Afraid of dirty baking sheets and pans? You just feel uncomfortable with washing them! A "correct" sink with a depth of 18-20 cm will turn the drama with greasy dishes into an easy everyday sketch.
Don't overdo it! For a modest kitchen, it is reasonable to choose a model without additional bowls and dryers.
Think again if you really need bulky washbasins with sections, and ... experiment with shapes!
By choosing a sink with additional sections, you will save water by defrosting meat or rinsing vegetables in separate sinks.
- Square or rectangular are classics of the genre. At the correct depth, it is quite capacious.
- Round and oval are visually compact. But only visually. In fact, they hold more dishes than other bowls. Keeping these clean is a pleasure: there are no corners with accumulated dirt and plaque in them.
- Corner models also save space where every inch is precious. For tiny kitchens - a good option!
- Trapezium shape - for originals. See your routine from a new angle!
The installation method also has its own nuances:
- flush-mounted washbasins. Capricious view of the sink. May swell and lose "face" from regular water ingress. Wipe the surface dry after washing the dishes.
- overhead models. For a budget type of kitchen. Convenient to install - just put it on like a cover. To prevent water from getting into the gaps, use the wall bumpers.
- integrated when the sides of the sink are located below its countertop level. Great for granite or plastic surfaces.
Note: "How and what to clean the grate of a gas stove or grill: 2" working "ways"
How to choose a stainless steel sink: what is special?
Stainless steel sinks - the best value for money. But there are a number of additional reasons why they can be found in almost every kitchen.
Sink thickness and steel quality
The thicker the shell, the more solid it is. Sheet width varies from 0.4 to 1.2 mm.
Thick sink:
- "Does not walk" under the table top;
- confidently "holds" the mixer - it does not "walk" from side to side;
- does not vibrate and does not make noise from the pressure of water;
- will cost an order of magnitude more.
Quality stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. This material protects against corrosion and gives shine.
Check the quality with a magnet: on a good alloy, it will slide, not attract.
Surface texture
Don't feel like this is a useless parameter. Make an unforgivable mistake.
- polished and matte surfaces can characterize you as an unkempt hostess. They literally "swallow" everything they come into contact with. You will not end up with problems, masking scratches, grease stains and traces of dried drops;
- corrugated surface with you at the same time. Disguises the master's "imperfections". Does not need polishing to a high gloss. Ay, well done!
Useful article: “How to choose a kitchen knife - the perfect irreplaceable assistant»
Sinks for the kitchen made of artificial stone: how to choose?
Artificial stone sinks - rich appearance and maximum advantages. Granite products will withstand the fall of any pan and will not even crack - we checked! They are strong and heavy, up to 20 kg. Want to? Pay.
Stone sinks are available in three versions:
- marble chips. The most inexpensive;
- quartz sand. Choose a formulation without polyester resins;
- granite. The higher the proportion of granite, the stronger the artificial stone.
The ideal composition of composite stone models:
- 80% natural stone chips,
- 20% - acrylic resin binders.
Determine the quality of the material on the wrong, not sanded side of the sink. The surface should be loose and uneven.
Pay more attention to this issue. Here the tediousness will pay off :)
Important parameters of the choice of sinks, which can be "accidentally" ignored.
Kitchen sink color
The most practical option is an artificial speckled stone (dark to light, light to dark). If you want originality - buy white or black. It will be stylish and not flashy.
Mixer to match
The ideal tandem is the mixer tap in the same color as the sink or countertop. The acceptable difference is 2 tones.
Is my kitchen sink difficult to maintain?
Think stainless steel or stone are perfect on their own? Vraki. Any sink needs care:
- We clean the metal with a soft sponge and cream.
- Artificial stone requires an approach. See below for a universal recipe for how easy it is to clean a stone sink!
How to clean stubborn stains from a granite sink?
The usual "Whiteness".
- Close the drain and draw in cold water (to cover the bottom).
- Pour the product under running water. Leave it on for a few hours.
- Open the drain, rinse. The sink will be as good as new!
Watch the video how to prevent "Whiteness" from getting on the table
Which sink is better - stainless steel or artificial stone?
Once again, let us summarize all the pros and cons of granite and stainless steel sinks:
- Artificial stone does not absorb dirt and odors, stainless steel absorbs them like a sponge;
- Some stone models have antibacterial protection (manufacturers Franke, Schock). It prevents bacteria from growing on the surface. Steel models do not boast of this feature;
- Granite sinks have a wide range of colors. You can choose to match the color of the countertop or kitchen. Stainless steel is monotonous. It fits harmoniously into any kitchen interior. But this is not for everybody;
- Compared to steel sinks, stone sinks are absolutely silent. You will not hear the clanking of dishes and the noise of water, no matter how hard you try;
- Dirt and splashes on the stone are invisible, every drop is visible on the metal;
- A cheap stone sink is left with red-hot dishes. The stainless steel is not afraid of this;
- Composite sinks are much more expensive than their metal counterparts;
- Granite sinks are heavy and difficult to install. Steel lightweight, the heaviest models weigh only 4 kg.
Read: “What to cook for breakfast: 10 dishes for adults and little ones»
See 10 life hacks that will make life in the kitchen easier
Happy choice!
