The sink is an element that we use on a daily basis. It must therefore best meet all needs, be able to withstand time and it is better that it is maintained as easily as possible because it will see all the colors. It must also be aesthetic in order to be at the height of the kitchen as we conceive it today, knowing that we attach great importance to the design of this capital room of the house. Choosing a sink is therefore not so simple. Focus on the main selection criteria.
The different types of sink
Above all, we expect a sink to be practical and to fit perfectly into the kitchen we have. For this, it comes in three types, each depends on the method of installation that we choose, namely:
The built-in sink : it must be inserted in the work plan and only its lips rest on this last. The plan must therefore be cut to the right dimensions beforehand for a perfect result. This sink therefore does not require any specific furniture. Everything is allowed because this type of sink is available in multiple sizes, but also materials and colors so that it can be integrated into all styles of kitchen.
The countertop sink : it is exactly like a washbasin since it is placed on a base unit. This is the most classic model.
The undermount sink : it is also called integrated sink. This flush sink is suitable for those who want a completely smooth worktop for greater ease of maintenance. As its name suggests, it is fixed under the worktop, the latter having to be cut with precision in order to be perfectly adapted. This makes the installation of the sink a little more technical. The most suitable models are the lightest while being resistant.
Kitchen sink: standard sizes
In general, standardized sinks have dimensions:
- 80 – 100 cm in length: sink with 1 bowl + 1 drainer,
- 80 – 110 cm in length: single-bowl sink + half-bowl,
- 80 – 120 cm in length: double-bowl sink,
- 100 – 140 cm in length: sink with 2 bowls + 1 drainer.
All these models have a depth of 45 to 65 cm.
Sink: the different materials and their particularities
If the material of a sink is a criterion of choice in terms of style, because aesthetics count a lot, we must also think about its maintenance because it is at least daily, even much more frequent. The cleaning of the sink must therefore be able to be quick while being effective, and it must be possible to use a disinfectant such as bleach or abrasives. The most frequently offered sink materials are:
- L’inox : universal, it has proven itself since it has been on the market for decades. It fits in with all styles of kitchen, classic, contemporary, ultra design. It is easy to clean, but it is better to wipe it after having sprayed it with the product and then rinsed it so that no trace of water comes to tarnish it. A stainless steel sink is a beautiful element if it is shiny.
- Resin : ce synthetic material ranks just after stainless steel in terms of robustness but also lightness. Some integrate a granite powder associated with a resin. These are very aesthetic, modern sinks, available in many colors. Note, however, that over time, the lightest colors show spots that are not the most beautiful effect.
- Granite : we sometimes speak of a stone look, a synthetic material since it is composed of 1/5 acrylic and 4/5 quartz. Dyed in the mass, it retains its original color over the years because it resists both UV and thermal shock.
- sandstone : it’s a ceramic material obtained after curing at 1,200°C, used for the manufacture of sinks because it is resistant, due to its great hardness, to thermal shocks and sometimes aggressive chemical products. It is also very aesthetic.
- The real stone : it is undoubtedly the must in terms of quality since stone is a natural material that does not deteriorate despite the years. Followers of gleaming sinks refrain, because despite all the care taken in cleaning it, it ends up patinating, and after a few years, it looks like a sink with a worn bottom. In addition, the stone is a very heavy mineral, without common measure with the synthetic.
It is necessary to think carefully before buying a sink and to make sure that it will be suitable for the type of installation desired. For example, if it must be placed on a sink cabinet, this must be extremely solid to support the weight of a natural stone sink, for example, whereas stainless steel and resin will be more appropriate because they are light.
Sink: one or two bowls, even with half-bowl, how to choose?
Number of bacs must be chosen depending on the place available, knowing that a single-bowl kitchen sink takes up less space than two-bowl models. In a house under construction or in total restoration, everything is allowed since we are starting from scratch. On the other hand, when we decide to renovate your kitchen or to redecorate it thanks to home staging, the sink must be able to adapt to the furniture already in place. The many standard sizes seen above offer everyone a range of models capable of suiting each configuration.
However, it should be remembered that the practicality of the sink is partly due to number of bins but also to their depth. A cooking enthusiast who will have to wash large pots every day has every interest in installing a wide and deep double-bowl sink in his home. On the other hand, a simple small capacity bin is enough for a student who would rather enjoy a pizza in town or fall for a Kebab on the corner of his street.
As to half-baccalaureate, it is either alone or with 1 tank. It is used to wash vegetables, which is very appreciable because the dishes can, at the same time, wait in the large tub while waiting to be washed. This type of sink is an excellent compromise when you cannot opt for a model with 2 large bowls for lack of space.
Sink: the importance of the drainer
If you have enough space, it is better to opt for a sink with a drainer. It’s really practical, and the bigger the place reserved for drying the dishes, the better. However, you can make do with a single-bowl sink with half drainer if you have a very small kitchen because you have to keep space for the elements, the refrigerator, the possible dishwasher, or even a washing machine, and the basic cooking appliances.
Round, square, rectangular the sink can also have a more complex shape if it is intended to be placed at an angle. Admittedly, its look counts a lot in the choice, but first of all, the kitchen sink must be able to accommodate dishes (which is not the case with the round shape) and allowoptimize space when you have a small kitchen. If it is very spacious, we can afford everything.