The most authentic kitchen sink for a mid century kitchen: My go-to design is a double-bowl, metal (hudee)-rimmed, porcelain enamel on cast iron (or steel) kitchen sink. I know of three places that you can get these in the U.S.
Kohler Delafield kitchen sink:
The Kohler Delafield kitchen sink likely has been around a long, long time. As I update this story in Sept. 2021, it’s available in white or almond. It is porcelain enamel on cast iron, 32″ wide, easy to source, and yes, I am serious about the metal hudee rim.
Ceco san clemente kitchen sink:
There’s a second company — Ceco — that also offers a sink in this style — their San Clemente model, also with metal rim. They also seem to have more color options, albeit neutrals. Pricing may also differ.
Bootz Garnet kitchen sink:
Finally, there is a budget version of this type of sink — it’s enamel on steel (rather than on cast iron) — from Bootz.
Faucet choice
- I love my Dishmaster with a vintage faceplate!
Elaine says
Was told by my counter installer I would have to buy a new sink. No! Why would I want to replace a perfectly wonderful sink??!!!
I found this post and ordered my huddee ring from Vance Industries.
Life saver! I salvaged my vintage sink to live another day!
David says
We just got a time capsule 1961 ranch and are replacing the double bowl kitchen sink. Though there are alot of options out there be it acrylic or metal we cannot find anything that is bright yellow or close to it. All the colors seem to be muted and we need something to go with the laminate. Kohler has one, Picadilly yellow, but at over 900$ it out of our budget. Corstone acrylic Sunlight is great but is a discontinued color. Craigslist and ebay have turned up nothing good. Our only option now is to get a nice cheap stainless and when the right one comes along, buy it. Any ideas? We live in Marietta, Ga.
pam kueber says
Yellow is very difficult… Can you wait? Over time you will probably be able to find one…. What is the size that you are looking for? Use the contact box — let’s connect, you can then send me photos — https://retrorenovation.com/contact
Michael Colter says
Delafield still available in 32×21 size (which is 1″ smaller in each dimension than modern ‘standard’ sizing), as of March 2013. I’m ordering on and the trim ring. Part K5950-4 for the sink, white, 4 hole model, metal ring is K6601. Price $303 + $57 from Lowes, who discounts 1/3 off mfg’s retail prices. So this will come in at just $61 over a modern Kohler cast iron 2 bowl of similar size.
Jackie Dennis says
I am doing a retro renovation on a 1960’s cottage on a lake in NNY. We are beginning to work on the kitchen. I found a cast iron kitchen sink with drain board and apron (wall hung) made by Sanford. I found it at http://www.signaturehardware.com. Have you heard anything about this company? It’s a very small kitchen, so a larger sink with double drain board (which I actually have in my crawl space) is unfortunately too big. Would love your thoughts and opinion. Love your website!!
pam kueber says
Hi Jackie, I think I know the sink you are talking about. It is not made by Signature, it’s made by another company — and sold by a variety of companies, so you can shop price/service/whatever. Here are all my stories about sinks and faucets for the kitchen: https://retrorenovation.com/category/kitchen/faucets/
pam kueber says
P.S. My favorite solution is the Kohler double bowl (single bowl no longer available) with hudee: https://retrorenovation.com/2010/11/11/where-to-buy-metal-rim-kitchen-sinks-note-kohler-bakersfield-sink-now-discontinued/
To save $$$ you may also find sinks like this vintage — head to your closest Re-Store or salvage type shop. Be sure you get a hudee that fits, and the clips!