Doing the dishes bores you? However, some people love to do it? Does this mean that all you need is a good sink? When you’re planning your kitchen, you don’t necessarily have to dwell on the sink. However, the sink is essential: for the dishes but also for washing fruits and vegetables, emptying the water from the pasta, cleaning, soaking, wringing, draining, etc. Should we choose two bins or one larger one, and a drainer or not? How wide should the cabinet with this sink be? The questions are many. And that of materials is even more crucial. Let’s take a closer look.
Basically, there are four materials to choose from for your kitchen sink: ceramic, stainless steel, resin, and granite.
A ceramic kitchen sink: durable quality
The absolute classic sink is made of ceramic. Ceramic has a very dense surface, so dirt particles and bacteria can hardly penetrate it. Ceramic sinks are therefore particularly easy to clean. Another benefit of the dense surface is the smooth, soft feel that no other sink material can match. It is often said that a ceramic sink is more likely to be damaged if a heavy pot or a bulky dish falls on it. True, but good ceramic sinks are usually very sturdy. And then the manufacturer usually gives a five-year warranty. Ceramic sinks come in many different colors, so you can coordinate yours with the rest of the kitchen. One of the only drawbacks would be that if your worktop is thin then it will be difficult for you to fit a ceramic sink there. In this case, a stainless steel sink will be more appropriate.
A stainless steel kitchen sink: a classic sink for many kitchen styles
As with many things, stainless steel sinks have this particularity: you either love them or you hate them! Stainless steel sinks are classic and timeless and fit almost any style of kitchen. They are particularly easy to clean and do not fade. But many people, and maybe you are one of them, find the rattling noise of stainless steel very unpleasant and therefore choose a different material.
When it comes to stainless steel sinks, a distinction is made between shiny, smooth chrome-nickel steel and satin-finish embossed steel. The latter is a bit more expensive, but also has better properties: satin matt stainless steel sinks are more scratch-resistant and not as “noisy” as chrome nickel steel kitchen sinks.
A resin kitchen sink: a colorful sink with good value for money
If you are concerned about the price of your kitchen sink, you can opt for the resin solution, a composite material made of stone and plastic. Composite sinks are generally less expensive than ceramic sinks or satin stainless steel sinks. With many composites, compromises have to be made in terms of hygiene and cleaning. But if you regularly deep clean your resin sink, there’s no reason you can’t keep it for a long time.
A granite kitchen sink: practical and well thought out
If you opt for a granite kitchen sink, you will get all the benefits of stone without its drawbacks, as granite sinks are very easy to maintain. These sinks are often made of a composite material: they are largely made from the hardest component of granite and are optimized for use in the kitchen. Unlike kitchen worktops and splashbacks, sinks of this type are made of functional materials and not exclusively stone. Granite composite usually contains granite stone dust and acrylic resin mixed together. Thanks to this unique manufacturing process, sinks made of composite materials are at least as robust, durable and elegant as those made of stainless steel, ceramic and cast resin.
Granite sinks are therefore easy to maintain, very resistant and smooth. These granite composite sinks are also available in many colors. If your sink has not been coated, its surface may be a little rough, so be careful not to damage your delicate dishes.
In the end, which material to choose for your kitchen sink?
Due to its easy cleaning, ceramic is definitely a sink material that can become your favorite, especially if you like warm-toned or wood-look kitchens. In a modern kitchen with straight lines in white, black or gray tones, stainless steel often works best as a classic and timeless material. If you want a thin ceramic or natural stone countertop, you’re better off using a stainless steel undermount sink. If you opt for a kitchen sink made of a composite material such as resin, make sure that this material is as dirt-resistant and hygienic as possible. Otherwise, your sink will quickly discolor. As for granite, it also offers many advantages: it is available in many colors, in several shapes and sizes, it is heat resistant.