Kitchen sinks: which ones are better, how to choose and install

Which material is better

Some time ago, buying a stainless steel sink was incredibly lucky. Mostly enameled ones were used. The idea, of course, is not bad, but the execution was extremely poor. Today there are a lot of options:

• Stainless steel. It may or may not be polished. The most durable option, easy to clean. But a polished stainless steel sink will eventually become covered with a network of scratches and lose its appearance. Unpolished ones look good, but cost more. Well, the main drawback is the noise when a stream of water falls. To make the sink “quieter,” a layer of soundproofing material is glued to the bottom.
• Copper. These are not cheap options at all. Suitable for special kitchen interiors. They are difficult to maintain (special products are required) and are not widely used. Metal kitchen sinks: copper and stainless steel without wings

• Made from artificial stone. The natural component (stone chips and quartz sand) is diluted with a polymer binder, and the resulting composition is poured into molds. This is how you get a stone sink. There are different types of material: based on granite, quartz, marble, quartz sand. They are usually named after the “stone” component: granite, marble, quartz kitchen sink. Some companies develop special compositions, but they differ in the polymer binder, which gives the product certain performance properties (for example, Silgranit from the German company Blanco). Stone and glass (glass top) sinks are a more modern choice

• Ceramic. Ceramics - porcelain or earthenware - are not so popular for kitchen sinks, but they are also available.

There are those that appeared not so long ago - with a glass panel (pictured on the left). This is a stainless steel sink with a tempered glass surface. This option will look great next to a hob of the same color. And don't be afraid that the glass will crack. It has been hardened, so it is difficult to damage it.

Stainless steel

Many adherents of the High-Tech style (a style that successfully combines high functionality and laconic design) have already acquired such models. But this does not mean that they cannot become a decoration for a classic set. The chromium-nickel steel used in production will certainly add shine to any kitchen.

A significant advantage of this important element of the kitchen set is its affordable price. In addition, the following advantages can be noted:

• Plastic and flexible material. Unlike ceramics, if a cup falls into such a sink, the likelihood that it will survive is much higher.
• Resistance to metal corrosion and impact resistance. These properties will allow the sink to serve you faithfully for a long time, without losing its original appearance, and will also eliminate the causes of cracks and splits.
• Wide variety of sizes and shapes. You can choose a model of any size.
• Easy to care for. You don’t have to bother yourself with thoughts about which cleaning product is best for daily care. Steel has a non-porous surface, which makes it easy to remove dirt of any complexity. You can use any, even harsh, means, and the appearance will not suffer at all.

In contrast to all the positive qualities, let us draw your attention to one small minus - noise in operation. However, in the age of inventions and modern technologies, this is unlikely to become a serious obstacle.

Professionals recommend checking the authenticity of the product using a magnet when purchasing. If the steel is real, then the magnet will not be attracted to it.

Ceramic sinks

Mostly faience is used in their production. You can also find products made of porcelain; this material is denser and an order of magnitude more expensive than earthenware.

Among the advantages: high resistance to chemical attack, elegant design.

Disadvantages include fragility and impracticality.

Enameled sink

Thanks to the latest technology, there is something to be said for this forgotten option. It is made of cast iron, steel or ceramics, after which enamel is applied to it.

An advantage can be considered high resistance to corrosion, it does not change shape during operation, and is easily cleaned of contaminants.

Many manufacturers, taking care of the health and hygiene of their customers, produce products with additional antibacterial coating.

Fake diamond

This type of sink is a favorite in classic-style kitchens. Composite materials that imitate natural stone consist of quartz to which granite chips are added.

A stone sink will look most harmonious when combined with facades made of solid wood or imitation wood. Country style lovers will also like it.

Top 10 stainless steel sinks

Below are the names and descriptions of stainless steel sinks, which are deservedly in greatest demand among our customers.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel has rapidly gained momentum among consumers. Stainless steel products have a number of advantages that significantly increase the demand for sinks made of this metal. Firstly, a stainless steel sink is affordable. The product is durable, wear-resistant and has a versatile design.

Let's look at some of the benefits of stainless steel:

• The product will suit virtually any design solution;
• Hygienic, during operation the product does not accumulate harmful bacteria, therefore it is absolutely safe;
• Resistance to damage and temperature changes;
• Does not require the use of additional products for proper care of the product;
• Affordable price category.

Stainless steel has a high level of strength and is great for home use. The thin metal is quite flexible, which provides additional protection against heavy loads.

