Sink (kitchen sink): what are they, sizes, how to choose

From this article you will learn:

What shapes do kitchen sinks come in?
What sizes are considered optimal for a kitchen sink?
What types of kitchen sinks are there by material?
What types of kitchen sinks are there according to installation method?
What is important to consider when choosing a kitchen sink

It is unlikely that there will be people who call washing dishes their favorite pastime. But this process can be significantly simplified by choosing a convenient kitchen sink. When purchasing it, you need to take into account many factors: the overall interior of the room, the dimensions of the room, the number of residents of the house, and so on. In pursuit of an attractive appearance of the product, do not forget that its main advantages should be practicality and functionality: they determine how comfortable it will be for you to cook and wash dishes. Next, we will tell you what types of kitchen sinks there are.

Which material is better

Some time ago, buying a stainless steel sink was incredibly lucky. Mostly enameled ones were used. The idea, of course, is not bad, but the execution was extremely poor. Today there are a lot of options:

Stainless steel. It may or may not be polished. The most durable option, easy to clean. But a polished stainless steel sink will eventually become covered with a network of scratches and lose its appearance. Unpolished ones look good, but cost more. Well, the main drawback is the noise when a stream of water falls. To make the sink “quieter,” a layer of soundproofing material is glued to the bottom.
Copper. These are not cheap options at all. Suitable for special kitchen interiors. Difficult to care for (requires special products) and is not widespread.

Metal kitchen sinks: copper and stainless steel without wings
Made from artificial stone. The natural component (stone chips and quartz sand) is diluted with a polymer binder, and the resulting composition is poured into molds. This is how you get a stone sink. There are different types of material: based on granite, quartz, marble, quartz sand. They are usually named after the “stone” component: granite, marble, quartz kitchen sink. Some companies develop special compositions, but they differ in the polymer binder, which gives the product certain performance properties (for example, Silgranit from the German company Blanco).

Stone and glass (glass top) sinks are a more modern choice
Read also: Curtains for the kitchen with a balcony door - 140 photos of new exclusive designs and combinations
Ceramic. Ceramics - porcelain or earthenware - are not so popular for kitchen sinks, but they are also available.

There are those that appeared not so long ago - with a glass panel (pictured on the left). This is a stainless steel sink with a tempered glass surface. This option will look great next to a hob of the same color. And don't be afraid that the glass will crack. It has been hardened, so it is difficult to damage it.

Main problems

When installed correctly and in compliance with standards, kitchen sinks retain their decent appearance and performance properties for a long time.

However, some consumers encounter problems:

Swelling of the countertop next to the sink. Caused by improper installation and insufficient waterproofing. Occurs when moisture penetrates into the cut.
The appearance of scratches and stains. More often observed on stainless steel and artificial stone during intensive use.
The sink is unstable. Caused by the lack of sealing tape in the areas adjacent to the countertop.
Noise when in contact with a stream of water. Caused by vibrations of the thin steel bottom. Some consumers stick a rubber base on the bottom to solve the problem.
Indelible stains and plaque. To prevent this problem, it is necessary to regularly clean the surface of the bowl using suitable household chemicals.

SONY DSC

When planning to choose a kitchen sink that will delight the owners for a long time, you need to take into account a set of characteristics: appearance, service life, functionality. After all, a practical and aesthetic sink should not only decorate the room, but also last for decades without loss of quality.

Stainless steel or stone?

It is usually difficult to decide which is better: a stainless steel or stone kitchen sink. Let's first talk about the advantages of each type. Stainless steel is not afraid of shock loads, is easy to clean, and has a long service life. Stone kitchen sinks are quiet, come in different colors, and have a wider selection of shapes.

To decide which kitchen sink is better - artificial stone or stainless steel, you need to know the pros and cons of both materials

Now about the disadvantages. Stainless steel: noisy, there are only two color options, polished steel gets scratched and it’s impossible to remove scratches. If there is a high salt content in the water, stains remain on the polished surface. So, in order for your sink to look neat, you need to take care of it. Inexpensive sinks made from stone chips require careful handling: scratches and chips may occur. Some - light - may turn yellow or darken over time. The problem can be solved by cleaning, but it can be annoying. If the content of stone chips or quartz is low, an artificial stone sink may be afraid of high temperatures. So that you don’t care, just make sure the product is of normal quality.

