Thinking About Kitchen Sinks

I've been making lists of projects I'd like to finish this year at the brownstone and I think it's time to replace the counters in our small kitchen and change out the sink.

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I have some research to do here still, but I am completely intrigued by this only $300 IKEA almost farmhouse style apron sink.

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Most of these apron style sinks are under mount basins (which I really like for counter cleaning purposes). But I'm sort of digging the look of the fluted shelf/mini drainage area along the back of the sink.

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Luckily, the dimensions of the double bowl are perfect for my existing cabinets (installation would require us to cut out the faux drawer front and that's about it other than adding in some additional internal supports), but I'd need to get a new one-hole faucet to replace the bridge we have in there now.

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I think something pretty modern like (and less expensive than?) this one would be a great mix with the style of the sink.

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Do you have the Domsjo sink from IKEA? Thoughts on apron style sinks in general? Too played out? It's pretty hard to beat that price tag though!

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80 comments:

  1. The first grout sink was the finest one :)

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  2. We have the Domsjo sink and love it. The back ridges are a little hard to keep clean. I'd be interested in tips from other readers with this sink. The only other thing we've experienced is that it does require you to lean over at a slight angle to reach the faucet. Most nights this isn't noticeable. It does wear on your back on nights when we hand wash most dishes. In that case, it's just an excuse to take turns with my husband. Overall, I'd recommend it. It's nice and big and the second basin is great for drying dishes.

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  3. I don't have this sink but I've been checking out similar models for our kitchen. I love the mix of the apron sink with a modern faucet. I don't think they're "played out" yet. :)

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  4. I've thought about that sink, too but I can't let go of my really deep double bowl sink.... About the faucet, though: spend your $ there and get a workhorse pull-down sprayer. You'll need it to keep that big sink clean and I couldn't function without mine.

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  5. My sink came with the place so I don't know if it's the ikea one, but if not, it's very similar. I've always really liked it. Mine is huge so I have a lot of room to work on the rare occasions when I have to hand wash something. Plus it's pretty. :)

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  6. I have this sink in our NC home. It was installed by the previous owners, but I would probably use it again if I were looking for a great-priced apron-front. I second what Rachel said about keeping the grooves clean, but it wasn't any big deal.
    I switched out the faucet for a tall, commercial-style sprayer, so didn't have any problems with my back (and I'm a short-stack)

    I think it probably goes with all things Ikea - you'll get the basic look you want, but not necessarily all the perks of a higher-end model.

    alison g.

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  7. It's a handsome sink. One issue is function: Do you prefer a single bowl (I do) to a double bowl?

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  8. Jenny,

    My designer advised against this kind of sink as she said the front of it gets marked from leaning belt buckles against it. She kind of burst my bubble, but she has been right about everything else.

    Just my two cents. I say go for it!

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  9. We recently installed the Domsjo- it can get marked up so you have to be a little more careful with it than with a stainless sink (which we had before). I have mats on the bottom of the sink which helps. I haven't had any problems with scratches on the front through. Also, for any scratches in the sink a little Bar Keepers Friend buffs them out magically. All in all I'd say go for it :)!

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  10. my mom has one and it drives her nuts. the bottom is so flat that all the food bits go straight to the corners and it is impossible to clean. also a double basin means your disposal has to make a turn and is way more likely to clog (learned this the hard way!).

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  11. We are currently pricing out and designing our IKEA kitchen, and I am in love with the Domsjo sinks. Apron for huge depth and a little bit of a country or traditional feel is what I've been wishing on. We haven't really sourced sinks from outside of IKEA, but it's good to know the price is right.

    I don't think they have been played out yet. It's one of those styles that will be around for awhile, because it has already been around for a long time.

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  12. i have the single bowl version in my laundry room and really like it. certainly doesn't get the use it would in the kitchen, but we do have a seven month old in cloth diapers, so we use it every day for really dirty jobs. no complaints!

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  13. We're about halfway through our Ikea kitchen reno and have the single Domsjo waiting to be installed. I like the single one because the back isn't ridged, and it's really huge enough for us. For the money, it's a FANTASTIC product.

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  14. We went with the Domsjo sink in our all-IKEA kitchen remodel, and we love it. Take a look HERE for the in-process, before we got the backsplash up. The last photo shows all the Lidingo cabinets and the finished wood counter tops.

    @letsbeamie, the IKEA kitchen is great. There's a few posts on our blog about putting it all together, but with the right planning, it works out great. I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

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  15. Perfect timing! We're in the process of renovating a house and were thinking about this exact sink. Interested to follow the conversation. You really just can't beat that price.

