In the whole world, there are very few people who are ready to show off their love for washing dishes. Some do not like a long time near the sink, others do not like the detergent compositions, which is why they give their vote in favor of dishwashers, and they use the sink only for washing vegetables and defrosting foods. The process itself oppresses the third. But if you pick the right sink, daily work to clean up the dishes will be much easier.
Kinds
The sink in the working area of the kitchen is considered an indispensable element. Therefore, it should not only be of high quality, but also possess attractive external characteristics. Important factors for a good wash are usability and versatility. All these characteristics create the most comfortable conditions not only for washing dishes, but also for rinsing vegetables. And most importantly, quality sinks will serve their owners for many years.
The variety of kitchen sinks is great. They can be of various shapes, have several bowls and even be equipped with a dryer. Models can be made of different materials. In order not to feel like an amateur and independently cope with the search for a suitable design, you should familiarize yourself with a detailed overview of the variety of sinks.
- Single cup sinks are considered simple and familiar to all products.Such designs are ideal for kitchens with a small work area. Single-cup products are made in the form of a rectangle and a square, due to which they have a fairly spacious dimensions. Many housewives note the ease of use of the described product. And thanks to design developments, single-cup sinks began to be made in a round and oval shape, the main difference of which is the depth and wide circle that allows you to place a large number of dishes inside.
- Multi cup sink designs are found in interiors of modern kitchens much more often. In most cases, such models are installed in one line, and in some cases they can be placed at an inconspicuous angle of descent to the mixer. This variety of sinks is very convenient for housewives who love to pamper their relatives with the splendor of delicious dishes. In one bowl of the sink, the dirty dishes used during the cooking period are formed. In the second, it will turn out to rinse the vegetables for cooking. An important advantage of multi-cup sinks is the possibility of installing a dryer with a rigid mount, on which it will be possible to lay out clean dishes with which the remaining water drains.
- A fairly modern option is one and a half sink. The design of this type has several compartments. The large-sized department involves washing dirty dishes; a smaller container is designed for defrosting. One and a half sinks are ideal for a small headset.
- Sinks with one or more wings are the continuers of the workspace. On each wing it will turn out to put clean dishes, place pots with boiling water, put other containers.
Below you can watch a video with the advice of a specialist in choosing a sink for the kitchen.
Shapes and sizes
Dimensions - this is one of the main characteristics by which there is a choice of sink for the kitchen. Along with this indicator, the area of the room and the features of the installed kitchen set, made in a certain style, are considered.
- Square or Rectangular Shapes sinks are considered classic. Moreover, modern models can be mounted on a countertop or suspended on anchors. They are in perfect harmony with any style of the kitchen, especially if the sink is located in the center or closer to the edge. In models of square shapes, it is very convenient to wash dishes, wash vegetables.
Mistresses note the spaciousness of square products and the convenience of their use. Modern designs have additional recesses, wings, on which it turns out to place detergents and brushes.
- Round and oval shells Look stylish and very impressive. It is these varieties that are easily cleaned of various types of contaminants and greasy plaque, since they do not have corners. Mistresses also note that in such products much more dishes are placed than in square structures. The only drawback is the lack of additional parts and recesses that allow you to store tools and items for washing dishes. With regard to installation, round and oval sinks are built into a solid countertop.
Hidden models are in great demand among connoisseurs of modern high-tech style. Thanks to this feature, the hostess can cover the bowl, creating a solid image of the working surface.
- Corner type sink installed in headsets having an angle. Such models can be with one or several bowls. A small space in the middle serves as an additional place to place detergents, sponges, brushes. Shells are most often made in the form of a beveled trapezoid. They are ideally combined with a kitchen set of the small sizes. On the constructive side, sinks of corner types are considered the most convenient.Of course, they can not accommodate a large number of dishes, but they are quite convenient to wash vegetables and fruits. Despite the disadvantages of the product, corner models are able to save the working space of the kitchen area as much as possible.
- Trapezoidal structures sinks are ideally combined with modern interior design kitchens. The facade of the products can be straight and concave. This type of sinks should be placed in the cabinet attached to the kit. It is extremely difficult to independently adjust the slot in the countertop, and improper installation can adversely affect the operation of the cabinet.
