There comes a point in every homeowner’s journey when you look at your bathroom and realize it’s stuck in a different decade. For us, that moment came during a recent half-bath renovation. The old, almond-colored drop-in sink with its bulky, integrated countertop was functional, yes, but it completely lacked personality. It was an appliance, not a feature. We wanted to transform the space from a purely utilitarian room into a small, elegant sanctuary for guests. The goal was to find a centerpiece that would elevate the entire vanity, make the room feel more spacious, and introduce a touch of modern, sculptural beauty. The problem? Designer sinks often come with staggering price tags, turning a simple upgrade into a major investment. This challenge is what led us to explore the world of vessel sinks—specifically, the quest for a model that balanced high-end aesthetics with real-world affordability. The complications of not getting this right are significant; a cheap-looking sink can downgrade the entire renovation, while an poorly designed one can lead to constant splashing, difficult cleaning, and daily frustration.
- Modern Luxurious Styling: Add high-style to any bathroom or bar vanity with this sleek and contemporary ceramic sink bowl, which offers modern, minimalist elegance and glamour to instantly update any...
- Long-lasting Porcelain Ceramic: Crafted from high-grade ceramic, this sink is especially designed for impact-resistance. It features a stain and scratch-resistant surface to withstand everyday wear...
- Superior Glazing: Vitreous China enamel glaze isn't just stain and scratch-resistant. It boasts a stunning, brilliant shine that is delicate, yet rugged
What to Know Before Committing to a Vessel Sink
A vessel sink is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for instantly modernizing a bathroom and creating a dramatic focal point. Unlike traditional undermount or drop-in sinks that hide within the counter, a vessel sink sits proudly on top, demanding attention and defining the room’s style. Its primary benefit is aesthetic transformation, turning a simple vanity into a piece of furniture. It also allows for more flexibility in counter material and height, as you are simply placing the sink on top rather than performing a complex cutout. We’ve found that the raised height can also be more ergonomic for taller individuals, reducing the need to bend over as far.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone undertaking a bathroom remodel or building a new one, who prioritizes style and wants to make a design statement. It’s perfect for DIY enthusiasts looking for a high-impact, relatively straightforward upgrade, as well as homeowners aiming for a spa-like or boutique hotel feel in their master or guest bathrooms. However, a vessel sink might not be suitable for those with very young children who may have trouble reaching over the taller edge, or for individuals who require maximum under-counter cabinet space, as the plumbing for a vessel sink can sometimes be less compact. For those seeking a more classic, integrated look or dealing with a pre-cut countertop, a traditional drop-in or undermount sink, like the PROFLO Rockaway, might be a more fitting alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your vanity top carefully. A vessel sink needs adequate clearance from the wall to accommodate a taller vessel-style faucet, which is almost always required. The KES BVS124 Oval 16″ Vessel Sink has a 16.5″ x 13.3″ footprint, making it suitable for a range of vanity sizes, but you must ensure it doesn’t overwhelm a smaller surface or look lost on a very large one.
- Capacity/Performance: The depth of the basin is critical for functionality. A shallow vessel sink might look sleek, but it’s a recipe for splashes all over your counter. The KES BVS124 boasts an internal depth of 5.2 inches, a key performance metric designed specifically to contain water effectively during vigorous handwashing. Also, note that most vessel sinks, including this one, do not have an overflow drain, which affects your choice of drain assembly.
- Materials & Durability: Vessel sinks come in glass, stone, metal, and ceramic. Ceramic, especially high-grade porcelain with a vitreous china glaze like this model, offers a fantastic balance of durability and beauty. It’s non-porous, meaning it resists staining and bacteria growth, and it’s highly resistant to scratches and chipping from daily use, unlike some more fragile glass options.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the long-term upkeep. A sink with sharp corners can be harder to clean than one with smooth, curved lines like the KES BVS124’s oval shape. The non-porous glazed surface is designed for easy cleaning, often requiring just a quick wipe with a damp cloth. However, as we discovered, the nature of the finish can affect how water droplets behave on the surface.
While the KES BVS124 Oval 16″ Vessel Sink is an excellent choice in the ceramic category, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, especially if you’re curious about different materials, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Modern Bathroom Vessel Sink - Best Sleek European inspired modern contemporary classic design, arc beautiful, elegant and generous. Our 19"x15" white vessel sinks rectangle are widely used in home...
