How to choose the right kitchen sink in NZ
The best kitchen sink for most NZ homes is a single or double bowl stainless steel sink that fits your cabinet. Pick a black or gold finish if you want a statement, a ceramic butler sink for a country or Hampton look, and match the tap and strainer to the sink before you order.
This guide walks through the choices we help Auckland customers make every week: material, bowl layout, sizes, how the sink is fitted, matching taps, and the strainer or basket waste that keeps the drain clear. You can browse the full range of kitchen sinks in NZ at any point, or book a consultation and we will measure up for you.
Kitchen sink types compared
Stainless steel is the practical all-rounder, black and gold are style choices on the same stainless base, and ceramic butler sinks are the heavy, deep, traditional option.
| Sink type | Best for | Sizes we stock (mm) | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel, single or double bowl | Everyday family kitchens | 300×400 up to 800×450 | Soft cloth, mild soap, no abrasives |
| Black matt / gunmetal | Modern kitchens with black or dark joinery | 300×400 up to 800×450 | Gentle cleaning, no abrasives |
| Gold | Statement and feature kitchens | 300×400 up to 800×450 | Gentle cleaning, no abrasives |
| White ceramic butler | Country, Hampton and classic kitchens | 610×459 up to 835×459 | Wipe clean; protect the base with a sink protector |
Many of our stainless sinks are listed as suitable for top or undermount fitting. Confirm the fitting method for the exact model you choose.
Stainless steel kitchen sinks: the NZ all-rounder
A stainless steel kitchen sink is the safest choice for most households because it is tough, easy to clean and works with almost any kitchen style. Our stainless steel kitchen sinks are listed as 304 grade stainless steel, a grade widely used for quality kitchen sinks, and they start from $149 for a compact single bowl.
Three things are worth checking when you compare stainless sinks:
- Finish: a brushed finish is the practical pick because it shows fewer water marks and scratches than a mirror finish.
- Steel thickness: thicker steel feels more solid and is quieter under a running tap, so ask for the thickness before you buy.
- Noise control: look for sound-absorbing pads or coating under the bowl. Our specification sheets list pads to reduce noise.
Stainless steel suits busy family kitchens, rentals and renovations on a budget, and it pairs well with white, timber or stone benchtops.
Single bowl or double bowl? Kitchen sink sizes explained
Choose a single bowl if you want room for large pots and trays, or a double kitchen sink if you wash and rinse, or prep and clean, at the same time. A single bowl also suits a small kitchen sink space or a compact kitchenette, while a double bowl suits households that cook every day.
Kitchen sink measurements are given as length by width in millimetres. Here is how our stainless sizes line up:
| Layout | Overall size (mm) | Example models | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact single bowl | 300×400 to 390×450 | JS1215, JS1518 | Small kitchens, kitchenettes, bars, laundries |
| Standard single bowl | 450×450 to 590×450 | JS1818, JS2018, JS2218, JS2418 | Couples and small families |
| Large single bowl | 700×450 to 760×450 | JS3018 | Big pots, trays and baking dishes |
| Double bowl | 700×450 to 800×450 | JS2818A, JS3018A, JS3118D | Busy family kitchens |
| Butler (ceramic) | 610×459 to 835×459 | KB6459, KB7459, KB8459 | Deep, traditional sinks |
Overall size is not the same as bowl size. Our 760×450 single bowl JS3018, for example, has a 710×400 mm bowl. On the double bowl JS2818A the main bowl is 450×400 mm, the smaller bowl is 180×400 mm, and the smaller bowl does not come with a basket waste.
There is no single standard sink size, so measure your cabinet first and let the cabinet width set the sink length.
Undermount vs topmount kitchen sinks
Choose an undermount sink (also called an under counter sink) if you have a stone benchtop and want a clean, flush look, and choose a topmount or drop-in sink if you want the simplest fit or a wider choice of benchtop materials.
- Topmount (drop-in): the sink drops into a cutout and rests on a lip around the edge. It works with a wide range of benchtops, including laminate and timber.