- In modern kitchen interiors, designers offer to install five and hexagonal sinks. The name of the design was due to the presence of additional wings and sections with different types of surfaces. In appearance, this kind of shells seems bulky, but after installation it will be miniature and nondescript. Despite the visual characteristics, pentagonal and hexagonal models are convenient and spacious. Basically, such structures are mounted in corner kitchens. Along the wall they are placed only when the working surface reaches its maximum size.
The presented types of sinks due to their large dimensions should not be installed in kitchens with a small area, they are intended for large and spacious work areas of the kitchen space.
In addition to the forms of kitchen sinks, special attention must be paid to the dimensions of the structure. It is important to remember that the distance from the sink to the wall or the extreme point of the countertop should be at least 5 cm. The same applies to the sides of the washbasins. The most optimal and convenient design depth is 15-20 cm.
At shallower depths, water droplets will be sprayed over an adjacent area. In deep bowls it will be inconvenient to wash dishes and products, as you will have to bend very strongly. On the other hand, deep sink designs can be used to clean large trays and pans.
Modern kitchen sinks, as a rule, have standard sizes, but in some cases the length of the structure may differ from them.
- Square models most often have dimensions of 50x50 cm or 60x60 cm.
- Rectangular varieties are 50 cm wide, and their length ranges from 55 cm to 125 cm. With an individual order, the length of the kitchen sink may be longer.
- Rounded structures have a diameter of 45-55 cm.
Based on the presented sizes, even inexperienced housewives understand that in a kitchen with a small area it is best to place a smaller sink, but with a deep bowl.
Materials of manufacture, their pros and cons
Kitchen sinks differ not only in size and shape, but also in the material of their manufacture. Shells made of artificial stone, stainless steel and ceramics are in greater demand. Moreover, each individual variety of material has a certain number of advantages and disadvantages.
Stainless steel
The most common and familiar models of sinks are those made of stainless steel. In most cases, the consumer pays attention to the matte and chrome-plated surface of the product. Gloss lovers will like sinks covered with a glossy layer.
The main and important advantages of stainless steel sinks are the beauty and accuracy of their appearance. A separate advantage is the low cost of the product. Despite constant contact with moisture, the steel sink resists corrosion. Its special advantage is the possibility of self-installation in a place designated for washing.
But despite the presented number of advantages, stainless steel sinks have a small list of disadvantages, the most important of which is the noise from the water.To make sure the quality of the stainless steel sink, a small experiment should be done during the purchase. To do this, you need a small magnet. It should be placed on the base of the bowl and begin to move on the surface. Inside a quality product, the magnet will slide easily in any direction.
Copper and brass
Over the past few years, copper and brass models have become more popular, which are decorated with interesting patterns that allow designs to fit well into the unusual composition of the kitchen. The rich appearance of the kitchen set is emphasized by a bronze sink, but this is not about the original material, but only about the surface finish under bronze.
Porcelain and Faience
Porcelain and earthenware sinks are distinguished by their attractive appearance and can become a special decoration of any kitchen interior. They can have any shades, have pronounced patterns or have a matte surface.
Ceramics
Ceramic sinks are ideally combined with the classic style, while each model looks very rich. An important advantage of these sinks is their resistance to household chemicals and boiling water. In addition, they easily tolerate the effects of metal brushes, from which marks and scratches remain on any other surface. And most importantly, a ceramic sink does not require special care.
The only drawback is the weight of the product. Among other things, ceramic sinks are highly fragile.
A natural stone
Sinks made of natural stone are considered the most luxurious addition to any kitchen set. Such models are of high quality and are able to serve their owners for more than a dozen years. An important advantage of stone sinks is their resistance to ultraviolet rays, as well as the absence of a loud sound from water.
The stone in its structure is durable material, it is not afraid of hot water, it tolerates detergents.
Composite materials
In the design of modern kitchen sets, composite sinks are used. This material is 80% stone chips, and 20% are polymers that are a binder. Such sinks absorb noise from water as much as possible. But their most important advantage is the ability to select products in any color. In addition, composite sinks, like stone products, can last for more than one decade.
It is important to note that the presented species is not afraid of contact with water, easily tolerates high temperature. Its only drawbacks are the high price and solid weight of the structure.
Plastic
To design cottage kitchen sets, plastic sinks are used. For their production, ordinary polypropylene is used. The design has no connecting seams, so there is no likelihood of leaks at the bottom of the product.
