Get the Kohler Kennon (10.0): it drops in or mounts under, has a 9-1/2 in. bowl and a rack. For undermount only, the Cairn (8.6). The Karran QU-812 (7.1) has no rack. All three need a 36 in. base cabinet.
Top pick: Kohler KennonSee today’s price on Amazon
All three are single-bowl black composite sinks for a 36 in. base cabinet. Scored on the same seven checks from the makers’ spec sheets, read Oct 24, 2026. I’ve used these picks.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Which black sink fits your kitchen
Enter your base cabinet width, how the sink mounts, and whether you want a rack in the box. The checker uses the makers’ sheets.
The cabinet is the first gate. Kohler lists a 36 in. minimum base cabinet for both the Cairn and the Kennon, and for the Kennon in either mounting style. Karran lists 36 in. for the QU-812. If your sink base is 33 in., none of these three is the sink.
The mounting style is the second. An undermount sink hangs under a cut stone, quartz or solid-surface counter. A top-mount sink drops into a hole and its rim sits on the counter. Of these three, only the Kennon is listed for both.
PlumbingPicks spec score out of 10, from Kohler’s and Karran’s spec sheets, read Oct 24, 2026. It is not a customer rating or our own test.
Best for replacing a drop-in
Kohler Kennon K-8437-1
CM1 33 in. top-/undermount single-bowl kitchen sink, Matte Black
33 × 22 in.9-1/2 in. deep3-7/8 in. drain750°FLifetime limited
Buy it if
You’re replacing a 33 by 22 in. drop-in sink, or you want the option to mount it under a new counter.
Skip it if
You want an undermount sink with more rack length; the Cairn’s rack is longer.
The Kennon is my top pick, and I’ve used it. It scored 10.0, passing all seven checks.
Kohler’s spec sheet calls it a 33 in. top-/undermount single-bowl kitchen sink. The rim measures 33 by 22 in., and the basin is 31-1/8 by 16-15/16 in. and 9-1/2 in. deep. Kohler lists a 36 in. minimum base cabinet for undermount or top-mount installation, and cutout templates are included.
It comes with one faucet hole and the option of three more. Kohler says the extra holes are knockouts you open with a ball-peen hammer and punch, so you can match a faucet with a side sprayer or soap dispenser. The drawing puts the faucet hole 2-1/16 in. from the back edge.
The material is Kohler’s Neoroc composite. The sheet says it’s solid color throughout, heat-resistant up to 750°F, and scratch-, stain-, chip- and thermal-shock-resistant. Kohler lists the sink under CSA B45.5/IAPMO Z124, the standard for plastic plumbing fixtures.
The drain hole is 3-7/8 in., and Kohler’s drawing places it off center, to the right of the faucet hole line. Kohler recommends its K-8801 sink drain and strainer with tailpiece, or the K-11352 disposal flange with stopper; neither is listed as included.
One note on the rack. The sheet’s feature list says both “Includes sink rack” and “Sink rack available (sold separately)”. Its Included Components section lists one K-6109 large stainless rack, 17-3/4 by 15-9/16 in. I scored it as included, but check the box when it arrives.
The warranty is Kohler’s Neoroc Sinks Lifetime Limited Warranty, per the sheet, with details on Kohler’s website. Kohler offers the Kennon in Matte Black and Matte Grey only. The drawing shows a 5/16 in. thick rim and an overall height of 10-1/8 in.
Best for an undermount with a rack
Kohler Cairn K-8206
CM1 33-1/2 in. undermount single-bowl kitchen sink with sink rack, Matte Black
33-1/2 × 18-5/16 in.9-1/2 in. deep3-7/8 in. drain750°FLifetime limited
Buy it if
You’re putting in a stone or solid-surface counter and want an undermount sink with a rack in the box.
Skip it if
You’re dropping a sink into an existing laminate top; the Cairn is undermount only.
The Cairn is Kohler’s undermount version of the same idea, and I’ve used it. It scored 8.6, losing only the dual-mount check.
Kohler’s sheet gives an outside size of 33-1/2 by 18-5/16 in. and a basin of 30-9/16 by 15-3/8 in., 9-1/2 in. deep. It needs a 36 in. minimum base cabinet. The sheet lists undermount installation only, with cutout templates and installation clips included.
The drain is offset. Kohler’s drawing puts the 3-7/8 in. drain hole 6-13/16 in. from the right edge and 9-1/8 in. from the back, and its feature list says the offset drain increases workspace in the sink and storage space underneath.
Unlike the Kennon’s sheet, the Cairn’s is consistent about the rack: it includes one K-5196 large stainless steel sink rack, 19-1/2 by 14 in. That’s the longest of the three racks here, since Karran doesn’t include one with the QU-812.
