Kitchen sinks: what are they made of and which material is better

The sink is one of the main work centers in any kitchen. We need it both before and during, as well as after cooking. Therefore, high quality and functionality of a kitchen sink is a guarantee of cleanliness and order in your home. The current blog will focus on the current topic. Namely: from what material to buy a sink? This question is very important, as it largely determines the strength, and hence the durability of the product. Material is as important a criterion as the size, shape or number of wash bowls. You need to understand what kind of base can withstand daily mechanical, temperature and other loads. There is another, no less relevant aspect of the issue: the appearance of the kitchen sink. It must necessarily harmoniously fit into the interior of your kitchen, otherwise the room will lose its aesthetics. Therefore, you must also pay attention to the color, type of surface and the general design of a particular model. Now the range of possible options is relatively wide. A wide range of sinks are made of metal - stainless steel with an enamel coating. Composite raw materials, that is, artificial stone, are also popular. The number of all kinds of textures here is simply off scale. Kitchen sinks are also actively produced from natural rocks, as well as from ceramics. What material is better for sinks? What to look for when choosing? Which manufacturer should you give preference to? You will surely find answers to these and other questions below. Let us analyze each of the materials in as much detail as possible. This article lists the pros and cons of the listed options. Only by carefully weighing all the arguments, you can make the right decision.

Metal sinks

T Metal is perhaps one of the most common best kitchen sink 2021 bases. These models have gained such wide fame due to the countless advantages and cheapness of the material. Metal washing can be done in two ways: stamping or welding. The product of the first type, as a rule, has small dimensions, therefore it is suitable for a small family or a couple. But the cooked sink is more voluminous, so it can hold a lot of dishes. But such a metal sink must be of the highest quality. Otherwise, welded seams will be noticeable, which sometimes spoil the entire appearance of the product.

Stainless steel

TGood old stainless steel is one of the most hygienic materials. Agree, this is important for the kitchen, in particular for the sink. The structure of this metal is homogeneous, smooth and excludes porous formations. Any dirt simply cannot linger on the surface of the steel sink. Stainless steel is very durable and can withstand large masses of dishes and food. But if the sink is subjected to excessive weight, its shell may deform. The fact is that stainless steel kitchen sinks have a minimum thickness. Therefore, they may not withstand too strong mechanical stress. However, you can not be afraid if you drop any cutlery on the surface - the material will not be damaged in any way. Another advantage is, of course, resistance to corrosion as well as high and low temperatures. Just think: steel does not lose its properties even at 1300 (!) Degrees. Therefore, you can safely place even hot dishes in the bowl - a stainless steel kitchen sink will withstand any heat. The indisputable advantage of this metal is its low cost. Therefore, any Russian can buy a steel sink for the kitchen.

Enamelled coating

TStainless steel kitchen sink enamel is a coating that performs several functions at once. First, it's practicality. The enamel layer reliably protects the metal from moisture. Although stainless steel itself rarely corrodes, and even the enamel material is completely insured against this phenomenon. The coating also enhances the heat resistance of the sink. But it has one significant drawback: it is easily exposed to mechanical stress. In addition to functionality and practicality, enamel also has high aesthetics. Enamelled steel models can be of a wide variety of colors, which makes it easy to choose a sink for a kitchen with any interior.

Caring for metal sinks

TYou need to take care of the kitchen product in different ways, based on the specific model. So, if a stainless steel sink has no enamel coating, then you are practically unlimited. You can use any cleaning agent: stainless steel is not afraid of any detergents. As practice shows, a steel sink easily tolerates cleaning even with abrasive materials, but you should not get carried away with this. But if the sink is covered with enamel, then such a surface requires special care. This material is highly susceptible to various aggressive chemicals. It is necessary to clean the enamelled stainless steel sink only with special compounds and only with a soft sponge. Completely exclude the use of acidic and abrasive products!

Installation

TDepending on the type of installation, four types of kitchen sinks can be distinguished: Overhead. They seem to be superimposed on a special headset cabinet instead of a table top. The simplest type of installation, which can be easily done by yourself. Mortise. They are also called built-in, as they mean installing the sink in the countertop. The complexity of installation lies in the fact that you need to make a hole that will completely follow the contour of the sink. But on the other hand, such designs are more hygienic. Integrated. The sink occupies a significant area of the headset due to the extended sides. Thus, the work surface and the bowl itself are a monolithic element made of the same material. Under-table. The upper edges of the sink are located lower than the level of the work surface. It is advisable to install in a stone countertop. Each type has its own practical and decorative benefits. You should choose a specific model based on your kitchen interior and functional requirements.

Composite sinks

TComposite, or, more simply, an artificial stone, has been used in the manufacture of sinks for a long time. And despite this, the material does not give up its positions to this day. This is because composite is an almost ideal base for any kitchen sink. Want to know why?

