A kitchen remodel reaches a decision point when the cabinetry is ready for the sink that anchors it. I focus on eight Elkay stainless steel options that suit different made kitchen cabinet plans, from compact bar stations to double-bowl work areas and undermount designs with a clean countertop transition.
The right sink depends on cabinet width, installation style, bowl count, and how the kitchen handles daily cleanup. These selections give homeowners, renovators, and DIY kitchen planners a practical way to compare the dimensions and layout before ordering.
The Essentials At A Glance
Elkay Crosstown 16 Gauge Single Bowl Sink Kit
Elkay Crosstown 16 Gauge Double Bowl Sink Kit
Elkay Dayton 33 Inch Equal Double Bowl Drop-In Sink
Elkay D117193 Dayton Single Bowl Bar Sink
Elkay GE125213 Dayton Single Bowl Drop-In Sink
Elkay DSE233194 Dayton Double Bowl Drop-In Sink
Elkay Crosstown 16 Gauge Workstation Sink Kit
Elkay ELUH1814 Lustertone Single Bowl Sink
The Picks, Examined More Closely
A large single bowl feels comfortable beside made kitchen cabinets when dinnerware and cookware need one open washing area. The Crosstown profile combines a 16-gauge stainless steel body with tight corners and a flat bottom, a practical combination for stacking dishes and washing larger pans.
Undermount installation places the rim below the countertop for a clean visual break, while the included faucet makes this kit easier to coordinate as one fixture plan. Compared with the double-bowl Crosstown, this model favors uninterrupted washing space over separated prep and rinsing zones.
Everyday Wins
- The wide single bowl accommodates dishes without a fixed divider.
- Flat-bottom construction supports stacked cookware during cleanup.
- The included faucet simplifies matching the main sink fixture.
- Undermount mounting creates a streamlined countertop edge.
Trade Offs
- A single bowl offers less separation for simultaneous washing and rinsing.
- Undermount installation requires a compatible countertop cutout and proper support.
Quick Facts
Made For
This model suits cooks and homeowners who want one flexible washing area in a medium-to-large kitchen.
Consider Something Else When
The Elkay Crosstown 16 Gauge Double Bowl Sink Kit suits households that separate washing, rinsing, and food preparation.
Two equal bowls change the rhythm of kitchen cleanup, letting one side hold washed items while the other handles produce or a second batch of dishes. This Crosstown kit brings that division to a 30-3/4-inch-wide undermount design with an included faucet.
The tight corners and flat bottoms preserve useful space inside each basin, a useful detail when small bowls need to sit securely. It shares the Crosstown 16-gauge construction with the single-bowl model, but its divided layout makes it the stronger choice for parallel prep work in most kitchens.
What Works In Its Favor
- Equal bowls support washing, rinsing, and prep at the same time.
- Flat-bottom bowls provide a stable base for dishes.
- The included faucet completes the main fixture setup.
- Undermount installation preserves a clean countertop appearance.
Points To Note
- The divider reduces the length available for oversized pans in either bowl.
- Room delivery availability is listed, although the exact service area requires confirmation.
Right Fit
This sink fits busy households that regularly divide rinsing, produce washing, and dish cleanup into separate tasks.
Look Elsewhere When
The Elkay Crosstown 16 Gauge Single Bowl Sink Kit better serves large-pan washing and minimalist cabinet layouts.
The Dayton 33-inch double bowl follows a familiar drop-in format, which makes it a sensible centerpiece for existing made kitchen cabinets. Drop-in means the sink drops into a countertop opening, then its rim rests on top rather than sitting entirely below the surface.
Its two equal stainless steel bowls support separate cleanup zones, while the 6-7/16-inch depth is more restrained than the deeper Dayton models later in the list. The Dayton line also includes domestic manufacturing, which gives shoppers another point to consider alongside installation style.
Practical Advantages
- Equal bowls allow organized two-stage cleanup.
- Drop-in installation fits a common countertop replacement format.
- The stainless steel body suits everyday dishwashing tasks.
Small Caveats
- Drop-in installation requires a precisely sized countertop opening.
- The shallower bowl depth offers less vertical clearance than the 8-inch Dayton option.
Feature Snapshot
Built With In Mind
This Dayton model suits homeowners replacing a drop-in sink while keeping a conventional two-bowl kitchen plan.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
The Elkay Crosstown 16 Gauge Double Bowl Sink Kit fits homeowners preparing an undermount countertop with a coordinated faucet.
A compact wet bar rarely needs a full primary-kitchen sink, and the D117193 answers that narrower need with a 17-inch-wide single bowl. Its drop-in format is practical for built-in bar cabinetry where preserving the countertop edge matters.