The material is the same Neoroc composite as the Kennon, solid color throughout and heat-resistant up to 750°F, per Kohler. It’s listed under CSA B45.5/IAPMO Z124.
Kohler’s installation notes ask for a minimum of 2 in. of clearance around the sink rim for clip attachment, and describe the job as a one-person, single-day project. Plan the cabinet and counter cutout with that clearance in mind. The drawing shows the sink 10-1/8 in. tall overall.
Kohler offers the Cairn in Matte Black, White, Graphite, Brown, Taupe and Grey. The warranty is the Neoroc Sinks Lifetime Limited Warranty.
The sheet’s recommended accessories show what you’ll add: the K-23730 Neoroc cleaner, a K-8801 drain and strainer or K-11352 disposal flange, and a K-9000 adjustable P-trap with a 1-1/2 in. tubing outlet. The drawing dimensions the 1-1/2 in. outside-diameter outlet 15-1/2 in. below the rim.
Best for a rear drain
Karran QU-812
BL 32-3/8 in. undermount large single-bowl quartz composite kitchen sink, Black
32-3/8 × 19-1/4 in.9 in. deep3-5/8 in. drain535°FLimited lifetime
Buy it if
You want an undermount black sink with the drain at the back of the bowl.
Skip it if
You want a rack included, or a sink that can drop in.
The Karran QU-812 is a plain, deep undermount sink, and I’ve used it. It scored 7.1, losing the rack and dual-mount checks.
Karran’s spec sheet lists an overall size of 32-3/8 by 19-1/4 by 9-5/8 in. and a bowl of 30 by 16-3/4 in., 9 in. deep. It needs a 36 in. minimum cabinet. A template and clips are included.
The material is 80% quartz and 20% acrylic resin, with a matte finish. Karran’s sheet says it’s heat safe up to 535°F and resists stain, scratch, abrasion and impact. It’s cUPC listed.
The drain is the difference. Karran lists the drain location as rear, and its drawing puts the 3-5/8 in. drain 6-1/8 in. from the back edge, centered side to side. Karran’s listing says rear placement frees up workspace and storage under the sink.
The warranty is Karran’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, for the original purchaser and starting on the install date. Read the limits, though: the warranty doesn’t cover damage from heat, from installation that doesn’t follow Karran’s instructions, or gloss reduction, scratching and staining of the finish.
Karran’s care guide is direct about dark sinks: rinse well and dry the sink after every use, particularly darker colors. It also says not to set hot pots directly on the sink and not to use it as a cutting board.
Karran stocks the QU-812 in Black, Bisque, Concrete, White, Grey and Brown. There’s no rack listed for the plain QU-812; Karran sells kit versions separately.
Karran’s install guide says a paper template comes with the sink and a DXF file can be downloaded for a CNC machine, which helps a countertop shop cut the opening. It also says to use quality silicone with the supplied clips in any countertop material.
The Kohler Cairn installed under a stone counter, with its stainless rack. Product photo: Amazon
Heat ratings and what the warranties say
Sink
Heat rating on the sheet
What the care or warranty text adds
Kohler Kennon
Up to 750°F
Thermal-shock-resistant, per Kohler
Kohler Cairn
Up to 750°F
Thermal-shock-resistant, per Kohler
Karran QU-812
Up to 535°F
Care guide: don’t place hot pots directly on the sink; warranty excludes damage from heat
Karran’s care guide says to let hot pots cool before they touch the sink, and its warranty excludes any damage due to or resulting from heat.
Kohler’s sheets list the higher number, 750°F, and call Neoroc thermal-shock-resistant. My call: let pans cool before they go in any composite sink.
Keeping a black sink looking black
Problem
What Karran’s care guide says
Daily residue and water spots
Water, a non-abrasive cleaner and a cloth, then rinse and dry after every use
Metal marks from pots and cutlery
A melamine sponge such as a Magic Eraser, then soap and water
Lime scale
Vinegar diluted 50% with water for 20 minutes, or a lime and rust remover, then rinse and dry
Stubborn stains
Bar Keepers Friend and a soft scouring pad, or 1 part bleach to at least 1 part water for an hour
Avoid
Abrasive pads and powders, strong alkalis like ammonia and caustic soda, drain cleaner on the surface
Karran’s guide calls rinsing and drying after every use the most important regular cleaning tip, particularly with darker colored sinks, and it treats lime scale from calcium deposits as its own cleaning job. It also sells an oil-based cleaner, Luster Pro, for extra shine.
