For an undermount black sink, the Kohler Cairn K-8206-CM1 is a strong pick; to replace a 33 × 22-inch drop-in, choose the Kohler Kennon K-8437-1-CM1 or the Kraus KGD-54BLACK, which includes the drain. All three are composite, colored through, and need a 36-inch base cabinet.
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This guide covers black and matte black kitchen sinks.
Black kitchen sinks compared
| Sink | Mount and size (maker) | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|
| Kohler Cairn K-8206-CM1 | Undermount, 33-1/2 in., 9-1/2 in. deep | A stone or quartz counter and a clean undermount look |
| Kohler Kennon K-8437-1-CM1 | Top-mount or undermount, 33 × 22 in. | Replacing a 33 × 22 drop-in, or you want either option |
| Kraus Forteza KGD-54BLACK | Drop-in or undermount, 33 × 22 in., drain included | You want the drain and accessories in the box |
Most black kitchen sinks are composite: crushed stone or quartz bound in resin, colored all the way through. Because the color goes all the way through, a light surface scratch does not reveal a different color underneath, as it can on a coated sink. Kohler calls its material Neoroc; Kraus calls its quartz composite granite.
Kohler Cairn K-8206-CM1: undermount
Choose the Kohler Cairn K-8206-CM1 for an undermount install. Kohler lists (resources.kohler.com) a 33-1/2-inch single-bowl undermount sink in Neoroc composite, 9-1/2 inches deep, with an offset drain, an included sink rack, cutout templates and installation clips, and a 36-inch minimum base cabinet. Kohler says Neoroc is solid color throughout, heat resistant up to 750°F, and scratch, stain, chip and thermal shock resistant.
Kohler lists a drain or disposal flange as a required accessory, so budget for one. Kohler lists a lifetime limited warranty for Neoroc sinks. On October 15, 2026, the standard new offer sold by Amazon.com showed stock with part 8206-CM1 (Matte Black).
Check Kohler Cairn K-8206-CM1 undermount sink in Matte Black on Amazon →
Kohler Kennon K-8437-1-CM1: top-mount or undermount
Choose the Kohler Kennon K-8437-1-CM1 if you are replacing a standard 33 × 22-inch drop-in sink. Kohler lists (resources.kohler.com) a 33 × 22-inch single-bowl Neoroc sink for top-mount or undermount installation in a 36-inch base cabinet, 9-1/2 inches deep, with one faucet hole plus three knockouts you can open with a ball-peen hammer and punch, an included bottom rack and cutout templates.
On October 15, 2026, the standard new offer from Buildcom showed stock with part 8437-1-CM1.
Check Kohler Kennon K-8437-1-CM1 sink in Matte Black on Amazon →
Kraus Forteza KGD-54BLACK: drain included
Choose the Kraus KGD-54BLACK for a complete kit. Kraus lists (kraususa.com) a 33 × 22 × 9-5/8-inch quartz composite single-bowl sink that installs as drop-in or undermount, a 29 × 16-3/8 × 9-inch bowl, a 36-inch minimum cabinet, one pre-drilled faucet hole plus four drill guide holes, an offset drain, and a stainless drain assembly, silicone mitt, trivet, mounting hardware and template in the box. Kraus says it is heat safe up to 500°F and colored all the way through.
On October 15, 2026, the standard new offer sold by Amazon.com showed stock with model KGD-54BLACK.
Check Kraus Forteza KGD-54BLACK black granite sink on Amazon →
Undermount or drop-in?
Undermount sinks hang below a stone or solid-surface counter, so you can wipe crumbs straight in. Drop-in, or top-mount, sinks sit on top of the counter and work with laminate. The Kohler Kennon and Kraus Forteza do either; the Cairn is undermount only. Our undermount vs drop-in guide covers the trade-offs, and our undermount sink adhesive guide covers what holds an undermount sink in place.
Faucet holes and the drain
Check how many faucet holes you need before you order. The Kennon has one hole plus three knockouts, and the Kraus has one hole plus four drill guides. The Cairn is undermount, so the faucet goes in the counter instead. Our kitchen faucet hole guide explains layouts, and a black or matte black faucet completes the look; see our black kitchen faucet guide.
