How to choose the right sink for your 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 kitchen sink is dictated not only by the aesthetic tastes of the customers. Of decisive importance are:

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

In a room with a classic layout, preference is given to square products. They blend harmoniously with dissimilar 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 inferior and is suitable mainly for narrow spaces.

If these two shapes are not satisfactory, round and oval options should be considered. The round washbasin looks stylish and is easy to clean as dirt won't lodge in the corners. However, the shape of the circle rarely makes it possible to equip a sink with auxiliary sections.

Both triangular and similar to a 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 are increasingly giving preference to products with five or six corners.They are used in houses with large kitchens, they can be installed both at the corner and along the long part of the wall.

The description of the individual configurations already shows how important the size of the sink is in practice. You can decide on the optimal dimensions, taking into account the simplest rules. First of all, the distance between the side of the product and the 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. There is no point in purchasing products smaller than 0.15-0.2 m. At a shallower depth, even the most careful handling does not avoid splashing. But too large a bowl is also bad - when washing the same cups or processing food, you will have to bend over too much. Important: the exception is when you plan to constantly clean baking trays, large pans or pots.

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

• 0.55 m;
• 0.8 m;
• 1m;
• 1.25 m (sometimes more).

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

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

Steel sinks are made using welded or seamless technology. Welding allows thicker metal to be used. This ensures that the mixer is securely held in place. It is also important to reduce noise - water can pour very loudly into a seamless sink. Any kind of stainless steel looks beautiful, giving it different shapes is not difficult for modern industries.

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

Ceramic sinks are a fairly common option. The undoubted advantage of these products is their external attractiveness. Ceramics have a variety of colors, thanks to which they can fit into any typeface. Ceramic surfaces are easy to maintain. However, it is fragile, and the accidental fall of a heavy object can irreversibly ruin the plumbing. A ceramic sink is a little more difficult to install than a steel sink because it weighs more.

Many people try to choose products made of artificial stone, which are considered almost ideal in terms of external beauty. Synthetic stone can be covered with different patterns, the differences sometimes relate to texture. A tabletop can be made from the same material, which automatically solves the problem of stylistic inconsistency. 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 surface-mounted sink installation. 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 get on the side of the bedside table. Therefore, installers must work very carefully and accurately, otherwise there are many problems.

If the kitchen has a single countertop, they often resort to a sink inset. In principle, it is possible to do this work independently. However, the manipulations will turn out to be laborious, and the slightest mistake will entail irreparable consequences.

In addition, metal, stone and glass countertops can only be flush-mounted with the involvement of professionals with a special tool.Therefore, usually the cut is made immediately according to the individual order.

If the sink is cut into the countertop, water can enter under the sink. Cheap boards made of wood-based materials are damaged in this case. We'll have to use special hydrophobic agents. As for the integrated installation scheme, it is too complex to do the work yourself. In addition, repairs would be nearly impossible.

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 its 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 washers have been eagerly bought by transnational fast food chains. Models of sinks with a width of 0.2-1.05 m are available to consumers.

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

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

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

The Blanco assortment includes models with:

• 1 or 2 bowls;
• angular and round shape;
• flush or under-table mounting;
• dimensions 0.4-0.9 m;
• in a variety of colors.

In a review of the best brands the Russian brand GranFest also deserves attention... The enterprise has been operating since 2000, but has already managed to establish itself. The shape of GranFest sinks can be very diverse. Consumers can choose both one-piece products and products supplemented with dryers and other devices. The range includes almost 50 models in various colors. GranFest washers will be able to withstand heating up to 180 degrees. They have a firm, smooth surface. Installation can be carried out using a cut-in or overhead technique. The firm warranty is 24 months. But it should 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 and specializes in cast sanitary ware. Mostly they use sanitary marble. From the first days of release, Florentina products have passed official certification, and then this status has been constantly confirmed. The company has its own development department, each year proposing new modifications.

There is another one in the budget segment domestic manufacturer of sinks - Granula brand... For your information: the same company also produces premium kitchen fixtures. The assortment includes models based on synthetic granite. They look outwardly attractive, but you will have to be careful when using these products. Installation of ready-made structures in the designated place is simple.

End the review is appropriate on the German brand Teka... She supplies minimally noisy stainless steel sinks. Special developments minimize the risk of scratches. The package bundle suits 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. There can be 2 or 3 of them, a 2-section design with equal compartments is distinguished by decent functionality. But sometimes it is worth choosing products with different bowls. The large one is used for washing dishes, and the smaller one is used for culinary work. Three-section sinks are appropriate only in large kitchens, since even the best models will take up a lot of space.

Products with three compartments are mainly used by gourmets. Wash fenders are also important in some cases. They greatly simplify dishwashing.Wingless designs are suitable for those who rarely cook. To choose the right product, you need 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 terms of thickness would be metal 0.2-0.3 cm. True, it bends easily and becomes covered with dents.

According to experts, enameled metal sinks can be bought only as a last resort. They are frankly ugly, easily destructible and quite heavy. Such a solution is only suitable 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, only products with two reservoirs should be chosen.

According to professionals, the most practical and easy-to-use sinks are made with matte rather than glossy sheen... The gloss is easily cracked and scratched. Sometimes the wing is equipped with a device that blows warm air from below. This helps to speed up drying. High quality sinks can be complemented by cutting boards that follow the shape of the sink itself. For those who like to cook a variety of dishes, constructions with a special compartment for cleaning herbs will come in handy. It can dry in the same compartment.

It is also important to know about the design features of sinks. Cold light colors are suitable for those who appreciate calmness and constancy. But lovers of original interiors should take a closer look at other solutions - experiments in an extraordinary interior will delight people. Connoisseurs definitely advise to study certificates for finished products. Among the stainless steel grades, AISI 304 is the best choice.

It should be remembered that some firms are tricky. They make the main parts of the sinks from high-quality metal, and low-grade steel is diverted to the fenders and other secondary parts. Their calculation is that not all consumers will check 100% of the product surface with a magnet. Therefore, it is not necessary to give such a chance to crooks. For an unlimited personal budget, sinks with stainless bowls and tempered glass worktops can be used.

Care should be taken when choosing designs with engraving or rolling. Yes, it looks beautiful and unusual. But dirt will constantly collect in the grooves and grooves. Such a surface is even more difficult to maintain than a polished sink.

For information on how to choose the right sink for the kitchen, see the next video.