If you love the functionality of the classic farmhouse drainboard sink — but don’t necessarily want vintage or reproduction porcelain — perhaps a drop-in stainless steel drainboard sink is just the ticket. After searching far and wide — I’ve come up with seven places where you can find drop-in stainless steel drainboard sinks today — in a range of sizes, styles and prices sure to fit any kitchen and budget.
Note: We are not experts on manufacturing and materials specifications issues, so we did not try to try to assess these sinks for gauges / construction / durability. There could well be differences model-to-model, so if you are in the market, this is something you should/could research further. We do tend to believe that if your stainless steel drainboard sink is of good quality, it will last virtually forever. Regarding scratches and the like, we do not get in a tizzy when it comes to hard working surfaces like this. We quite like patina, actually.
#1 Elkay:
We already know that Elkay makes stainless steel drainboard sinks — perfect for a mid century kitchen remodel — but they also make several drop in drainboard sinks — 10 different configurations by my count. These sinks are pricey, so make sure to save your pennies if you fall in love with one.
#2 Franke USA:
Franke sinks are made in the USA — always a plus — and this model (the only drainboard stainless steel sink I could find by the company) sells for right around $100 and is available at big box stores like Lowes, Home Depot and Menards.
#3 American Standard:
American Standard also appears to only have one drop in stainless steel drainboard sink — the Culinaire top mount dual level sink & drain board. At just under $1,000 — it is pricey — especially if you were hoping for more sink bowl space.
#4 Fluid:
The Fluid Company has one very modern and streamlined stainless steel double bowl drainboard kitchen sink — available for about $800.
#5 Ikea:
The Ikea Boholmen sink series — available in four configurations ranging from $85 – $202 — is as affordable as it is reversible — since there are no faucet holes, faucets must be placed in counter top or backsplash.
#6 Just Sinks:
In a Jan. 2019 update, I could no longer find Whittington sinks available, but I did discover this “new” entry — a dual-drainboard kitchen sink from Just Sinks. There are other designs as well — look at their commercial lineup.
#7 Kindred:
There is also a modern looking stainless steel drop in sink model from Kindred sinks. I couldn’t find any pricing information — but if you are looking for a double bowl model with a sleek design — this sure fits the bill.
#8 Buy vintage:
Pam spotted this vintage sink at her local Re-Store just last week — it was $40.
We guesstimate that this style of sink has been around for decades — especially from Elkay. So if you want to save big bucks, keep your eyes peeled at the Restore Habitat for Humanity and maybe craigslist — you might find one at a small fraction of the retail price today. The photo above is Pam’s. She said that this sink seemed “pretty honkin’ heavy duty.” She could not easily see a label. It was priced at just $40. If you have a ReStore, and you have the time to stalk it, you can find amazing bargains.
Want a complete stainless steel counter top? See our story — 5 ways to do stainless steel counter tops.
And, we have a mega round up page — All about Farmhouse drainboard sinks.
Check out our new Farmhouse Drainboard Sinks page 
Dishmaster kitchen faucet — two vintage cover plate designs available 
Stash of NOS kitchen sink cabinet vents made by Washington Steel Products 
Checking out the Nelson’s sink on display at KBIS 
Comments
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Bunni says
Blanco Canada (CDN) has two discontinued 18/10 sinks with either left or right drainboard. Marked down from $685 to $230.
http://shop.blancocanada.com/BLANCO-MEDIAN-XL-6S-Left-Hand-Drainboard.html
pam kueber says
Thanks for the tip!
Laura T says
Just put the Elkay double sink, double drainboard in my delightful new kitchen, with mid-century feel. Love it!
Rebecca prichard says
FYI:
I have the IKEA Boholmen and you get what you pay for. It’s all scratched and looks kind of shitty all the time. I have to wipe the water off of it EVERY time or it looks bad.
Am I the only one who thinks the Elkay are so HUGE? The smallest is enormous for my kitchen and I don’t think I have a small house. I really want a sink with drainboard that fits where the IKEA one is.
35 1/2 x 19 1/2 I am willing to spend a smaller fortune to have a good one that lasts forever. Can anyone help?
Thank you!
pam kueber says
try… Blanco
They may have one
Rebecca prichard says
Oh my lord. Swoon. Blanco has some SEXY sinks! But I am not finding drainboards. I don’t think I can live without one. They are so practical to me.
pam kueber says
Is 43″ too much? http://www.faucetdirect.com/elkay-ilgr4322r-gourmet-lustertone-stainless-steel-43-x-22-single-basin-top-mount-kitchen-sink-with-right-drain-board/p413326?intcmp=recs~item_page.rr1~MultiItemViewCP~Elkay~elkayilgr4322r
Rebecca prichard says
Yes, thank you, but it’s WAY too big. I had the cupboards made around that crappy IKEA one. Anything bigger than 36″ cuts into my gorgeous drawers.
