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.