Buying guide for best farmhouse sinks
If a large farmhouse sink is part of your dream kitchen, now might be the time to take the plunge. Also known as apron front sinks (since the exposed front is called an apron), these kitchen basins are extra large and extra deep, often with a stylishly rugged appearance. Though they have a few quirks that might deter some buyers, these sizable sinks are highly practical, allowing you to wash large batches of vegetables at once, hand-wash delicate clothes, and so on.
We urge you to think carefully about the material you'd like your farmhouse sink to be made of. This can make a huge difference in the overall appearance of the sink, as well as the price and care requirements. Also think about the front apron design, what kind of finish you'd like, and whether you’d prefer a dual- or single-basin option.
All this might seem baffling, but once you've read this guide, you'll be more than prepared to purchase a farmhouse sink. If you need recommendations, see our favorites.
Key considerations
Material
Fireclay
If you're looking for a ceramic farmhouse sink, what you need is a fireclay model. It's a common misconception that ceramic sinks are made of porcelain. The vast majority are actually made of fireclay, which is significantly tougher and unlikely to crack or chip. Fireclay sinks are low-maintenance and easy to clean, and they exude a traditional farmhouse kitchen appearance. You are, however, more likely to break dishes if you drop them in a fireclay sink than in a metal sink.
Cast iron
Cast iron farmhouse sinks aren't made from bare cast iron, which would rust badly. Rather, they are made of cast iron coated with a layer of enamel. These sinks are extremely durable, and the enamel is unlikely to chip, though you could have problems with rust if it does chip. These sinks look great and are easy to clean, but they're extremely heavy and require plenty of support underneath.
Stainless steel
Stainless-steel farmhouse sinks might not have a classic rustic appearance, but they are inexpensive and lightweight, and they lend a contemporary twist to a traditional concept. What's great about stainless steel is that it's available in a range of finishes to suit your kitchen décor.
Copper
Striking a balance between convenience and tradition, copper has that rustic country kitchen look while remaining lightweight and durable. It’s a great material for farmhouse sinks because it has natural antimicrobial properties. The downside is that copper farmhouse sinks can be expensive.
Natural stone
Natural stone farmhouse sinks are made from materials like marble, granite, and travertine. If you want a truly opulent kitchen, you can't get much fancier than a natural stone sink, but it comes at a high price. Natural stone is extremely heavy-duty, and no two are exactly the same because of natural variations in color and veining. Natural stone sinks are heavy and need ample support underneath.
Double basin
Traditionally, farmhouse sinks have just one large basin, but some people find this impractical and prefer to have a double basin design with one side for washing and one side for rinsing. If you're looking for a double-basin farmhouse sink, note that most options are made of stainless steel, though you’ll also find some fireclay models. Traditionalists might claim that a double-basin option isn't a true farmhouse sink, but we believe it's just an updated version that practically suits the way most people wash dishes.
Apron design
The exposed apron at the front of a farmhouse sink is usually smooth, but you can find more intricate designs, making your farmhouse sink a real statement piece. Due to limitations in shaping the material, fireclay farmhouse sinks can really only be smooth, fluted, or have a decorative lip. Stainless steel farmhouse sinks tend to focus on looking modern, so smooth or hammered options are usually the only ones on offer. Copper is fairly easy to mold and has a more traditional appearance than stainless steel, so you often find more intricate apron designs, such as floral patterns.
Features
Faucet
Farmhouse sinks don't have a spot for a faucet, so the faucet needs to be set into the counter behind the sink.
Undermount kit
An undermount kit provides support for the sink, which can be extremely heavy, especially when filled with water. Some farmhouse sinks include an undermount kit with purchase. If not, you’ll need to buy one separately.
Finish
Consider the type of sink finish you prefer. Most fireclay farmhouse sinks are white, but you can find other hues if you shop around. Copper and stainless steel may have a shiny or brushed finish.
Accessories
These handy accessories will make life with your new farmhouse sink easier and more convenient.
Sink bottom grid: Houzer Wirecraft Bottom Grid
While you'll find many advantages to farmhouse sinks, one disadvantage is that it's easier to break dishes if you drop them in the sink, as they have a longer fall to the bottom. You can solve this problem by using a sink bottom grid. The Houzer is one of our favorites, but you may need a different option, depending on the size and configuration of your sink.
Dish drying rack: iPEGTOP Expandable Dish Drying Rack
Farmhouse sinks rarely have built-in draining boards, so you may benefit from an over-sink drying rack to air-dry your dishes. This one is expandable and will fit the majority of farmhouse sinks.
Swedish dishcloths: Peachy At Home Eco-Friendly Swedish Dishcloths
Since they can absorb 15 to 20 times their weight, Swedish dishcloths are ideal for washing and drying dishes. You can use these cloths from Peachy At Home up to 300 times. When they reach the end of their lifespan, they'll decompose in just six weeks in home compost or 16 weeks in a commercial landfill.
Farmhouse sink prices
Lower price: Farmhouse sinks aren't cheap. Even basic stainless-steel models cost between $200 and $400. However, if you're going to the effort of installing a farmhouse sink, you might want something more impressive.
Mid-range: Mid-range farmhouse sinks cost between $400 and $800. The offerings include some excellent fireclay models as well as high-end stainless-steel options.
Expensive: High-end farmhouse sinks cost from $800 to $2,500. At this price, you'll find copper and cast iron options. Natural stone sinks sit at the upper end of the price range.
Tips
- Check the size of your chosen farmhouse sink. The sink you're installing must be at least 3 inches shorter (left to right) than your cabinet. Also make sure the sink isn't too wide (front to back) to fit in the cabinet without protruding too far and that it leaves room for the faucet.
- Think about how to make the most of a farmhouse sink. The beauty of the sink’s large size is that you can fit a lot in it, like a large sack of potatoes you want to wash.
- Consider a standard-depth farmhouse sink. Traditional farmhouse sinks are usually around 10 inches deep, but standard-depth farmhouse sinks have the depth of a standard kitchen sink. This depth can be easier to accommodate and helps you avoid some common issues, such as increased splashing and dish breakage.
FAQ
Q. Are farmhouse sinks difficult to install?
A. Because of their non-standard size, farmhouse sinks are more difficult to install than regular sinks because you can't just remove a standard sink from a cabinet and replace it with a farmhouse sink. If you're doing a full kitchen remodel, you'll find that some cabinet makers sell cabinets designed to accommodate farmhouse sinks, which makes installation easier. Otherwise, a regular cabinet would need to be heavily modified to fit a farmhouse sink.
In some cases, you'd also need to make changes to the plumbing so the water drains properly. Unless you know what you’re doing, we recommend hiring a professional to install a farmhouse sink.
Q. What's the best way to clean a farmhouse sink?
A. Different farmhouse sink materials benefit from different styles of cleaning. For stainless steel, rinse and dry the sink after each use, and regularly clean it with soap and a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scourers. For fireclay, regularly clean with a mild kitchen or all-purpose cleaner, and dry the sink to prevent water spots. You can use mild abrasive cleaners for tough dirt if needed. For cast iron and copper, rinse and dry the sink after every use. For a deeper clean, use soft cloths and dish soap — never scour or use abrasive cleaner. For stone, clean the sink with mild cleaner only, avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners.
Q. Do farmhouse sinks really splash more than regular sinks?
A. Yes, farmhouse sinks do tend to splash their users a little more than standard sinks due to a combination of the water having farther to fall and the user being closer to the edge of the sink with no countertop to contend with. If you experience excessive splashing, try turning down your water pressure.
