The modern market presents a wide range of sinks. Therefore, each buyer is trying to understand which kitchen sink is better: granite or metal, with one bowl, two, corner or round? Before you figure it out, you should study the features of each of the models, their main parameters.
Types of sinks
There is a huge variety of shapes and materials. After studying them, you can understand which kitchen sink is better. They can be divided into the following types:
- Single bowl sinks are the most popular option. They are produced in various shapes: round, square, rectangular. Such sinks are suitable for a small room.
- Sinks with multiple bowls of the same size. The sink is suitable for a large kitchen. The bowls can be located relative to each other at an angle or between. Such a sink will help you cope with several tasks at the same time.
- Sinks with bowls of different sizes. They are bought to save space in the workplace.surfaces. A small bowl is used for washing vegetables, defrosting food, and a large bowl for washing dishes.
- Sinks with one or two wings. They provide an extra spacious work surface on which to dry dishes, place vegetables and more. The wings ensure that water flows back into the sink.
- Angular and triangular models. Sinks look original, but unlike the others, they are not so convenient, but they save enough space on the work surface. Such models are made specifically for the corner kitchen set.
Sizes and shapes
Before choosing a sink, it is important to determine the necessary countertop parameters. They will help you understand which kitchen sink is best. The most common are square-shaped products with dimensions of 50 x 50 or 60 x 60 centimeters. Models with these parameters are easy to use and have a wide choice of designs.
Sinks of rectangular shape are suitable for narrow countertops. This model needs to be installed only along, as it will be inconvenient to use. They are made in the following sizes: 50 x 80, 50 x 100, 50 x 125 centimeters.
Round sinks are quite roomy and easy to use. Their diameter is from 45 to 55 centimeters. Such sinks are made from a variety of materials, they harmoniously fit into rooms of any size.
There are also sinks of non-standard shapes: pentagonal and hexagonal. They are suitable for spacious rooms. These models havewide wings, they can be installed both in the corner and along the work surface.
In order to understand which kitchen sink is better - round or square, you need to consider that the edges of the countertop, wall or cabinet should be located at a distance of at least 5 centimeters from the sides of the bowl. You also need to pay attention to the depth of the sink. It should not be too big or small. In the first case, you will have to constantly bend over when washing dishes, and in the second there will not be enough space. The standard depth is 16-20 centimeters.
Stainless steel sink
Products made from this material are the most in demand due to their affordable price. The sink is made of steel containing 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The thickness of the product can be from 0.9 to 1.2 mm. The sink can have a matte, glossy or anti-graphic surface. The latter option hides water drops and minor scratches well.
Benefits:
- material safety;
- high temperature resistance;
- easy care;
- looks harmoniously in any interior;
- corrosion and acid resistance;
- durability;
- affordable price;
- light weight;
- easy installation.
Flaws:
- covered with small scratches over time, loses shine;
- The jet of water makes a loud noise when it hits the surface, but this can be easily eliminated by purchasing special soundproofing material.
Artificialstone
Sink can be made of composite materials or acrylic. In any case, it should contain 80% natural stone waste and 20% polymer binder and coloring pigment. The finished product is treated with a protective compound that fills micropores and thus increases reliability and durability. It is ideal for those who cannot decide which kitchen sink is better - stainless steel or stone, as it has all the advantages of a natural component, but is more affordable.
Benefits:
- wipe resistance;
- stylish design;
- opportunity to choose a faucet in the same color scheme;
- chemical resistance;
- unpretentious care;
- Easy fix minor scratches with acrylic adhesive and minimal sanding;
- absorbs water noise;
- withstands high temperatures;
- durability.
Flaws:
- heavy weight;
- high cost.
Natural stone
Sink is made from such materials: granite, onyx, marble. It is made from a single block or crumbs. Therefore, the purchase of a sink is not available to everyone.
Benefits:
- Exclusivity. Since in nature there are no two pieces of rock with the same pattern.
- Resistance to temperature extremes.
- Material safety.
- Durability.
- Shock resistant.
- Absorbs water noise.
- Resistant to chemicals. But this does not apply to marble.
Flaws:
- Big weight.
- Special care, depending on the material. For example, marble and granite sinks do not like acid.
- High cost.
Ceramics
Sinks are made of porcelain and faience - more expensive, but also much stronger. Ceramic sinks are widely used in sanitary ware products.
Dignity:
- material safety;
- unpretentious care;
- high scratch resistance;
- water noise absorption;
- wide range of colors;
- withstands high temperatures.
Flaws:
- fragile, cracks may occur if dropped heavy objects;
- high cost;
- heavy weight.
Types of kitchen sink installation
In order to understand which kitchen sink is better to choose, you need to decide on how to install it. Sinks can be divided into the following types:
- Mortise model. The sink is inserted into a cut hole in the countertop. This type of installation is the most popular and is suitable for kitchen sets made of any material. All joints are sealed, so there will be no leakage.
- Sink. It is installed on a separate cabinet, which has a lower height than the countertop. Suitable for a kitchen set, which consists of freestandingproducts. The overhead sink is easy to install without a specialist. But due to small gaps between the pedestals, small leaks are possible.
- Integrated type. This type of sink can only be installed with the help of a specialist. It cuts directly into the material of the countertop, uniting with it into a single whole. But it does not interact with surfaces made of chipboard and wood. But it goes well with countertops made of stone, plastic and composite. The main condition for its installation is the identity of its material with the surface. This sink will not stand out on the countertop, which gives it a more elegant look.
Depending on the headset, it will be possible to understand which sink for the kitchen is better - a consignment note or a mortise one. This parameter is decisive when choosing a sink.