A stainless steel sink also has its drawbacks, which are revealed by the owner during the use of the sink:

• Coarse abrasive substances contribute to the appearance of small scratches on the surface, which not only spoil the integrity of the product and its appearance, but also affect the safety of use. Dirt can become clogged in these small scratches, which is then quite difficult to remove - this contributes to the development of microbes on the surface;
• Stainless steel will have to be rubbed periodically, as traces of limescale deposits in the form of drops may remain on the metal - this spoils the appearance of the product. In order for it to maintain its shine and stains not to become embedded in the surface, it is necessary to wipe it periodically and carefully remove the deposits that have formed;
• Metal is noisy; when water comes into contact with metal or dishes come into contact with such a sink, noise occurs, since there is no sound-absorbing substrate.

When choosing, you should carefully consider the quality of the material. There is a wide variety of models of such sinks on the modern market. The surface can be of two types - smooth and corrugated. A distinctive feature of the second type is the difficulty of cleaning the surface.

Production technology allows us to divide all products into two types:

• Welded option;
• Stamped product.

The best manufacturers of stainless steel sinks

We call the best manufacturers those who create metal sinks from chromium-nickel stainless steel 18/10 (European marking AISI304, Russian marking 08Х18Н10), comply with international quality standards and supply the market with stylishly designed products with excellent performance indicators.

According to experts and customer reviews, the rating of stainless steel sink manufacturers looks something like this:

1. Franke (Switzerland) and Blanco (Germany) are recognized world leaders in the production of kitchen sanitary ware.
2. Ukinox (Russia) is a company that successfully competes with foreign manufacturers by producing high-quality products at an affordable price category.
3. Imenza (Portugal) is a manufacturer of original sinks for the decoration of kitchens.
4. Smeg (Italy) - the products of this brand combine exquisite style and impeccable functionality.
5. Elleci (Italy) is a manufacturer of stylish and unusual sinks with excellent characteristics.
6. Zigmund & Shtain (Germany) - the products of this company are famous for their elegant design, German quality and durability.

Stainless steel in the kitchen interior

It is very important that the purchased sink fits into the overall interior of the kitchen as naturally as possible. A stainless steel sink can be combined with any style, but this requires choosing the most suitable model. Glossy ones will best suit a simple, country or high-tech style, while matte ones will fit perfectly into a classic interior.

If the sink does not fit well into the interior when installed in the middle of the countertop, it can be placed in the corner, which will make its presence more natural and beautiful. In this case, it is advisable to use round or oval models.

A wide variety of stainless steel sinks allows you to choose a model that will match not only the interior, but even the dishes. This will create a special atmosphere in the kitchen and will bring aesthetic pleasure.

Which sink is better, stainless steel or artificial stone?

In order to figure out which product is better, we will conduct a detailed comparison of the two materials.

Table 3. Comparison of sinks made of different materials.

Metal sinks look stylish too

Types of stainless steel sinks

There are many different types of stainless steel sinks on the market today. Their only similarity can only be silver or a similar color. But the shape, dimensions, manufacturing method may differ. And all this affects the work with plumbing in the future, which is why it is important to know all the types and features of models made from the material in question.

Knowing these features, choosing the ideal option will not be difficult. Elegant classics, modern high-tech, ascetic minimalism and cozy country - for each interior there is its own option that will highlight the excellent taste of the hostess.

Stainless steel, as mentioned earlier, is one of the most popular materials for kitchen sinks. It should contain up to 18% chromium and 10% nickel - this will be indicated by the 18/10 mark.

These models are considered the most durable and resistant to mechanical stress and corrosion.

Preparation method

The manufacturing method affects the strength, reliability and durability of the sink. There are few options:

• seamless (stamped) - a seamless sink that is made from a single sheet of metal. Until recently, such sinks could boast a depth of only 15 cm, but today manufacturers also produce deeper models - up to 25 cm. If low-quality material is used, the thickness of the steel may vary - such a defect is noticeable externally, so a thorough inspection of the purchase is important;
• welded - considered the highest quality. They are made from several sheets of metal that are welded together. The seams are then ground and polished; it is their quality that you should look at when choosing a welded sink. Thanks to this technology, a sink can be made of almost any size and shape.

The difference between these types of sinks is not as big as between stainless steel, ceramic or stone, so it is better to pay a little more for a welded one, but use it much longer.

Welded sinks

Welded models are more expensive than stamped ones, but in terms of performance characteristics they are an order of magnitude higher. The bowl and base are made separately and connected by welding. After this, the products are polished and ground. Thanks to this production method, it is possible to obtain sinks of different depths and shapes. Technical stainless steel sinks are made in this way.