Sound-deadening pads help reduce noise and vibration, a thoughtful addition in a home bar or kitchen where glasses and utensils are handled frequently. The stated ADA-compliant configuration applies when the sink is properly installed, which makes installation details especially relevant for accessible layouts.
Standout Benefits
- The compact width fits smaller bar cabinets.
- Sound-deadening pads soften everyday vibration.
- Drop-in mounting keeps the sink rim visible.
- The bowl handles drink rinsing and prep tasks.
Practical Considerations
- The 3.5-inch drain opening must match the planned drain assembly.
- A minimum 21-inch cabinet keeps the stated proportions workable.
At A Glance
Who Will Love This
This bar sink suits apartment residents and homeowners creating a compact drink-rinsing or entertaining station.
Skip It When
The Elkay GE125213 Dayton Single Bowl Drop-In Sink better fits a primary kitchen that needs a larger washing area.
The GE125213 brings a notably broad single bowl to a drop-in format, giving made kitchen cabinets a straightforward washing area without splitting the space between two basins. Its listed 25-by-21-1/4-inch footprint suits a larger sink cabinet while retaining the familiar rim-mounted installation.
That makes it a useful middle ground between the compact Dayton bar sink and the roomier 33-inch Dayton double bowl. The single bowl remains the more flexible shape for washing mixing bowls, baking sheets, and wide cookware, although the exact countertop opening needs careful measurement.
Strong Points
- The single bowl keeps large cookware washing uncomplicated.
- The wide footprint offers useful capacity in a primary kitchen.
- Drop-in mounting suits a conventional countertop opening.
Where It May Fall Short
- Its broad size demands more countertop and cabinet planning than the bar sink.
- The exposed rim differs from the flush look of an undermount model.
- A single bowl provides no separate rinsing area.
The Right Fit
This model suits home cooks who prefer one wide basin and standard drop-in cabinetry over a divided double bowl.
Another Choice May Suit
The Elkay Crosstown 16 Gauge Workstation Sink Kit better serves meal preparers who need a sliding accessory ledge.
The DSE233194 is the more spacious Dayton double-bowl option here, using a 33-by-19-inch sink format with bowls listed at 8 inches deep. That extra depth gives washing, rinsing, and soaking tasks more room, which can matter in a kitchen handling large stock pots.
The stated minimum cabinet size is 36 inches, so this model asks for a wider cabinet run than the 33-inch Dayton. In exchange, the equal bowls create a practical split-workstation format while the drop-in rim simplifies replacement in a traditional countertop.
Strengths Worth Knowing
- Deep bowls support soaking and washing larger cookware.
- Equal bowls divide cleanup into separate zones.
- The 33-inch width suits a substantial kitchen cabinet run.
- Drop-in installation works with a traditional countertop.
Details To Watch
- The 36-inch minimum cabinet size excludes many narrower base cabinets.
- A divided layout is less flexible than one uninterrupted bowl.
Core Details
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
This sink suits households with a wide base cabinet and a need for deep, separated washing and soaking areas.
Reach For A Different Pick When
The Elkay Dayton 33 Inch Equal Double Bowl Drop-In Sink fits narrower cabinet runs where bowl depth matters less.
The Crosstown Workstation turns part of the sink into a mobile preparation area. Accessories included with the kit slide along a built-in ledge, moving between washing, chopping, straining, and cleanup without occupying a permanent stretch of counter.
That makes the 25-1/2-by-18-1/2-inch model compelling for a compact kitchen where every work surface counts. The 16-gauge stainless steel and 9-inch depth provide a substantial single bowl, while the undermount format keeps the surrounding countertop visually continuous.
Notable Gains
- The sliding ledge creates a temporary prep area inside the sink.
- Included accessories move with the food-preparation process.
- The single bowl leaves open washing space below the ledge.
- Undermount installation maintains a clean counter transition.
- The kit reduces the need to crowd counters with separate tools.
Some Limits To Know
- Accessories occupy space that would otherwise remain open.
- The 25-1/2-inch width is smaller than the other Crosstown kits listed here.
Built With In Mind
This workstation suits compact kitchens, avid home cooks, and meal preparers who value movable counter space.
Where Another Pick Shines
The Elkay GE125213 Dayton Single Bowl Drop-In Sink better fits a larger single-bowl kitchen without a sliding accessory ledge.
The Lustertone Classic brings a deliberately polished look to a compact undermount sink. Its lustrous grain reflects light across the stainless steel surface, which can add visual definition to made kitchen cabinets with pale counters or understated finishes.
