Which sink is better to choose for the kitchen: comparison of materials and shapes

Every housewife has to deal with washing dishes in the kitchen every day, which is sometimes a tedious task. To ensure that the process does not cause inconvenience, you need to carefully consider all the nuances in the work area, making the place for the sink and the sink itself as comfortable and practical as possible.

Read further in the article about what nuances you should know and take into account when choosing a durable, comfortable sink that matches the style of your interior.

Kinds

The construction market offers dozens of sink options, ranging from appearance, manufacturing materials, modifications, to suit every taste and budget.

The shape of the bowl is:

• round;

• oval;

• trapezoidal;

• square;

• rectangular.

Based on the installation method, they are divided into the following models:

• invoices;
• mortise;
• integrated;
• under-table.

Based on the material used, the following types of kitchen sinks are distinguished:

• stainless steel;
• ceramic (enamel);
• from natural and artificial stone.

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.

Built-in sinks in the interior

The built-in sink is not only a practical detail of the kitchen - it is part of the design composition. There are many options for shapes, sizes and decor of kitchen sinks.

Steel color in matte, glossy finish is an eternal classic.

Granite or marble texture looks expensive and noble. It should be remembered that stone textures in large quantities “cool” the interior.

A raw loft design is unthinkable without a granite or marble sink in a natural shade.

A composite sink in warm colors will harmoniously complement the eco-design of Scandi or country with many wooden elements. You can choose a plain version of the sink or with contrasting inclusions of stone chips.

Built-in from below, combined or single bowl will be the optimal solution for a small-sized kitchen.

The kitchen sink looks stylish and harmonious, geometrically similar to household appliances and interior items.

The built-in invisible sink will maintain the balance of the minimalist high-tech design.

Material of manufacture

The service life, appearance of the kitchen sink, price, variety of models and other characteristics depend on this indicator. Let's take a closer look at the different options.

Stainless steel

Such bowls are made from chromium-nickel alloy. They fit well into kitchens of different design styles. The surface can be smooth, glossy or matte, rough. The latter option is less susceptible to scratches, but costs a little more.

Advantages of a stainless steel sink:

• affordable price;
• wide selection of models and sizes;
• durability;
• light weight;
• easy cleaning;
• corrosion resistance.

Minuses:

• when a stream of water touches the bottom, a loud noise is created;
• There is only one color option;
• appearance of scratches on the surface.

The stainless steel kitchen sink is made from a single sheet of metal, without welds. The thickness of the material also matters: from 0.12 to 3 mm. The higher this indicator, the stronger the sink and the more expensive the price.

Expert opinion

Olga Kovalenko

Since 2010 I have been engaged in interior design and architectural design.

To check that the sink is really made of stainless steel, just attach a magnet to the surface.

Ceramic (enamel)

The basis of the product is earthenware or porcelain, or metal, cast iron. The top enamel coating is hard and smooth, does not scratch and is not susceptible to chemical influences or temperature changes. These sinks are available in different shades and fit harmoniously into rustic and retro interiors.

Pros of ceramic sinks:

• scratch resistance;
• hygiene;
• ease of care.

Minuses:

• short service life;
• fragility of the top coating.

Made from artificial stone

These models are made from granite, marble chips, quartz sand, acrylic resins, a mixture of minerals and polymers. Their surface looks presentable, looks like natural stone, and has good performance characteristics.

This type of kitchen sinks has been popular in recent years, thanks to its stylish design, it fits into interiors of different styles.

Advantages of artificial stone sinks:

• affordable price;
• no noise from the water jet;
• variety of models and colors;
• easy care;
• impact resistance.

Minuses:

• formation of indelible stains;
• The use of abrasive cleaning agents is prohibited.

Made from natural stone

These are expensive luxury models that look presentable and are usually used in luxury interior designs. Products are made by hand from marble, onyx, basalt, granite, travertine. Often, a kitchen sink made of stone is a single composition with a countertop.

Pros of a stone sink:

• has a unique pattern;
• strength and durability.

Minuses:

• high price;
• complexity of installation;
• coloring matter “eats” into the surface and can only be removed by sanding;
• This bowl requires delicate care.

How to install

Mostly, professionals install stone sinks. This is due to the fact that sinks are often mounted on a countertop made of the same material, and the process itself is complex. Specialists not only install the product correctly, but also make sure that the seams between the sink and the work area are completely invisible.

It is not recommended to carry out installation yourself in such cases.

If you decide to install a stone sink in a regular countertop, you can do it yourself. All that is required from the master in this case is to follow the step-by-step instructions.

The first step is to cut a hole to fit the size of the sink. Standard options include overhead sinks 60x60 cm. At this stage, you need to draw an outline to create a hole. To make all the markings correctly, it is best to use a template made of cardboard or paper.

A jigsaw is used to create the hole.

After this, you need to process the edge using a sealant for this purpose. Often a special sealing tape is mounted on this part, which is also convenient. At the same stage, you need to process the perimeter from the top side.

After this, the sink is slowly and carefully mounted into the countertop, using special screws to secure the product. They are fixed on the bottom.

After installing the sink, you need to work on the faucet. It is fixed on the sink, and then connected to the water pipes. A siphon is connected to the drain hole.

At the final stage, the remaining sealant is removed. After this, the sink will be ready for use.

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.

Dimensions

Compact sinks have dimensions from 45x45 cm. Large standard sinks are 60x100 cm. You can also make custom-made sinks of various sizes and modifications.

As a rule, the larger the volume of the bowl, the wider the wings for drying dishes. In small kitchens, compact round or square sinks are often installed, but deep. When calculating the space for a future sink, its external boundaries are taken into account.

Corner models help save space, but before installing such a sink, you should make sure that you don’t have to stretch or bend too much when washing dishes.