    I've never seen the one-bowl version - I'm intrigued :)

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  16. The house we just purchased came with this sink. It is only ok. Looks good, but there are some functional hiccups. As others have said - the back drainage tends to collect stagnant water and is hard to keep clean. We have a disposal on one side, so we tend to use that side for dirty dishes, and the other side is mostly used for drying dishes we hand wash. The sink itself is a bit shallow and I am finding the surrounding counter area needs to be cleaned more regularly as a result of splashing, etc.

    My main gripe however is that the one hole faucet does not allow for a pretty bridge faucet like you currently have. Does anyone know if it is possible to cut new holes into a sink like this?

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  17. I can't help you on the sink, but can you share your source for that fabulous geometric planter? Thanks!

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  18. I don't have this sink, but a friend who does complains about not having a pull-down sprayer on her faucet - without one it's difficult to clean the front edge of the sink!

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  19. My comment is not specific to the Domsjo sink but to double sinks in general. What Rachel said is true about your back - you may end up leaning in more when washing dishes unless your faucet is position further out. I have a stainless steel deep double sink which I can't wait to get rid of partly due to the impact on my back. Also think about the pots and pans you put in your sink. I use sheet pans a lot for baking and they do not lie flat in the sink. Most of my pans are all-clad with ridiculously long handles. So everything just juts out of the sink and nothing lies flat.

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  20. it would be such a shame to not use the faucet you already have. i think it really makes the room.

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  21. Jenny! I have the perfect faucet for you! Its a polished chrome Krause pull out that I used for less than a year, and loved it. I ended up gutting the kitchen but I kept the faucet. It is very similar to this model, but the handle is on the left hand side. If you are interested email me kateferg7 at gmail dot com

    I live in CT and am in the city this weekend so can easily get it to you!

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  22. I put this in my kitchen and it is my favorite thing! http://www.amazon.com/Blanco-BL440150-BlancoPrecis-Super-Single/dp/B0011YLNHS/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1368021572&sr=1-2&keywords=blanco+white

    The deep sink with no partition is awesome!

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  23. I love the look of this sink, but not the flat sides either--so much harder to clean than curved stainless steel. But, it is pretty. By the way, Overstock has great deals on really nice Vigo faucets that have a similar look and feel to the Kohler: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Vigo-Stainless-Steel-Pullout-Spray-Kitchen-Faucet-with-Soap-Dispenser/6006452/product.html?CID=209535

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  24. we have the small farmhouse from ikea due to space restrictions - but i couldn't love it more. we made sure to undermount it so we weren't constantly fighting cleaning the lip around it. it wasn't too difficult, we just cut the cabinet wall supports down a bit. i love the one big bowl - it's deep and open and i can clean any size of anything in it - cookie sheets, pans, huge drying racks. we also have the big industrial/heavy duty faucet that they don't seem to carry anymore...love the look of the big open basin with this big coiled faucet. love it. good luck!

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  25. We have the domsjo and love it. The bottom is flat so you always have to rinse bc they don't just drain down but it's not a big deal. We also have a bridge faucet and the other 2 holes are there in the domsjo and slightly drilled out from the bottom so you just need to get a small nail set and knock them out from the top if you want 3 holes. Easy peasy.

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  26. Don't you rent? I wish we had landlords like yours here--when I was a renter I had trouble getting them to agree to let me put paint over the cheap primer they'd slapped up on the walls.

    I'm a little disappointed at all the downsides of apron front sinks in other comments, since I've wanted one forever. I do agree that you should use a sink that lets you keep the faucuet, though. It really does have such a great presence in the room.

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  27. Don't you rent? I wish we had landlords like yours here--when I was a renter I had trouble getting them to agree to let me put paint over the cheap primer they'd slapped up on the walls.

    I'm a little disappointed at all the downsides of apron front sinks in other comments, since I've wanted one forever. I do agree that you should use a sink that lets you keep the faucuet, though. It really does have such a great presence in the room.

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  28. I've been considering the smaller version of this sink due to the inexpensive price tag, but I really love the undermount sinks because they are easier to clean. I did a quick google search and found this post where the sink was under-mounted! http://www.cape27blog.com/2012/07/how-to-undermount-ikeas-domsjo-sink/

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  29. We considered the Domsjo, but I didn't like that it would stick out a fair bit since our countertops are only 25" or so deep. We ended up with a white Blanco single bowl sink (non farmhouse style) for a similar price that is only 22" deep but 33" wide so the mass of bright white will be the same. Also, you can punch out additional holes so you have more faucet options.

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  30. Hey Jenny!