How critical are chips and scratches on granite sinks?

You should not drop anything heavy into them. No, nothing will happen from a dropped cup or plate. The dishes will break, but the sink will most likely remain as it was. A small chip may appear, depending on how and where it falls. But if you drop a heavy pot or frying pan, you can expect it to chip with a high probability.

The ability to choose colors is very important when creating an interior

The good news is that scratches can be sanded out. For this, sometimes the abrasive part of a sponge is enough, sometimes you need to use fine-grain sandpaper. The degree of polishing depends on the quality of the material from which the sink is made. If the composition is painted in the mass (the dye is added before molding), it can be sanded to any depth.

A black sink on a black countertop—this was never possible before

Chips on granite, quartz and other composite sinks are also easy to repair. Most of . It is a pigment in powder form and a polymer binder. By mixing a certain amount, you get a repair composition. It is applied to the chipped area and sanded after drying. Often the former chip then takes a long time to look for and may not be found.

Criterias of choice

It is advisable to purchase a sink at the stage of planning the design of the kitchen unit. Decisive factors for the right choice:

Modification. The sink can be corner or straight, with one or several bowls, with or without a wing.

Colors. It is desirable that the color of the sink matches the shade of the countertop and fits harmoniously into the overall design of the kitchen.

Shape and capacity of the bowl. If you have to wash dishes frequently, including tall pots, the sink should be deep.

Installation method. Built-in, integrated sinks are designed for the countertop. For an isolated cabinet with a sink, an overhead option is suitable.

Price. If your budget is limited, you can purchase a stainless steel or ceramic sink. When price does not matter, models made from expensive raw materials or with additional accessories are suitable.

Sink forms

Choosing a sink for the kitchen is not so easy. There are so many offers that it's easy to get lost. The diversity of species is stunning. Sometimes even the shape is not so easy to decide on, but the shapes of kitchen sinks are:

Angular. The best option for L and P-shaped kitchen sets. Installing a sink in a corner allows you to make the best use of this space.

Corner sinks - convenient and functional
Rectangular/square. The most common, as they allow you to optimally use the area. They are convenient for washing dishes of any size. The same baking sheets, skewers, etc.
Round. They seem to be the most original, but in practice they are inconvenient - it is a problem to wash the baking sheet and other large dishes, since the dimensions of the bowl are much smaller. Models without a side table may look good, but they are very inconvenient. In models with a wing, it is usually small in size, which also doesn’t help much.

Oval sinks are very rare
Oval. Quite rare. Most often it is a round sink, complemented by a second bowl or table of the same type next to it. The shape of the “wing” is just oval. And an oval sink bowl is extremely rare.

There is also a type called modular kitchen sinks. They are made of artificial stone and cast immediately with the countertop. This type is made to your measurements, so local companies do this. It is difficult to say how high quality the product will be - it depends on the specific company.

An example of a composite sink - cast immediately with the countertop

If we talk about choosing a shape, then more often, after all, they settle on rectangular or square. In addition to being a classic, they are the most convenient to use.

Even classic square sinks are different in appearance

Only rectangular ones can have more or less rounded corners. Sharp corners look more graphic, but they are more difficult to maintain - it is harder to clean out the dirt that accumulates there.

Designs, shapes and depths

From a practicality point of view, the larger and wider the bowl, the better. However, there is not always enough space on the countertop to install such sinks. Experts recommend installing the sink in such a way that there is at least 5 cm from the outer border to the wall. The permissible depth is from 16 to 26 cm.

It is important to decide in advance on the mixer model. For a shallow bowl, you need a high tap, otherwise it will be problematic to slide the pan under the running water.

The shape of the bowl plays a special role in practicality. Round and oval sinks are stylish, but they have a harder time holding as many dishes as square and rectangular ones. Trapezoid-shaped sinks are installed in the corner of the kitchen unit. For non-standard design ideas, asymmetric models are chosen.

