Choosing the right kitchen sink is an important part of planning your new kitchen. A good sink should last 20 years or more, so you want to make sure you pick one that suits both you and your kitchen. There are a number of things todecide when choosing a new kitchen sink. Here are some of the main considerations:
Material
Stainless steel sinks are becoming increasingly popular. Available in brushed and polished finishes, stainless steel is affordable, durable and achieves a clean look for your kitchen. Lower-gauge (thicker) stainless steel makes for a better quality sink, but will still have some give so that dropped items won't break as easily as on other surfaces.
Enamel-coated cast iron was the standard material used for kitchen sinks since Victorian times. It is durable, glossy and easy to clean. However, it can scratch or chip over time, and cast iron is much heavier than other materials. Polyester or acrylic kitchen sinks are a cheap alternative for those renovating on a budget, and these are also easy to clean. These aren't as durable as other materials though, and may not be very tolerant to high heat.
Solid surface sinks are made from the same material as solid surface countertops. This results in a smooth seamless look, with a durable surface that's easy to clean. Solid surfaces are more expensive however, so this may affect your decision depending on your budget.
Stone sinks - usually of granite, soapstone or marble - can provide an old-world feel to a room and add a rustic touch.
Bowl size, shape and number
When choosing a new kitchen sink, you will need to decide how many bowls you want. This will depend on the size and layout of your kitchen as well as your personal preference. Having two bowls makes for easier hand-washing, but if you have a dishwasher then one sink might be enough to simply wash your larger pots and pans. Bowl depth can vary too - you might like one deep bowl for washing, then a smaller and more-shallow bowl for food preparation or draining. Bowl shape is also something to consider: square corners look trendy but are harder to clean and might accumulate build-up of soap and grime.
Installation
There are three common ways to install your new kitchen sink: self-rimming, undermount or flush-mount. Self-rimming or drop-in works where the sink fits into a cutout in the countertop and is supported by the flanges of the sink. This is easy to install, however a self-rimming sink will create "catch points" between the sink and the counter, meaning you won't be able to wipe liquid or food debris directly into the sink. Undermount sinks are fitted under the countertop and supported underneath with no rim showing. This creates a much smoother look and allows you to brush or wipe things directly into the sink without any catch points.
Flush mount is similar to the self-rimming installation method, but used with a tiled countertop. The tile sits flush with the mounting flange of the sink, providing a flush surface between the sink and the countertop. With so much to consider, it can be overwhelming at first when attempting to choose the right kitchen sink.
Why not chat to an expert and get their advice? To find out more about kitchen renovations, give us a call at our office on (02) 99 675 675.
