6 Stunning Farmhouse Sinks to Get in 2020
Whether you’re washing vegetables, cleaning up the dishes after dinner, or giving your newborn a bath, the kitchen sink is one of the most important parts of any kitchen. But a kitchen sink can be so much more than useful. It can also be an eye-catching design detail that adds value to your kitchen. By installing the best farmhouse sink, you’re adding a gorgeous centerpiece that’s built to last. These sins are durable, useful, and extremely stylish, which makes them a great addition to any kitchen.
When putting together this review, we considered a few key features about each product. One of the most important things is the material so we included a variety of options, including stainless steel, fireclay, copper, and cast iron. We also took into account whether the sink has a single or double bowl, the size, gauge of thickness of the material, and how much noise it makes when you’re washing up.
Top 6 Farmhouse Sinks Review 2020
We spent hours sorting through reviews from everyone from contractors who install sinks regularly to experts on kitchen design and the people who live and work with these sinks in their homes every day. First, you’ll find a table that lets you easily compare our picks side by side. After that, there are detailed reviews of each product that include all the important information you need to know. Finally, we put together a buying guide to help you find the best farmhouse sink for your kitchen.
A double-bowl stainless-steel kitchen sink with a useful extra-deep basin and excellent sound dampening features
A single-bowl stainless-steel sink with sleek modern design, coming at a great price
A fireclay sink coming with a smooth or fluted finish options for the front to choose from
A cast iron sink with a porcelain finish featuring a modern-looking shortened apron
A reversible fireclay sink handcrafted in Italy which adds a stylish look to your kitchen
An eye-catching copper sink with a hammered texture that will hide possible imperfections
Kraus KHF203 – Editor’s Choice
- Material: stainless steel
- Bowl type: double
- Dimensions: 32-3/4 (L) x 19 (W) x 10 (D) in
- Min cabinet size: 36 in
- Drain opening: 3.5 in
- Gauge: 16
- Finish: commercial-grade satin
- Warranty: lifetime limited
The Kraus KHF203 stainless steel kitchen sink has an extra deep basin so even your largest pots and pans easily fit inside but it’s still compatible with standard plumbing. Underneath are thick rubber pads to for sound dampening and a stone guard undercoating for added durability.
This double sink has a 60/40 split and a standard drain on each side. The drain opening sits near the back of the basin and the surface features channel grooves so that water can drain out even when there are still dishes in the sink.
The satin-steel finish is corrosion and rust resistant though it can scratch easily with normal use. Plus, all of the corners are rounded so the entire surface is really easy to keep clean and the undermount installation creates a seamless, neat look.
A lifetime warranty is included as well as some useful accessories, including two dish grids to protect the bottom of the sink, a three-piece strainer set, drain assembly, and a premium kitchen towel. Installation is pretty easy, too. All the hardware is included as well as a cut-out template to get the fit just right.
- 60/40 design with standard drain openings
- Extra deep basin holds large pots and pans
- Rubber dampening pads to muffle sound
- Satin steel finish is corrosion and rust proof
- Rounded corners make it easy to keep clean
- Dish grids, strainer set, drain assembly, and kitchen included
- Surface scratches easily with normal use if the dish grids aren’t used
Kraus KHF200 – Budget Pick
- Material: stainless steel
- Bowl type: single
- Dimensions: 30 (L) x 18 (W) x 10 (D) in
- Min cabinet size: 33 in
- Drain opening: 3.5 in
- Gauge: 16
- Finish: commercial-grade satin
- Warranty: limited lifetime
The best farmhouse sink for the money is the Kraus KHF200, a great way to enjoy all the benefits of a high-end sink without completely blowing your budget. It’s durable, dent-resistant, and covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
The 10-inch deep undermounted sink is made with industrial-grade, corrosion-resistant stainless steel though some customers have reported that areas of rust do appear over time. Rounded corners and a satin finish are easy to wipe clean and the channel grooves direct water to the rear-set drain for optimal drainage, even when there are left items in the sink.
Thick rubber dampening pads add superior soundproofing whether you’re doing the dishes or running the garbage disposal. Underneath, you’ll also find a stone ground undercoating for added durability.
This sink comes with some great accessories, too. You get a 3-piece strainer set, premium kitchen towel, and a dish grid to protect the bottom of the sink. It’s recommended you use the dish grid when anything can bang against the bottom of the sink as the surface scratches easily. Some people have also reported having problems with stains.