The design of sinks may vary:

one or two wings (platforms for placing dishes);
additional bowls (same volume or smaller);
extended rim for mixer tap with round hole.

Bowls and their varieties

Sometimes the size of the sink is very important - in small kitchens, narrow countertops. In this case, a sink with sides is usually used. It is simply a bowl, along the perimeter or circumference of which there is a thickening or protrusion - a rim. The width of the side is several centimeters.

The second type is a kitchen sink with a work surface - a wing to the right or left of the bowl. Some models are “reversible”, meaning they can be installed either way. Also called a “wash with a wing”. They are interesting because you can lay out washed dishes on the surface, leave food, etc. The draining liquid ends up in the sink.

Kitchen sink with two bowls. Moreover, there are two options:

both bowls are the same size (can be called a double sink);
one bowl is larger, the other is noticeably smaller (in size and/or depth).

One and a half sinks - two bowls of different sizes
Two identical bowls can be used to wash dishes faster: one bowl contains soapy water, the other contains clean water for rinsing. The second option is also called a one-and-a-half sink. The second - a smaller vessel is used for defrosting food, for squeezing out excess liquid, etc. You can put a mesh (called a colander) in a shallow bowl, which increases functionality.

There are also kitchen sinks with two bowls and a wing. They are good for large kitchens. In principle, they can be used both under a window and on a long working wall.

Additional functions

Accessories are available for sinks that significantly speed up and facilitate home kitchen work. These are colanders, baskets, dryers, colanders, cutting boards equipped with grooves, etc. With their help, defrosting, washing and drying food is much easier.

Waste shredder. Mounted directly under the kitchen sink, it is used to crush food waste to prevent clogging of the drain.
Colander. The accessory is a tray equipped with several holes. It copies the shape of the bowl. Using a colander simplifies the process of defrosting, washing, and drying fruits and vegetables.
Automatic valve When used, this accessory is inserted into the drain hole. By pressing it, you can block the drain, which will allow you to draw water into the bowl to soak vegetables, fruits or dishes in it.
Cutting boards. The dimensions of these boards correspond to the dimensions of the bowl. They help to rationally use the work area, freeing up space on the kitchen countertop for other processes.
Detergent dispenser. Built next to the mixer.
Faucet for filtered water. Very comfortably
Placemats for cutlery. Organize the storage system in the kitchen more neatly and rationally.

Installation method

There are three ways to install a sink in a countertop:

Mortise. This is when a bowl-shaped cutout is made in the countertop and a sink is inserted into it. It is held in place by the sides, although there are additional fastenings.

Methods for installing a kitchen sink into a countertop
Under-table installation. Sinks that are attached to the bottom of the countertop. The cutout in the tabletop is made strictly according to the size of the bowl. Moreover, the cut must be processed (edged or polished if the countertop is made of artificial stone).

Sink with under-counter installation in the countertop
On the same level as the countertop. Only certain types of sinks are installed this way. In principle, you can install a regular sink, but to do this you will have to mill a groove in the countertop. And this will have to be done very accurately.

You need to choose the method of installation in the countertop before you decide on the model - each installation has its own design options, its own fasteners, which come with the sink.

Choosing useful accessories for kitchen sinks

Manufacturers offer a variety of devices that make life easier for housewives and care for the work area. To ensure that the kitchen is always tidy, an additional hole is made in the countertop and a dispenser for liquid cleaning product is installed. A food waste disposer or grinder helps keep your pipes in good condition. Using washing baskets, colanders and drying racks, you can quickly prepare food for cooking.

We have described all the criteria that are important to consider when purchasing a kitchen sink. The only thing we mentioned in passing was the style of the room and sink. But this is a matter of taste. The main thing when assessing the aesthetic characteristics is not to forget about the functional purpose of the sink.

Sink dimensions

Since the kitchen sink is installed in the cabinet countertop, it cannot be larger in size. Please note that it is very difficult to find options for cabinets of small depth - less than 60 cm. Unless the sink will only have a side and is for surface mounting.

