More Than a Mere Bowl

What you'll get: A compact place to scrub the plates but not much else. The overmount, single-bowl Atlant is made of 20-gauge stainless steel, which dents easily. And when the water is running, don't expect to be able to hear "American Idol" from the next room, much less carry on a conversation with your kitchen cleanup buddy. Size: 23 inches by 20 1/2 by 6 3/4 .

The Basics

The sink: Lakeland

Where to get it: American Standard

What you'll pay:$312 to $434

What you'll get: A large, overmount single-bowl sink made of Americast, an engineered material designed to mimic the strength of cast iron at half the weight. It also resists heat damage. This modestly priced sink comes in a range of colors and you can pick how many faucet holes you need and where they are. Size: 33 by 22 by 9 inches.

The Upgrade

The sink: Undertone

Where to get it: Kohler

What you'll pay: $1,063.80

What you'll get: An 18-gauge stainless steel undermount sink with two basins -- one large, one medium. Soundproofing helps minimize the garbage disposal's roar. This is a popular upgrade in Toll Brothers kitchens, said Mike Smith, a spokesman for the luxury new-home builder. Size: 32 7/8 by 17 7/8 . One basin is 7 1/2 inches deep; the other is 9 1/2 inches.

The Splurge

The sink: King Solomon II

Where to get it: Whitehaus

What you'll pay:$3,040

What you'll get: A large undermount sink of welded 10-gauge copper. The thickness guarantees durability and minimizes noise. Still, you don't buy a sink like this for purely functional reasons. It's showy, with a decorative front apron playing up the unusual material and ever-evolving patina. Another nice touch: A slight pitch toward the drain means no water settles into low spots. Size: 32 by 22 3/8 by 10 inches.