Best sink manufacturers
Every customer wants to know which kitchen sinks are the best. Therefore, many are guided by the reputation of the manufacturer. The most popular are:
- Franke (Switzerland). The company manufactures sinks from the following materials: composite stone, ceramic mixture, stainless steel and combined models made of steel with a decorative glass insert. The manufacturer has a large selection of models with different designs and textures. Products are easy to install, no additional items, such as fittings, are required.
- Blanko (Germany). The manufacturer manufactures sinks from the following materials: natural and artificial stone, stainless steel and ceramics. It has a wide range of products at affordable prices and modelsluxury class. The sinks are easy to install and durable.
- Alveus (Slovenia). The range of product materials consists of stainless steel and artificial stone. The manufacturer offers a variety of models that have high wear resistance, as well as ease of maintenance and operation. Installation can be carried out by various methods without calling a specialist. Everything you need is included.
- GranFest (Russia). The manufacturer specializes only in products made of artificial granite. All sinks have a dense smooth surface, have good performance during operation. Installation is possible in two ways: overhead and mortise.
- Flrentina (Russia). The manufacturer manufactures products only from cast artificial marble. It has a certificate of quality, which indicates the reliability and durability of products. The kit includes Italian fittings, which have high rates of durability and resistance. Installation is possible in two ways: mortise and overhead.
Before buying, it is important to study the reviews, which kitchen sink is better. This will help you choose the most suitable option for price and quality.
Which kitchen sink is best?
An incorrectly selected product can cause a lot of inconvenience in the future. It is important not to make a mistake with the size and placement. These characteristics will help you understand which kitchen sink is best. When choosing, pay attention to the following parameters:
- Capacity. It is important that not only cups and spoons can fit in the sink, but also a largepot or pan.
- Sustainability. The sink must be resistant to household chemicals, as well as be durable and withstand sudden changes in temperature. But at the same time, it should retain its original appearance.
- Aesthetics. The sink should fit perfectly into the interior of the room.
Before you decide which sink is better to buy for the kitchen, you need to choose a mixer and a filter. And also pay attention to the drain. It is desirable that it be equipped with a built-in filter, since food remains often fall into the sink. It's good if it has two positions: in the first case, it is tightly pressed against the drain and does not let water through, and in the second case, it retains large debris.
What is the difference between a sink and a sink?
When choosing a product, it is important to understand its functional purpose. Therefore, a bathroom sink cannot replace a kitchen sink, since they have different purposes. And you can also highlight the following differences:
- Inner bowl. At the sink, it is made in such a way that it is convenient to stack a large number of dishes, and the tap has such a height that you can wash a tall pan. It is usually round or square in shape.
- Material. The sink in the bathroom is made of faience or sanitary ware, and the sink is made of metal and stone. This is due to the fact that the product for the kitchen must be resistant to possible temperature changes and mechanical damage.
- Additional equipment. sinksequipped with various accessories for greater convenience. They have wings on which you can put washed dishes, as well as various grills, baskets, colanders.
- Mixer. It is made in a special elongated shape with a bend. This is necessary for comfortable washing of tall pots or a large watermelon.
Optional accessories
Manufacturers supplement sinks with various functions. Many of them are equipped with a wing or a dryer, which can be located on different sides or on both sides at once. It serves as a stand for food, hot pans, pots and dishes.
And also the sink package may include: graters, baskets for fruits and vegetables, cutting boards, waste shredders and other useful devices that will help save space.
Which kitchen sink is better - marble or granite?
Both materials are considered the most durable. But there are a number of differences between granite and marble sinks that you should be aware of. Moreover, the sink is bought several years in advance and is quite expensive.
Stone sinks are mainly made from stone chips and a binder. This technique allows you to make models of different shapes, increasing their strength. In order to understand the advantages of each, below is a table that compares the performance of marble and granite sinks.
Properties |
Granite |
Marble |
| Strength | high (90-250 MPa) | low (30-100 MPa) |
| Durability | begins to collapse after 650 years | begins to break down after 20-75 years |
| Porosity | medium (5%< Ro< 20%) | low (Po< 5%) |
| Moisture absorption | low level | high level |
| Abrasivity | hard to handle | easy to process |
| Hardness | high | medium |
| Acid resistance | high durability | missing |
| Surface abrasion | Wear less than 0.12mm per year | Wear 0.35-0.60mm per year |
The listed characteristics will help you understand which kitchen sink is better. Granite products are highly durable and can withstand temperatures up to 260 degrees. And also, unlike the marble surface, they do not react to acids and chemical reagents. In addition to all the advantages, granite practically does not absorb odors due to its low water absorption. The same cannot be said for marble sinks.
Which sink is better to choose for the kitchen, reviews
When choosing a sinkit is important to consider the size of the kitchen, its combination with the work surface and other points. They will help you understand which kitchen sink is best. Customer reviews will help in this matter. We will present the most interesting ones:
- Many users note that they have long dreamed of purchasing a ceramic sink. They've been using it for a few years now and have no complaints. The product looks very nice, unpretentious in care. The only thing is that some would change the color of the selected model to beige. Judging by the reviews, traces remain on the black sink after using detergents.
- Many users buy mortise single stainless steel kitchen sink. For most families, this is an obvious choice, since this type of sink requires little maintenance and is attractively priced. The main condition is its size and the presence of a wing. Judging by the reviews, the same model, but with a longer dish dryer would be preferable, because sometimes there is not enough space.
- Those who bought a sink made of artificial stone never regretted it. After a year, they can only note advantages: they fit perfectly into the interior of the kitchen, absorb the sound of water, and are unpretentious in care, because they are not afraid of household chemicals and acids.
So, when buying a sink, it is important to decide on the material, type of installation, size, shape and other important parameters. There is no ideal option suitable for everyone. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the buyer must understand for himself which sink forbetter kitchens - ceramic or composite, corner or rectangular.