The kitchen sink can be of different sizes

When choosing a specific model, you must first know the distance between the front and back walls of the cabinet and the dimensions of the countertop. Why both? Because usually the tabletop is larger than the body. In this case, the cutout in the tabletop should be at some distance from the walls of the frame. For under-table mounting and level installation, monitor the following parameters:

The optimal distance from the back and front walls of the cabinet frame is 5 cm. The distance at the back can be greater - it will be more convenient to maintain cleanliness. If there is a sufficiently large gap between the edge of the sink and the wall, you can install household chemicals, ideally, choose a dispenser to keep everything you need at hand.
You can place the kitchen sink flush with the back edge of the countertop, but cleaning will be more troublesome.
You should not move the sink too far from the front edge of the countertop - it will be inconvenient to use. But too close is also not very good - the clothes will be wet from the splashes.

If you are considering purchasing a kitchen sink with two bowls or a drain, you will also need the length of the cabinet for the sink. Most often it is cut in symmetrically relative to the center, but this largely depends on the location of the furniture.

The installation opening of the kitchen sink should be less than or equal to the dimensions of the frame

If you are more comfortable with overhead (built-in, inset) installation, it is better if the sink has the same dimensions as the countertop. If this is not achievable, and the difference in depth is small, the entire gap is left either in front or behind. “Divide” makes sense if the difference in width is more than 8 cm.

Generally speaking, the standard is a square kitchen sink with dimensions of 500*500 mm or 600*600 mm. In our apartments, not everyone can install them. Therefore, for small kitchens there are narrower sinks - from 400 mm. But they are mainly for under-table mounting, although you can also find overhead ones.

Bowl depth

In addition to the size of the sink, you will also need to choose the depth of the bowl. The optimal depth is 17-19 cm. Smaller models are not so convenient - water splashes. There are also deeper ones - up to 25-26 cm. They are intended for cafes and restaurants, where there is a lot of dishes, and the size of the pots/vats is much larger. But if you use large dishes for cooking, this option may be more convenient for you.

Optimal depth - 17-19 cm

If you decide to install a small round bowl, be prepared for the fact that they will all be 20 cm deep or more. Smaller ones are difficult to find - only Chinese ones.

What types of kitchen sinks are there according to installation method?

When choosing a kitchen sink, you should pay attention not only to the dimensions, appearance and material from which it is made, but also to the method of its installation. Depending on the method by which the products are installed, they are divided into four types: overhead, mortise, integrated and under-table.

When installing your sink, there are a few important things you should keep in mind. It is not advisable to install the sink near a gas stove. The most convenient option would be a placement in which the product is located between the refrigerator and the cooking area, not far from the cutting table. The sink should be at least 60 cm away from other kitchen appliances. If you are the owner of a small kitchen and are forced to save space, then it is better to place the sink close to the refrigerator rather than to the stove.

Sinks are connected to sewer pipes and water supply, as a result of which they are traditionally installed in the corner of the kitchen or next to the wall adjacent to the bathroom. However, keep in mind that nowadays technology allows you to place the product anywhere in the kitchen that you find convenient.

How to choose the right sink type? Focus on your own preferences, take into account the design of the kitchen, and decide on the finances you are willing to spend. Don't forget to take into account the features of your kitchen unit. If it has a composite design, you can choose a cheaper overhead model. But if you are going to install sectional furniture with a single work surface in the kitchen, then you should give preference to mortise or integrated products: this will protect the cabinets from mold.

Kitchen sinks

Mortise models are the best choice if you care about maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen. This sink is mounted into the countertop in such a way that its sides do not protrude above the work surface and moisture does not collect under them. To install such a product, you need to cut holes in the countertop that correspond to the dimensions of the sink. The owner of kitchen furniture made from chipboard will be able to cope with this task independently. If the furniture is made of hardwood or artificial stone, you should use the services of professionals.

To install a mortise-type sink, you need to stock up on the following tools: an electric drill and wood drills, a jigsaw, several screwdrivers, pliers, a ruler, a square, a pencil, silicone sealant and a rubber seal.