- Undermount: the sink is fixed beneath the benchtop, so you can wipe crumbs straight into the bowl and keep more bench space. It is usually paired with stone, because the cut edge is exposed to water. Laminate and timber generally are not suitable. Houzz NZ also notes that undermount installs should be done professionally, because the stone edges need polishing and the sink is fixed with adhesive.
The silicone seal around either style needs replacing every three to five years.
Several of our stainless sinks, including the JS3018 and JS2818A, are listed as suitable for top or undermount fitting. If you are planning a new stone benchtop, tell us about the sink early so the cutout, edge and sink are planned together.
Butler sinks NZ: deep, classic and heavy
A butler sink (also sold as a Belfast or farmhouse sink) is a large, deep ceramic sink that suits country, Hampton and classic kitchens. It holds big pots and roasting trays easily, and its glazed surface gives a timeless look.
The Luxury Kitchen Butler Sink 760x459mm in white glazed ceramic (KB7459) is a good example. It has a ribbed profile and measures 760 x 459 x 254 mm, with a 724 x 423 x 232 mm bowl. We also stock 610×459 and 835×459 sizes, including an 835×459 double bowl.
Before you choose a butler sink, know three things:
- Weight: the KB7459 weighs 37 kg, so the cabinet needs to be built to carry it.
- Basket waste: it is not included, so add one in stainless steel, gold or matte black.
- Protection: we also stock stainless steel butler sink protectors, which shield the base of the ceramic bowl from scratches.
Black, gold and white kitchen sinks
A black kitchen sink is the easiest way to make a modern kitchen look current, and black matt is now one of the most searched sink styles in NZ. Gold and white are the other finishes worth a look.
- Black kitchen sink: our black matt and gunmetal sinks come in single and double bowl sizes from 300×400 to 800×450 mm, starting from $209. They are listed as 304 stainless steel with a durable PVD finish, so you get the strength of stainless in a darker look.
- Gold kitchen sink: a statement finish for feature kitchens, available in single and double bowl sizes from $340.
- White kitchen sink: in our range, white means glazed ceramic, found in the butler sink collection above.
Whichever finish you choose, match the basket waste and tap to the sink. Our basket wastes come in stainless steel, matte black and gold, so the drain does not spoil the look.
Kitchen sink taps: how to choose a tap to match your sink
The right kitchen sink tap suits the depth of your bowl, how you use the sink and the finish of the sink itself. A kitchen sink mixer gives you hot and cold from one lever, and there are three main styles:
- Standard mixer: a compact, everyday choice for single bowl sinks.
- Gooseneck swivel: a tall, curved spout that clears deep bowls and reaches both sides of a double sink.
- Pull-out: a spray head that pulls out to rinse the sink and fill pots.
Our kitchen sink taps and tapware range includes standard, gooseneck and pull-out kitchen mixers in chrome and brushed nickel, with kitchen mixers from $59.
Before you order, check three things: the finish matches the sink, the spout height clears the bowl, and the tap position suits the sink and benchtop. If you are planning a black or gold sink, ask us about matching tapware, because our current clearance range is mostly chrome.
Sink strainers, basket waste and sink waste
A sink strainer, or basket waste, sits in the waste outlet and catches food scraps while the water drains away. You lift it out and tip the scraps into the bin, which keeps the drain clear.
Our sink basket waste is a 90x50mm stainless steel basket that suits most shallow-depth kitchen sinks with a 90x50mm waste outlet. It is designed to fit our butler sinks and is available in stainless steel, matte black and gold, starting from $35.
Three practical points:
- Always check the sink waste size against the specification sheet before you buy.
- Butler sinks do not include a basket waste, so add one to your order.
- The smaller bowl on a double sink such as the JS2818A does not come with a basket waste.
Fitting a kitchen sink to your cabinet and benchtop
The sink and cabinet have to be planned together, because the sink length sets how wide the cabinet and sink bench need to be. Get this right and the sink drops in cleanly. Get it wrong and you are modifying cabinets after they are built.
- Measure the width and depth of the cabinet and benchtop where the sink will go.