Installation is easy and all the hardware you need is included as well as a cut-out template to help you get everything just right.
- Deep basin holds even your largest pots and pans
- Rounded corners and satin finish for easy cleaning
- Channel grooves to direct water for fast draining
- Rubber dampening pads add soundproofing
- Dish grids, strainer set, drain assembly, and kitchen included
- Surface scratches easily
- Some customers report rust spots
Latoscana LFS3318W – Best Fireclay Farmhouse Sink
- Material: fireclay
- Bowl type: single
- Dimensions: 33 (L) x 18 (W) x 10 (D) in
- Min cabinet size: 36 in
- Drain opening: 3.5 in
- Gauge: n/a
- Finish: fireclay
- Warranty: lifetime limited
There are a lot of really great things about the Latoscana LFS3318W apron sink, but the thing that is most unique is that it’s reversible. Fireclay sinks are finished on all sides and you can choose from a smooth or fluted finish for the front of your sink.
There are several mounting options with this design, too. It can be flush mounted, undermounted, or raised. Overall, installation is pretty easy, but this sink weight over 100 pounds and takes at least two people to get it into position.
The 10-inch deep basin is spacious enough to hold large pots and pans and a center drain. The surface is easy to keep clean. Some users reported that it scratches easily but most did not report any issues. Generally, fireclay is difficult to scratch but it can be damaged easily by the wrong chemical cleaners, scouring pads, and other abrasive materials.
The white finish has a classic look that will match any decor. It features strong, beautiful Italian craftsmanship and is durable and made to last. This isn’t just an apron front design, it’s a true farmhouse sink.
- True farmhouse design is reversible for a plain or fluted finish
- Deep basin holds even your largest pots and pans
- Classic white finish matches any decor
- Fine Italian craftsmanship is beautiful and made to last
- Drain not included
- Some users report that the surface scratches easily
- Very heavy and require a lot of hands to lift into position during installation
KOHLER K-6488-0 Whitehaven – Best Cast Iron Farmhouse Sink
- Material: cast iron
- Bowl type: single
- Dimensions: 35-11/16 (L) x 21-9/16 (W) x 9 (D) in
- Min cabinet size: 36 in
- Drain opening: 3.5 in
- Gauge: n/a
- Finish: porcelain
- Warranty: lifetime limited
One of the best things about the KOHLER K-6488-0 Whitehaven sink is that it has a shortened apron that makes it a perfect fit for modern 36-inch cabinetry. This large, single-basin sink is made from enameled cast iron and resists just about everything. It’s designed not to burn or rust and lasts a really long time. Some users report minimal staining but those can usually be taken care of with a cleaner specially designed for cast iron.
Thanks to the self-trimming design that overlaps the cabinet face, installation is simple. You only need a simple rough cut to get beautiful results. That said, one thing to keep in mind that this sink weighs about 130 pounds so have plenty of help on hand when lifting it into place for installation.
To keep water flowing and to eliminate pooling, the sink slopes 2 degrees toward the drain. Enough to be effective without being overly noticeable. The drain itself is offset to increase the workspace inside the sink and to free up more storage space underneath.
- Short apron allows this sink to be installed on modern cabinetry with little alteration
- Self-trimming design allows rough cuts for installation
- 2-degree slope to keep water running toward the drain
- Off-set drain provides more workspace in the sink and storage space below
- At 130 pounds, this sink is very heavy, and installation will require assistance
- Stains can occur and require special cast iron cleaner to get rid of
Ruvati RVL2300 – Best Handcrafted Farmhouse Sink
- Material: fireclay
- Bowl type: single
- Dimensions: 33 (L) x 20 (W) x 10 (D) in
- Min cabinet size: 36 in
- Drain opening: 3.5 in
- Gauge: n/a
- Finish: fireclay
- Warranty: lifetime limited
The Ruvati RVL2300WH barn sink is made of genuine fireclay and handcrafted in Italy by skilled artisans who’ve learned their craft over generations. Part of what makes fireclay so special is that it’s fired at an extremely high temperature, fusing everything together and creating an enamel surface that’s resistant to chips, cracks, and scratches. In other words, this is an extremely durable sink.
The RVL2300WH has a reversible design and can be mounted with either a smooth or decorative fluted finish showing. You can also choose between a flush mount and an undermount. The large, deep 9-inch basin holds even the biggest pots and pans or stacks of dishes and provides a lot of usable space inside the sink. There’s no slope or grooves of any kind, though, so you do sometimes have to chase things around to get them to go down the drain.