Having purchased an undermount kitchen sink, you will most likely find in the components not only the necessary fastening elements, but also cardboard templates. If they are not included in the kit, apply markings on the product itself.

Before you begin installation, you should consider how exactly the product will be placed on the headset. The sink should be built in such a way that you do not have to bend over while washing dishes, and drops of water do not fly onto the floor. The sink should be at least 5 cm from the edge of the countertop and not come into contact with the internal parts of the set - spacers and sidewalls.

On the countertop you need to place a ready-made cardboard template or the sink itself upside down, and trace the outlines with a pencil. Then you should step back from this line inward by 1-2 cm and draw the second contour ─ the working one.

You need to drill holes for the jigsaw along the inner contour. Then start cutting out this outline exactly along the marked line. Don't forget: the cut is made only according to the internal markings! If you do it on the outside, the sink will collapse inward during installation.

The fragment of the tabletop that you are cutting out must be supported from the inside, otherwise the intact part may break off under its weight. Having finished the work, the contours of the fresh cut must be thoroughly cleaned of sawdust. Then go over it with sandpaper and cover it with silicone sealant.

Attach the fasteners to the sink following the instructions provided. Place the sink in the resulting slot, pay attention to how accurately it matches the dimensions of the product. You also need to check the installation of the mixer and hoses.

If you do not find a silicone seal in the components, which should be applied to the sides of the sink and protect the countertop from moisture, apply sealant to the cut edge again. Then place the product in the slot and press the edges tightly: all air cavities should be filled with sealing compound. Using the fasteners, tighten the sink from the bottom, starting from the corners and ending with the fasteners in the middle.

The final stage of work is connecting the sink to the sewerage system and water supply. You can't do without a siphon. Give preference to the double-breasted type: such models are much less prone to blockages than bottle-shaped products. After installing the siphon, connect the faucet to the water taps and make sure that all connections are securely sealed.

Overhead kitchen sinks

Such models are perfect for kitchen sets consisting of several modules. Products with an overhead installation method are made from different materials, the most common models are stainless steel. Overhead sinks are in great demand because they are inexpensive and easy to install. The main disadvantages: the bowls are quite thin, which creates noise when washing dishes; a gap is formed between the cabinet and the tabletop, in which moisture accumulates.

Before you move on to installing the sink, you need to assemble the cabinet underneath it. The finished product is a structure with an open top and a connector in the rear wall, necessary for connection to sewerage and water supply. The side and bottom parts of the cabinet are fastened using the connecting elements included in the package.

Place the cabinet in the designated place and begin installing the sink. Start by preparing the necessary tools: you will need plastic corners, flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, 3x14 screws, silicone-based sealant, masking tape.

An overhead kitchen sink can be installed in three ways: using sealant, brackets or wooden blocks. The first method is the easiest. The ends of the cabinet must be coated with silicone sealant, and then the sink must be placed on it. The sealing compound will dry and securely secure the product, and moisture will not accumulate under the sides of the sink.

In most cases, when installing an overhead model, mounting brackets designed specifically for this purpose are used. If these parts are not included, you can purchase them separately. Start by screwing in self-tapping screws from the inside of the cabinet walls and attach brackets to them. Then lightly tighten the screws, place the sink and slide the fastener along the screw, fixing it in the recess of the fastener. Once the sink is tightly connected to the base, tighten the screws completely.

In cases where it is not possible to install a sink using sealant or brackets, you can build a mounting platform with your own hands using wooden beams and furniture corners of the required size. Place the bars in the sink slot, screw four corners to them and place the product on the resulting surface.

If you need to fix the sink directly to the kitchen wall without using a special cabinet, you need to purchase special brackets, which are sold in plumbing stores. Select the height at which you intend to mount the product. Draw a marking along it consisting of two lines, the gap between which is equal to the thickness of the back wall of the sink.

Measure the distance between the points where the brackets will be installed. Label these points. Drill holes in the wall, screw the brackets and secure the sink.

Installing an overhead model is a fairly simple process that you can handle yourself, without resorting to the services of professional installers.

