How to choose a sink for the kitchen in terms of economy, design and durability, taking into account the size of the kitchen and the frequency of use? Let's figure it out in order.
Step 1. Choose the shape and size of the
The first thing to do before going to the store is to first determine the shape and size of the sink for the kitchen.
- Square
Main dimensions : 50x50 cm, 60x60 cm.
Characteristic : comfortable for washing dishes, roomy, familiar, the range of square sinks is most diverse in design, in functionality, and in size.
- Rectangular
Basic dimensions : 55x50, 50x80, 50x100, 50x125, and others.
Characteristic : comfortable, suitable for narrow worktops, but keep in mind that rectangular bowls located along the long side across the worktop may be less convenient, but they should be kept in mind that rectangular bowls located along the long side across the worktop may be less convenient, but they should be kept in mind that rectangular bowls located along the long side across the worktop may be less convenient, but they should be kept in mind.
- Round
diameters: 45-51 cm.
Characteristic : it is much more convenient to wash round sinks due to the absence of corners, they are larger than rectangular ones, but most often they have no additional sections.
Separately select non-standard forms:
- Triangular( angular) - ideal if you need to save space.
- Pentagonal and hexagonal - the most modern form, formed by the lateral wings, spacious, can be mounted in the corner or along the wall. Suitable for large kitchens.
Important:
- The main rule: the size of the bowl should be such that the distance from its sides to the wall, the edge of the tabletop and / or sidewalls of the cupboard is not less than 5 cm;
- The optimum bowl depth: 16-20 cm is the golden mean, because:
- deeper sinks will be inconvenient - in the process of washing dishes have to bend. They are only good if you often need to wash baking trays, take water in deep containers and wash very large pots;
- sinks with a bowl depth of less than 15 cm are also inconvenient, as water is sprayed from them.
- Very often, small sinks that are placed in small kitchens compensate for their small size with the depth of the bowl.
Step 2. Compare: stainless steel, ceramics and artificial stone
The following types of kitchen sinks are available:
- Stainless steel sinks
Feature : Stainless steel( nickel alloy) kitchen sinks are best selling. They fit well in any interior, are inexpensive, lightweight and resistant to corrosion and mechanical damage. Stainless steel models are mirrored( polished), matte and textured, slightly rough.
Tip: it is better to choose a sink with a rough surface, since there are less visible scratches on it, but such options are more expensive.
Cons:
- stainless steel sinks are the most “noisy”, but you can install a special noise absorbing substrate at the bottom on the reverse side;
- stainless steel, especially matte and mirror, is badly scratched.
How to choose a stainless steel kitchen sink?
- Going to the store, take a magnet with you. By attaching it to the sink, you can determine the quality of the material.
- The lighter and thinner the wash, the faster it will become unusable. The minimum allowable thickness of a stainless steel is 0.12 mm, but this option is more suitable for giving or in case you rarely wash dishes. If you want the sink to serve for a long time and better “sit” on the tabletop, look for stainless steel sinks with a thickness of 2-3 mm. In addition, a heavy mixer can be installed only on such a sink.
- Stainless steel kitchen sinks are seamless( made from 1 steel sheet, so the seam is not visible) and welded( have a seam, and therefore worse in quality).
Separately, we distinguish enameled sinks - they are somewhat worse in terms of performance than stainless steel options, they do not take shock loads badly - because of them the enamel can be broken off, as a result of which the corrosion process in the steel base will begin. At the same time, they are budget and can look quite nice, so for a country house you can hardly find a better option.
- Ceramic is a base of earthenware or porcelain with a protective enameled layer.
Enamel does not oxidize and does not scratch, and can also be made in different colors and even drawings. And these sinks better fit the classic kitchens, country-style and retro interiors. But they are an order of magnitude more expensive, heavier than all the other washes, they are not shock resistant and require professional installation.
- Made of artificial stone , to be more exact, of granite chips and acrylic( there are also sinks made of quartz sand and artificial marble).
Such sinks are easy to clean, much less noisy than stainless steel sinks, look good, wear-resistant, impact-resistant, can be made in 10 colors, which means you can pick up a sink that is close in color to the countertop.
But they also have disadvantages - they are afraid of hot, for example, hot pans and dyeing products like beets. In addition, they are relatively more expensive.
See more: Kitchen sink made of artificial stone - 8 tips for choosing
Step 3. Decide how many sections you need: one or more?
- With one bowl, the simplest - for small work areas.
- With two to four bowls - functional and roomy.
- With side wings for drying. By the way, the wings provide additional protection for the tabletop, and in general, washing with them is more convenient. Even if you have a very small kitchen, try to get a sink with at least a small wing as in the photo below.
Tip: if two or three-section washers do not suit you for one reason or another, just buy a special bucket for washing vegetables.
Step 4. Select a sink according to the installation method - delivery note, mortise, subdolding or built-in
Classify products by the installation method. Models made of stainless steel, stone, ceramics or polymers( both single and double) are:
- - mounted on the cabinet on the principle of cover. Ideal for modular furniture.
- Mortise - protrude above the working surface, mounted directly on the worktop, for which a hole is cut in it in advance.
- Built into the level with the worktop, the is a rare type of sink, they are installed only by professionals and are more expensive.
- Underhead desktops - recessed below the countertop. This method of installation provides hygiene and ease of operation, washing look beautiful, but they are more expensive than others;
Step 5. Choose accessories
Today you can choose not only the appropriate model of the sink, but also accessories for the kitchen sink. It can be: an additional tap, a filter module for cleaning and getting drinking water, as well as a dispenser( an electrical device that grinds the remains of products falling into the drain), an automatic bottom valve, or just a colander for double washing, boards, buckets and dryers.
The plot about how to choose a sink for the kitchen, you can alsosee the following video:
Read also:
- Everything about the size of the kitchen sink
- Choosing a kitchen faucet
- Installing a kitchen sink - instructions, tips, video
- Corner kitchen sink - choosing and installing
