Why is the kitchen sink mentioned when people talk about having everything they need? It must be because the kitchen sink is the most important appliance in the kitchen. The sink and its related pieces (faucet, soap dispenser, garbage disposer and water filtration) is really the all-inclusive solution. When it is time to replace or buy a kitchen sink, you might be thinking of doing the same style, material, and/or configuration that you currently have. That would not be a terrible decision. After all, if it works for you now, why change? Take a few minutes to think through the options and you may make a different choice for that very crucial kitchen sink.
Single Bowl Sink
Whether a person likes to cook and does it for daily meals, for entertaining or both, choosing the correct sink affects the efficiency and the enjoyment of the food prep and the cleanup. Today, many people use their dishwasher extensively without need for running a sink-full of soapy dishwater at all. It is often done with a rinse and load into the dishwasher process. If there is a large pot or bowl, it can be washed without having to run a sink-full of water. The trend has been and continues to be single bowl sinks.
Double Bowl Sink
There are still those who like to wash a few things at a time and use their dishwashers only occasionally for holidays or meals prepared when they entertain. The second bowl may hold the dish rack for allowing the dishes to air dry. These people may be candidates for a double-equal sink configuration. Another popular option is the double bowl sink, but not equal in size. This allows the user to do separate functions at the same time while still allowing enough space in the larger side to accommodate large bowls, pans or cookie sheets. The smaller sink compartment can hold a colander, keep food separated preventing cross contamination or for warm soapy water for cleaning up during food prep and cooking.
The next consideration is the sink material. Some options are listed below along with pros and cons.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel continues to be the most popular and most durable kitchen sink. It is easy to care for, comes in a variety of sizes and configurations, and can be installed under counter, drop-in, or flush mount. Stainless Steel is also available as an apron front. As with all metal, it is susceptible to scratching so care should be taken to ensure the bottom is protected with a grid or grate. If the sink becomes scratched it can either be buffed out or over time the scratches become part of the natural aging process. There are many numbers to understand when selecting a stainless steel sink. Watch for the gauge of the stainless steel, the thicker it is, the lower the number. Choose 18 gauge or thicker. There are different types of stainless steel, type 304 is a good choice. The next number to be aware of is the chromium and nickel content. This will affect the beauty of the stainless steel over time. 18/10 will have 2% more nickel than 18/8 will, giving it a better, longer lasting luster. There are many quality stainless steel sinks to choose from in various configurations, sizes and gauges.
Composites
Composites have gained popularity for the kitchen sink. Made up of ground stone and a bonding material such as silicon, these sinks have the look and feel of stone without the maintenance. Composite sinks are hygienic, easy to care for and durable. They have a variety of configurations and colors from which to choose as well as drop-in and under-counter installation options. Because the color goes all through the product they keep their beauty without showing signs of wear. They are strong and resistant to heat, scratches, stains and acids, without adding as much weight as a stone sink does. In addition to the great benefits of these sinks they are also lower in cost than many of the other options.
Fireclay
Fireclay is a ceramic material that has been fired at a very high temperature, giving the surface a strong, chip-resistance that is non-porous and durable. Available in white, biscuit, and black, with under-counter mounting or in a variety of apron-front styles, fireclay is another good choice for today’s kitchen. Fireclay is a heavy material so the sink needs to be supported from underneath for stability. There are different designs for the apron and different thicknesses of aprons to choose from.
Copper and Bronze
Bronze and copper are also good choices for the kitchen. These two materials require a higher level of care than do the stainless steel and fireclay to avoid an irregular or mottled appearance. If that is the desired finish it is easily achieved. For the rich beauty they add to a kitchen, it may be worth the extra maintenance, but it depends on the person’s tolerance level for maintenance. Copper is a material that actually kills bacteria and is one of the major elements included in bronze. These finishes are affected by acidic foods and chemicals such as lemons and many cleaning products.
Stone
Stone is another option for the kitchen sink and has the same characteristics as the stone countertops being used in today’s homes, requiring it to be sealed periodically. It is a beautiful option with many choices, but does require extra care to support it due to its weight. Available in a variety of configurations including single and double bowl and under-counter, apron-front and drop-in installation.
Concrete
Another material for the kitchen sink is concrete. This has grown in popularity over the past few years because of the improved methods of manufacturing. The concrete has been reengineered to allow it to be sealed, reducing its porosity. It has been made lighter in weight and the color can go throughout the material. It does erode away over time which needs to be considered when choosing it for the kitchen sink.
Choosing the faucet and accessories to enhance the function of the sink can be discussed with our consultants in person, by phone or email.