Integrated kitchen sinks

This type of kitchen sink got its name due to the design features, installation method and connection to the countertop in the form of a single work surface. To install this model, it is necessary to prepare the cabinet in a special way, since the sides of the product must be located flush with its surface. The edges of integrated sinks must be perfectly smooth, and this is not just about aesthetic appearance: for such sinks this is the key to successful installation.

It is not surprising that high quality standards are provided for integrated models: even small defects on the sides of the product will prevent proper installation. Integrated kitchen sinks are made only from thick steel sheets ─ from 1 cm or more.

By choosing an integrated model, you will take the comfort of your kitchen to a new level. It will become much easier for you to clean work surfaces; water will not accumulate near the sink and under its sides, which means mold will not grow.

An integrated kitchen sink can be installed in three different ways: flush, above or below the countertop. The most common are the first and third options, with the latter best suited for stone or plastic cabinets.

When installing an integrated sink, one of the most important tasks is to correctly prepare the connector for the product and carefully seal it. You need to stock up on the necessary tools - the same ones that are used to install other sink models. You will also need a milling machine.

Begin installation work by marking. For this, use a cardboard template, which in most cases is included in the package. Using the marked lines, cut a hole whose dimensions are equal to the dimensions of the sink without taking into account the side. Then, along the perimeter of the resulting hole, it is necessary to mill a quarter equal to the width of the side of the sink. The depth must be set using stops on the milling device.

The next step is to place the sink and seal the joints using silicone-based sealant. Then the product needs to be secured. To do this, use the connecting parts included in the kit. Otherwise, you can purchase them separately.

Undermount kitchen sinks

Such models of kitchen sinks have the highest cost. They are installed slightly below the level of the countertop surface, due to which they provide complete sealing. In addition, these sinks look very impressive and stylish. Most often they are mounted in cabinets made of natural wood, artificial stone or plastic. The installation process is quite complex, so if you are not confident in your skills, it is worth using the services of professional installers.

If you decide to fix such a sink yourself, you need to stock up on special tools, which include diamond-coated saws and jigsaws.

The algorithm of actions is approximately the same as when installing other sink models. However, the product must be glued under the tabletop using a plywood or chipboard backing. The substrate itself should rest on the frame of the kitchen unit. The sink must be fixed using special brackets. When installing a sink into a countertop made of natural stone, the brackets are additionally secured with screws and dowels.

The hole for the undermount kitchen sink is cut very carefully and precisely, and then carefully sanded. If the cabinet is made of wood, the perimeter of the finished hole must be covered with a seamless waterproof film to prevent moisture from accumulating under the sink.

How to choose a kitchen sink

Regardless of what you choose - a stainless steel sink or a stainless steel sink, you will have to look for decent options in your class. To do this, you need to know the difference between a good wash and a bad one.

This is a "glass sink". In fact, only the base is made of glass - the stainless steel bowl

Signs of high-quality granite (marble, quartz) sinks

As mentioned earlier, an artificial stone sink consists of stone chips (sand) and a polymer binder. To prevent the surface from being scratched or chipped from weak impacts, it is necessary that the composition contains 80% of a natural component (stone or sand). The remaining 20% is the binder. It must be durable and must not contain substances harmful to humans. With this composition, the material tolerates heat up to 280°C. So you can pour boiling water or even boiling oil into the sink without fear.

But even very high-quality granite sinks can be scratched. Things happen. In order for removal (mechanical sanding with sandpaper) to be problem-free, the composition must be painted in the mass. This means that the coloring pigment is added during mixing. In this case, its consumption is much higher, which increases the price of the product. But there are no restrictions when grinding. And chips and scratches are only visible at close range.

Stone sink is quiet and practical

In addition, many manufacturers introduce additional components or develop new technologies that make operation easier and impart new properties:

Antibacterial effect. At the Plados factory, Triclosan is added, and silver ions are added to German sinks made of Schock stone.
Dirt-repellent coating. Some Blanco stone sinks have this effect. They are much easier to wash.
Increased strength. The Italian company ELLECI has developed a new composition containing glass granules.

