The uses and types of kitchen sinks have changed over the years and continue to do so today.

There was once a time when kitchen sinks were pretty standard fare. There was not much variety, and utility was the only real determining factor. As time has gone on, however, many of the more mundane items in the home have become more aesthetically pleasing, as well as more varied in their intended uses.

Where once the kitchen sink was nothing more than a washbasin with an attached faucet of some sort, it can now be seen as the focal point for an entire kitchen's styling. As the kitchen is one of the areas of the home that virtually any visitor will see and interact with, kitchen sinks are becoming more and more varied and fashionable.

There was a time when the only type of kitchen sink that could be had was made of wood or stone. Ironically, although still available, stone kitchen sinks are some of the most expensive that can be purchased nowadays. This is largely due to their weight, even though the building material is about as unsophisticated as they come. A good marble sink can be gorgeous, however, and is worth the cost to many. Most kitchen sinks are made of either stainless steel or plastic, though there are some older homes that have porcelain kitchen sinks that were probably the least expensive at the time. There are even glass kitchen sinks available, which might sound dangerous until one considers exactly how thick the glass used is.

Not only used for holding water any longer, kitchen sinks also house a variety of gadgets that make living easier and more convenient. Garbage disposals have become the norm in most kitchens and are one of the best tools in the kitchen for cutting down waste, though an even better alternative would be a compost pile, if the family has the means to create one. Many kitchen sinks also have built-in water purifiers which are an excellent alternative to purchasing bottled water should a family deem in necessary. In rural areas especially, where well water can be replete with calcium deposits, a built-in water filtration system can go a long way toward making water more pleasant to drink and therefore saving money on alternative beverages. It is amazing how fast people will go through sodas and juices when the water coming out of the faucet does not taste good.

Be it for utility or looks, the kitchen sink is often the primary target for those who are renovating their kitchens, especially in older homes where a modern kitchen sink may actually accentuate the antique qualities of some older kitchens. As technology improves and manufacturers come out with more things that people didn't know they needed, kitchen sinks, being such a focal point in the home, will surely see improvements as well.