Best Farm Sink for an Easy Kitchen Update

The Kohler Whitehaven sink is a top choice because it’s made to fit an existing cabinet

Over the past decade, farm sinks have become so popular they are now considered a high-end kitchen standard and a prime choice for a money-wise update. Also called apron front sinks, their appeal is the sensuous basin shape and exposed front panel that brings the sink out to the user. That the sink sits “proud” of the cabinet reduces the need to lean in while washing dishes and makes farm sinks especially comfortable to use.

Whether hand- or machine-made, apron sinks come in a variety of materials including fireclay, metal, porcelain, and enameled cast-iron. Back in 2008 we posted a Farm Sink Installation Tutorial, to explain the basics of installing the popular Rohl fireclay basin. Additional posts detail the various ways other farm sinks can be mounted, depending on the type and style. But until the debut of the Kohler Whitehaven sink, it wasn’t possible to install a farm sink in a cabinet that hadn’t been specially made for it.

The Kohler Whitehaven enameled cast-iron sink [top] solved the problem of retrofitting a farm sink in an existing cabinet. I think it’s genius. Here’s why.
Whitehavens are designed so that their front aprons hide the raw edges of the cut out. In my opinion, that makes Whitehaven a top renovator’s choice and by far the easiest farm sink transformation — one that can help make a kitchen much more glamorous.

There’s more to it, of course. Whitehavens aren’t budget items. Plus they must be installed with the sides and back rim underneath the counter, the classic “under-mounted” style beloved by owners for its convenience. Crumbs and any food debris on the counter can be swept directly into an undermounted sink. But the kicker is that the counters around the sink will likely need replacement as well.

Whitehavens come in two heights – approximately 7-inches [above] and 9-inches or tall [top & below] – to accommodate variations in sink cabinet heights. There is an unusual right-hand corner drain which may require plumbing adjustments and the sink faucet may not line up with the drain as we recommend in our post Making Sense of Kitchen Faucets. Careful measuring is also needed to be sure a garbage disposal will fit properly if that’s a requirement.

That said, I adore the grooved front of the Whitehaven Hayridge as well as the sleek surface and 18 different colors of the classic Whitehaven. Either comes with single or double bowls. Perfect.

(Source: Kohler)

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