Kohler lists its own K-23730 Neoroc cleaner as a recommended accessory on both sheets. If you have hard water, see hard water signs and fixes before the spots set in.
Drain size and placement
Sink
Drain hole
Placement
What the maker recommends
Kohler Kennon
3-7/8 in.
Off center, right of the faucet line
K-8801 drain and strainer, or K-11352 disposal flange
Kohler Cairn
3-7/8 in.
Offset, 6-13/16 in. from the right edge
K-8801 drain and strainer, or K-11352 disposal flange
Karran QU-812
3-5/8 in.
Rear, 6-1/8 in. from the back edge
Not listed on the spec sheet
None of the three lists a drain or strainer as included, so plan to buy one. Kohler names its matching strainer and disposal flange on both sheets, lists a K-8799 strainer basket without a tailpiece, plus a K-9000 adjustable P-trap with a 1-1/2 by 1-1/2 in. tubing outlet.
An off-center or rear drain leaves a clear spot in the bowl for stacking dishes and moves the trap away from the middle of the cabinet. For the plumbing under the sink, see kitchen sink leaking underneath.
The Karran QU-812 installed under a stone counter, with its rear drain. Product photo: Amazon
The warranty fine print
Term
Kohler (Kennon, Cairn)
Karran (QU-812)
Name on the sheet
Neoroc Sinks Lifetime Limited Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Who it covers
Details on Kohler’s website
Original purchaser only; not transferable
Starts
Details on Kohler’s website
On the date the sink is installed in its original home
How to claim
Details on Kohler’s website
Notify Karran in writing or by phone with proof of purchase; inspection by photo or video
Remedy
Details on Kohler’s website
Repair or replacement; if replaced, up to $300 toward installation, at Karran’s option
Not covered
Details on Kohler’s website
Heat damage, misuse, installation not per instructions, finish dulling, scratches and stains
Karran’s warranty has one more rule worth knowing before you choose a counter. If a replacement is needed and the sink was undermounted with a silicone bond, the replacement may be another undermount sink. If it was hard-seamed into the counter, Karran says the replacement will be one of its top-mount sinks.
Kohler’s sheets name the warranty but point to Kohler’s website for the terms, so read them there before you buy. Keep your receipt either way; Karran asks for proof of purchase and date with any claim.
Karran’s process is spelled out: you notify it promptly after finding a defect, by email, phone or mail, and it inspects the claimed defect from photos or video you send. If it finds a covered defect, it repairs or replaces the sink within 30 days of that inspection, at its choice. Damage from adjacent materials, impacts, or changes made after installation without Karran’s written approval isn’t covered.
What installation involves
1
Check the cabinet
36 in. minimum for all three sinks.
2
Cut the counter
Use the template in the box.
3
Leave clip room
Kohler asks 2 in. around the Cairn’s rim.
4
Seal and clip
Karran: quality silicone plus the supplied clips.
5
Fit the drain
Strainer or disposal flange, sold separately.
6
Connect the trap
Then test for leaks before loading the cabinet.
Karran’s install guide says to inspect the sink for damage before installing, to handle it carefully because quartz sinks are heavy, and to follow local codes. It says the sink is likely to perform best installed by a licensed professional, and that skipping its instructions may void the warranty. The guide adds that specialized tools may be needed with wood, marble or granite counters.
My call: plan an undermount sink with your countertop shop, since the opening is cut to the template in the box. A top-mount sink like the Kennon can replace an old drop-in if the counter hole fits its 33 by 22 in. rim.
The numbers to give your countertop shop
Measurement
Kohler Kennon
Kohler Cairn
Karran QU-812
Outside length × width
33 × 22 in.
33-1/2 × 18-5/16 in.
32-3/8 × 19-1/4 in.
Overall height
10-1/8 in.
10-1/8 in.
9-5/8 in.
Bowl length × width
31-1/8 × 16-15/16 in.
30-9/16 × 15-3/8 in.
30 × 16-3/4 in.
Bowl depth
9-1/2 in.
9-1/2 in.
9 in.
Drain hole
3-7/8 in.
3-7/8 in.
3-5/8 in.
Drain center from back edge
12-7/16 in.
9-1/8 in.
6-1/8 in.
Template included
Yes
Yes, plus clips
Yes, plus clips
Those figures come from each maker’s drawing. The drain position matters under the sink: the closer the drain sits to the back, the more open floor you keep in front of the trap for a trash pull-out or cleaning supplies. The Karran’s drain is the closest to the back of the three.