Installation is pretty easy, just follow the included installation guide. A standard drain assembly with basket strainer is also included. One small downside about fireclay is that it’s very heavy. This sink weighs about 120 pounds and will require more than one person to lift it.
- Handcrafted in Italy using genuine fireclay
- Extremely durable and resists cracks, scratches, and chips
- Drain assemble with basket strainer included
- Reversible design
- Weighs 120 pounds and require multiple people to lift it
- No slope or grooves to encourage water and other items toward the drain
Adams 33-inch Farmhouse Kitchen Sink – Best Copper Farm Sink
- Material: copper
- Bowl type: single
- Dimensions: 33 (L) x 22 (W) x 9 (D) in
- Min cabinet size: 36 in
- Drain opening: 3.5 in
- Gauge: 16
- Finish: patina
- Warranty: lifetime
If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the Adams 33-inch Farmhouse Kitchen Sink to add an interesting focal point to your kitchen. This large, single-bowled sink is handcrafted from solid 16-gauge copper and has a 2.5-inch hammered front apron for either undermount or drop-in installations. One thing to keep in mind, it requires a cabinet base of at least 36 inches.
Copper has what’s called a “living finish” which means that it changes and wears with use over time. Depending on exposure, it goes from light to dark constantly making both extreme and subtle changes. That said, turning green is not a part of the process and won’t happen with normal use.
While the material is durable, it’s also very thin and can be quite loud when dishes hit against it. Although it can dent easily but the hammered finish does a pretty good job of hiding any imperfections.
This sink comes with a lifetime warranty, but proper care is important and a little more involved than with other materials. The copper should be washed with hot, soapy water after use and should never be exposed to harsh or abrasive chemicals. You should also apply protectant regularly to keep the finish shiny.
- Unique copper material is a gorgeous centerpiece
- Living finish changes over time
- Hammered texture hides imperfections
- Copper surface requires more maintenance than other materials
- Thin material is loud and dents easily
Why choose a farmhouse kitchen sink? Pros and cons
When deciding whether or not to buy a farmhouse sink, it helps to consider the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Farmhouse sinks are much deeper and larger than a standard sink.
- There’s no cabinet or countertop between you and the sink. You stand directly against the sink which can be more comfortable because you don’t have to bend over as much.
- Large pots and pans fit inside without a problem.
- They are beautiful and become a focal point of the kitchen.
Cons:
- They are very heavy and require a lot of hands for installation as well as proper cabinet support.
- Farmhouse sinks are generally more expensive.
- Installation can be tricky as cabinets may have to be altered.
Features to consider while choosing a farmhouse kitchen sink
How do you know which farmhouse sink is right for you? With so many different options to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming to decide. Here are some of the key features to keep in mind.
Sink Material
Whether you have an instant hot water dispenser or a water filter in addition to your faucet, a kitchen sink will be the central element of them all. Therefore, it should be both aesthetically-appealing and durable. The most popular types of material for farmhouse sinks are stainless steel, fireclay, copper, and cast iron.
Stainless steel resists scratches and chips and won’t rust or corrode unless the surface is damaged. While it’s one of the most inexpensive options for a sink, the metal is high quality and has a bit of a traditional look since stainless-steel sinks are so common. Color options and finishes are very limited.
The Ruvati RVL2300 is a good example of a handcrafted fireclay sink. Fireclay is created when clay and glaze are fused from exposure to extremely high heat. The result is a durable material that’s resistant to chips and scratches with proper care. That said, the surface can chip and stain over time if not properly maintained. Plus, it’s one of the more expensive options.
Copper is another material often used in farmhouse sinks. It’s durable and eye-catching like the Adams Farmhouse Kitchen Sink. The patina changes color over time as it’s exposed to different chemicals and with general use. This is a normal process that occurs with copper and can’t be stopped. Though it’s thick, copper sinks can dent easily. That said, with the right hammered finish, these imperfections usually aren’t very noticeable.
Cast iron sinks are long lasting and generally easy to clean. This is the same material that cast iron skillets are made of only it’s covered in white porcelain enamel. Some care is required to maintain the surface. If not properly maintained, scratches and chips can appear over time but, for the most part, they’re easy to care for as long as you stay away from abrasive cleaners.
