Household Buying Guide - Kitchen Sinks

The sink in a kitchen should be much more than an essential facility for the washing of dishes and the disposal of waste. It should be one of the main focal points in a room that is often the most lived-in space of a home. Sinks and their various fittings can say a lot about a kitchen and should be thought about carefully before making a purchasing decision. This guide will deal with the various types of sink, the functions they perform, the accessories that come with them and the materials they're made from.

There are several factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting a new kitchen sink. The substance the it is made from will have consequences involving its aesthetic appeal and its suitability for the jobs it will be expected to perform. They now come in a number of configurations to choose from; choosing the right one is essential if it is to serve a particular purpose. Thought should also be given to how it will be mounted into its final position. Sinks will often need to be fitted around existing work surfaces. It is essential that the fitting procedure relates to the kitchen and the type of work surface in which it will be located.

Substance
Stainless Steel is the most cost-effective material to manufacture sinks with because it is extremely durable and will last for many years. It is naturally resistant to scratches, chips and cracks. However, stainless steel is relatively soft and susceptible to dents. There are some good examples of thick stainless steel sinks on the market but they are far more expensive. The best quality models will come with insulation designed to soften the noise made from running water or moving crockery.

Cast-iron - much heavier and more substantial than stainless-steel models but don't offer the same durability. They can crack when struck with large objects and the unsightly black iron underneath the glossy enamel can be exposed. Cast-iron sinks are very bulky units that need a strong and sturdy bench for proper support.

Composite granite - are particularly strong and durable. They are made with a number of different materials and are highly resistant to heat.

Solid surface - contain no seams and joins in which dirt and grime can build up. They are manufactured with a composite material that is very strong and durable. Installation usually requires specialist fitters although these sinks can last for several years.

Acrylic - hugely popular at the moment as they are relatively inexpensive and can be fitted quite easily. Acrylic sinks are made from moulded plastic that has been strengthened with fibreglass. They are easy to clean and fairly resistant to normal, everyday use.

Fire clay - extremely low-maintenance models which usually last for decades. They are resistant to heat, cracks and chips which makes them popular in commercial and industrial environments. They are relatively heavy but provide a hygienic surface in kitchens where food preparation is undertaken.

Configuration
The configuration of a sink will dictate what activities can be effectively carried out within it. There are several standard sizes in the UK; however, the easiest way to select the correct replacement sink is by measuring the outgoing model. Sinks are available with multiple bowls for kitchens that will be particularly busy and have more than one person preparing food at any given time. Most domestic sinks will contain either one bowl and a draining bench or two bowls of equal size. The arrangement of bowls depends on who will be using the sink and what it will be used for. Thought should be given to the process in the kitchen and the location of relevant appliances such as dishwashers and cooking ranges. A sink may have up to five holes for the fitting of taps, dispensers, spray hoses and several other appliances.

Mounting
There are several ways to mount a sink; however, the most appropriate method will be dictated by the material, size, shape and location of the new model.

Drop-in sinks are perhaps the most common as they are extremely easy to fit. In most cases, drop-in sinks can be placed into an existing recess of the same size. This type of fitting requires no building work and the relocation of plumbing is not necessary.

Self-rimming sinks are suitable for installation in most types of kitchen work surface. They are either held in place by their own weight or fastened into place using simple clips.

Under-mounted sinks are installed from underneath a work surface and are ideal for installation within granite worktops. They leave no join when fitted and create a sophisticated image.

Integral sinks are part of the main work surface of a kitchen. They have no joins so are incredibly hygienic. However, when it is time to replace the sink, the whole bench will need to be removed and a completely new bench will be required.

Tile-in sinks are designed to be mounted in line with wall tiles. They are very easy to clean and blend seamlessly with walls.