Kitchen equipment includes many appliances, furniture and accessories. One of the most basic elements of kitchen interior equipment is the sink. The kitchen sink is also an essential tool if you use a dishwasher. The market is full of various solutions tailored to every kitchen, every decor and every user. The options available include: steel sinks and granite sinks, suspended sinks and overlay sinks, single-bowl sinks and two-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 matches the faucet, countertop, cabinets and general decor.
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What should you pay attention to when buying a sink?
Sinks have long ceased to have only a practical function. They are an important decorative element of the space and influence the efficiency, comfort 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. To make the right decision which sink to choose for the kitchen, it is worth paying attention primarily to:
- material and its properties,
- Shape,
- size - including the number of chambers,
- assembly method,
- design - matching the washing zone and general kitchen decor,
- optional technologies and solutions that maximize functionality.
How big should a kitchen sink be?
When determining the optimal size of the sink, you should consider both its overall size, as well as the number and dimensions of the chambers and the desired shape. The dimensions of a kitchen sink should be adapted to the needs of users and individual consumption of dishes, as well as to the available space in the washing area.
You can choose a single- or two-bowl sink, round, rectangular, square, corner, trapezoidal or L-shaped. There are no worse or better sinks in this respect - the most important thing is a good, well-thought-out fit. Popular kitchen sink sizes include:
- sink 40 cm ,
- sink 50 cm ,
- sink 60 cm ,
- sink 80 cm .
People who cook often and have to wash a lot of dishes and food products on a regular basis will certainly benefit from a larger sink with two bowls and a drainer for washed dishes and cutlery. Is your kitchen very small? Choose a compact single-bowl sink without a drainer. You will put the washed plates on the dryer. You can place it on the countertop or hide it in the cabinet above the sink.
Do you want to place the sink on/in a corner cabinet? Choose a trapezoidal model with an additional chamber for washing fruit and vegetables. However, small, single-bowl kitchen sinks are completely sufficient for people who rarely cook or do not wash dishes by hand, because they have a dishwasher that can easily accommodate all dishes, including large pots.
What material should I choose for my kitchen sink?
Kitchen sinks are made of various materials to best meet the functional and visual requirements of individual groups of recipients. 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 available, 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 temperature, mechanical damage and strong detergents. Of course, this does not mean that a steel sink is unbreakable. Improper use, e.g. using wire brushes or throwing sharp knives and tools into the chambers, may result in scratches and corrosion. Stainless steel sinks differ in the type of finish.
Granite sinks consist of at least 80% minerals. 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 coloring products left in the sink. If you do not take care of such a sink, it may become irreversibly discolored.
A ceramic sink is a premium option. It is ultra-durable and extremely resistant - also to impacts - and easy to clean. It does not discolor from food products. There are various colors to choose from. The disadvantage of a ceramic sink for many customers will be its very high price.
Check out kitchen sinks at the Onninen wholesaler
Which kitchen sink will be the best to keep clean?
Modern sinks are rather easy to keep clean - regardless of the material they are made of. More and more often, manufacturers enrich the sinks they offer with advanced technologies (coatings) that effectively prevent dirt and make cleaning more efficient.
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 shouldn't have any major problems with cleaning a granite sink. All you need is regular washing with a soft sponge and a bit of mild detergent, e.g. dishwashing liquid or a natural, home-made preparation.
To prevent the granite from tarnishing, simply rub the surface with a small amount of oil from time to time. As we mentioned earlier, in the case of a granite sink, you should be very careful about coloring substances and products. A ceramic sink is also easy to keep clean. The only thing that may be bothersome is the need to wipe the surface dry to avoid streaks. Glass and plastic sinks have the greatest tendency to create visible stains.
Is it better to choose a drop-in or overlay sink?
Due to the method of installation, the following can be distinguished:
- overlay sinks – the easiest to install, mounted on a cabinet without a countertop;
- sinks recessed into the countertop (also known as built-in sinks) - standardly chosen for contemporary kitchens, placed from above in a previously cut hole in the countertop;
- suspended (also known as undermount) sinks – mounted from the bottom so that they form a uniform line with the countertop.
It is best to consult a specialist when choosing the installation method, and therefore the optimal model of a kitchen sink. You can also talk to Onninen specialists about it. We will be happy to advise you and suggest specific sinks from our 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, one-, two- and one-and-a-half-bowl, with and without drainers. 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 your interior and individual needs, you can order from us a perfectly matched sink tap, a concealed frame, household appliances and all necessary accessories and spare parts: dryers, drainers, cutting boards, siphons, filters, grinders and much more.
You still don't know what type, shape, size or installation method of the sink to choose? Are you wondering whether an 80x60 sink will be suitable for your kitchen? Contact us! You can write or call us. Onninen's technical advisors will answer your questions, provide practical tips and suggest optimally matched products.