Kitchen sinks
THE CHOICE OF THE KITCHEN SINK
THIS MEANS IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER HOW A KITCHEN WILL BE USED. DO ITS USERS LOVE TO COOK, OR DO THEY ONLY USE IT TO WARM UP FOOD AND MAKE COFFEE? DOES THE KITCHEN HAVE A DISHWASHER, OR ARE TWO DEEP SINKS REQUIRED TO MANAGE THE DIRTY DISHES? SUCCESSIVE CONSIDERATIONS INVOLVE AESTHETIC ASPECTS BECAUSE THE SINK SHOULD MATCH THE REST OF THE KITCHEN AND BE COORDINATED WITH THE APPLIANCES.
Different characteristicsfor different functions.
Sink Bowls
Kitchen sinks can be single or double, of the same dimensions or of two different sizes, with or without a drain board, or a single sink with a drain board, a practical solution when most of the dishes are handled by the dishwasher.
Sink Forms
Forms vary from rectangular to square to round, with sharp or softer lines, and a range of different depths.
Dimensions
Standard sink bowl dimensions are in the range of 40×37 cm, whether single or double, though much larger sinks are also available; the largest can reach up to 80 cm. The deeper the bowl, the more the sink can hold, concealing dirty dishes from view while cooking and making for splash free wash up.
Kitchen Sink Accessories
Despite its simplicity, the kitchen sink can be fitted with numerous accessories. From drain board inserts to wall mounted versions, wire baskets and cutting boards of the same dimensions as the top of the sink bowl, whose snug fit ensures safe use. All this without forgetting the most sought after and practical accessory: the waste disposal unit that eliminates food scraps.
Taps
Kitchen taps are generally in steel, with a chrome, satin, brass or copper finish, or composite materials such as fragranite. When the sink is placed under a window that needs to be opened, the ideal choice is a telescopic tap that disappears into the countertop. Taps can be completed with an incorporated soap dispenser and pull out rinser, a very practical solution for large sinks and in general for properly washing fruits and vegetables.
Kitchen sinks installation
Kitchen Sink Positions
Where are the drain connections?
This is the starting point because the sink has to be positioned above the drain. This means that during construction, or renovations, there is more freedom to choose, maybe even opting for a island or peninsula sink, choices not always available to a home that is already finished.
What about work flows?
The sink should be close to the refrigerator to ensure the rationality and efficiency of operative movements, which follow the natural process of preparing food: selecting it, cleaning it and preparing it on the countertop before moving toward the cooking area.
A corner sink
While necessary in some cases, the corner sink is a delicate choice because it requires an extra joint between the top and backsplash, which runs at 45° with respect to the sink, heightening the possibility of penetrations of water.
Distance between the sink and tall cabinets
When tall cabinets are close to the sink it is worth considering a minimum distance of at least 30 cm to avoid splashes and improve durability.
Use a backsplash
A backsplash near the sink is always a good idea. Different heights are possible, in order to increase the durability of the cabinetry and the wall behind them.
Kitchen Sink Materials
Stainless Steel
Extremely hygienic, perfectly resistant to staining, more prone to scratching. A vintage version is also available for those seeking an aged look. The sink bowls can be seamlessly bonded to the countertop to create a perfect minimalist aesthetic.
Peltrox®
All the advantages of stainless steel coupled with the warmth and aesthetic of pewter, which remain stable over time, at a very advantageous price. Eventual scratches are less visible with respect to traditional stainless steel.
Composite Materials
The family of composite materials is made from assembled particles of hard stones. They are resistant to stains, scratches, impact and heat, hygienic and stable over time. Available in natural colours, or modern white, black or graphite. They bring a warm touch to the kitchen, together with a great deal of practicality. Common names include: Fragranite®, Silgranit®, Cristalite® and Cristadur®.
Okite®/Silestone®
A very robust and compact surface that resists against scratches, heat and stains. Hygienic and easy to clean, it is available in numerous finishes with fascinating chromatic variations.
Dekton®
A sophisticated mix of the best primary materials used to manufacture glass, ceramic materials and the highest quality quartz create a highly resistant and very durable material.
Abitum
Large format ceramic panels, 12 mm thick, are the result of innovative technologies for treating natural raw materials, with the highest respect for the environment. Easy to clean and stable over time, it is particularly resistant to heat.
Ceramic
Hygienic, resistant to impact and scratches and low and high temperatures, easy to clean and long-lasting, it is available in white and other colours to create a sink that matches the other furnishings in the kitchen.
Gres
A 100% ecological material made from natural raw materials (clays and highly selected and refined minerals), baked at such high temperatures they become inseparable and extremely resistant.
MDi
Available in large format panels and various thicknesses, some very thin, this material is soft to the touch, highly technological and ecological, in addition to being resistant to stains, impact, scratches, ultraviolet light, thermal shock and heat.