The Kitchen Sink
The humble sink – A key part of a kitchen and not to be over looked.
It’s surprisingly around your kitchen sink area that you spend the most time so it is important to consider which sink works best for you. Unlike many integrated products within the kitchen that can be hidden behind closed doors the kitchen sink is always on show. So Style and sophistication to suit the room is paramount.
Different styles and finishes of sinks can enhance a design and set a tone for many other additions within the kitchen. Key features to look out for when choosing your sink and taps are; longevity, robustness, do they evoke ease & comfort of use? Both not only need to work effortlessly together but need to be well paired in design and function.
Your sink should suit the way you prefer to use your kitchen. What’s becoming more popular if your kitchen size and style permits, is a secondary prep sink. Ideally located near the prep and cooking area. This can be a great advantage when preparing fruit, vegetables, or when multiple people are cooking in the kitchen.
Stainless Steel Sinks
Practicality works hand in hand with good design, stainless steel is one of the leading styles due to its low maintenance properties.
Pros
- Stainless Steel sinks have great durability giving your sink longevity
- Resistant to corrosion
- Resistant to chipping, cracking & premature wear
- Easy to clean & does not harbour bacteria
- Price, although some stainless sinks can be expensive in general a quality stylish stainless steel sinks are the most affordable option
Cons
- There are not many cons to stainless steel sinks but cheaper options may be less aesthetically pleasing to the eye
Ceramic Sinks
Ceramic or porcelain sinks offer the wow factor and are available in porcelain, standard ceramic or fireclay with the latter being the most durable & expensive. A few points about fireclay ceramics.
Pros
- Heat, impact, dirt & stain Resistant
- Resistant to chemicals due to heavy duty glazed surface
- The heavy duty glazed surface is also resilient to chips & scratches while also making the surface hypoallergenic.
Cons
- Although white ceramic sinks can achieve the look within the kitchen it is worth considering that they will show more dirt and require a little more TLC when compared to stainless steel sinks.
- The fireclay version is very resilient but if a chip or deep scratch does occur the coating will be compromised.
Belfast Ceramic Sink and Silestone Worktop
Corian Sinks (Acrylic)
Acrylic composites are becoming more popular allowing for seamless design where worktop & bowl are moulded as one.
Pros
- Design flexibility allowing to be moulded into any shape
- easily integrated into Corian worktops
- No visible joints
- Hygenic
- If any damage does occur it can be easily repaired
Cons
- Acrylic Sinks do not like excessive heat so boiling water taps and Corian sinks do not work well together
- Corian can scratch easily and although it can be repaired this could be costly if you scratch the material on a regular basis
- Sharp and heavy objects can damage Corian
- needs to be cleaned everyday and be kept dry to avoid a surface haze as a result of water being left on the surface.
Corian Sink and Shaped Corian Worktop