(We also want to replace the IKEA / Whirlpool fridge, speaking of IKEA.)
pam kueber says
But the sink isn’t 36″ ….
Rebecca prichard says
MY Boholmen is 35 1/2 x 19 1/2 .
Rebecca prichard says
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S89847463/
pam kueber says
I am not an expert on the installation, but I don’t understand why something like this cannot go in your space. The drainboard sits on top of the substrate, doesn’t it? If so, it should not impede your drawers from functioning…
pam kueber says
You could also see if you could find someone to make you one. I recall a reader doing that (use search)
lynda says
Old thread, I know. For some reason the entire hole is cut out for sink and drainboard. My drainboard goes over the dishwasher. Maybe it would not sit flat if it was not cut out? In fact the Elkay site tells you you need a sink cabinet as large as the cut out. I know that is not true. You need a sink cabinet to be big enough for the bowl(s} to fit.
pam kueber says
me no understand
pam kueber says
Here’s the other drainboard style from Elkay http://www.elkay.com/sinks/top-mount/ilgr4322l
you need to search around for best pricing though
Ummmm, I saw one in my Re-Store two weeks ago – $40! Clearly used – but in great condition – I don’t think these things ever wear out!
Rebecca prichard says
Your Restore is way better than mine. Mine has all super sad depressing 1980’s stuff.
Rebecca prichard says
43″ is way too big for the space, it looks weird.
Rebecca prichard says
OMG, I am an idiot! That is true! 😉 And my idiocy is here on the internet for everyone to read! I will lose some of my “coffee station.” I have to think about it.
Make a sink?!?!
pam kueber says
haha
pam kueber says
i found this, but it’s an undermount – http://products.whitehauscollection.com/whitehauscollection/products/whncm4019-drop-in/
pam kueber says
dangit — 33″ — http://www.ebay.com/itm/Franke-USA-FDBS703BX-Single-Bowl-Kitchen-Sink-w-Drain-Board-Stainless-Steel-/310909927287
pam kueber says
dangit, 38″, never used, but pointing the wrong direction for you! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Franke-Stainless-Steel-Kitchen-Sink-with-4-accessories-/111608631362?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19fc649042
pam kueber says
I found these as well, not my favorite, but i’m capturing them for this thread https://www.plumbingsupply.com/ada-sinks-with-drainboards.html
Rebecca prichard says
It’s very cool, the Franke one, but I can’t see how a $100 one would be any better than IKEA.
pam kueber says
here ya go, folks like this do custom work, i bet you could find someone in your metro area http://www.specialtystainless.com/residential/finishes_4.php
pam kueber says
38-5/8″ http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Oliveri-221-1-Stainless-Steel-Sink-Single-Basin-with-Drainboard-Right-Topmount-One-Tapping/8745/Cat/588
pam kueber says
This was fun, here are the Oliveri’s http://www.oliveri.com.au/us/drainboard.cfm
pam kueber says
and for sale here! https://www.google.com/search?q=oliveri+sink+drainboard&rlz=1C1CHKZ_enUS437US437&espvd=2&biw=2133&bih=1061&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=_aLzVKiZI5SiyASFlYLACg&ved=0CB0Qsxg
rebecca prichard says
Wow, thanks!
Looking into custom, too.
Jen says
I know this is an old post, but just wondered, Pam, what you think of the Oliveri sinks. We’ve been thinking about them, as our vintage St. Charles sink base is 40″ and the Oliveri would fit perfectly. But I wonder if they look “vintage enough” especially the 220-0 seen here: http://www.oliverisinks.com/us/brisbane-canberra.cfm
I like that one because it has a large, single bowl. Big enough for my larger pans. But I worry that the look won’t be right…
pam kueber says
Sure, yes, with that drainboard, they sure do look vintage!
Tsu Dho Nimh says
No, the Boholmen drain board has a cut out under it. It fits nicely OVER our dishwasher
Jen says
Thanks! Now DH wants to do one long (7 ft?) stainless steel countertop with integrated drainboard sink… He’d have stuck with the Oliveri if I hadn’t equivocated 🙂
Rebecca prichard says
The cool American Standard one is discontinued now. 🙁
June Cahill says
I found ours about 14 years ago – right place at right time…..too bad it’s been discontinued as it’s been a super addition to our retro-remodeled kitchen!
Kevin says
ikea sells a cutout tool, $13, to make your own faucet hole in the stainless sink
June Cahill says
When re-retro-modeling our kitchen, I just happened to find the American Standard (large, deep bowl, small bowl and drainboard) – on sale yet…….under $200. It was one of the very last items I needed – and couldn’t believe my luck as our ‘kitchen budget’ had just about been completed. We love it – the smaller middle section is perfect for stacking plates or a fry pan after they’ve been rinsed. And it looks pretty darn great in our 1963 ranch. I was shocked to see it was $1K!