    I have that sink and I love it! I wanted a farm sink for a long time and a lot of people tried to talk me out of it telling me I would have to deal with stains and cracks. I didn't care at that price I decided to do it.

    I love it. The groves on the top are a little annoying to clean, but nothing a brush won't get to. I don't have any complaints with my back hurting, but I have a more industrial faucet with a sprayer that I pull out so maybe that helps. There are no dings or stains on the outside. I only have one teeny little stain on the inside of the sink. Overall super happy with it.

    You can see it here: http://blog.effortless-style.com/2012/08/revisted-diy-painted-wooden-floor/

    The faucet is also from Ikea but I don't see it available anymore online.

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  31. Check out efaucets.com for great deals on a new faucet.

    I was totally inspired by your kitchen when we recently did ours:
    http://www.designmegillah.com/2013/04/ta-dathe-kitchen.html

    Of course I have more space not living in Brooklyn!

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  32. Your current faucet set is so gorgeous! Wouldn't you be sad to part with it??

    http://simplymodernhome.com/

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  33. I installed this same sink during our kitchen reno almost 2 years ago and couldn't love it more! It's held up just great without any real extra care on our part.

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  34. So nice sink. All is really so nice. I like all sink so much.
    steam shower

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  35. I refuse to believe that you'd get rid of that brass bridge faucet! I love that thing. Can I have it?!

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  36. When we renovated our kitchen, we chose an extra-deep, extra wide, single bowl stainless sink. It was probably my favorite thing, no problems with any kind of cookie sheets, big pans, or serving trays/dishes. Now, we are living in Show Low in a rental with a shallow double bowl, and I cannot tell you how much I dislike the double! I also think the ridges in the back of the sink in your post would drive me bonkers. I am going home for the summer to my permanent home, and cannot wait to use MY sink! Keep looking :)

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  37. I used that sink (the single basin version) in a kitchen I finished for a client and they have loved it. It looks great and cleans up really well. I think it is a great choice. http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2013/04/before-and-after-farmhouse-kitchen.html

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  38. I ripped out a two-bowl version from my kitchen. I hated the fact that cookie sheets and lasagna pans couldn't sit flat and be soaked and scrubbed. I had to angle them towards me and that marred the finish. But I cook and entertain a lot, so now I have a huge, single-bowl stainless sink; but the one that Veronica mentioned went into a client's kitchen and she loves it. She did purchase a protective mat, though, so the base doesn't get scratched by aluminium cookware. Good luck!

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  39. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  40. I ripped out a two-bowl version from my kitchen. I hated the fact that cookie sheets and lasagna pans couldn't sit flat and be soaked and scrubbed. I had to angle them towards me and that marred the finish. But I cook and entertain a lot, so now I have a huge, single-bowl stainless sink; but the one that Veronica mentioned went into a client's kitchen and she loves it. She did purchase a protective mat, though, so the base doesn't get scratched by aluminium cookware. Good luck!

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  41. We are renovating a house and just put in this sink!!! I'm so in love with it. The classic look is awesome, but it really makes a statement! I would say go for the sink, but how sad to lose that brass faucet. I am seriously in love with that faucet :)

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  42. I'll be so sad to see your current faucet go. It's my favorite part of your kitchen.

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  43. I've always been intrigued by this style of sink. It has such a beautiful classic look. My concern has always been staining. I'm sure sinks have come a long way, but the white sink in a former apartment of mine always had a way of looking grungy. My stainless steel sink does get a little scratched up over time, but otherwise no problems with staining which I appreciate.

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  44. I haven't had this type of sink but have had a white one and strongly disliked it b/c I found it difficult to keep it looking clean and not marked up. I also think those ridges look like a nightmare to keep clean. It is lovely to look at; I am just at the place in my life where I don't need something in my home that I have to babysit. It's gotta work for me.

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  45. Jenny,

    I also love the look of the porcelain farm house sink, but after having had one (suffered with one) I will never have another porcelain sink. I have a cheep metal over mount sink now and despite the moderate annoyance of a more shallow wash basin and the greater difficulty of cleaning around the sink, I will never switch back to a porcelain sink. It stained horribly and was impossible to keep looking good. It would stain very easily, so much so that I was afraid to put dirty dishes in it and afraid to let dish water stand while washing. I am currently saving for a stainless farm house style sink that has the deeper wash basins and is undermount. Until I have that dream sink I am much happier and my kitchen looks much better with the cheap-o metal sink than it ever did with the porcelin sink (other than the day the sink came out of the box).

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  46. Hi Jenny!

