There aren’t many items around your home that are used as often as the kitchen sink. It has several purposes, so no wonder why it’s used every day, several times a day.
So, it’s only natural to think that selecting your kitchen sink is one of the most important choices you’ll make when it comes to equipping your home. The right choice of the sink will save up a lot of your time, make you more productive and possibly even reduce your bill.
Before you venture out to find the perfect sink, there are a couple of things you should know.
Types of sinks
You should be aware of all the available types of sinks and its advantages and disadvantages in regards to the available space in the kitchen and your personal needs.
Under-mount sink
It’s installed below a countertop, so the sink drops down. What’s good about this type is that it’s possible to wipe a surface down into the sink. It’s also compatible with solid materials usually used for countertops, such as marble, granite, and concrete while there’s also a wide offer of durable models.
Unfortunately, if your counter is made of tiles or laminate, it won’t be able to support this type of sink.
Top Mount or Drop-In
This type is installed in a hole in the countertop, so there’s no need for any interior support. On the other hand, this type of sink is pretty hard to clean, which can be annoying on an everyday basis.
Integrated Sinks
They have been constantly gaining in popularity because they are highly functional. The reason behind this is that they have been made from the same material as the countertop.
Apron-front, or farmhouse sinks
They’re still the favourite choice of many households because of their appeal. They can easily become the focal point of the kitchen, especially if you manage to install them under the kitchen window. However, its installation requires some special considerations, as well as a specific type of cabinet.
Number of bowls
Available space on the countertop will determine the number of bowls you because it also determines the size and the depth of the sink. Traditional sinks have two bowls but a single bowl sink is perfect for small kitchens, making them more functional.
On the other hand, double bowls give you the opportunity to customize the space. For example, if you include large pots and pans in your hand-washing, then at least one of the bowls should be oversized. You can combine one oversized and one small-sized bowl or you can go with two standard-sized ones.
It’s interesting to notice that even though the majority of Australian households, for example, have a dishwasher, many of them hand-wash most of their dishes. In other words, popular kitchen sinks in Sydney and other Australian cities usually have two bowls of different sizes.
The right material
Of course, every sink gets wear and tear throughout the course of time but some do it more quickly than others. The material you choose will have the greatest role in it.
Stainless steel sinks
They have been one of the most popular choices for decades, as the material is constantly improved in some way. the new sinks made of stainless steel are less noisy but thicker than the older models. The chromium and nickel parts in modern stainless-steel sinks bring a specific glow and also add corrosion resistance. When it comes to finishes, you can choose a wide range from a satin lustre to a mirror-like shine.
This material is attractive because it’s affordable, durable and pretty easy to clean. Still, water spots and scratches can be unsightly while the cheaper versions can be very noisy.
Cast-iron kitchen sinks
This is actually enamel fired on an iron form, which makes them durable and quieter than other materials. They also come in a wide range of colours, making it easier for them to fit into the kitchen. However, they are pretty complicated to install.
Composite sinks
They can be made of granite, quartz or other materials that have been mixed with acrylic- or polyester-resin base. They come in speckled colours, which make them highly attractive, they are very durable, resistant to scratches and stains and easy to clean. On the other hand, they are quite expensive, too
Vitreous china
This material was originally used for bathrooms but it’s now used for kitchen sinks. The material made of glazed clay is hard and highly resistant to scratches. It has a glass-like shine. However, the material used for making the sink can get easily chipped. Vitreous china is less porous due to its construction process.
Solid surfacing
This type is made from an acrylic or polyester base. It is reminiscent of stone, which is why it’s a popular choice and easy to clean. However, as it’s just like a solid surfacing countertop, it is susceptible to scratches and heat.
Placement of the sink
Once you’ve found your perfect sink, you have to decide where to put it. In most cases, the best place for it would be in the existing sink spot. It could be quite expensive to move plumbing lines but if the current spot for the sink is not practical, then moving it is probably the best option.
Kitchen designs usually come in a triangle work pattern – the preparation space at one point, the fridge at the second, and the cleanup area at the third (comprising of the sink and the dishwasher). Due to this organization pattern, the works in the kitchen flow more easily. If you are considering a relocation of the sink, think which area would be the most suitable cleanup area. You should also think about where to place the dishwasher, as it’s best if it’s placed next to the sink. However, if you have a small kitchen, you may have to be more creative.
Having a corner kitchen sink is also an option, as it’s an efficient use of space. Although, placing the dishwasher can then be tricky. If you are standing at the sink, you can get cornered by the open dishwasher door. But if this option will save a lot of space, then it’s worth it.
If you can afford it and if you have enough space, you can install a second kitchen sink. You can install it on an island and use it for quick rinses or hand-washing. Alternatively, you can place it in a side bank of cabinets to serve as a wet bar. The second sink is usually smaller, so it doesn’t take up much space but it adds more functionality to the kitchen.
The choice of faucet
The right faucet will make cleaning and cooking easier but it can also add to the overall appeal.
Height – Consider detachable hose-type faucets, tall gooseneck types, as well as traditional-looking models that can also be pulled upward for more height.
Preferences – decide whether you prefer single handles or separate ones. many sinks come with already drilled holes for handles and faucets, so don’t rush the decision on the sink if this is important to you.
Maintenance – bear in mind a sink’s lifespan, as well as its maintenance over the years. The average lifespan is between 8 and 12 years if you maintain it regularly. On that note, chrome faucets are the easiest to maintain.
Final words
Deciding on the right sink could take weeks but that’s ok. After all, you are going to use it every day, and the more time you invest in selecting it, the more it will pay off for you in the long run.