Unlike the more angular Crosstown models, this sink uses a single rounded bowl with a 20-1/2-inch width. The repairable finish is another useful ownership detail because deep scratches can be addressed rather than defining the sink’s appearance indefinitely, depending on care and installation.
The Practical Payoff
- The reflective finish adds polish to an undermount installation.
- The repairable surface can help manage deeper scratches.
- The single bowl keeps washing tasks unrestricted.
- The undermount rim disappears beneath the countertop.
Worth Noting
- The 24-inch minimum cabinet size requires deliberate space planning.
- The rounded single bowl provides less separation than a double-bowl design.
Technical Notes
Who Should Grab It
This model suits homeowners who want a compact, polished undermount sink to complement a carefully planned cabinet finish.
Swap It Out When
The Elkay D117193 Dayton Single Bowl Bar Sink better fits a compact wet bar where a visible rim and a 3.5-inch drain opening are preferred.
Matching the Sink to Made Kitchen Cabinets
Measure the base cabinet first
Sink dimensions set the limits for the cabinet opening, countertop cutout, drain location, and faucet arrangement. I compare the full sink width with the usable cabinet interior rather than relying on nominal cabinet size, especially around walls, fillers, and adjacent appliances.
An undermount sink creates a clean transition because the countertop overlaps its rim. Drop-in sinks rest on top of the counter, so the opening needs an accurate fit and the rim must have enough surface to sit securely.
Choose the bowl count by workflow
A single bowl keeps large cookware and baking sheets easy to wash because nothing interrupts the washing area. Equal double bowls support separate tasks, such as rinsing produce on one side while dishes soak on the other.
The Crosstown Workstation adds another dimension through a sliding ledge and movable accessories. That setup suits compact kitchens, while a larger single bowl may be more practical for frequent use of wide cookware.
Account for depth and accessories
Bowl depth affects washing room and cabinet planning. Deeper bowls can accommodate larger items, but the sink assembly also occupies more vertical space beneath the counter. A bar sink has a smaller overall footprint, while a workstation kit needs room for accessories to slide along the ledge.
Coordinate the faucet and drain
A faucet included in a sink kit can simplify fixture ordering, while a sink sold separately offers more choice. Drain size remains a separate compatibility point. The D117193 calls for a 3.5-inch drain opening, so that measurement should guide the drain plan before cabinet work begins.
Two Details That Affect the Final Fit
Mistakes Worth Dodging
The most common error is measuring only the bowl rather than the complete sink, including the rim and required countertop opening. Another is selecting a double bowl for one large pan, only to find the divider limits the usable space.
Undermount sinks also need a compatible cutout and proper support around the opening. Checking the sink and faucet dimensions before finalizing made kitchen cabinets prevents a late countertop change.
What Separates Premium From Basic
Higher-tier sinks often add useful features rather than simply changing the finish. A workstation ledge creates movable preparation space, while a repairable finish offers a different approach to visible wear. Included faucets can also reduce fixture coordination.
The added value depends on the kitchen. A basic drop-in model may be enough for straightforward dishwashing, but compact prep stations and polished cabinet designs can benefit from more specialized hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sink style fits made kitchen cabinets most easily?
Drop-in sinks usually suit existing countertops because the rim supports the sink from above. Undermount sinks pair well with a deliberate countertop cutout and offer a cleaner edge between sink and counter.
Is a single-bowl sink better than a double bowl?
A single bowl provides uninterrupted space for cookware and baking sheets. Equal double bowls work better for separate washing, rinsing, and soaking tasks during busy kitchen cleanup.
How should I measure for an undermount sink?
Measure the full sink width, depth, and bowl height, then compare those figures with the available cabinet space. The countertop cutout also needs to match the manufacturer’s installation requirements.
What cabinet size fits the Elkay D117193?
The D117193 lists a minimum cabinet size of 21 inches. Its overall sink dimensions are 17 by 19 by 6-3/16 inches, and it requires a 3.5-inch drain opening.
Does a workstation sink save counter space?
A workstation sink adds a sliding ledge and movable accessories inside the sink area. It can preserve nearby counter space by consolidating tools used for washing, chopping, straining, and cleanup.
Final Verdict
I would match the sink method to the cabinet plan before focusing on finish. A drop-in model offers a familiar replacement path, an undermount design creates a cleaner counter edge, and the Workstation adds valuable preparation mobility in compact kitchens. The most sensible choice is the one whose measured footprint, bowl layout, and fixture requirements fit the finished made kitchen cabinets without forcing a compromise.