Number of bowls
Traditional farmhouse sinks feature one big basin though there are plenty of bowl options available. The number of bowls you need is best determined by the size of your kitchen. Obviously, double-bowl sinks take up more room than singles and won’t fit well in a small kitchen where they would take up too much valuable counter space.
Dimensions and cabinet size
This is a very important thing to consider when choosing a farmhouse sink because of the way they are installed. Unlike normal sinks that use the countertop for support, farmhouse sinks rely only on the underlying cabinetry and are not attached to the counter in any way.
The base cabinet should be 3 inches wider than the sink so there is enough room on either side for another appliance because you don’t want the sink right up against a dishwasher or even a drawer. This also leaves enough space underneath for proper installation.
Drain size
Most farmhouse sinks have a standard drain size of 3.5 inches. This allows them to hook up to standard plumbing as well as garbage disposals.
Some of these designs feature off-center drains. This means instead of the drain being right in the center of the sink, it’s located toward the back or off to one side. This allows you to place dirty dishes in the sink without covering the drain and it gives you more room under the sink because the plumbing is also off to one side.
Gauge
Gauge refers to the thickness of metal so you’ll only see it with stainless steel or copper options. The way it works is somewhat counterintuitive because the smaller the number, the thicker the gauge.
Finish
The finish varies depending on the material. A cast iron sink like the KOHLER K-6488-0 Whitehaven has a white, shiny porcelain finish while the stainless-steel options our list are brushed with a satin finish like the Kraus KHF203.
Faucets
You may have noticed that these sinks do not have any holes for faucet installation. Since most faucets are designed for installation on the top of a faucet with one, two, three, or four holes, you might be wondering how you choose a faucet for a farmhouse sink.
Warranty
All of the products we included in our review are covered by a lifetime warranty but some of them do have some limitations as far as what’s covered. That’s why proper care is so important. Scratches, rust, and other deformities that result from using the wrong cleaner or scrubber won’t be covered.
How to install a farmhouse kitchen sink?
The most difficult thing about installation is making sure the supporting cabinetry is right. Remember, these sinks are heavy and are only supported by the cabinet so it’s a good idea to consult an experienced cabinet maker to make sure you get it right.
After the hole is made and supports are in place, the installation itself is pretty easy. Place the sink in the hole making sure it sits appropriately on the supports. This is absolutely essential.
Make sure the sink is level and use shims if you need to make any adjustments. Then, fill in any gaps around the sink with silicone sealant. Place the countertop over the sink and remove any excess sealant.
Cleaning tips
Cleaning varies slightly depending on what material your sink is made of but, generally, it’s always best to use warm water and gentle soap. Scrub with a soft sponge or cloth.
Avoid harsh cleaners and scrubbing pads as there can damage the surface of any material.
FAQ
Yes. generally, metal sinks are the loudest. Even thick 16-gauge metal is louder than fireclay or porcelain. That’s why you’ll often find rubber buffers on the underside of stainless-steel sinks to try to limit the amount of noise that’s produced during everyday use.
As we mentioned, the underlying cabinet is very important. The cabinet should be 3 inches wider than the sink so there’s room on either side for other appliances and drawers. Plus, you have to make sure there’s enough room underneath to build the proper supports.
Gauge is the unit of measurement that describes the thickness of metal. It works opposite of the way you’d think meaning that 18 gauge is actually thinner than 16 gauge. As an example, 18-gauge steel is 0.05 inches thick while 16-gauge is 0.0625 inches thick.
Porcelain sinks are usually made of cast iron that’s been sprayed and finished with a with porcelain coating. Fireclay is clay and glaze that have been heated using extreme temperatures until fused together. Fireclay is rare and extremely durable while porcelain chips a little more easily.
Our Verdict
Our pick for the best farmhouse sink is the Kraus KHF203. Thick rubber pads dampen any loud sounds and the satin-steel finish is corrosion resistant. Some nice accessories are included, too. This is also the only double sink we included in our reviews.
If you’re looking for a bargain, check out the Kraus KHF200. It’s made of corrosion-resistant industrial grade steel and features a satin finish that’s easy to keep clean. Channel grooves help direct the water to the drain and it comes with a dish grid and strainer set that will get a lot of use in a busy kitchen.
Finally, we have the Latoscana LFS3318W. This fireclay sink was built to last and has a special reversible design that can be mounted with either a smooth or fluted design at the front. The white shiny finish has a classic style that will fit with any decor. Plus, you can’t beat the beautiful Italian craftsmanship.
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