PRO Apron Front 16 Gauge Stainless Steel 60/40 Double Bowl Kitchen Sink (Our Top Pick)
Our top pick is the Kraus Standart PRO 60/40 Double Bowl Kitchen Sink, a heavy-duty stainless steel farmhouse sink that’s packed full of clever features.
One such feature is NoiseDefend Soundproofing Technology. Stainless steel can be loud when water and dishes hit it or when it transmits vibrations from a garbage disposal.
But this sink has sound-absorbing pads and undercoating over the bottom of the sink to reduce sound.
It also comes with handy accessories, including a drain assembly with a strainer, a three-piece basket strainer set, a kitchen towel, and bottom grids for each bowl.
Pros
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Wear-resistance commercial-grade satin finish
- 60/40 double bowl gives you one larger basin and one smaller basin
Cons
- Will need to wipe after use to prevent rust
- Bottom is not slanted enough, so the last bit of water is slow to drain from the sink
2. Bocchi Classico Fireclay Single Bowl Farmhouse Apron Front Sink (Best Budget)
The Bocchi Classico Fireclay Single Bowl Farmhouse Apron Front Sink is not only our favorite budget fireclay sink, it’s our favorite fireclay farmhouse sink overall.
The durable, nonporous surface resists discoloration, chipping, cracking, and scratching, and the sink comes with a protective bottom grid. But Bocchi also offers a limited lifetime warranty so you’re covered if something does happen.
This sink has a simple design that’s available in several different colors, so there’s sure to be one that works with your kitchen’s decor.
Pros
- Comes with a bottom grid and drain strainer
- Minimalist style that comes in multiple color options
- Comes in several additional bowl styles
Cons
- Bottom is not slanted enough, so the last bit of water is slow to drain from the sink
Buy The Bocchi Classico Fireclay Single Bowl Farmhouse Apron Front Sink On Amazon
3. Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide Undermount Double-Bowl Farmhouse Kitchen Sink (Best High End)
If you have a large enough budget, the Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide Farmhouse Kitchen Sink is the cast iron sink for you.
The Smart Divide divider separates the sink into two basins (one larger and one smaller) but is still low enough to provide enough room above it for washing large pots and pans.
This sink comes in 12 enameled finishes, all in neutral tones, so you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing one that matches your kitchen decor. This sink is self-trimming with a shortened apron front for easier installation than most farmhouse sinks as well.
Pros
- Two bowl sink with Smart Divide
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Easy installation
Cons
- Very high cost
- Doesn’t come with any accessories
Buy The Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide Undermount Double-Bowl Farmhouse Kitchen Sink On Amazon
4. Latoscana 33″ Reversible Fireclay Farmhouse Sink
The Latoscana 33″ Reversible Fireclay Farmhouse Sink is another great fireclay single bowl sink.
The reversible style of this white farmhouse sink gives you two options to choose from. One side is plain while the other has a fluted design for if you want something with a bit more oomph.
It also allows for under-mount, flush-mount, or raised sink mounting.
Pros
- The high temperature at which this fireclay was treated should make it especially durable
- Reversible design and multiple installation options
- Made in Italy, which is a global center for fireclay construction
Cons
- Doesn’t come with any accessories
Buy The Latoscana 33″ Reversible Fireclay Farmhouse Sink On Amazon
5. Ruvati Verona Apron-Front Workstation Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
Finally, we come to the Ruvati Verona Apron-Front Workstation Farmhouse Kitchen Sink. If you want a sink that does it all, then this is the stainless steel farmhouse sink for you.
The single basin sink itself is wonderful, made from 16 gauge stainless steel with noise dampening technology and a commercial-grade brushed matte finish that hides scratches and matches stainless appliances.
But where the versatility really comes from is the cutting board, colander, and roll-up dish drying rack that can be set on the rim of the sink to extend your workspace. It also comes with a bottom grid and a drain strainer.
Pros
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Comes with lots of handy accessories
- Sound dampening technology minimizes noise while running the garbage disposal, rinsing the sink, or washing dishes
Cons
- No option to buy without the accessories, which may not be wanted or needed but certainly add to the price
Buy The Ruvati Verona Apron-Front Workstation Farmhouse Kitchen Sink On Amazon
Final Thoughts On Farmhouse Sinks
Farmhouse kitchen sinks are a functional yet classic and stylish addition to any kitchen and you can’t go wrong with any of the sinks that we’ve discussed here. Each one is different though, with its own particular pros and cons, so none of them are equally well suited for all people.
Luckily, by now you should know everything you need to know in order to pick out the perfect farmhouse sink for your kitchen.