When choosing a welded sink, preference should be given to trusted manufacturers, since low-quality models may leak at the welded seam.

In appearance, welded sinks are:

• matte, in more expensive products the surface has an interesting texture that imitates textured materials;
• glossy, designer models can be decorated with relief embossing.

Stamped models

For the manufacture of stamped models, sheet steel is used; the production process completely eliminates any seam connection. This is a significant advantage over welded models; in addition, such sinks are cheaper.

The only disadvantage of the models is the small depth of the bowl: often the value does not exceed 15 cm, and this is not entirely convenient for use in a family where they like to cook and wash a large amount of dishes, fruits and vegetables.

Advice! When choosing a stamped stainless steel kitchen sink, it is important to give preference to trusted manufacturers, for example, German or Dutch. When purchasing an inexpensive, low-quality product, the consumer runs the risk of receiving a product with walls of different thicknesses.

Surface

The surface of the sink may also vary. The most popular classification is matte/glossy. The peculiarity of matte ones is that they can have different textures, for example, imitate fabric, but you will have to pay for this ability. The advantage is that scratches, stains and drops are practically invisible on such a surface.

Glossy ones, in turn, can also be decorated with relief patterns. Even in the absence of such patterns, maintaining the gloss is more difficult, since traces of drops and small scratches immediately become visible on them. But such a surface is easier to clean from plaque.

The relief and texture on the sink is, of course, beautiful, especially if combined with a table or countertop. But this is not practical, since cleaning these reliefs from traces of dried drops is problematic.

Installation method

The installation method often depends on what is under the sink - a cabinet or a countertop. Outside options differ in appearance, so often the choice is based on appearance.

Characteristics of stainless steel sinks

In recent years, many new materials have been created, but all of them are unable to compete on equal terms with stainless steel. Therefore, it is not surprising that kitchen sinks made from this material are so popular. These products continue to be in high demand due to their benefits.

Many buyers pay attention to the appearance of sinks, which allow them to look great in a kitchen of any design. But to make the right decision, you first need to get acquainted with the properties of stainless steel, as well as the differences between the types of kitchen sinks offered today.

You can make the right decision in favor of a certain type of stainless steel sink only by knowing the strengths and weaknesses of this material. In general, they can be considered a universal option for any kitchen, but sometimes it doesn’t hurt to take into account special nuances when choosing - technical characteristics, appearance, etc.

Features of stainless steel

Stainless steel products surround people everywhere. You can find many useful things made from this material, which are actively used by people in construction, repair and decoration of premises.

Such a wide distribution of stainless steel can be explained by the presence of a large number of useful qualities, among which the most important are strength, long service life and resistance to influences of various types.

Stainless steel seems to be an excellent material for a kitchen sink, because such products look great in any room, regardless of the design style. Many people like it for its ease of maintenance and operation , so they can be found not only in the apartments of ordinary citizens, but also in public institutions.

Among the distinctive properties of the material, due to which it is used in the production of sinks, it is worth highlighting its high strength with a small thickness, as well as high ductility. Stainless steel is an excellent material for sinks because it can easily withstand significant loads, shocks and protect dishes from damage.

How to choose a kitchen sink

Regardless of what you choose - a stainless steel sink or a stainless steel sink, you will have to look for decent options in your class. To do this, you need to know the difference between a good wash and a bad one.

This is a "glass sink". In fact, only the base is made of glass - the stainless steel bowl

Contains chromium and nickel

Kitchen sinks are made of chromium-nickel stainless steel. Stainless steel is considered good if it contains 18% chromium.

and
8-10% nickel
(look for the 18/10 marking). They reliably protect the sink from corrosion, shock and temperature changes, give the surface a spectacular shine and protect it from stains. Top manufacturers coat the steel with a protective coating, on which the liquid instantly beads up and is easy to keep clean.

How to choose a stainless steel sink: expert advice

After familiarizing yourself with such a variety of parameters and characteristics, your head sometimes becomes spinning. Expert advice will help you avoid getting lost in this variety and help you choose the perfect sink.

Tip 1. Pay attention to the material

As mentioned earlier, it is important that the material contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel, as indicated by the 18/10 marking. It is this alloy that is better protected from corrosion, mechanical stress and temperature changes than others.

The best manufacturers additionally cover the surface with a protective layer, with the help of which the liquid collects in drops without forming streaks - this is easier to keep clean.

It is important to look at the grade of the steel. The most popular options are AISI304 and AISI204.