Check the drain opening on each maker’s drawing; the Kohler sheets show a 1-1/2-inch OD tailpiece connection below the drain. Kraus includes a drain; for the Kohler sinks, our basket strainer guide covers drains, and a disposal flange replaces it if you run a disposal.
Living with a black sink
Dark surfaces show light-colored mineral spots and soap film more than they show dirt. Wipe the sink dry after use in hard-water areas, and clean it with the products the maker approves; Kohler lists its own Neoroc cleaner as a recommended accessory. Avoid harsh abrasive pads unless the maker says they are safe.
Composite sinks resist heat, but both makers give limits: Kohler lists 750°F for Neoroc and Kraus 500°F for its quartz composite. Use a trivet or rack under very hot pans anyway; Kraus includes a trivet.
Running a garbage disposal
All three sinks can take a disposal with the right flange. Kohler lists its K-11352 disposal flange with stopper as an option for both Neoroc sinks, and Kraus sells some of its granite sinks bundled with a disposal. Kraus also says its quartz composite is naturally sound-absorbing, which helps quiet dishes and a disposal.
Composite sinks are heavier than stainless, so support the disposal properly and follow the disposal maker’s mounting instructions. Our disposal flange guide covers flanges and how they seal.
Installing a composite sink
Use the maker’s cutout template; all three include one. Undermount sinks are held by clips and adhesive under a stone or solid-surface counter, and the counter fabricator usually makes the cut and polishes the edge. Kohler describes the Cairn as a one-person, single-day project with its included clips, but a 33-inch composite sink is heavy and awkward, so a helper makes it easier and safer.
For a drop-in, run a bead of the sealant the maker calls for under the rim and tighten the clips evenly so the sink sits flat. Let the sealant cure before you load the sink with water or dishes.
Single bowl or double bowl is the other big choice. All three picks here are single bowls, which fit large pans; if you prefer separate wash and rinse sides, Kohler also sells the Cairn as a 33-inch double-bowl model (K-8204) in Matte Black. Check the bowl depth too; all three picks here are about 9 to 9-1/2 inches deep, which handles large pots without too much splashing.
Sizing and cabinet fit
All three sinks list a 36-inch minimum base cabinet. A 33-inch sink is the common replacement size, but measure the inside of the cabinet and the existing counter cutout before ordering. Our kitchen sink guide covers more sizes and materials, and our sink materials guide compares composite with stainless and fireclay.
Frequently asked questions
Are black kitchen sinks hard to keep clean?
They show light mineral spots and soap film more than dirt. Wipe dry after use and use the maker’s approved cleaner.
What are black kitchen sinks made of?
Usually composite: crushed stone or quartz in resin, colored all the way through. Kohler calls its version Neoroc; Kraus uses quartz composite.
Can a black composite sink take hot pans?
Within limits. Kohler lists heat resistance up to 750°F for Neoroc and Kraus 500°F for its sink; a trivet is still a good idea.
Do these sinks include a drain?
The Kraus KGD-54BLACK includes a drain assembly. Kohler lists a drain or disposal flange as a required or recommended accessory.
What cabinet size do they need?
All three list a 36-inch minimum base cabinet.
How we chose
This document-based guide makes no hands-on testing claim. We read Kohler’s spec sheets for the Cairn K-8206 and Kennon K-8437-1 and Kraus’s product page for the KGD-54BLACK. Heat and durability statements are the makers’ own. On October 15, 2026, all three linked standard new offers showed stock. Read our selection method and about Plumbing Picks.
Primary sources
- Kohler Cairn K-8206 spec sheet (resources.kohler.com): undermount, size, depth, Neoroc properties, required drain, cabinet.
- Kohler Kennon K-8437-1 spec sheet (resources.kohler.com): top/undermount, 33×22, holes and knockouts, rack, cabinet.
- Kraus KGD-54BLACK product page (kraususa.com): dimensions, dual mount, holes, kit contents, heat limit.