Benefits of composite sinks

TArtificial stone in its composition is as close to natural as possible. So, buying a composite sink, you get virtually the same practicality, but also in combination with aesthetics. There are two possible types of artificial material: acrylic and quartz agglomerate. Such unique raw materials automatically endow the sink with equally exceptional and important features. Due to its artificial origin, the composite can have a wide variety of shades. This advantage is especially important both for buyers who are just planning the interior of their kitchen, and for those who simply want to update their work area. The widest range of textures and patterns will satisfy the most sophisticated consumer needs. The special structure of the composite eliminates the accumulation of dirt, so it is quite easy to take care of such a kitchen sink. In addition, artificial stone does not in any way contribute to the development of mold and other harmful microorganisms. Due to the specific texture of the composite material, any stains after washing the dishes are not so noticeable. But this is just one of the practical advantages. The high strength of artificial stone is its main advantage. To somehow damage the case, you need to make a truly titanic effort. Therefore, in domestic conditions, deformations are simply excluded. And this, in turn, is the guarantee of the longevity of your sink. Quartz agglomerate is considered to be the most durable of the composite compositions. A kitchen sink made of artificial stone is able to withstand the most extreme temperature changes, which does not affect the functionality of the product. But if you manage to damage the surface in some incredible way, it must be restored. This is another advantage over enamel and ceramic models. If you want to equip additional cranes in the working area, you can safely drill a composite sink. Splits and other deformations in this case are not afraid of her.

Caring for Composite Models

TIn this regard, artificial stone products are also quite practical. How to wash a composite sink? They can freely contact with almost any detergent. Unlike enamelled steel models, composite models do not react in any way to various acid-containing compounds, with the exception of nitric acid. But this material also has its weak points. Ammonia is enemy number one for any "artificial" car wash. Otherwise, there are no restrictions. Abrasive materials will also not harm the smooth surface.

Ceramic sinks

TMany may ask quite a logical question: how can such a fragile material as ceramics serve as the basis for such a practical product as a kitchen sink? The fact is that in its production, porcelain stoneware is used, which is many times stronger. In general, it is customary to use faience or porcelain as raw materials. The structure of these materials has a fine grain size and high water resistance. Actually, this is the first of the reasons why ceramics are so popular.

Benefits

TAmong the advantages of a ceramic sink is the highest resistance to scratches and other mechanical damage. So you don't have to worry about damaging the smooth surface of the bowl while washing the dishes . In addition to physical, chemical resistance is inherent in ceramic models. So, during operation, it is permissible to use a wide variety of detergents, regardless of the composition. In terms of thermal effect, ceramic sinks are very reliable. Hot pans, a hot kettle or frozen food - porcelain stoneware is not afraid of these factors. That only adds practicality and functionality to the material in the eyes of the buyer. Unlike steel counterparts, such kitchen sinks do not make noise if something is dropped on them. Due to the physical properties of the material, such sounds are muffled by any mechanical impact. The composition is also exceptional in that it repels any organic pollution well. This makes cleaning your ceramic sink even easier. The ceramic surface is most often also covered with enamel. And stylish gloss will always successfully complement the interior of any kitchen. Of course, this is a more classic version. The product can always be decorated in any other style - the material is suitable for decorative finishing. The user's imagination is not limited by anything here. Feel free to embody all your ideas, and the sink will be not only practical, but also aesthetic. Ceramics is an environmentally friendly material, and therefore harmless to your food.

Installation tips

TThe ceramic kitchen sink can only be mounted in two ways: by placing it on the cabinet or by cutting it into the countertop. If the first installation method requires a minimum of time and effort, then the second will have to tinker with. In particular, with cutting out the desired opening. To do this, it is necessary to draw the corresponding contour of the model on the table top. In order to further efficiently cut the material with a jigsaw, it is better to first make several holes with a drill. So the entry of the tool will be smoother, and therefore the cut will be even. When installing the sink directly into the opening, keep in mind that the structure will be constantly exposed to water. It is necessary to seal the entire circuit, for which a rubber seal is perfect. Natural stone kitchen sinks Natural materials never lose their popularity. So, natural stone is an excellent base for a kitchen sink. Due to its many advantages, stone models are in great demand. How did natural stone deserve such wide recognition?

Main advantages

TThe main rocks suitable for making a shell are granite, basalt, marble and some others. Each has its own practical strengths. Therefore, when choosing a specific model, it is extremely important to know what to expect from a particular material. If we talk about strength and hardness, then the first positions rightfully belong to basalt and granite. Experts say that stones are absolutely indifferent to temperature fluctuations, chemical or mechanical influences. Granite and basalt sinks often have an unlimited warranty - this is how manufacturers are confident in the durability of the material. But these breeds weigh a lot, which is their disadvantage. As for style and aesthetics, it is better to give preference to marble and onyx. The marble sink will be extremely functional, as it has all the data for this. The material is also famous for its variety of varieties. Each of them is incredibly beautiful and will successfully brighten up the decoration of your kitchen. It is not for nothing that marble has long been considered the embodiment of wealth and unique style. Onyx has become so popular because of its ability to transmit light deep into its structure. The developers provide the models made of this stone with a backlighting system, which produces a stunning visual effect. But the onyx sink is not as functional as it is prone to scratches. In addition, an onyx shell will cost you a pretty penny, since the breed is considered semi-precious.

Care Tips

TNatural stone in this regard is very whimsical. First, regular impregnation with special agents is required. They are necessary to enhance water repellency. If you ignore such maintenance of a stone sink, the material can absorb moisture, which will reduce its functional qualities. Impregnation should be carried out at different intervals, it all depends on the specific breed. The use of abrasive cleaning agents is also not acceptable. As for chemistry, the compositions should be as gentle and neutral as possible. Japanese sinks for kitchen Omoikiri The renowned East Asian brand is renowned for the highest quality of its kitchen sinks. In our catalog you can appreciate the variety of assortment from the Japanese manufacturer Omoikiri. Each model meets all quality standards, and therefore promises to serve for a long time and efficiently.

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