- CLASSY DESIGN: This 23-inch oval ceramic sink features a sleek and elegant oval design that will elevate the style of any bathroom. Its contemporary finish pairs well with both classic and modern...
- Package Included - 16.3"x13.1"x4.7"(LxWxH) bathroom vessel sink, black T304 stainless steel kitchen faucet, black pop up drain, and 25.5" cold and hot water supplying lines.
First Impressions and Key Features of the KES BVS124 Oval 16″ Vessel Sink
Our experience with the KES BVS124 Oval 16″ Vessel Sink began with the unboxing, and the first impression was one of reassuring security. KES highlights its rigorous packaging tests, and it shows. The sink arrived encased in thick, molded foam within a sturdy box, completely free of any damage—a concern many have when ordering fragile items like ceramics online. Lifting it from the box, the first thing we noticed was its substantial weight. This isn’t a flimsy, lightweight piece; it has a satisfying heft that speaks to its solid porcelain construction. Running a hand over the surface, the vitreous china glaze felt incredibly smooth and looked brilliant under the lights, with a clean, consistent white finish. The “egg shape” is aptly described; it’s a soft, organic oval that feels both modern and timeless. Compared to more generic, perfectly circular or sharply rectangular vessel sinks on the market, this gentle curvature immediately sets it apart as a more thoughtful design piece.
Advantages
- Elegant and modern egg-shape design elevates vanity aesthetics
- High-quality, heavy-duty porcelain ceramic construction feels durable
- Deep 5.2-inch basin effectively minimizes water splashing
- Exceptional value, providing a high-end look at an affordable price
Drawbacks
- Glossy finish tends to show water spots, requiring frequent wiping
- Lacks an overflow drain (a standard design choice for this style)
A Comprehensive Breakdown of the KES BVS124 in Action
A sink’s true character is revealed not on the spec sheet, but through daily interaction. From installation to the morning rush to the final wipe-down at night, we put the KES BVS124 through its paces to see if its performance lived up to its promising first impression. We focused on the core aspects that define a great vessel sink: its design impact, its material resilience, the ease of getting it up and running, and its everyday functionality.
Design and Aesthetics: A Sculptural Statement Piece
The single greatest strength of the KES BVS124 Oval 16″ Vessel Sink is its visual impact. Installing this sink instantly transformed our test vanity from a boring fixture into a deliberate piece of design. The minimalist, egg-shaped silhouette is its defining characteristic. Unlike sharp rectangular sinks that can feel severe or simple round bowls that can look generic, this oval form strikes a perfect balance. It’s soft, organic, and incredibly versatile. We paired it with a sleek, matte black tall faucet on a butcher block countertop, and the contrast was stunning. It created a focal point that felt sophisticated and intentional.
This sentiment is echoed by numerous users who found it perfect for everything from master bath new builds to powder room refreshes. One user even installed it in their tattoo shop bathroom, noting that it created an immediate “wow” factor that made the space feel like a “fancy house.” This speaks volumes about its ability to elevate its surroundings. The brilliant white finish has a beautiful sheen that catches the light, adding a sense of cleanliness and brightness to the room. At 16.5 inches wide and 13.3 inches deep, its dimensions are in a sweet spot—large enough to be fully functional and make a statement, but not so large that it overwhelms a standard 22 or 24-inch deep vanity. It’s this understated elegance that makes it such a powerful tool for any renovation project aiming for a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
Material Quality and Long-Term Durability
Looks are important, but a sink is a workhorse that has to withstand daily abuse. KES constructs this sink from high-grade porcelain ceramic and finishes it with a Vitreous China enamel glaze. In practical terms, this combination is the gold standard for bathroom fixtures. The ceramic base provides the heft and impact resistance; we found it to feel incredibly solid and sturdy, a finding confirmed by users who described it as “very sturdy and solid” with a “nice heft.” This isn’t a sink you’ll worry about easily chipping or cracking.
The Vitreous China glaze is the key to its long-term performance. This is essentially a layer of glass fused to the ceramic at a high temperature, creating a non-porous, highly durable surface. The manufacturer claims it’s stain and scratch-resistant, and in our testing, it resisted discoloration from things like toothpaste and soap. However, we did find credence in some user feedback regarding its maintenance. One reviewer noted that “water drops do show on this sink and they do not run down it the way you’d predict.” We observed the same phenomenon. Due to the high-gloss finish and the gentle slope of the basin, water droplets tend to sit on the surface rather than sheeting off completely. If left to air dry, they can leave mineral spots. Another user felt it “stains a bit too quickly.” While we didn’t experience permanent staining, it’s clear the brilliant white surface shows every stray drop of water or speck of dirt, requiring a quick daily wipe-down to maintain its pristine, out-of-the-box look. This isn’t a flaw in the material, but rather a characteristic of the glossy white finish itself—a small price to pay for its stunning appearance.
