How to choose a sink for the kitchen in the main parameters
Sink should be in each kitchen - wash dishes or vegetables, as well as defrost meat or do other things you need when cooking. Designers compete with each other, inventing not only comfortable, but also unlike standard products. Of course, they are beautiful, expensive, however, such constructions can hardly be called practical.
Today, our task will be to help you decide on the necessary element for the housewives in the kitchen, so that it is functional, and it is not a shame to show it to your friends.
Choose a shape and size
Let us consider in more detail two types of sinks before deciding which sink is best for the kitchen:
| Simple | The classics of the genre will be rectangular or square models, in which the dimensions can be very different. Basically, they should be selected based on two qualities - the dimensions of the kitchen and your preferences. The most popular sizes are 50x50 mm, 50x60 mm, 50x80 mm and 50x125 mm. Although it should be said that oval and round models have also recently begun to gain popularity. |
| Challenging | Now we will find out what kitchen sinks of a more complex construction can be. These models include sinks that can be with several bowls (2-3) and they are located in one line. Wash differ in two main parameters - width and depth. At the same time, you can wash vegetables in one bowl, dishes in the other, and thaw meat in the third. Sometimes these models come with one big sink and a little extra. |
The standard diameter is 450 mm, all that is more is already at the discretion of the consumer. In this case, the optimal distance from the bottom to the side is considered to be 150-180 mm.
Tip: Whatever kitchen sink you choose, the main thing is to place it correctly.
Place in the kitchen
Experts recommend not to forget about the working triangle. In this concept, the sink should be installed between the work area and the refrigerator.
The instruction is simple:
- from the refrigerator products pulled out;
- laid on the desktop (preferably 300 mm between the refrigerator and sink);
- washed in the sink;
- processed on the cutting table;
- sent to prepare for the stove.
Tip: the sink should be placed at least 50 mm away from the wall.
We recommend to buy sinks with "wings" - with one or two. They are intended for folding washing dishes on them so that the water from them drains before putting into the dryer.
Material
After choosing the shape and size of the product, it’s time to decide what you want it to be made of.
At the moment there are two competitors:
- stainless steel (maximum weight - 4 kg);
- "Granite" (up to 20 kg).
Consider more:
- "Stainless steel" differs from conventional metal products in chromium and nickel content, which in the material is 18 and 10 %% respectively. This combination allows the sink to be resistant to corrosion and other defects. In addition, all products have a kind of "muffler" on the back of the bowl, which minimizes the noise from falling water.
There are metal sinks seamless when one steel sheet is used. Dignity - there are no welds, the thickness is larger, so the product does not “play” when installed on the tabletop, and the mixer keeps them better.
The surface can be matte, mirror or textured. But, you will not find a colored shell of this type. On textured or else they are called corrugated, less noticeable scratches, like on glossy, and especially matte.
The price has a large spread, which can go up to 14 times. Matte products are considered the cheapest, the most expensive are polished. Attach a magnet to the product to check the quality; it should not be attracted to it.
- "Granite" - in quotes, as such shells are made of composite material. Composition - 80% of artificial "granite" chips and 20% of the binder component. The thickness of the shells is 8-10 mm. These products are much richer in palette, fit well into the interior of the kitchen room.
Scratching them will not work, however, the material “does not like” when pots or pans are put on it right from the hot stove. 12 mm is the ideal thickness of a composite sink.
Other sinks
- Metal sinks for the kitchen, which are protected by a layer of enamel, have the following advantages:
- strength due to the steel base;
- high resistance to corrosion and household chemicals.
It is considered a classic option and can be used for many years. But, it is necessary to ensure that no chips are formed on the enamel, since the mechanical strength of this layer is low. Damage may occur due to a sharp temperature difference or accidental impact.
- Another material that is rare, but can be found in the kitchen, porcelain. Although such models are more like a bathroom, they can also be used here. If you decide to choose this option, make sure that nothing falls on the ceramics, as it may crack due to its low strength. In addition, the cost of such models is significantly higher.
Tip: if you need to return the whiteness of the earthenware sink, this can be done with bleach. To do this, plug the drain hole and fill it with hot water, dissolve the cleaning agent in it. Wait 30-60 minutes, drain and wipe the product.
Installation method
There are two types - invoice and mortise. In the first case, there should be a special cabinet, which is fully suitable for the size of the sink. It just lay on top of her.
The second method is more complicated, but universal. In the worktop cut out the hole where they insert the sink, in whole or in part. Below we consider exactly this option.
Tip: if you choose a version of a sink made of composite material, it may already be integrated into the worktop directly in the enterprise.
Most often they buy sinks separately and tabletops separately. Therefore, at some point they need to connect in the kitchen with their own hands.
For this:
- The marking is made, according to the sizes of a sink.
- Hole cut by jigsaw.
- The sink is completed with fasteners.
- Install also drain and safe drain (if provided).
- Turn the sink over and walk around its edge with a silicone sealant to protect the countertop from moisture.
- Install the sink in the countertop and tighten it from the bottom with fasteners.
- It is better to use the product after 2-3 hours, after the sealant completely hardens.
- Communications should be connected last.
Conclusion
We took into account the most important points that should be paid to when choosing a kitchen sink - it is the shape, size, location, material and installation. You now know what to pay special attention to, and what can be left "for later." And yet, try to purchase products only from proven brands and in a trading network that you trust.
The video in this article will provide an opportunity to find additional information on the above topic.