When choosing a sink, it is important to consider the size of the cabinet located under the bowl. Its dimensions should be such that the sink can be installed in the middle, within the boundaries of the vertical walls.

Number of bowls for sinks made of artificial stone

Most often, sinks are equipped with only one bowl, and usually it is enough. Sometimes the product includes a wing for drying dishes, but if there is a dishwasher or dryer in the kitchen cabinets, there is no need for it.

If there is space, it is better to install a sink with two bowls - this is a practical solution. It can perform several functions at once: it is convenient to defrost vegetables, fruits and meat in one bowl, and wash dishes in the other. By the way, to install such a sink, it is not at all necessary to have a large kitchen. You can purchase models with compact additional bowls. You also need to remember that for such products you definitely need a rotary mixer.

Additional items and accessories

For operation, you should choose a sink with auxiliary elements, such as:

• tap for a separate bowl;
• automatic valve;
• filters for water purification;
• overhead grilles.

These devices make the everyday process of preparing dishes, washing dishes and food easier, and help save countertop space. For expensive models, manufacturers add accessories designed for a specific model and color.

Expert opinion

Olga Kovalenko

Since 2010 I have been engaged in interior design and architectural design.

Typically you have to purchase a sink faucet separately, but its design must match the sink. So, a metal faucet is suitable for stainless steel, and for stone - with a similar decorative coating. Chrome faucets are considered universal and can be combined with different materials.

Installation methods

The sink should be selected not only based on the design of the kitchen unit, the size and modification of the cabinets, but also on the installation method.

There are sinks:

• Mortise. The bowl is lowered into a pre-cut hole of a suitable size. The upper parts are sides, wings are placed on the tabletop.

• Integrated. They are usually made together with a set and installed flush, flush with the tabletop and visually forming a solid structure.

• Invoices. These sinks cover the top of a small cabinet. Suitable for modular, free-standing models. Most often they are made of stainless steel.

• Under-table. Models to order. Such a sink is rarely installed in the kitchen, in exclusive designs made of stone. Such bowls are usually installed below the level of the countertop.

Requirements for the washing department

Distinctive features of a washing room in a wooden bath are changes in temperature conditions and high humidity, which leads to the creation of comfortable conditions for long-term visitors.

For this reason, such a department must have a reliable ventilation system for good air exchange.

The results of insufficient ventilation are overheating of the body, the appearance of mold and mildew, and the concentration of unpleasant odors and moisture.

The washing room in the bathhouse must meet the basic technical requirements:

• Equipped with forced ventilation of supply or natural type with an air duct pipe. The pipe is equipped with protective flaps to regulate the air flow.
• The air pipe is brought out through a special hole in the ceiling to the roof.
• Installation of the supply pipe 200 cm above the soil level.
• Arrangement of hot and cold water supply systems.
• Carrying out various types of massage using bath cosmetics. For this purpose, a standard massage table or trestle bed is installed in the department.

Price

The price of a kitchen sink consists of several components, but the type of raw materials used is decisive. However, high cost is not always an indicator of durability or quality.

Thus, the usual stainless steel can last longer than a stone sink, but cost an order of magnitude less. You have to overpay for a stylish appearance, configuration, additional accessories, and the reputation of the manufacturer.

The price range for a sink made from a certain material can vary significantly. Thus, budget stainless steel in the construction market costs no more than 2 thousand rubles, and in an elite plumbing showroom it costs 30-50 thousand.

Products can be arranged in the following order in ascending order of average prices:

• ceramic – 1-3 thousand rubles;
• stainless steel – 2-6 thousand rubles;
• made of artificial stone – 4-10 thousand rubles;
• from natural – from 30 thousand rubles.

Quality Manufacturers

Well-known brands of plumbing fixtures produce beautiful, functional and high-quality products. Their products have a 1-3 year warranty and a service life of up to 20 years. Such sinks are usually sold in stores. The markets often offer products made in China, the quality of which meets minimum standards.

Popular international brands:

• Longran;
• Villeroy&Boch;
• TEKA;
• Blanco;
• Reginox;
• Ukinox;
• Smeg;
• Foster;
• shock;
• Florentina;
• Alveus;
• Franke;
• Polygran and others.

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:

1. Swelling of the countertop next to the sink. Caused by improper installation and insufficient waterproofing. Occurs when moisture penetrates into the cut.
2. The appearance of scratches and stains. More often observed on stainless steel and artificial stone during intensive use.
3. The sink is unstable. Caused by the lack of sealing tape in the areas adjacent to the countertop.
4. 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.
5. Indelible stains and plaque. To prevent this problem, it is necessary to regularly clean the surface of the bowl using suitable household chemicals.

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.

Advantages of the washing compartment

The washing compartment in the bathhouse is arranged in a separate area, fenced off from the steam room, dressing room and relaxation room. In small baths, all rooms are combined, and the washing area is separated from other functional areas by a decorative partition.

The combined option of a washing compartment with a steam room provides significant space savings, but makes the room less convenient to use.

The advantages of a separate sink include:

• the ability to create a unique and practical interior;
• possibility of accommodating a large number of people;
• the possibility of using wear-resistant and durable materials for internal lining;
• simplicity and accessibility of washing machine maintenance.

In a small-sized private bathhouse there can be two rooms: in one there is a dressing room with a relaxation area, in the other there is a steam room with a sink. A stove for a bath and an area for storing bath accessories are located in the steam room, a shower and benches for relaxation are located in the washing bath.

This design has some advantages, including:

• Economical consumption of fuel material for heating combined rooms.
• A laconic and practical interior, when a heater with an extended firebox can be installed in a steam room and washing room. This will provide simultaneous heating of the premises and hot water supply.