The kitchen furniture is assembled, installed and pleases the eye with clear lines, shiny surfaces, modern design and good location. It’s time to prepare something, but then a new situation emerges in full view. Where should I wash food before cooking first, and then the dishes?
You just need to buy a kitchen sink. There are many manufacturers of such products, among them there are recognized brands that produce the best sinks in the world. There are also plenty of fakes, and how can you avoid making a mistake with your choice?
Video: how to choose the best sink?
[aiovg_video mp4=»https://kyhni.guru/video/moika.mp4" poster=»https://kyhni.guru/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/maxresdefault.jpg"]
Even more places for sales: shops, markets, online stores. Sellers are praising their products with might and main, offering customers both branded and inexpensive sinks. And not one of them will talk about the hidden disadvantages of this or that washing option.
It is impossible to determine whether this option is suitable by looking only at a photo of a kitchen sink. The main reason why you should pay more attention and time to choosing a sink is high-quality and quick processing of food before cooking, clean dishes, health and pleasure for the whole family.
Catalog of new kitchen sinks 2021 + prices
Rectangular sink
Such a sink looks more natural in an oblong-shaped room, especially if the fittings also have an elongated shape.
The aspect ratio of the sink can be arbitrary, but artists have long determined that the human eye best perceives the ratio corresponding to the “golden ratio” - approximately 62% to 38%.
The sink fits harmoniously into a countertop of the same shape, especially if it has side additions. The placement of a rectangular sink across the same shaped countertop looks unnatural.
Round sink
Round or slightly elongated, oval sinks fit any set. They are made somewhat deeper in depth than square or rectangular products. Since all the dishes are round, more can fit in the same sink. It is much easier to keep it clean, since there are no corners where dirt is most difficult to remove.
The disadvantages include the fact that it is more difficult to equip them with additional elements: a cutting board, a container for a disinfectant solution. The combination of a round sink and a rectangular or square countertop creates a sense of balance.
Minuses
Sinks with thin walls have disadvantages.
For these sinks:
- dents form easily;
- they do not hold the mixer well;
- When a stream of water falls into them, a lot of noise occurs.
In general, all metal sinks are noisy, regardless of the design (inset or overhead). The noise can be reduced if you buy a sink with increased steel thickness and lined with sound-absorbing material on the inside.
Sometimes the disadvantages of overhead sinks include their design, which does not differ in variety and design. It's true - countertop sinks come in standard, most popular sizes and shapes.
However, such accusations are not relevant and are not a disadvantage. The fact is that this equipment (due to the fact that it is affordable) does not belong to expensive designer kitchen equipment.
The disadvantages of washing include the possibility of water getting into the gap between the cabinets when washing dishes, which causes mold and mildew to appear. Such problems lead to the destruction of the bedside table and loss of appearance. However, this effect can be easily avoided by using special rubber edges and sealant.
Stainless steel is a popular material for washing
Stainless steel kitchen sinks do not lose their popularity due to their low price. The material does not corrode, is lightweight, and harmonizes perfectly with the shiny surface of the countertop. Easily amenable to mechanical processing. The wall thickness is only 0.9-1.2 mm.
The surface can be matte, glossy or have a “linen fabric” structure - anti-graphic. Different parts of the sink may have different surface structures.
Stainless steel sinks have a number of advantages:
- environmental friendliness; the material does not affect or change the taste of products during pre-processing;
- resistance to elevated temperatures - not “afraid” of boiling water and water vapor;
- resistance to alkalis and acids found in small quantities in many products and especially in detergents and cleaning products;
- durability and ease of maintenance;
- goes well with many materials found in the finishing of kitchen units;
- attractive price/quality ratio.
A minor drawback is increased noise. The sink responds loudly to the transfer of dishes in it or to a strong stream of water.
Best models and prices
Oddly enough, the most popular product is not luxury sinks that provide maximum comfort and practicality of use, but affordable models made in Russia and China. In accordance with numerous ratings published on the World Wide Web, the best overhead sinks are considered to be:
- "Vladix V-401" (Russia). The average cost of such a sink is 925 rubles. The product has a stainless steel frame, a wing on the right side. The advantages of the model are low cost and ease of installation. Disadvantages include thin metal, shallow bowl depth, and the need to install additional supports.
- UKINOX Standard STD 600.600-4C 0C (Russia). Stainless steel device with compact wing. Installation is carried out depending on the location of the kitchen furniture. The sink belongs to the budget category. Its price tag starts at 1,500 rubles. When purchasing this product, you should prepare for the fact that the quality of the material may not live up to expectations, and it will be easy to get injured on the sharp, unrounded edges
- Kromrus S-220 (Russia). The product is sold for only 1 thousand rubles. Among the features, it is worth highlighting the variable location of the wing, a large drain hole, and the strength of the metal frame. The only disappointment is the low quality of stamping, which affects the geometry of the sink.
- Melana MLN-8060. Wide Chinese model with square basin and wing. Made from chromium-nickel steel. Depending on the preferences of customers, on store shelves you can find a sink with a matte, decorated or polished surface. Based on the chosen option, you will have to spend from 1.5 to 3.5 thousand rubles.
Ceramic and porcelain are excellent materials for washing
The advantages of ceramics as a material for washing are obvious: it can withstand high temperatures, is not afraid of scratches, and comes in a very diverse range of colors. A ceramic sink does not require complicated maintenance and absorbs sound well. To protect the ceramic surface, it is coated with enamel.
