Basin vs sink: What’s the difference between them?

When it comes to household fixtures, the terms ‘basin’ and ‘sink’ often get tossed around interchangeably. But did you know that there are significant differences between the two?

A basin’s primary purpose revolves around personal hygiene tasks like washing hands and face. Meanwhile, a sink is built to tackle heavier chores such as washing dishes and food preparation. That’s just the beginning of their differences.

This guide on basin vs sink will clarify their unique features and intended uses to help you choose the right fixture for your space. Knowing which one to install can make all the difference in how efficiently your daily tasks get done.

What is a sink? 

Kitchen benchtop setup with a double sink. (Source: iStock)

A sink is essentially a large, deep fixture found in kitchens, laundries, and sometimes even bathrooms. It’s designed for practical tasks like washing dishes, preparing food, or tackling heavy-duty cleaning.

Sinks can be made from various materials, including stainless steel, granite, and fireclay. Their primary purpose is to provide a functional area where you can clean not just dishes but also fruits and vegetables, making them an essential part of any home.

What is a basin? 

Bathroom design with a round white basin. (Source: iStock)

A basin is a bowl-shaped fixture you’ll usually find in bathrooms. Its main job is to help with personal hygiene tasks, like washing your hands, face, and teeth. Unlike sinks, basins hold a smaller volume of water, making them perfect for quick wash-ups.

They also come in a variety of materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, vitreous china, glass, acrylic, and metals. This gives you plenty of options to fit them into your bathroom’s style. Overall, basins are dedicated spots for your daily grooming routines.

Sink vs basin: Which one do you really need?

A sink and basin serve distinct purposes and bring their own set of advantages, so it's worth diving into what makes them different. Think about the functionality you require. Are you looking for a heavy-duty area for washing dishes in the kitchen or a stylish spot for your morning routine in the bathroom? Let’s explore these factors and see which fixture aligns best with your needs and style preferences.

In terms of size and shape

Contemporary bathroom featuring a vessel basin. (Source: iStock)

Basins are usually smaller, typically ranging from 30 to 50 cm in diameter, making them ideal for small bathrooms. They often come in compact designs, like the pedestal basin, which helps optimise space without sacrificing style for smaller restrooms.

In contrast, sinks are generally larger, especially in kitchens where they can span 56 to 84 cm in length. Depth varies, too, with standard sinks reaching 20 to 25 cm, and laundry sinks going deeper for heavy-duty tasks. This size makes sinks suitable for a lot more uses, from dishes to food prep, unlike the smaller vanity sinks designed mainly for personal care routines.

Shape is another factor to consider. Basins offer a range of forms—round, oval, rectangular, and square. Sink designs tend to prioritise functionality, usually featuring rectangular or square shapes that maximise available space. There are also small hand wash basins for quick clean-ups.

In terms of functionality 

Sinks significantly outperform basins when it comes to what you can do with them. A kitchen sink is designed for various tasks. It usually offers double basins for multitasking, spray nozzles for rinsing, and even waste disposal units for quick waste management.

On the other hand, basins primarily focus on personal hygiene. They serve as simple fixtures for washing hands and faces in popular bathroom designs.

In addition, you can clean larger items in sinks, like pots and pans. They may even have deeper basins and integrated drainboards to make the process more efficient. Basins typically lack these advancements, which limits their use to straightforward tasks such as brushing teeth or washing hands.

In terms of material

Kitchen interior with a gray benchtop and integrated sink. (Source: iStock)

When remodelling a bathroom, the choice of material for a bathroom wash basin or sink is crucial. A ceramic basin is a popular option thanks to its durability and ease of cleaning. It also gives a traditional look that’ll fit well in various styles. Porcelain offers similar benefits but is more refined and tends to be more stain-resistant, making it a great choice if you’re looking for longevity.

For a modern bathroom sink, stainless steel is often the preferred material due to its high durability and resistance to heat and stains. While it’s commonly found in kitchens, its practicality can make it an appealing option for bathrooms as well. Alternatively, if you’re interested in a unique aesthetic, copper sinks provide antimicrobial properties but require more maintenance to keep them looking good.

If luxury appeals to you, consider the following:

• Natural stone basins like granite or marble, which look elegant but need careful upkeep to prevent staining.

• Granite composite, which combines durability with a range of colours, making it a versatile option.

• Acrylic basins, which provide a lightweight solution that’s easy to clean and are often seen in contemporary designs. 

In terms of installation

Another critical factor when comparing basins and sinks is their installation types. Basins can be benchtop-mounted, wall-mounted, or pedestal-mounted. Sinks, on the other hand, typically employ top-mount, farmhouse, or integrated installations. There are even some options designed specifically for kitchen use.

Sink installation costs can vary significantly based on the chosen style and material. For example, undermount sinks require sturdy benchtops and can be more expensive to install than standard drop-in sinks. Meanwhile, basins might save you some money if you choose simpler installations like benchtop-mounted or wall-mounted setups.

In terms of the output, both basins and sinks can offer seamless looks when installed properly. However, given that sinks are often required in kitchens and laundry areas, their installation processes can involve more complex plumbing work.

Ultimately, though, the choice between a basin and a sink boils down to your specific needs and desired aesthetic.

In terms of cleaning and maintenance

Basin cleaning with a cloth and rubber glove. (Source: iStock)

The steps in cleaning and maintaining basins and sinks can be quite similar, but material choice plays a big role. For ceramic and porcelain options, a mild soap and water solution works well, while fireclay can benefit from occasional use of a non-abrasive cleaner for deep cleaning. Regular inspections for chips or cracks are crucial, too, especially with ceramics.

For glass and acrylic, keeping them streak-free involves more routine cleaning—using a glass cleaner or non-abrasive cleaners alongside soft cloths will help. It's important to remember that glass needs to be handled with care to avoid breakage. Acrylics should also be maintained properly to avoid scratches by steering clear of abrasive products.

Metals present their own cleaning challenges. Stainless steel is straightforward, needing just mild soap, while copper requires special care to maintain its finish.

Ultimately, regardless of the material—whether it’s stone that needs sealing or metal that requires polishing—regular maintenance is key to keeping both basins and sinks in great shape.

In terms of cost

Are you aiming for an IKEA kitchen or a luxury bathroom? Regardless, knowing how much a new kitchen costs or what budget is needed for a bathroom upgrade is essential. After all, balancing quality and cost is key to ensuring your space is both appealing and within budget.

The price of a basin or sink can vary significantly based on the materials used and the style. Basic models are generally cheaper, while more unique designs can drive up the price.

Here’s a table summarising the price range of common sink designs:

If you prefer to install a basin instead, here are ballpark estimates to consider:

Simplify your renovation: Find experts for your basin and sink installation on Airtasker

Whether you’re planning a bathroom renovation or a kitchen upgrade, selecting the right fixture can enhance both functionality and aesthetics in your home. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the project, don’t stress—there are always people that can help!

Just post a task on the Airtasker platform and connect with skilled professionals who can take care of the installation for you. Make your house renovation experience smoother.