Installation and Practicality: A DIY-Friendly Upgrade
For many, the thought of plumbing work is intimidating, but the KES BVS124 Oval 16″ Vessel Sink is designed for a refreshingly simple installation. Many users celebrated how “super easy to install” it was, and our experience mirrored this. The most critical design choice here is the flat bottom. Some vessel sinks have a rounded base that can be wobbly and difficult to seal, but the KES BVS124 sits perfectly flush on the countertop. As one user aptly pointed out, the “flat bottom to get enough adhesive on for a solid fit” is a major advantage. We applied a bead of clear silicone adhesive around the base, set the sink over the pre-drilled drain hole, and it created a rock-solid, waterproof seal with no fuss.
The drain opening is a standard size, compatible with common pop-up drain assemblies. It’s crucial to remember that this is a non-overflow sink. This is a deliberate design choice common to minimalist vessel sinks, contributing to their clean, uninterrupted interior lines. This means you absolutely must purchase a “non-overflow” or “without overflow” type drain. This is a critical detail that some buyers might miss, but it’s an easy part to source. While one user mentioned not receiving all the pieces listed in the install guide, this seems to be an isolated incident, as our kit was complete and the consensus among most reviewers was that installation was “easy” and “hassle-free.” Even a professional plumber, as one user noted, had “no issues & installed it quickly.” This makes it an excellent project for a confident DIYer.
Daily Use and Maintenance: Living with the BVS124
Beyond its looks and build, a sink must function well for daily tasks. The “No Splashing Design” is a key marketing point, and we were keen to test it. The 5.2-inch internal depth is generous for a sink of this size. When paired with a properly sized vessel faucet (one where the aerator is positioned over the center of the drain), the deep bowl does an excellent job of containing water. We washed our hands and brushed our teeth without sending water flying onto the countertop, a common complaint with shallower, trendier vessel sinks. This functional depth makes it practical not just for a powder room, but for a full-service master or hall bathroom where it will see constant use. One user even joked it was “Big enough to give Coconut a bath in,” attesting to its functional volume.
As discussed in the durability section, maintenance is the one area that requires a bit of diligence. The non-porous surface is, as claimed, very easy to clean. A simple wipe with a soft, damp cloth is all that’s needed to remove soap scum or toothpaste. However, to keep it looking its absolute best and free of water spots, that wipe-down needs to become a regular habit. For us, a quick swipe with a microfiber cloth after the morning routine was enough to keep it gleaming. This is a minor trade-off, but one worth noting for those who prefer a completely hands-off, low-maintenance fixture. For anyone who appreciates a clean and sparkling bathroom, this small bit of upkeep is well worth the aesthetic reward the KES BVS124 provides.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment from other users is overwhelmingly positive, centering on a few key themes: incredible value, elegant design, and simple installation. Many reviewers express a sense of pleasant surprise, stating they “saved so much money” compared to buying a similar sink at a big-box store. Phrases like “great value for the money,” “looks great and works well,” and “the price is more than fair” appear frequently, confirming our assessment that this sink punches well above its weight class in terms of price-to-performance ratio.
The aesthetic appeal is another major point of praise. Users love the “elegant,” “modern,” and “beautiful” look of the egg-shaped bowl. The ease of installation is the third pillar of customer satisfaction, with many DIYers and even professional plumbers completing the job quickly and without issue. However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques. The most consistent piece of constructive feedback aligns perfectly with our findings: the finish shows water spots. One user gives a very helpful warning: “if you don’t want to wipe down your sink a lot, this may not be the sink for you.” Another noted it “stains a bit too quickly,” suggesting that diligence in cleaning is key. This balanced feedback provides a realistic picture: it’s a beautiful, affordable, and easy-to-install sink that requires a minor commitment to daily wiping to keep it looking pristine.
How the KES BVS124 Oval 16″ Vessel Sink Compares to the Competition
Choosing the right sink means knowing your options. The KES BVS124 Oval 16″ Vessel Sink exists in a competitive market, and how it stacks up against alternatives depends entirely on your project’s specific needs for style, function, and installation type.