There are also disadvantages: decent weight and fragility. With impacts, careless handling, or collisions of heavy objects, cracks form on the surface. Because of this, ceramic and porcelain sinks are used less frequently.
Composite materials for sinks
This material is made simply: 80% of stone chips (granite, marble, limestone) are mixed with 20% of a binder (polyurethane polymer). The resulting mixture is loaded into a mold, compacted with a vibrator, and after drying, the finished product is removed. The high cost of raw materials makes such sinks very expensive.
Sinks made of composite material have many advantages:
- wide color spectrum;
- absorbs and muffles all sounds from pouring water and sorting dishes;
- tolerates high temperatures without damaging the coating;
- minimal surface care;
- Excellent resistance to aggressive detergents and cleaning solvents.
The downsides are heavy weight and decent price.
Some other materials previously used to make sinks: plastic, aluminum, glass - turned out to be unsuitable.
Installation of an overhead sink
This installation method is the easiest. The overhead sink is inserted into a pre-prepared hole in the countertop. The dimensions of the slots are only 1-2 mm larger than the dimensions of the sink; it should fall down freely and not dangle. No additional strengthening or filling of cracks is required.
The top of the sink is raised above the countertop and tightly covers the space around the installation hole. This installation option makes it possible to organically place additional kitchen accessories around the sink: boards for cutting meat, fish, vegetables, for drying glasses and saucers.
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.
Installation of a mortise sink
In this case, the sink is installed so that its upper edge is flush with the countertop. An undermount kitchen sink requires much more effort to install than an overhead sink.
The resulting cracks must be filled with waterproof sealant, smoothed and sanded so that they do not stand out against the background of the materials of the countertop and sink.
The option of a sink with a kitchen cabinet is rarely used. A free-standing sink with a cabinet immediately catches the eye and does not harmonize with the rest of the kitchen furniture.
Video instructions for installing a built-in kitchen sink
[a[aiovg_video mp4=»https://kyhni.guru/video/vreznaja.mp4" poster=»https://kyhni.guru/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/999.jpg"]p>
Installing a sink below the countertop is also possible; it is appropriate when the sink and countertop are made of the same material and the countertop is a continuation of the sink; they form one whole.
How to choose the right size corner sink
The dimensions, namely the volumes of bowls for corner sinks, can be very different. Even the smallest sink can have significant depth, just as a large sink can be quite shallow.
When choosing a corner sink of a certain size, you should take into account some parameters: how large the dimensions of the kitchen furniture are, what size dishes household members most often use, and also what is the height of the countertop.
The depth of the sink should be such that when the water is turned on it does not splash out. And also that at least one set of kitchen utensils fits in it.
If the height of kitchen cabinets is about 85 cm, you should not choose bowls that are too deep (more than 20 cm). There is no need for deep sinks even if the kitchen has a dishwasher. The universal bowl size for all types of sinks (including corner ones) is a depth of 16 to 20 cm. This volume is quite enough to avoid splashing water; this depth is convenient for washing pots, pans and plates.
Using examples from the video, you can see what options there may be for rational placement of the sink and accessories.
Functionality is the main factor in choosing a sink
The optimal choice is a sink with two sinks; one is for large dishes, the other is for smaller dishes. The mixer is placed in the middle and can be easily turned in the desired direction. The functionality of the sink and kitchen in general is significantly enhanced by additional equipment, including:
- cutting boards for various types of products;
- recesses for detergents;
- corner for drying dishes and towels;
- device for grinding waste - less clogging of the sewer;
- set of mechanical graters;
- a tray with holes or a mesh - a colander;
- automatic drain valve;
- liquid detergent dispenser;
- additional basket for products.
All this equipment makes work easier and expands capabilities, but at the same time significantly increases the overall cost. In addition to a sink with accessories, kitchens are equipped with many other important and necessary electrical appliances: a stove, a water heater, a food processor.
The decisive factor when choosing a sink is the price. You want to have a beautiful, functional and convenient sink, but you shouldn’t take out a loan and go into debt because of it.
Regardless of the material and shape, functionality and price, the sink does its job properly. Comfort in the kitchen, delicious dishes, and an upbeat atmosphere in the family are created not by the sink, not by the kitchen set and all other appliances and things, but by the owner of the house, mutual understanding and respect of all family members.
A kitchen sink is a durable item. The manufacturer provides a warranty of 1.2 - 2 years, maximum 3, and the sink works properly for decades, in some families - for a lifetime. Some old houses still have sinks from the century before last; Such antiques are a source of pride for the owners of the apartment.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of buying a stainless steel model
- Comfortable overhead bowl capacity
- Low price compared to other models that are offered much more expensive
- Easy to install. Allows you to carry out installation yourself, without using the services of a specialist.
- Lightweight and easy to use. There is no need to specially treat such a surface; just wipe with a cloth.
- The presence of various functions allows you to purchase not only one sink, but an additional surface that can be used as a place for drying vegetables and fruits. This is a good opportunity to increase the workspace area in the kitchen.
- On sale you can find a variety of sizes that will suit almost any kitchen layout. Finding what you need in such a variety will not be difficult.
- Service life – the material has sufficient resistance to corrosion. The service life of such a sink is quite long and does not require cleaning from rust or painting.
