A guide to finding the right kitchen sink

Friday, 25 May 2012 9:31 AM

When redesigning a kitchen or giving the room a makeover, it is important not to forget about the less obvious aspects of the space. Kitchen sinks are an essential fitting, but often overlooked, despite the fact there is a wide choice of styles available.

The right sink can make all the difference to how your kitchen works. Too small and you can struggle to wash up and have enough room for preparation, while too large and it can take up valuable worktop space.

Below is a guide to the different types of kitchen sinks to help you choose the right one for your requirements.

Double sinks

Double sinks are fantastic for large kitchens and busy family homes. With twice the space to hand, it means dirty cutlery, dishes and pans can be placed in one sink, while they are washed in another. Alternatively, one sink can be used solely for rinsing, as well as for draining vegetables, rice and pasta, without dirtying any plates that might be in the sink. If you think your kitchen is large enough to take a double sink, you will need to weigh up the pros of having a bigger cleaning area at the potential expense of reduced worktop space. It might also mean dishes have to be dried straight away, rather than left to naturally drain.

Stainless steel sinks

Stainless steel sinks tend to be the most popular in properties for a number of reasons. The first is that they suit most decors, especially if the major appliances such as the oven and fridge-freezer are also made from this material. Stainless steel is also hygienic and easy to clean, so if you like to keep your kitchen sink smelling fresh and free from leftover food, these types of fittings are likely to be ideal for you. The material is durable and stands the test of time, so purchasing a stainless steel sink can be a good investment if you don't plan on installing another one in the near future.

Ceramic sinks

If you have a period property, a country home or a farmhouse and intend to design the kitchen around this traditional theme, a ceramic sink will look fantastic and will certainly be a focal point. Whether you go for a small square one or a much larger fitting, ceramic sinks look timeless and elegant. They are also extremely durable, although you might have to clean it more often due to the pale colour. Despite the fact they are well suited to traditional properties, with the right kitchen design, they can become a centrepiece in a more contemporary room.

Inset kitchen sinks

These are installed on a worktop and so the sink's edges lie flat against the surface. They are quite common in smaller kitchens and are often fitted into a corner, making the most of available space and ensuring not too much of a worktop is used up. They can also be installed on most types of surfaces, which is great if you need a new sink but the units are not suitable for an undermount fitting.

Undermount kitchen sinks

Undermount kitchen sinks are the other way round to inset ones as they are installed under a countertop, which means they are not suitable for laminate work surfaces, but rather for solid ones such as Corian and granite. If you want your kitchen design to be seamless, an undermount sink will not stand out and will instead blend in with the rest of the room. You might also find it a little bit easier to clean, as the grout of inset kitchen sinks is prone to getting dirty.
 

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• kitchen accessories
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• kitchens
,
• sinks