Ganka Vasileva is the owner of http://www.helpful-kitchen-tips.com, a website containing useful information about the kitchen; about the equipment of this greatly-used room in our home that occupies a special place in our lives. Buying guides for kitchen cutlery, small appliances, cookware & bakeware, kitchen furniture, storage & organization, plumbing, etc.
If you would like to learn more about kitchen sinks, please visit the following page: Useful tips about choosing appropriate kitchen sinks
The selection of your kitchen sink will depend on:
- the size of the cabinet underneath your sink
- the size of your countertop (whether it has backsplash or not)
- the material of your countertop
- the way you will use your sink
- your preferences
- how much you can afford
Characteristics of kitchen sinks
According to the number of basins, kitchen sinks may be:
1. Single-basin: this is a smaller sink. If you have a kitchen island, you might like to mount a single-basin sink in it, auxiliary to your main sink. If you have a dishwasher, you can rinse the dishes in this sink before putting them in the appliance.
If its basin is fairly large and deep (10 or 12 inches (25-30 cm) in depth) this sink may be more comfortable for you to wash large utensils in than a standard sink with two identical basins.
2. Double-basin: a sink of standard 33 inches (84 cm) length to 22 inches (56 cm) width that fits perfectly to the standard sink cabinet - 36 inches (91 cm) length to 24 inches (61 cm) width.
Its basins are most often identical. It's a good selection for a sink if you wash your dishes manually; you wash them in one of the basins and rinse them in the other one.
3. Triple-basin: this kitchen sink is bigger. You can use one of the basins to wash the dishes and the other one to rinse them. Use the third one (usually smaller) to wash vegetables or install a garbage disposal unit in it.
Materials for kitchen sinks
The materials that follow are popular variants for such sinks; but you can see sinks from other materials as well, such as enameled steel, porcelain, fireclay, brass and copper.
1. Stainless steel
A functional material. With it, your sink and countertop may be a whole unit, without any joints. This facilitates cleaning and gives your sink a unified look. Objects, such as dishes and glasses, dropped in a stainless steel sink are less likely to break. Other qualities:
- durable, non-breakable, heat-resistant
- neutral color: the metal nuance complements most colors
- easy to service: this is the choice for sinks in public establishments
2. Enameled cast iron
Usually a more expensive material. It represents a cast-iron base with enameled finish. Here are some of its properties:
- durable, heat-resistant
- various colors are available
- dampens noise and vibrations of the sink
3. Solid surface
Synthetic material. As with stainless steel, your sink and countertop can consist of a single unit. Other properties:
- durable, easy to service
- various colors are available
- you can remove minor damage (scratches, burns...)
4. Composite
Such a sink is made from natural materials such as quartz, granite, etc. together with synthetics. The color is the same over the entire area and thickness of the kitchen sink. Hence, it will be more difficult to notice any faults. Other properties:
- different colors are available
- easy to service
- durable, non-breakable, heat- and stain-resistant
Kitchen sink installation
You may install your sink in a number of ways:
1. As a self-rimming sink: here, your sink overlaps the countertop. It's good for your countertop to be made from a smooth material (laminate, natural stone...), thus allowing the sink to align itself perfectly with the countertop.
2. As an undermount sink: here, your countertop overlaps the sink. In this case, no joints with the sink are seen on the countertop, giving an appearance of simplicity. It is easy to clean around such a sink; you can wipe waste straight from the countertop to the sink.
3. As a tile-in sink: here, your sink is on the level of the countertop. If your countertop is tiled, this type of sink installation is especially convenient. Sinks are flat at the ends, and their edges are at right angles. Thus they fit well to the tiles.
4. As an integral sink: as I mentioned above, your sink and countertop here are a single unit, without any joints. For such a sink and countertop you need such materials as stainless steel, solid surface and concrete.
5. You can also mount a sink in the wall.
To be sure of the quality of your kitchen sink installation, I recommend that you employ the services of a professional.
Conclusion
1. When selecting the design of your kitchen sink (color, shape...) take into account the design of your countertop. It is good for them to complement one another.
2. Sinks that have bigger and deeper basins, a flat bottom and vertical walls make it more comfortable for you to work. The area is larger, your utensils will lie well on the bottom and the water jet won't splash outside.
3. Look for kitchen sinks with special technologies on the underside. These technologies dampen noise, protect against condensation and help to control the water temperature in the basin.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Buying A Kitchen, Kitchen Design and Ideas, Top Planning Tips
- Contemporary Kitchens Custom Design Kitchen
- How To Choose The Right Sink When You Are Remodeling Your Kitchen
- Choosing a Designer Kitchen Sink
- Kitchen Remodeling Kitchen Zones - Remodeling Kitchens Four Kitchen Zones Kitchen Designs and Proper Kitchen Planning for New Kitchens
- Keep Your Home in Order With Kitchen Organizers
- Organization Guide for Cluttered Kitchens
- Kitchen Sinks – Designs and Features including Planning Tips




Waterless Cookware - Best-kept secret within the cooking industry
By: derek | 08/12/2009Waterless cookware might very well be the best-kept secret within the cooking industry. The fact is the food will cook at lower temperatures, in a shorter amount of time than traditional methods and in their own juices. Simply put, the food is tastier and better for you. It’s a sound investment for the health of both you and your family.
A Healthy And Handy Way To Quench Your Thirst
By: Matt Darris | 08/12/2009You can save your energy and can curtail your extra hours wasted in the hassle of ordering and changing giant filtered bottles all the time. There is a one tap solution is for you in the name of water cooler dispenser. This is a devise to quench your thrust at the offices, homes, shops and wherever you go. Everybody wants drinking fresh and cool water and the water coolers or dispensers are ideal option to avail it.
BBQ: The Budget Beating BBQ
By: Lauren Hill | 08/12/2009The BBQ is a great Australian tradition that can take place in any location and is a celebration of friends and family that takes place in the great outdoors. The food served at a BBQ is generally easy to prepare, easy to eat and has a menu that has had something contributed to it by every member of the BBQ.
Why Stainless Steel Sink is a Great Choice for the Kitchen
By: Mark Ferrer | 07/12/2009There’s no question that a stainless steel sink is one of the premier kitchen fixture options. They carry a lot of benefits in terms of durability, care and overall ease of maintenance. While there are certainly plenty of other sink alternatives out there, stainless steel is not only functional but also features a certain level of aesthetic. Let’s explore the reasons why several homeowners choose this specific type of kitchen fixture.
Kitchen Cabinet Knobs
By: Kohn Coleman | 07/12/2009The kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms in home but it is often overlooked during remodeling or decorating projects in the home. Although the kitchen has only been a feature in the home since the 18th century it serves the valuable purpose of providing an area of the home dedicated to food preparation, storage for dishes cooking utensils and often a social gathering place during informal meetings or casual meals.
Artichoke lamp: A classical design for the modernization of your house!
By: Vytautas | 07/12/2009Light plays an important role in any festival or celebration in all traditions and cultures. While in the old tradition and even during the religious gatherings candles are used as the main source of light, you might consider a good artistic lamp for your home interior due to the fact that it gives a new attractive look to the entire environment.
Tips to ensure budget window blinds
By: Riky | 07/12/2009Budget window blinds are cheaper and within your buying reach but at the same time quality is excellent as well. However, you can not find such blinds everywhere. There are certain shops and online sellers whose prices are suitable. Keep few of the tips in mind while shopping for these blinds.
Hello kitty toaster kt5211 Review
By: Helen Moss | 06/12/2009Read this Hello kitty toaster kt5211 review to learn more about this toaster and to find out if it is a bargain or something you should avoid.