Glass
The glass sink looks very impressive and elegant in the decoration of modern kitchen interiors. On the one hand, it may seem that the glass product is not durable, but in fact everything is different. For the manufacture of sinks, only durable material with additional rubberized protection is used. Such a sink is easy to handle, it is not susceptible to hot water and chemicals, and easy to clean.
Design options
In the recent past, kitchen sinks did not differ in color and size and were identical to each other. But after decades, technological progress has modernized the kitchen sets with all its constituent elements. The kitchen sink also went through the stages of transformation, and now in every house there are unusual models made of the highest quality materials.
In this case, we consider a stylish rectangular wash with a matte surface. The product is distinguished by an exquisite modern design, which perfectly harmonizes not only with a wood worktop, but also under a stone. It goes well with an antique-worn headset.
The rich chrome finish of the kitchen sink matches perfectly with the retro style. Visually, it seems that the design has miniature dimensions, but in fact the sink can accommodate a lot of dishes.
The classic design with perfect shapes and sizes can decorate a kitchen set of any style. In the model near the back wall there is a place where you can make up detergents, sponges and brushes for dishes.
The versatility of the design allows you to use the space for drying as a defrosting compartment. A slight inconspicuous tilt will automatically direct the fluid toward the drain.
Modern kitchens can be equipped with sinks of large sizes, but the dimensions of the product depend on the area of the kitchen.
Pick color
An integral view of the working area of the kitchen space indicates the completeness of the interior. In order to get the perfect result, you will need to spend a considerable amount of time and pick up the sink of the most suitable color or shade, corresponding to the tone of the countertop. Although, on the other hand, sinks contrasting with the color of the working area of the kitchen set look very interesting and unusual.
Sinks made of stainless material, namely copper or brass, are distinguished by a variety of metallic shades, for example, it can be chrome, gold or copper.
With sinks made of ceramic or stone, things are completely different. Manufacturers of these varieties offer a wide variety of products presented in different shades of the color palette. Thanks to this, each buyer will be able to choose a washing bowl that fits perfectly into the interior.
Ceramic designs have a special aesthetics, so they do not go out of fashion for a long time. They fit perfectly into the kitchen of country, classic and provence styles. In a variety of colors, beige is particularly in demand. That it blends perfectly with the warm colors of countertops made of wood or natural stone.
Along with beige color, the cream shade looks very interesting. It also fits wood worktops and white work areas. A soft snow-white shade resembles the tenderness of the petals of spring flowers, so that the sinks look very sophisticated and elegant.
Soft snow-white is an ideal option for combining the working area in all kinds of styles. Particular attention is paid to crystal white sinks with a glossy surface. The shades of white are perfectly combined with the styles of classic and modern. It is worth noting that the crystal-white design allows you to refresh the kitchen space, giving the headset additional expressiveness of the working area.
The ideal color for your hi-tech kitchen sink is gray with a cool tint. The gray palette successfully fits into the work area, decorated with steel inserts. Of particular interest are the dark gray sinks, which add extraordinary elegance to the structure. These models are ideal for work areas and countertops made of wood and stone.
Sinks with a black glossy texture look quite bold and at the same time rich. In stores, they are not common, mostly they are made to order, but if you managed to meet such a model in an ordinary store, then you need to look at it. The black shade has a lot of interesting features, the main of which is the combination of different elements of the kitchen.
Composite sink models are more affordable, they do not have a high level of strength, but despite this, they look very attractive and interesting.Structures made of natural stone are considered more durable and of high quality. Accordingly, their cost is quite high, because of which not everyone can afford to decorate the kitchen space with them.
Both of the proposed options have a wide range of color shades, so that each buyer can choose the most suitable tone for the kitchen sink.
Manufacturers, for their part, offer consumers diverse models with a special color palette. For example, a dark brown shade. When looking at him, thoughts of hot cocoa arise in his head. A natural beige hue fills the kitchen with the sweetness of vanilla ice cream. Ivory hue is associated with cold. But correctly designed accessories will help get rid of the feeling of coolness. Of particular interest are the black surfaces of sinks, which add a special twist to the kitchen space.
It is worth noting that any color palette is complemented by a glossy or matte finish, so that the sink gets an extra twist.
How to choose?
Choosing a sink for a kitchen that matches perfectly with the interior of the work area is not an easy task. From the first time it’s not possible to choose the perfect design for everyone, but if you pay attention to the advice of experienced people, you’ll be able to spend quite a bit of time finding a suitable sink.
