August 3, 2023
The kitchen sink is probably the most used feature in your home. It’s where we spend most of our time in the kitchen. So, it follows that we should give selecting the right kitchen sink great consideration.
The three pieces of equipment that every kitchen includes are the fridge, the oven and the kitchen sink. These fundamental pieces of kit establish the working triangle that every kitchen configuration is based upon.
The water contained in the kitchen sink is the determining factor when choosing the material, style and dimensions. The kitchen sink should easily withstand daily use, be practical and add aesthetically to the décor. Therefore, when we are designing our dream kitchen, sinks should be at the forefront of our thoughts. Read on to find out everything you need to know before selecting your ideal kitchen sink.
Snow White Basic C Krion® kitchen sinks (available in-store)
Broadly speaking, there are two categories of sinks with several important variations. These are determined by their installation. The top-mount, also known as inset sinks, and the undermount sinks are the most common types of sinks in UK kitchens. Nevertheless, the increasing popularity of home cooking is introducing other popular styles as well.
Sinks are sized according to the kitchen cabinet that they sit in, which typically measures 60 cm in width. The actual inner compartment of a standard sink is 56 cm x 76 cm, which is accommodated within the standard base cabinet. Kitchen sinks can occupy a double cabinet or be free-standing, i.e. without fitted cabinets underneath.
The other determining factor is a double sink or single sink. Both are good options depending on the circumstances. Every kitchen is slightly different, and that’s why we love them, they express our individuality.
Nevertheless, size matters. Once you experience the advantages of a larger or deeper sink, you will be converted. The overall dimensions of the kitchen and worktop layout will determine whether you should choose a double sink or a single sink.
Contract SC kitchen sink (available in-store)
The aesthetics of the kitchen sink are no less important than the choice of material, size and sink style. Logically, it follows that an entire kitchen décor can be focused around the sink, its taps, the drainer and the surrounding worktop area.
Starting with colour, the black kitchen sink lends a designer flourish to the entire space. While a white kitchen sink is more traditional but nonetheless reassuring and comforting.
Metallic colours like stainless steel and copper are more contemporary. Both, however, provide very different decorative and practical results. Stainless steel is more practical and can look good with other stainless-steel appliances. Copper, on the other hand, is more delicate but has a beautiful golden hue.
Snow White Basic C Krion® kitchen sinks (available in-store)
The sink is the one piece of kitchen equipment that must withstand a lot of wear and tear. From protecting dishes to withstanding abrasive cleaning chemicals and washing up. The sink material must resist daily use and the ongoing corrosive effects of water. Therefore, the choice of material is one of the most important considerations.
Design is also a critical factor. There’s no point investing in beautiful cabinets and a kitchen worktop and, then, ruining the effect with a mismatched sink.
The following materials are the most commonly found in kitchen sink manufacture. Your choice will depend on whether you will use it intensively or on a more casual basis. Copper and some composites are more vulnerable to damage than stainless steel and ceramic, for instance.
Nothing evokes cleanliness, hygiene and professional reliability more than steel. As a material, stainless steel is durable, heatproof and resistant to water and scratches. Stainless steel also looks good, especially when combined with other steel kitchen appliances. The only downside is it can be noisy when washing pots and pans.
The look and feel of ceramic exudes quality and durability. The clays, quartz and other minerals that create it are heated to extremely high temperatures during the firing process. That makes the ceramic resistant to scratching, fading, burning and extremely hygienic. They require regular maintenance to keep the ceramic surface pristine.
The choice of composites includes quartz and granite, which are practically indestructible. Remember, as well as a Drop-in style sink, the entire reconstituted stone worktop can be formed into an integrated sink. This offers the advantage of a custom-made sink to suit your exact needs. It is, however, in a high-level price range.
The copper sink has impeccable antimicrobial properties and looks stunning visually. In fact, it can provide a focal point in the kitchen. Nevertheless, copper is somewhat delicate in comparison to other materials.
Like bathtubs and other sanitary ware, acrylic resin sinks are lightweight but robust. Acrylic resin represents good value for money but the finish will become duller over time.
Integrated Kitchen sink with stainless steel Linking Base Sc (available in-store)
The sink is where we clean vegetables, scrape leftovers from pots and pans, wash our hands etc. It’s also where we spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so we recommend thinking carefully about how the sink will be used.
That starts with the size and depth of the sink. The practicality of having a single generous-sized sink is life-changing.
After deciding on the right size, comes the number of basins. Are you going to be spending a lot of time cooking dishes that require a lot of preparation? Will more than one basin help in this regard?
The sink material and the amount of use will also influence your choice. And drainage and accessories, such as the integrated sink models provided with drainage run-off.
Or if you choose a continuous custom-made resin-based material for your sink, the grooves and slope must be designed into the worktop.
We have looked at how the kitchen sink is inimical to the kitchen design. The faucets and other accessories represent an integrated element of the kitchen sink.
Obviously, black kitchen taps don’t go with every sink. You should consider the sink, the drainer and the faucet as a complete unit. Then, match this to the style or décor of the kitchen, which might be traditional or contemporary.
Ceramic and brass are great options for a country cottage or vintage style décor. While stainless steel and acrylic are more suited to a contemporary cutting-edge kitchen design.
With all the different options and features of the contemporary kitchen, it’s easy to get confused. The kitchen sink does not exist in isolation.
So, after doing some online research, we recommend visiting your Porcelanosa showroom. There, you will how the different sinks look in a fully fitted kitchen. Click here to find your nearest showroom.
And, it goes without saying that if you have any questions regarding kitchen sinks, drop us a line below and we’ll get back to you.
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