1. Miligoré 16″ x 13″ Oval Ceramic Vessel Sink
- Modern luxurious styling: Add high-style to any bathroom or bar vanity with this sleek and contemporary ceramic sink bowl, which offers modern, minimalist elegance and glamour to instantly update any...
- Durable porcelain ceramic: Crafted from high-grade ceramic, this sink is especially designed for impact-resistance. It features a stain and scratch-resistant surface to withstand everyday wear and...
- Superior glazing: Vitreous China enamel glaze isn't just stain and scratch-resistant. It boasts a stunning, brilliant shine that is delicate, yet rugged.
The Miligoré vessel sink is the most direct competitor to the KES BVS124. It features nearly identical dimensions, the same modern egg shape, and a similar white ceramic construction. Functionally and aesthetically, these two sinks are almost interchangeable. For a buyer deciding between them, the choice will likely come down to subtle brand preferences, current pricing, or availability. If you are committed to the soft, oval vessel sink design, the Miligoré is an excellent alternative to cross-shop. It serves as a confirmation that this particular style and size offers a winning combination of form and function that multiple brands have sought to perfect.
2. PROFLO Rockaway 19″ Drop In Bathroom Sink
- Constructed of vitreous china
- Drop In installation
- Sink comes pre-drilled with 3 faucet holes for faucets with 4" faucet centers
The PROFLO Rockaway represents a completely different approach to bathroom sinks. As a traditional drop-in model, it’s designed to be recessed into the countertop, not sit on top of it. This alternative is ideal for someone who is replacing an old drop-in sink and doesn’t want to change their countertop or faucet configuration. It includes an overflow drain, a feature missing from the KES vessel sink, which can provide peace of mind for some users. Choose the PROFLO Rockaway if your priority is function over high-fashion, you need to work with an existing countertop cutout, or you simply prefer the classic, integrated look of a traditional bathroom sink.
3. Ufaucet 16×12 Rectangle Ceramic Vessel Sink
- [Durable & Long Lasting] - Vitreous China Craftsmanship, Made from high-fired vitreous china, this basin is exceptionally hard, chip-resistant, and built to withstand daily wear. Its thermal stability...
- [Premium Glazed Surface] - Effortless Cleaning & Stain Resistance, Our high gloss ceramic glaze creates an ultra-smooth, non-porous barrier that repels soap scum, toothpaste residue, and hard water...
- [Easy to install] - Rectangular above counter bathroom sink, allows you use your bathroom sink soon after receiving it. Dimension: 15.94"x12.2"x5.31", US standard 1.77”drain opening.
This Ufaucet sink is for the homeowner who loves the concept of a vessel sink but prefers a more architectural, geometric aesthetic. While the KES BVS124 is defined by its soft curves, the Ufaucet model offers clean lines and sharp, 90-degree angles. It creates a distinctly different, arguably more assertively modern, vibe. The choice between the two is purely a matter of design preference. If your bathroom decor features square fixtures, linear tiles, and a minimalist grid-like design, the Ufaucet rectangular sink would be a more cohesive fit. If your style leans more towards organic, transitional, or spa-like themes, the softer oval of the KES BVS124 would be the superior choice.
Our Final Verdict: Is the KES BVS124 Oval 16″ Vessel Sink the Right Choice for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the KES BVS124 Oval 16″ Vessel Sink is a fantastic product that delivers tremendous value. It succeeds brilliantly in its primary mission: to provide a high-impact, modern aesthetic upgrade without the typical designer price tag. Its solid ceramic construction feels durable and substantial, the elegant egg-shape design is a genuine showstopper, and the deep basin is thoughtfully engineered to be as practical as it is beautiful. The straightforward, flat-bottomed installation makes it an accessible project for DIYers and a quick job for professionals.
The only significant caveat is the maintenance required to keep the glossy finish free of water spots. This is less a flaw and more a characteristic of the style, but it’s an important consideration for your lifestyle. If you’re looking for a sink that will dramatically elevate the look of your bathroom, serve as a stunning centerpiece for your vanity, and provide excellent daily function, this sink is an outstanding choice. For anyone undertaking a bathroom renovation on a realistic budget, it offers one of the best returns on investment you can find.
If you’re ready to transform your bathroom with a piece that perfectly blends sculptural beauty and everyday practicality, we highly recommend the KES BVS124 Oval 16″ Vessel Sink, which you can check out online right now.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API