All these additives increase the cost of the product. However, the new features don't seem unnecessary or superfluous at all. You can even combine everything.

High quality stainless steel sink

First of all, pay attention to the metal itself. And it is right. Good stainless steel contains a sufficient amount of alloying metals: 18% chromium and 10% nickel. This composition gives the metal the required strength, durability, and guarantees no signs of destruction for decades.

The stainless steel sink can be complemented with various accessories

An important indicator is the thickness of the metal. The optimal thickness is from 0.9 mm to 1.2 mm. Cheaper ones can be 0.6-0.8 mm. If the steel is good, this does not affect the service life too much. Manufacturers known for their quality also have metal sinks of this thickness. As a rule, rulers with a lower price are produced from thin stainless steel.

Sinks that claim a stainless steel thickness of 2 mm are very questionable. If their price is low, then, most likely, the percentage of alloying metals is very small and does not correspond to what was declared.

More reliable are stainless steel kitchen sinks with a bowl that is welded to the base. It is only important that welding is carried out in a protective environment. This technology allows you to avoid thinning in places of sharp bends, which is typical for stamped products (extruded from a sheet under a press). Although even these can live quite a long time. But their models are simpler.

How to decide on a sink design

Manufacturers of plumbing and kitchen equipment offer a variety of sink options, and it may seem that determining which sink is best to choose for the kitchen is quite difficult. In fact, kitchen design and personal preferences play a big role here, but in addition, it is necessary to take into account the practical aspects of using the sink, the capabilities of the kitchen unit and the kitchen space as a whole.

Number of sink bowls

Depending on the number of bowls, sinks can be:

with one bowl;
with two bowls of the same size;
with two bowls of different sizes;
with three bowls.

In its classic form, a kitchen sink has one bowl, the direct purpose of which is washing dishes.

The advantage of sinks with two bowls of the same size is their convenience and versatility. In this case, you will have two bowls, in one of which you can, for example, soak a burnt pot or pan, and in the second you can wash dishes.

Sinks with two bowls of different sizes also expand the functionality of this kitchen appliance. For example, a small bowl is very convenient for washing and peeling fruits or vegetables, while a large bowl will hold dirty dishes.

There are also sinks with three bowls, two of which are the same size, and the third is slightly smaller. But it is advisable to install such sinks in large kitchens - they are quite bulky and not very convenient to use.

An indispensable attribute of the sink is the drain. It is very good when it is equipped with a valve that allows you to add a certain amount of water into the sink, for example, to soak dishes. Some sinks are equipped with a drain and overflow, which is also quite convenient during operation. The presence of an overflow is especially important if, when using the sink, you will often fill it with water.

Bowl shape

Sinks are produced with a variety of bowl shapes:

Round.

Rectangular.

Square.

Oval.

Trapezoidal.

Practice shows that it is best to use square sinks with two bowls of different sizes. But the corners in the bowls should be rounded to a noticeable radius - this allows you to eliminate “dead” zones and fully utilize the volume. Round bowls are also convenient, and triangular ones for corner installation.

As when choosing an installation option, the shape of the bowl should be selected not only according to aesthetic and design qualities, but, above all, according to functionality. If you have a one-room or small two-room apartment, then you shouldn’t buy sinks for three containers with round bowls; a double one, or even a single one, but always with a side platform, is quite enough.

Bowl depth

The depth of the sink bowl is in the range of 120 – 200 mm; ease of use and the amount of dishes that can be washed at one time depend on this parameter. In houses where large families live and food is often prepared, deep sinks should be installed, at least 180 mm.

And in small apartments, where only a few plates or cups are washed at a time, 120 - 140 mm is quite sufficient.

If there is a drain with a valve, the depth of the sink also matters - the deeper it is, the more water you can store for soaking dishes. But even with a regular drain it is more convenient than washing with an average depth. As with any equipment, not just kitchen equipment, the extremes in the range of parameters are the least practical. The lowest ones lead to a decrease in ease of use and fragility of operation, and the highest ones lead to a waste of money. Most of the functionality is never used. The selection criterion should be reasonable minimalism.