    Love the sink! I don't have one but saw this review and thought it might help! Plus, you might be able to work out some sort of deal with ikea and review the sink and they'll send it to you to "try out." Just sayin :)

    www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2012/11/a-kitchen-re-style-part-2.html

    www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2013/02/kitchen-questions-answered.html

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  47. We have that same sink! The price was perfect and I really like it. I keep the back drain clean with a scrub brush--a washcloth doesn't get into the grooves very well. I have a pull down faucet and it works fabulously. I've never had a problem with stains or marks (on the front or inside). You can check it out here if you scroll to the bottom:
    http://1stof9.blogspot.com/2012/12/remodeling-kitchen.html

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  48. Love that sink. We've had it for a while now. My biggest irritation with it: keeping the back ridges clean. They are a beast.

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  49. We have this sink and love it, though I'll echo what others have said about the ridges on the back. We don't have problems with the flat bottom getting particularly dirty, or damage to the front (though I don't wear belts with buckles either). We have the big IKEA sprayer faucet too, so I've never had issues leaning over it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

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  50. I like the look of farmhouse sinks, but I can't believe you'd get rid of your new faucet! I love your faucet.

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  51. I have the single bowl in the Ikea one and I LOVE it. We did somehow get one tiny chip in the bottom not long after we got it but haven't had another. I think I might have yelled loud enough that everyone learned they can't toss heavy stuff in the sink :) The chip is sort or beige/gray though so it is not really noticeable. It cleans like a dream! I wanted the double but when we got to the Ikea I realized they double looked huge and I was afraid I wouldn't have enough room since my dishwasher is right next to it. That's what I get for not measuring before making a 5 hour drive (although when we got home I realized it would have been fine.).

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  52. I have had this sink for 4 years and love it! It has held up well and is a great value! I think an apron sink is classic and isn't at risk of being played out.

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  53. A few months ago we replaced our sink and I went for the farmhouse style. I considered the Domsjo but in the end I didn't want the divider in the middle. I'm so glad we went with the one we did because it makes washing larger pots and pans a breeze. I blogged about it here: http://misstrixiesfavoritethings.blogspot.com/2013/02/kitchen-wrap-up.html

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  54. We got a Kraus Stainless Steel apron front sink from Overstock.com two years ago. I love it! The huge single bowl hides all of my dishes until I am ready to wash them. The front still looks brand new, no scratches. It is a little more than the Ikea sink, but not much.

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  55. I had an older version of a farmhouse sink (single bowl) from IKEA in my old condo, and I really liked it. I always tried to be cautious about scratching it - unsure of how big a risk that was. I always cleaned it with baking soda and it stayed a nice bright white - I loved not having the streaks and water spots of a stainless steel sink!

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  56. We have this sink and I really like it. I was nervous about the grooves and the depth of the sink. The grooves really aren't that big of a deal and the depth doesn't bother me at all. I really like the width of each basin. I would defiantly get it again, I think it's a great sink for the price.

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  57. We have this sink and I really like it. I was nervous about the grooves and the depth of the sink. The grooves really aren't that big of a deal and the depth doesn't bother me at all. I really like the width of each basin. I would defiantly get it again, I think it's a great sink for the price.

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  58. I had this exact sink for many years. I loved it. The only thing that sometimes bugged me was that it got black marks in it really fast. I found that if I used soft scrub with bleach that I could get most of the marks out. Those I couldn't get out I decided were patina.
    Overall It was a great sink and I really enjoyed how deep and wide each side was. Great for doing dishes for a large family like mine. If I didn't like my current sink so much I would consider buying this sink again. And it is very inexpensive.

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  59. I should also add that you do need a pull down spray faucet with this sink or it would be really hard to get it clean since it has such a flat bottom.

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  60. We have a different brand apron sink. Didn't go with the Ikea one because it's a double (single is great for washing dogs and babies!) and it quite shallow. Just make sure the size works for you.

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  61. All the sinks of this blog are really giving very good suggestion. i love all of these sinks.
    Modular Kitchen Collection

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  62. Love that Ikea sink! But this is the one I've been pining for:

    http://www.restart.it/prodotti/46/Production_Sinks_Copper_and_Brass_taps_for_Kitchen._Kitchen_taps_and_Brass_taps

    I have no idea how much it is, but how amazing! It could be interesting in your kitchen, too..

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  63. Love mine!! Definitely need a pull own faucet with it:))) has held up great, haven't had any scratches or marks!

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  64. We havet that IKEA sink and love it!