- Choose single or double bowl to suit your cooking and cleaning habits.
- Decide on topmount or undermount, based on your benchtop material.
- Pick the tap and basket waste to match the sink.
- Confirm the cutout before the benchtop is made.
Heavy sinks need extra thought. A ceramic butler sink such as the KB7459 weighs 37 kg, so the cabinet has to be built to carry it.
We offer complimentary site measurements and 3D kitchen design plans, so your sink, cabinet and benchtop are designed as one package rather than three separate decisions.
How to clean and care for a kitchen sink
Warm soapy water and a soft cloth, dried off after use, keeps a kitchen sink looking new. Franke NZ recommends this routine for stainless steel:
- Daily: wash with a soft sponge and soapy water, rinse, then dry with a microfibre cloth. Drying stops chalky limescale spots, which matters in hard-water areas.
- Weekly: use an acid-free cream cleaner, working in the direction of the grain. For stubborn marks, leave it on for about five minutes before rinsing.
- Avoid: steel wool, scourers, bleach and abrasive cleaners. Wipe up salt, vinegar, citrus juice and mustard promptly, because acidic spills can mark the surface.
- Around the drain and seal: use a soft toothbrush on the strainer rim, the plug hole and, for an undermount sink, the silicone seal where it meets the benchtop.
For black and gold sinks, stick to the same gentle routine and skip abrasive pads. For a ceramic butler sink, use a non-abrasive cleaner and fit a sink protector to guard the base.
How much does a kitchen sink cost in NZ?
Kitchen sinks in our range start from $149 for a stainless steel single bowl and rise to around $700 or more for gold double bowls and ceramic butler sinks. Size, bowl layout, finish and accessories drive the price.
| Item | From (NZD) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel single bowl | $149 | JS1518, 390×450 mm |
| Stainless steel double bowl | $269 | JS2818A, 700×450 mm |
| Black matt single bowl | $209 | JSB1518, 390×450 mm |
| Black matt double bowl | $339 | JSB2818A, 700×450 mm |
| Gold single bowl | $340 | JSG1518, 390×450 mm |
| Gold double bowl | $720 | JSG2818A, 710×450 mm |
| White ceramic butler sink | $739 | KB7459, 760×459 mm |
| Stainless steel basket waste | $35 | A60S, 90×50 mm |
| Kitchen mixer tap | $59 | Chrome, tapware range |
Prices are as at 10 November 2026 and can change, so check the product page for the current price.
On delivery, open the parcel and check the sink and its packaging within 7 days, and report any damage with clear photos so we can follow it up with the courier.
Kitchen sinks NZ: frequently asked questions
What is the best kitchen sink material in NZ?
Stainless steel is the best all-round choice because it is durable, easy to clean and suits most kitchens. Choose a black or gold finish for style, or a ceramic butler sink for a traditional look.
What size kitchen sink do I need?
Let your cabinet width decide. Our stainless sinks range from 300×400 mm for compact spaces to 800×450 mm for large double bowls, and butler sinks run from 610 to 835 mm long.
Should I choose an undermount or topmount sink?
Undermount sinks are usually paired with stone benchtops for a flush look. Topmount sinks suit a wider range of benchtops, including laminate and timber, and are simpler to fit.
What tap suits a black or gold sink?
Match the tap finish to the sink where you can. Our current tapware range is mostly chrome, so ask us about matching black or gold finishes before you order.
Does a butler sink come with a basket waste?
No. A butler sink such as the KB7459 does not include a basket waste, so add one in stainless steel, gold or matte black.
How much does a kitchen sink cost in NZ?
Stainless steel single bowls start from $149, double bowls from $269, and ceramic butler sinks from $739. Check the product pages for current prices.
Get expert help choosing your kitchen sink in Auckland
Not sure which sink, tap and strainer fit your kitchen? Book a free consultation and we will measure your space, match the sink to your cabinet and benchtop, and prepare a free quote with a 3D design. You can also visit our showroom at 71 Plunket Avenue, Manukau, Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 5:00pm, or call +64 (9) 218 9928.
