Kitchen, Wash, and Bar Sinks

Over the past several years, U.S. manufacturers' sales of kitchen sinks have been exceptionally strong. One of the reasons for this occurrence is the recent evolution of the kitchen sink from the one small bowl for rinsing; to deeper, broader, numerous bowls. Many manufacturers have tinkered with new “Space Age” materials that are making kitchen sinks more durable than the contemporary stainless steel, enameled steel, and enameled cast-iron varieties. In addition, more colors, particularly of the flashier variety, are being added to offer consumers more choices.

In 1999, Kohler Company introduced a kitchen sink with two basins - one for traditional sink functions and the other with a heating element to cook food. This sink was the first of its kind in the U.S. market. The features of the sink eliminate the dangerous transport of burning water across the kitchen from the stove to the sink. The sink currently has a retail price of over $2,000.

In 2000, U.S. manufacturers' sales of kitchen sinks rose by 5.9%, to $416.9 million. A relatively small 0.8% advance was seen in 2001. The majority of the kitchen sinks sold in the U.S. market are of stainless steel. In terms of average manufacturers' prices, cast-iron kitchen sinks cost the most, followed by stainless steel, and then enameled steel.

U.S. manufacturers' sales of wash sinks, service sinks, mop sinks, sink and laundry tray combinations, and laundry trays skyrocketed by 17.6%, to $70.0 million, in 1999. However, sales declined by 9.9% the following year, and 7.0% in 2001. In general, average prices for these items have been sharply reduced since reaching $77.29 in 1996.

During the mid-1990s, U.S. manufacturers' sales of bar sinks surged, only to exhibit profound decreases by the end of that decade. Following a 1.9% drop in 2001, sales figures were expected to fall by 1.0%, to $20.7 million, in 2002. In 2001, the average price of bar sinks rose to $65.09.

Source: Business Trend Analysts,

Commack, N.Y.,

Phone: 631-462-5454.

U.S. MANUFACTURERS' DOLLAR SALES OF PLUMBING FIXTURES, BY TYPE ($ Millions)

Year Kitchen Sinks Wash Sinks Bar Sinks

1980 $119.6, $23.9, *

1981 132.5, 20.8, *

1982 112.7, 18.4, *

1983 180.1, 24.1, *

1984 167.0, 21.9, $9.5

1985 173.2, 32.3, 9.3

1986 186.7, 41.7, 10.1

1987 218.9, 47.9, 11.4

1988 238.9, 59.5, 15.0

1989 247.3, 50.7, 15.0

1990 247.1, 39.2, 15.3

1991 237.5, 29.9, 16.6

1992 260.0, 41.1, 15.3

1993 262.3, 44.6, 16.5

1994 278.9, 43.5, 17.2

1995 287.8, 39.3, 18.2

1996 314.2, 50.8, 21.4

1997 348.2, 63.0, 23.9

1998 384.4, 59.5, 22.4

1999 393.8, 70.0, 20.1

2000 416.9, 63.1, 21.3

2001E 420.1, 58.7, 20.9

2002E 418.8, 59.6, 20.7

2005P 474.3, 66.4, 24.1

E - Estimate

P - Projection

* - Included in "All Other Fixtures" category

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce; Business Trend Analysts, Commack, N.Y.

Phone: 631-462-5454.