The kitchen equipment consists of many devices, furniture and accessories. One of the most basic elements of kitchen equipment is the sink. The kitchen sink is an essential tool even when you use a dishwasher. The market is full of various solutions tailored to every kitchen, every design and every user. The choices include steel sinks and granite sinks, undermount sinks and overmount sinks, single-bowl sinks and double-bowl sinks, models with and without a drainer. Find out which kitchen sink to choose so that it is functional, resistant to mechanical damage and scratches, easy to keep clean and perfectly matched to the faucet, countertop, cabinets and general design.
Check out the kitchen sinks at the Onninen wholesaler
What to look for when buying a sink?
Sinks have long ceased to be solely practical. They are an important decorative element of space and affect the efficiency, convenience and ergonomics of kitchen work. The market offer is very extensive, which, contrary to appearances, does not make it easier for many people to choose the perfect sink. In order to make the right decision about which sink to choose for the kitchen, it is worth paying attention primarily to:
- manufacturing material and its properties,
- form,
- size - including number of chambers,
- method of assembly,
- design - matching the washing area and the overall kitchen design,
- optional technologies and solutions to maximize functionality.
How big should a kitchen sink be?
When determining the optimal size of a sink, you should consider both its overall size, as well as the number and dimensions of the bowls and the desired shape. A kitchen sink should be sized to suit the needs of users and individual dishwashing consumption, and to the available space in the washing area.
You can choose a single or double bowl sink, round, rectangular, square, corner, trapezoidal or L-shaped. There are no better or worse sinks in this respect – the most important thing is a good, well-thought-out fit. Popular sizes of kitchen sinks are:
- sink 40 cm ,
- sink 50 cm ,
- sink 60 cm ,
- sink 80 cm .
People who cook often and regularly have to wash a lot of dishes and food products will definitely benefit from a larger sink equipped with two bowls and a drainer for washed dishes and cutlery. Is your kitchen very small? Opt for a compact single-bowl sink without a drainer. You will put washed plates on a drying rack. You can place it on the counter or store it in a cabinet above the sink.
Do you want to place the sink on/in a corner cabinet? Choose a trapezoidal model with an additional bowl for washing fruit and vegetables. On the other hand, small, single-bowl kitchen sinks are completely sufficient for people who rarely cook or almost never wash by hand, because they have a dishwasher that can easily fit all the dishes, including large pots.
What material should you choose for your kitchen sink?
Kitchen sinks are made of various materials to best meet the functional and visual requirements of individual customer groups. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses and determines the characteristic appearance of the sink. Your kitchen may include, for example:
- stainless steel sink,
- granite sink,
- ceramic sink.
The difference between them lies primarily in appearance, durability, resistance to damage and high temperatures, ease of cleaning and... price.
Steel sinks are very popular and easily accessible, so no one should have a problem finding a model that suits their kitchen. They are characterized by a universal, timeless design. They are resistant to high temperatures, mechanical damage and the effects of strong detergents. Of course, this does not mean that a steel sink is indestructible. Improper use, e.g. using wire brushes or throwing sharp knives and tools into the sinks, can result in scratches and corrosion. Stainless steel sinks differ in the type of finish.
Granite sinks are made of minerals at least 80%. If the mineral content is lower (approx. 55%), we are dealing with composite sinks. Granite sinks are a relatively expensive solution. They are purchased primarily because of their unique, noble aesthetics, a huge selection of colors and shapes, ease of cleaning and excellent resistance to scratches and damage. A granite sink is often covered by a manufacturer's warranty of up to several decades! For many customers, resistance to stains is also important. Unfortunately, granite is quite sensitive to staining products left in the sink. If you do not take care of such a sink, it can become irreversibly discolored.
A ceramic sink is a premium option. It is ultra-durable and extremely resistant - also to impacts, and also easy to clean. It does not discolour from food products. There are various colours to choose from. The disadvantage of a ceramic sink for many customers will certainly be the very high price.
Check out the kitchen sinks at the Onninen wholesaler
Which kitchen sink is best for keeping things clean?
Modern sinks are rather easy to keep clean – regardless of the material they are made of. Increasingly, manufacturers are enriching their sinks with advanced technologies (coatings) that effectively prevent dirt and make cleaning easier.
Steel sinks are considered the most hygienic. It is not without reason that you will find steel equipment in restaurant and hotel kitchens. Stainless steel is easy to clean and is resistant to chemicals. You should not have any major problems with cleaning a granite sink either. Regular washing with a soft sponge and a little mild detergent, such as dishwashing liquid or a natural, household product, is enough.
To prevent granite from dulling, it is enough to rub the surface with a small amount of oil from time to time. As mentioned earlier, in the case of a granite sink, you should be very careful with substances and products that stain. A ceramic sink is also easy to keep clean. The only thing that can be bothersome is the need to wipe the surface dry to avoid streaks. However, glass and plastic sinks have the strongest tendency to form visible streaks.
Is it better to choose a drop-in or drop-in sink?
Depending on the method of installation, we can distinguish:
- built-in sinks – the easiest to install, mounted on a cabinet without a countertop;
- built-in sinks (also known as flush-mount sinks) – typically chosen for contemporary kitchens, they are placed from above in a previously cut-out hole in the countertop;
- undermount sinks (also known as undermount sinks) – mounted from below to create a uniform line with the countertop.
The choice of the installation method, and consequently the optimal model of the kitchen sink, is best consulted with a specialist. You can also talk about it with Onninen specialists. We will be happy to advise and suggest specific sinks from the offer.
Kitchen sinks at the Onninen wholesaler
In the Onninen plumbing and electrical wholesaler you will find high-quality ceramic, composite, granite and steel sinks, single, double and one-and-a-half bowls, with and without drainer. We have solutions from brands such as Onnline , Deante , Ferro , Franke , Geberit and Pyramis . We will help you with comprehensive kitchen equipment. In addition to a sink tailored to the interior design and individual needs, you can order a perfectly matched sink tap, concealed frame, household appliances and all necessary accessories and spare parts: dryers, drainers, chopping boards, siphons, filters, grinders and much more.
Still not sure what type, shape, size or installation method to choose for your sink? Are you wondering whether an 80x60 sink will be right for your kitchen? Contact us! You can write to us or call us. Onninen technical advisors will answer your questions, provide practical tips and suggest optimally matched products from our offer.