How to choose a sink for the kitchen?

Cooking in the kitchen is unthinkable without water and without the ability to wash dishes. Therefore, the convenience of using the kitchen space depends on the choice of such an element as a sink.

The geometry of the sink for the kitchen is dictated not only by the aesthetic tastes of customers. Crucial are:

• room dimensions;
• type of layout;
• design principles.

In a classic room layout, preference is given to square products. They harmoniously combine with heterogeneous headsets. But so that the square kitchen sink looks harmonious, it should be placed not in the corner, but in the middle of the wall. The square is ideal for washing dishes and allows you to put a lot of food, dirty cups or plates. The rectangular configuration is slightly worse, and is suitable mainly for narrow spaces.

If these two forms do not suit you, you need to consider round and oval options. The round sink looks stylish, it is not difficult to wash it, because the dirt does not clog into the corners. However, the shape of the circle rarely allows you to equip the sink with auxiliary sections.

Both triangular and similar to the truncated trapezoid sinks are considered angular. Such designs are ideal where there is very little space. True, reviews show that washing dishes is very difficult. Modern designers increasingly prefer products with five or six corners.They are used in houses with large kitchens, their installation is possible both at an angle and along the long part of the wall.

The description of individual configurations already shows how important the size of the sink is in practice. You can determine the optimal dimensions, given the simplest rules. First of all, the distance between the side of the product and adjacent surfaces should be at least 0.05 m. This gap should separate the sink from:

• capital wall or partition;
• the perimeter of the countertop;
• side faces of pedestals.

The next important point is the depth of the excavation. It makes no sense to purchase products smaller than 0.15-0.2 m. With less depth, even the most careful handling does not allow to avoid splashes. But a too large bowl is also bad - when washing the same cups or processing products, you will have to lean excessively. Important: the exception is when it is planned to constantly clean trays, large pans or pans.

Typical square sinks can have a size of 0.5x0.5 or 0.6x0.6 m. For rectangular, the width is fully unified - 0.5 m. Length may be:

• 0.55 m;
• 0.8 m;
• 1m;
• 1.25 m (occasionally and more).

Regardless of size, kitchen plumbing can be made from a variety of materials. Stainless steel has been widely used for several decades. They can use various types of steel:

• polished;
• matte;
• having an original texture.

Steel sinks are made using welded or seamless technology. Welding allows the use of thicker metal. This provides a reliable fixation of the mixer. Noise reduction is also important - water can pour very loudly into a seamless sink. Any kind of stainless steel looks beautiful, giving it various forms is not difficult for modern production.

Steel sinks are easy to install with your own hands, without spending money on the services of specialists. The stainless alloy is resistant to almost all substances that are found in the home kitchen. Metal will definitely withstand contact with boiling water.

Ceramic sinks are a fairly common option. The undoubted advantage of these products is external appeal. Ceramics have a variety of colors, thanks to which it can be fit into any headset. It’s easy to care for the ceramic surface. However, it is fragile, and the accidental fall of a heavy object can irreversibly ruin the plumbing. Installing a ceramic sink is a little more difficult than steel, because it weighs more.

Many try to pick up products made of artificial stone, which are considered almost an ideal option in terms of external beauty. Synthetic stone can be covered with various patterns, sometimes the differences also apply to the texture. A tabletop can be made from the same material, which automatically solves the problem of stylistic disagreement. However, you will have to pay a lot for stone structures, and it is very easy to scratch them.

Modular kitchen sets most often involve overhead installation of the sink. The bottom line is that the product is placed on top of the installation cabinet. Since the dimensions of all commercially available structures are standardized, self-assembly is simplified to a minimum. But you need to understand that water can fall on the sides of the nightstand. Therefore, installers must work very carefully and accurately, otherwise many problems appear.

If the kitchen has a single countertop, they often resort to tapping the sink. It is in principle possible to independently carry out this work. However, the manipulations will be time-consuming, and the slightest mistake will entail irreparable consequences.

In addition, metal, stone and glass countertops allow mortise installation only with the involvement of professionals with special tools.Therefore, usually a cutout is made immediately for an individual order.

If the sink is cut into the countertop, water may fall under the sink. Cheap wood-based panels are damaged. It is necessary to use special hydrophobic agents. As for the integrated installation scheme, it is too complicated to do the work yourself. In addition, repairs will be virtually impossible.