Depth matters too. My call: a 9 to 9-1/2 in. bowl puts the drain outlet lower than a shallow sink, so check that a garbage disposal and trap still clear the cabinet floor and the wall drain. Kohler’s drawings show the drain outlet 15-1/2 in. below the rim for both of its sinks.
Color, finish and what solid color means
Sink
Finish on the sheet
Colors offered
Kohler Kennon
Matte; solid color throughout
Matte Black, Matte Grey
Kohler Cairn
Matte; solid color throughout
Matte Black, White, Graphite, Brown, Taupe, Grey
Karran QU-812
Matte
Black, Bisque, Concrete, White, Grey, Brown
Kohler’s sheets say Neoroc is solid color throughout the sink, so a scratch shows the same color underneath rather than a different layer. Karran’s sheet lists a matte finish and a mix of quartz and resin, and its warranty treats gloss reduction, scratching and staining of the finish as not covered.
If you think you might want a lighter sink later, the Cairn and Karran each come in six colors from the same drawing, so a counter cut for one color fits another. Kohler’s sheets note their color tiles are for reference only, so see a real sample before you choose.
Scores 7.1 on the same checks (top-mount only, no rack), per Karran’s QT-812 sheet; the Kennon covers drop-in installs at 10.0
Unbranded import sinks
No maker spec sheets
Scores here come only from what a maker publishes. Where the maker’s own sheet for the exact model couldn’t be read on Oct 24, 2026, the sink was left out rather than scored from its Amazon listing, and it isn’t linked. For workstation sinks with ledges and accessories, see best workstation kitchen sink.
How to choose
If you…
Pick
Are replacing a 33 × 22 in. drop-in
Kohler Kennon
Want undermount with a rack included
Kohler Cairn
Want the drain at the back
Karran QU-812
Want the highest heat rating
Either Kohler (750°F)
Want a color other than black later
Cairn or Karran (six colors each)
Measure the cabinet, then decide how the sink mounts. That rules sinks in or out faster than color or features.
Questions people ask
What is the best black kitchen sink?
The Kohler Kennon: top-mount or undermount, 9-1/2 in. deep, with a rack listed as included.
Rinse and dry it after every use, as Karran’s care guide says for darker colors.
Can you put a hot pan in a composite sink?
Kohler rates Neoroc to 750°F; Karran says let pots cool and excludes heat damage.
What size cabinet does a black kitchen sink need?
All three here list a 36 in. minimum base cabinet.
Can a black composite sink be top-mounted?
The Kohler Kennon can; the Cairn and Karran QU-812 are undermount only.
Do these sinks come with a drain?
No; none lists a drain or strainer as included.
What is Kohler Neoroc?
Kohler’s composite, solid color throughout and heat-resistant to 750°F, per its sheets.
What is the Karran sink made of?
80% quartz and 20% acrylic resin, per Karran’s spec sheet.
Is the Karran warranty transferable?
No; it covers the original purchaser only.
How I pick and score
Why trust me
I’m Isaac Daniels, a licensed journeyman plumber in Georgia (license #JP507711), and I’ve used these picks. Every spec here comes from Kohler’s and Karran’s spec sheets, warranty, care and install documents, read on Oct 24, 2026.
How I pick
Single-bowl black composite kitchen sinks for a 36 in. base cabinet.
New and in stock on Amazon, brand and model matching the maker’s sheet, Oct 24, 2026.
Each scored on the same seven checks below; every pick reaches 7.0.
Prices come from Amazon’s API with the time they were read.
Check (pass = 1)
Where it comes from
Heat rating of 500°F or more published
Spec sheet
Bowl depth 9 in. or more
Spec sheet
Sink rack included
Spec sheet, Included Components
Lifetime limited warranty
Spec sheet
Plumbing standard or listing named
Spec sheet (CSA/IAPMO or cUPC)
Top-mount or undermount
Spec sheet, installation
Off-center drain (offset or rear)
Spec sheet drawing
Each sink earns one point per check it passes on its maker’s sheet; seven points is a 10.0, and the result is rounded half up. That’s the PlumbingPicks spec score for sinks. It isn’t a customer rating, an Amazon rating or a hands-on test, and a sink that publishes less can’t earn more.
Sources
Kohler, spec sheets for Kennon K-8437-1, Cairn K-8206 and Billings K-33710 (techcomm.kohler.com, dated Oct 2026).
Karran USA, QU-812 product specification (REV 06-2025), Limited Lifetime Sink Warranty (2024), quartz care and maintenance guide (4/2025) and undermount quartz installation guide (REV 01/29/2026), karran.com.
Amazon product data for B01MF754ZB, B01BBP3XKG, B09K2Q6RN5 and the left-out listings, read through the Creators API on Oct 24, 2026.