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  65. We've had that exact sink on our list of things to buy for our new kitchen for a while. It's really great however, so is your brass-ish faucet. I'd keep looking for one that can handle your faucet. Another option, there's a great, black, granite/composite combo sink (by Kohler or Blanco maybe?)available at Home Depot. I think it's similar in price, completely different style but very cool. We've had it in our current house for the past 5 years and I absolutely love it for two reasons; 1, it doesn't show stains like stainless steel and 2, because we throw a lot of food in there to go down the garborater and you can't see those stains either which means if you're in a panic you don't have to clean it. Good luck with your search. I know whatever you choose will be fantastic!

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  66. I don't know anything about the sink- other than it looks awesome! But I do have a Moen faucet similar to the one you pictured (not from BBB, and in brushed nickle, but this one is close). I LOVE it- sleek ad modern, but the gooseneck gives it an almost farm style appeal. I also have a seperate sprayer. http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/35921-moen-level-one-handle-kitchen-faucet-chrome.html

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  67. A friend has that Ikea sink and while it is gorgeous from a distance, it scratches and marks up so easily. She's very frustrated that she can't lay simple ceramic dishes in the sink without the dishes leaving marks all over the bottom of the sink. Her experience has swayed me over to just getting a stainless steel undermount. It sure is pretty though...

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  68. So happy I read these comments. Good to know that the Ikea sink has hidden optional holes that can be drilled out for bridge faucets!

    I've had many kinds of sinks and the porcelains are by far my favorite. They are really easy to keep looking good, you just have to use the right products. In fact, I think they stay looking much better than stainless, which has to be meticulously maintained, polished and dried to actually look nice (IMO). I keep a very weak solution of water and bleach near my sink which I spray whenever it needs a little brightening. It does the trick effortlessly and sterilizes it too. Barkeeps Friend gets rid of those little dark marks that pans make, and if you ever do get a rust spot, I have a bottle of "rust remover" that you can buy at home depot and elsewhere that makes rust stains vanish instantly. It just takes a tiny bit, so a bottle lasts for years. Not to mention, I've saved all kinds of clothing, etc. because of the rust remover. Anyway, there's nothing like a big white farmhouse sink, in my book.

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  69. I should add, re: the Rust Remover. It can't be used on metal, so if you've got rust in a stainless sink (it does happen), don't rush out and get this product for that. It ruins the finish. Everything else, it works great on.

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  70. I agree with those saying it'd be tragic to let go of that faucet! It looks amazing in that space.

    No experience with the Ikea sink, but I do have a lovely white sink that stains really easily and is hard to keep looking bright and clean.

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  71. We have had this sink since 2006 when we bought our house and renovated our kitchen. I love it and have no issues keeping the ridged back part clean. I wipe it down a few times a day with a dry towel. I rarely have to clean it. It will hold water in it if allowed to sit and can collect grime if you aren't drying the water. You can't keep, say, anything metal on it for that reason. But I just put my hand soap back there and my cleaning supplies underneath. The sink looks great in our white kitchen w/ dark countertops and every new visitor to our house remarks on it. We haven't had any chipping or staining in it either and we cook. A lot.

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  72. We are renovating our kitchen and I looked into the Ikea farmhouse option as well but didn't like that you would be limited to one hole for a faucet...so I found this one at Home Depot but it's double the price and has drain area on the side! Just another option...

    http://www.homedepot.com/p/Whitehaus-Apron-Front-Fireclay-36x20x10-0-Hole-Single-Bowl-Kitchen-Sink-in-White-WHQD540-WH/203873191?N=1z10i24#.UXIHWr8TvpA

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  73. I've seen that very sink installed and it's beautiful!

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  74. We were committed to a high/low balance when remodeling our kitchen. To that end, we settled on the Ikea sink and this faucet:

    http://www.efaucets.com/detail.asp?Product_Id=14781%20CR%20CHR

    The faucet even has a pull-down sprayer! (Picture doesn't do it justice.)

    We absolutely love both!!

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  75. My husband talked me into the IKEA sink and we LOVE it. The grooves are a little annoying, but we have a pull out facet, so combined with some cleanser, it's not really a big deal. We've received tons of compliments on it when people visit. Friends of ours paid three times that amount for their farmhouse sink; however, ours is holding up much better.

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  76. We have the lovely lovely single bowl version, and honestly we love it. I don't know about staining and scratching. Ikea also sells a great faucet to go with it, one with an extendible arm, so it's really easy to clean the corners. Could only recommend it!

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  78. I love the first sink - can't believe its from IKEA. Great find!

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  79. Just put in a white apron sink ( lucky enough to get a great price on a shaws) and I love it. Although I like the ikea version... not sure if the divider down the middle is for me.. you can hide..oops fit so much in the big bowl of the shaws. I thought Ikea made one w/out the divider but I'l probably mistaken....
    Best

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I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)