Which sink to choose for the kitchen?
The most important criteria when choosing will be the general parameters of the kitchen product, its depth, width, wing location, wall thickness, as well as a quality guarantee and much more.
- Budget. The price primarily depends on the manufacturer and brand. There are glued and cast models that are outwardly no different, but cast products are of higher quality, stronger, more durable and therefore cost much more than glued ones.
- Material. According to the material, composite, granite, marble or other kitchen sinks are considered shockproof and resistant to temperature changes. While glued acrylic models cannot boast of such characteristics and durability.
- Color. It is better to choose more practical colors, such as light brown, beige, white, sand with inclusions or natural tones with a rough surface and texture. On dark-colored products, stains and water stains will be more noticeable, so they will have to be cleaned and washed often.
- Shape. If you have a dishwasher, a small but deep enough sink without a wing can be an excellent solution. An equally good option is a roomy one- or two-bowl corner system.
- Bowls. It is preferable to choose a kitchen sink with two bowls. This way you can wash fruits and vegetables in one section while the other is occupied, for example, with dirty dishes.
- Fittings and accessories. An excellent companion for a kitchen sink is a faucet of the same color, differing by one or two tones, or a mixer with a bronze or brass coating. For an inexpensive composite product, as additional protection of surfaces from scratches and chips, you can purchase a metal basket for dishes. An equally convenient accessory is the drying rack installed on the sink.
The photo shows a countertop with a kitchen sink made of light-colored artificial stone with inclusions.
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Types of sinks
Main varieties.
Overhead
This product is placed on top of the kitchen set countertop and connected to it. Overhead models must have the correct geometry to avoid distortions.
Integrated
Can have different design options, for example, located under the countertop and recessed into it or slightly raised above the level of the base. The deeper the kitchen sink is located, the less water splashes will be formed.
The photo shows a kitchen sink made of brown artificial stone, integrated into the countertop.
Flush-mounted
This design is inserted into a cut-out opening and has components with special fasteners. It can be higher, lower than the countertop or flush with it.
Kitchen sink material
There are several types of artificial materials from which these products are made:
- Composite mineral-polymer sinks. They contain polymer resins and crushed natural stone, such as quartz or granite. Such models are quite wear-resistant and not susceptible to scratches, but not very resistant to impacts.
- Quartz agglomerate. Made from pressed quartz chips, it has a long service life and high environmental qualities, which ensures harmless contact with food products.
- Granite. Consists of fine stone chips and polymer resins, are smooth and very resistant to mechanical impacts.
- Corian. Has good water-repellent qualities and resistance to contamination. Corian products are quite easy to clean and retain a presentable appearance for a long time.
Pros and cons of a stone sink
Advantages and disadvantages of kitchen models made of artificial stone.
They are quite easy to maintain.
Stone sink shapes
Kitchen sinks can also have different shapes.
Round and oval
Despite their compact appearance, they are quite roomy. Such bowls do not have additional baskets for washing fruits or vegetables. In addition, a round or oval shape gives the kitchen space a special expressiveness, softness and elegance.
Rectangular and square
They are the standard and most popular shape, which is perfect for small kitchens. Rectangular models are an indispensable option in the design of narrow countertops. However, such sinks create a lot of water splashes.
The photo shows a kitchen set countertop with an overhead sink made of square artificial stone.
Sink with a wing
Kitchen products with one or two wings differ in several functions at once. The draining wing can act as a stand for dishes and food or, thanks to its heat resistance, provide a place for hot pots or pans.
The photo shows a gray kitchen sink made of artificial stone, equipped with one wing.
Corner
This system not only fits perfectly into small kitchen spaces, but also gives the atmosphere a special fashionable ambience. Corner sinks are considered to be less capacious, but at the same time quite functional.
With two bowls
A double sink or two-bowl sink is distinguished by its capacity and very convenient operation. For example, one bowl can serve as a place for defrosting food or storing dirty dishes, while the second one always remains free for use. The bowls can be located one after another or in a line.
One and a half bowls
It has one large bowl, supplemented by a small section, which can be wide enough, but not deep.
The photo shows a kitchen set, decorated with a sink made of artificial stone with one and a half bowls.
Narrow
They are very compact, practical, highly functional and are an excellent option for a kitchen with small dimensions.
Non-standard shape
Such non-standard kitchen sinks made of artificial stone are an atypical solution for creating a unique interior. Such designs are no different from standard products in terms of operational and practical qualities, but have a more refined and original design.
Trapezoid
This configuration is equally well suited for both traditional and corner placement, which is the most comfortable.
The photo shows a beige kitchen sink made of artificial stone, made in the shape of a trapezoid.
What colors are sinks?
The color palette of the products is quite wide, it can include green, red, pink, brown, beige, wenge and other various colors. Below are the most popular and in-demand ones.
Black
Combines high functionality and aesthetic beauty, has a slightly strict design and a truly sophisticated appearance.
White
Due to the use of a white kitchen sink, the decor acquires a fashionable, stylish and rich look and looks much fresher.
The photo shows a round kitchen sink made of white artificial stone.
Beige
It is a universal and classic option that fits harmoniously into any interior design.
Gray
This color has unlimited potential for effects, allows you to visually make the surface of the product glossy, matte, silky or velvety.
Green
Such a decorative element will undoubtedly refresh and enliven any environment, adding unusualness to it.
Terracotta
It is considered an unusual design solution that fills the kitchen space with new colors and harmony.
Photo of a sink in the kitchen interior
For kitchen decor, you can choose a sink in the same style as the overall design. For example, a combined sink, countertop and window sill of the same design will look most harmonious.
The photo shows a kitchen interior with an overhead sink made of light-colored artificial stone.
Modern kitchen products are distinguished by a truly attractive appearance and ideally blend into the surrounding space, giving it character and uniqueness.
The photo shows a kitchen set in the interior, equipped with a small square sink.
You can add special style and gloss to the kitchen with the help of fashionable sanitary innovations, in the form of a chameleon-colored sink with interesting iridescent effects or a model with sparkles.
The photo shows an artificial stone sink integrated into the kitchen countertop in the interior.
Which sink is better, stainless steel or artificial stone?
Comparative table of the difference between artificial stone and steel models.
Can only have a steel color design, which does not always fit a certain design.
Has a wide range of colors.
It is lightweight.
It is quite heavy.
It has a higher cost.
Care recommendations
Some tips on how to care for an artificial stone kitchen sink:
- It is better to wipe the surface of the artificial stone with a soft sponge or cloth that will not scratch the product.
- To clean the kitchen sink, you need to use detergents that do not contain chlorine and abrasives.