The products of the Swiss company Franke are in demand on the Russian market. This concern has over 80 production facilities in various parts of the world. Two of his enterprises are located in the Northwestern and Ural Federal Districts, respectively. The quality of the products is already confirmed by the fact that since the mid-1970s Franke sinks have been eager to buy transnational fast food chains. Consumers are available models of sinks with a width of 0.2-1.05 m.

Swiss stainless modifications are made of excellent steel, including 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The branded version of artificial stone is made of:

• silica sand;
• polyacrylic resins;
• special dyes.

The ranking of leading sink manufacturers also includes the German concern Blanco. Its products entered the market in 1925. The main production facilities are located in Germany. At the same time, ceramic sinks and some other products are made in Poland or Turkey.

The Blanco range includes models with:

• 1 or 2 bowls;
• angular and round;
• mortise or underfloor mounting;
• dimensions of 0.4-0.9 m;
• a variety of colors.

In the review of optimal brands Russian brand GranFest deserves attention. The company has been operating since 2000, but has already managed to prove itself. The shape of GranFest sinks is very diverse. Consumers can choose both single-component, and products supplemented with dryers and other devices. The range includes almost 50 models with different colors. GranFest sinks can transfer heat up to 180 degrees. They have a strong smooth surface. Installation can be done by mortise or laid on technique. Brand warranty is 24 months. But it must be borne in mind that reviews about the quality of composite sinks of this brand are not always favorable.

Another brand from Russia is Florentina. This factory has been operating since 2001, its specialization is cast sanitary ware. They mainly use sanitary marble. From the first days of production, Florentina products passed official certification, and then this status was constantly confirmed. The company has its own development department, offering new modifications every year.

In the budget segment there is another domestic manufacturer of sinks - Granula brand. Note: the same company produces premium kitchen fixtures. In the assortment there are models based on synthetic granite. They look attractive in appearance, but you will have to use these products carefully. Installation of finished structures in a designated place is simple.

Complete the review appropriately. on the German brand Teka. It supplies minimally noisy stainless sinks. Special designs minimize the risk of scratches. Options satisfy most people. Judging by the reviews, Teka has no particular negative sides.

Experts believe that it is impossible to choose the right sink without taking into account the required number of bowls. They can be 2 or 3, decent functionality differs 2-section design with equal compartments. But sometimes it’s worth choosing products with different bowls. A large one is used for washing dishes, and a smaller one for culinary work. Three-section sinks are appropriate only in kitchens of a large area, since even the best models will take up a lot of space.

Products with three compartments mainly use gourmets. Of no small importance in some cases are the wings of the sink.They greatly simplify washing dishes. Structures without wings are suitable for those who rarely cook. To choose the right product, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of a particular material. So, stainless steel should be checked with a magnet. It is simply not attracted to a good alloy. The best option in thickness will be a metal of 0.2-0.3 cm. True, it is easily bent and covered with dents.

According to experts, enameled metal sinks can only be bought as a last resort. They are frankly ugly, easily destroyed and quite heavy. Such a solution is suitable only for a country house. Ceramic (porcelain or earthenware) products will look much better. As for the number of bowls, for a family with 4 or more people, you need to choose only products with two tanks.

According to professionals, the most practical and easy-to-use sinks are made with a matte, rather than with a glossy tint. Gloss is easily cracked and scratched. Sometimes the wing is equipped with a device that supplies warm air from below. This contributes to faster drying. High-quality sinks can be complemented by chopping boards that repeat the shape of the sink itself. For those who like to cook a variety of dishes, constructions with a special compartment for cleaning greens will come in handy. In the same compartment, it can dry.

It is important to know about the design features of sinks. Cold light colors are suitable for those who value calm and constancy. But fans of original interiors should look at other solutions - experiments in an extraordinary interior will please people. Connoisseurs are advised to study certificates for finished products. Among stainless steel grades, AISI 304 is best suited.

It must be remembered that some firms go to the trick. They make the main parts of sinks from high-quality metal, and low-grade steel is diverted to wings and other secondary parts. Their calculation is that not all consumers will check with a magnet 100% of the surface of the product. Therefore it is not necessary to give crooks such a chance. With an unlimited personal budget, you can use sinks with a stainless bowl and a tempered glass work surface.

With caution, it is worth approaching the choice of structures with engraving or rolling. Yes, it looks beautiful and unusual. But dirt will constantly collect in the recesses and indentations. Caring for such a surface is even more difficult than polishing a sink.

See how to choose the right sink for the kitchen in the next video.