Rim around the bowl

The convenience and ergonomics of the sink also depends on the presence and shape of the sides. Almost every sink, larger or smaller, has sides. Often they have ready-made holes made for the mixer, or the place where it is most convenient to cut them is marked. If your plumbing is designed for installing a wall-mounted faucet, then you should buy a sink with a narrow side; a wide side will only get in the way, and the hole will have to be plugged, which is unsightly and leads to unnecessary expenses.

The side may have several holes, the purpose of which is not entirely clear. They can be used for a mixer and detergent dispenser, for two mixers (in large sinks with several bowls), for an additional drain. If the purpose of the additional holes is not clear to you, or your water supply and sewer system are not adapted for them, choose another option.

Sinks with or without drainage

The total amount of time spent on washing dishes depends on which sink to choose for the kitchen. The workplace should be comfortable and ergonomic, and dishwashing equipment can rightfully be called the workplace of a housewife (or a bachelor, as well as any cooking enthusiast).

An important element of the sink is the wing - a horizontal plane on one or both sides of the sink, overlooking the working area of the kitchen unit. In most cases, the wing is corrugated, with grooves that direct the flow of water. But there are also models with smooth wings. When purchasing or installing them, you need to check the slope of the plane - it should be directed towards the sink so that the water does not stagnate and puddles do not form that will have to be constantly wiped. There are models without wings at all, or with very narrow platforms.

Before choosing a washing option, you need to decide on your culinary inclinations - if you are not going to cook a lot and often, then the wing may not be necessary, but will only take up scarce space.

But if you are passionate about cooking or need to cook a lot and often, a spacious wing is simply necessary. The wing is very convenient for arranging various kitchen utensils, preparing vegetables or drying dishes.

The sink can be made with a right or left wing. The choice will depend on your personal preferences and the features of the kitchen space.

Sinks intended for bottom installation, as a rule, are not equipped with a wing. Its role is played by the surface of a glass or stone tabletop. But it is advisable to install a wing on wooden or MDF structures - water falling on them will eventually render the material unusable.

Manufacturers

If you want your sink to last for a long time, it is better to choose products from trusted manufacturers. They usually produce sinks made of artificial stone and stainless steel. However, not all. Stone sinks from the following companies have been on the market for a long time and have earned good reviews:

SCHOCK, Blanco (Germany);
ASTRACAST (England);
ALVEUS (Slovenia);
PLADOS and ELLECI (Italy).

The quality of car washes from these companies does not raise any questions, but not everyone can afford the price. If you need a more budget option, pay attention to products from domestic manufacturers - Polygran (POLYGRAN) and GranFest (Granfest). Quite a worthy replacement. Just keep in mind that they are not entirely made of artificial stone. There is a layer of resin and stone on the outside, plastic on the bottom. That's why they are so inexpensive. But at a fairly modest price, they last 7-8 years without complaints. If this option suits you, why not?

Surely there are other good manufacturers besides those listed

Many of the above have stainless steel kitchen sinks. You can add a few more names to them:

ZORG,
Teka,
Seaman.

The last two have slightly more modest prices, which does not affect the quality. You can also pay attention to Belarusian car washes. You won’t be able to find super sophisticated models, but the classics and some variations are of very good quality.

What additional accessories are available for kitchen sinks?

Elements of a kitchen sink are not limited to the presence of a mixer. The use of a colander, a chopper, additional shelves and a built-in water filter greatly simplifies and speeds up the work process.

A colander resembles a special colander, which can be metal or plastic. It is suitable for drying vegetables, fruits, herbs or other products, and is most often installed in an additional bowl.

The built-in shredder is a small, high-power device with sharp blades that is installed under the sink and connected to the drainage system. This helps crush organic waste and avoid pipe clogging.

The sink should not only be the most functional and easy-to-use element, but also be combined with the design of the entire kitchen. For this, there are a huge number of different options for shapes, colors and installation methods. And additional elements, such as shelves, wings and a colander, significantly increase convenience: this will make cooking and subsequent cleaning of dishes faster.