The first brand is considered the best and most durable. But 204 is more convenient to work with, but it contains little chromium and virtually no nickel, so the cost of such a sink is lower and it will fail faster. Information about the brand must be in the certificate of conformity for the product.

Lifehack! You can check the quality of the material of the sink you like using a magnet. On high-quality specimens it will slide freely, but on “short-lived” specimens it will simply stick so that it cannot be moved.

The thickness of the stainless steel sheet from which the sink is made is also considered an important parameter - the average range should be: from 0.4 to 1.2 mm. The more, the better, but also more expensive. The recommended thickness depends on the type of installation.

It is worth noting that a welded sink is better than a stamped one. The main thing is to pay attention to the treatment of the seams, since they are the weak point of the entire structure, where a leak can form.

Tip 2. Decide on size

The most difficult parameter to decide on is the depth of the sink. It should not be too small to prevent too much splashing. But there is no need to be too deep, because when washing dishes you will have to bend over, and your back may get tired.

The optimal depth is 16-20 cm.

When looking for a stainless steel kitchen sink, you should consider the size of the cabinet or countertop in which it will be installed. It is important to ensure that there is at least five centimeters from the sides to the wall or edge of the tabletop.

Square sinks are available with a side of 50 and 60 cm. Rectangular sinks are most often 50 cm wide and from 55 to 125 or more cm long. The diameter of round ones is from 45 to 55 cm. These are the standard and most popular sizes. For a high price you can find something unique.

Lifehack! For a small kitchen, it is better to take a compact sink and compensate for the size with depth.

At the same stage, it is necessary to check the slope of the wing, if it exists, of course. This is important so that the water flows into the sink, and not onto the countertop nearby, or simply does not stagnate. The same water in a bottle or a regular tennis ball will help with this.

Tip 3. Check the sound insulation

The cheapest models of stainless steel sinks have one significant drawback - they are noisy. A rubber pad, which is attached to the outside of the bottom of the sink, should help with this, but it does not always save the situation.

If noiselessness is important, it is better to take a closer look at more expensive options - they are made of thicker metal, which means there will be less noise.

Tip 4. Pay attention to the warranty

Typically, inexpensive models have a manufacturer's warranty of only 1–2 years, but they will last much longer than this. There are very rarely cases when a stainless steel kitchen sink needs warranty assistance, but it is better if it is, of course, available.

The record holder for the longest warranty period for a kitchen sink is the Dutch brand Reginox - a lifetime warranty.

In second place is the German manufacturer Teka: the warranty period for its stainless steel sinks is 75 years.

Tip 5. Look at popular manufacturers

The best sinks are those from European manufacturers. Germany, Italy, Spain and Holland are most valued. The most common brands are as follows.

Review of prices for straight and corner stainless steel kitchen sinks

Before buying a stainless steel sink, you need to familiarize yourself with the optimal prices of manufacturers on Yandex.Market.

Which stainless steel sinks have better quality?

All stainless steel sinks presented in the catalog of the online store VezuVdom.ru are high quality products made from food grade stainless steel with 18% chromium and about 10% nickel. We offer only products from trusted manufacturers who have proven themselves in the plumbing equipment market and deservedly enjoy the trust of customers.

More expensive models are not necessarily better quality than budget options. It’s just that foreign-made products are more expensive than domestic products, and compact single-bowl models are cheaper than large sinks with several sections. The cost is also affected by the design of the sink, the type of its surface and additional equipment.

Therefore, in order to buy a high-quality sink made of stainless steel or other material, you just need to contact a reliable company and choose a model based on your needs, your available budget and the features of your kitchen unit. We invite you to choose a beautiful and functional sink in the VezuVdom.ru online store!

Another educational material - about choosing a mixer based on the type of installation and other factors - is presented here.

Best Stainless Steel Sink Manufacturers

The leaders in the production of kitchen sinks are Dutch, Italian, German and Spanish companies. The high quality of the products offered has helped them achieve considerable popularity. Modern world-famous manufacturers produce original and traditional models of sinks.

When going to the store, take a magnet with you. If the magnet is attracted to the sink, it is not stainless steel, or low quality stainless steel (not food grade).

The most popular brands at present: Florentina, Villeroy&Boch, Smeg, Foster, TEKA, Blanco, Longran, Ukinox, Polygran, Schock, Reginox, Alveus.

Additional accessories for stainless steel kitchen sinks

Additionally, manufacturers can equip sinks with modern accessories that make life much easier.

The presence of additional accessories increases the cost of the model, so you need to decide on the elements in advance and purchase only those that are really needed.