Spaciousness
When choosing an appropriate size of the structure, one should proceed from the number of people living in the house, the time spent on the cooking process, and the complexity of the dishes created. Depth of the bowl and the number of additional wings depend on these characteristics.
Workspace
When choosing the most suitable model for the kitchen, you need to build on the area of the room and the working area used. For small rooms, miniature sinks with deep bowls are appropriate. In more spacious rooms, sinks of different designs and dimensions will look good, while the number of bowls can reach five. We are talking about the popular one and a half or double models with several additional compartments.
In sinks with more than 3 bowls, a mixer with pull-out shower is installed. At the same time, a wide and deep bowl is used for washing dishes, and additional containers for washing vegetables and fruits. You can also place and thaw food in them.
Design form
An important criterion in choosing the most suitable model is the shape of the bowls. They can be rectangular, triangular, square, oval or rounded. In this case, the last two subspecies are considered as roomy. Corner designs are ideal for kitchens with small dimensions, thereby saving work space.
Bowl depth
This characteristic of the design of the sink is an important aspect in choosing the right product. A deep bowl allows you to place much more dirty dishes in yourself, as well as reduce the risk of strong splashes in the work area.
It is important to remember that the product does not have to be very deep, otherwise when washing the dishes you will have to constantly bend over, which may cause discomfort with subsequent painful muscles.
The style of the kitchen interior
Choosing the most suitable sink for the kitchen, you should also consider the style of the headset:
- to classical the working area is ideally suited for models made of natural stone.
- modern style inherent products made of stainless steel or composite material
- in antique styled kitchens metal sinks with bronze or brass spraying look good.
After choosing the technical characteristics, attention should be paid to additional washing functions. Economy-class sinks in most cases have only small wings for placing detergents on them.Premium products are multifunctional and non-standard, characterized by a variety of recesses and inserts with a different type of surface. Some housewives will like a high-quality sink-sink for the kitchen with a large dryer, while others will be attracted by the design with a cutting board. Making the final choice is only after you have determined the criteria you need.
How to care?
Despite the constant interaction with water and detergents, billions of harmful bacteria accumulate in the sinks. And this is no accident, because it is in the sink that dishes with any types of impurities are washed, products are rinsed, hands are constantly washed, and sometimes expired products are poured into the drain hole.
It may seem that the water washes the surface of the kitchen sink, but in fact the bacteria remain there and can adversely affect the lives of all family members. Harmful microorganisms get on clean dishes, which are located in an additional bowl for drying, and thus get into food.
For this reason, the surfaces of kitchen sinks must be thoroughly washed. Hygiene experts say that the sinks should be sanitized about once a week, but after cutting meat, fish or potatoes, pouring out the remnants of food, the sink must be washed immediately.
To make it easy for housewives to cope with the disinfection of the sink, it is suggested that you familiarize yourself with several ways to clean this surface.
- The most common option is dishwashing detergent. It is enough to rub the surface with soapy foam, and then rinse with hot water. After the procedure, do not immediately turn off the water, it is necessary that the stream of hot water continues to drain into the pipeline for maximum washing off of dirt.
- The second way to clean the surface is regular disinfection of the sink with the help of special tools. The substance is applied to the walls according to the instructions, washed off with water and wiped dry with a towel.
- The third method is considered the most effective. It should be carried out once a month, due to which it will be possible to prevent the occurrence of dirty deposits on the walls of sewer pipes. A small amount of soda is poured into the drain hole, after which boiling water is poured into the pipeline. As an analogue of soda, you can use special industrial remedies for blockages.
With any variation in cleaning, housewives should be mindful of their own safety and use rubber gloves.
Special attention should be paid bad smell from the drain pipe, which also contributes to the emergence of pathogenic bacteria. First you need to determine what exactly it is called, and then proceed to the cleaning procedure.
- The most common way to eliminate bad odor is to clean the drain pipe. plumbing cable, allowing to get rid of perishable products inside it.
- A lighter cleaning option requires the use of chemical powder that helps dissolve product residues inside the pipeline. Particular attention should be paid to alkaline powders, as they allow you to get rid of old fat. Also, a cleaning aid can be table salt.
For how to care for a stone sink in the kitchen, see the video below.