Washing dishes is by no means an exciting activity. It is all the more important to organize the kitchen workspace in the most practical way. To do this, you need to answer the question - which kitchen sink to choose in order to make this unpleasant duty as less burdensome as possible. Moreover, the best kitchen sink 2021  is not just a place where dishes are washed. This is an important part of the workspace where you can peel vegetables, defrost and butcher meat and fish. Here they collect water for kitchen needs, wash their hands. In a word, the choice of sink should be approached systematically.Let's consider what the market generally offers, what are the main selection criteria, and only then we will figure out which option is best for your kitchen. And along the way, we will give small tips that will allow you to navigate how to choose a kitchen sink.So, in all the variegated variety available on the Belarusian market, you can choose a kitchen sink according to the following criteria:

• Mounting method
• The number of bowls and the presence of working surfaces
• Shape and size
• Materials used for manufacturing

Let's go in order.

Types of sinks by installation method

Modern industry produces a lot of accessories for the kitchen, technologies are constantly being improved, and the installation of each sink can be carried out taking into account its own nuances. However, it is possible to combine all kitchen sinks into three large groups:

• Mortise
• Overhead
• Integrated

Let's take a look at each group. Mortise sinks for the kitchen as the name implies, to install such a sink, you will need to cut a hole of the appropriate size and shape in the countertop. Inset sinks can be made of almost any material, as a result of which the price range for them is very wide. The advantage of this option is that they can be used in a kitchen set with a common countertop. In this version, mortise sinks, as a rule, look harmonious and, due to the fact that they are practically not limited by the size of the cabinet, they are much more functional than overhead sinks. Another advantage is that such a sink can be installed in any worktop - both stone and made of laminated chipboard.Distinguish between inset sinks designed for installation above the countertop and under the countertop. Sink for mounting on top of the countertop - it is immersed in the hole cut out for it, leaning on its edges, the gap between them is filled with sealant. This type is very common and popular, as it is easy to install.If your worktop is made of chipboard, we recommend choosing a sink for installation on top of the worktop. Firstly, this will save you from the need to decorate the cut and take care of its waterproofness, and secondly, if you make small flaws when cutting a hole in the countertop, they will be hidden by the edge of the sink. Under-counter sink - these sinks are attached to the underside of the countertop without covering the edges of the cut-out hole. If you are the owner of a VIP-class headset with a natural stone countertop, such a sink design will emphasize its status, since it leaves a visible cut. In principle, the installation procedure is not particularly difficult, but, most often, such sinks are used in custom-made headsets, and therefore professionals are engaged in their installation.

Overhead kitchen sinks

Overhead kitchen sinks are the most budgetary option. Such a sink is superimposed on the walls of the cabinet and replaces the countertop. As a rule, installation is a fairly simple procedure, and in order to complete it, you do not need to involve a specialist. In addition, you do not need a special sealant, as is the case with a flush sink, and the cabinet itself will cost less precisely because of the lack of a countertop.Disadvantages of this type of installation: firstly, the overhead sink dictates the shape of the cabinet to you. Secondly, a gap forms between the edge of such a sink and the countertop of an adjacent base cabinet, where water can enter and small objects can fall through. These sinks are usually produced in a standard size for standard cabinets. Most often, freestanding cabinets are used for this option; such a sink cannot be used for wall-type kitchen sets. And thirdly, this option is usually made of stainless steel, which entails all the disadvantages of this material (see below).

Integrated sinks for kitchens

Integrated sinks are often confused with inset sinks. And this is not surprising - they are also mounted in the hole in the countertop and, strictly speaking, they can be attributed to mortise. But there is a difference. And it is essential.The integrated sink is mounted in such a way that it turns into one piece with the worktop. It almost never protrudes above the surface of the countertop and for its installation you need to have a number of skills.As a rule, wealthy people can afford this option, since most often an integrated sink is installed in a set with a countertop made of natural or artificial stone.Installing an integrated sink is a job for a professional. Do not buy it if you are not ready to incur the costs of hiring an experienced specialist. Such work is not cheap, as well as the sink itself. And the stone countertop, on which such sinks are usually installed, is not a cheap pleasure. Therefore, do not skimp on professionalism - it will be more expensive.

Number of bowls and work surfaces:

Each sink has a number of design features that distinguish it from others and give you a number of options. The simplest option is a single bowl sink without fenders. It does not need a special description, since in fact it is just an improved sink. Good for small kitchens. Its disadvantages are obvious - you have to use one bowl for all procedures, which is not always convenient. But the only bowl can be large. If we are talking about a mortise sink, then it can be mounted anywhere on the countertop and used, for example, as a corner one.It is enough to add only one or two wings of the working surface to the structure , and the sink becomes much more convenient. Now you can, for example, lather the dishes, place them on the work surface, and then, rinsing them, place them on the grid traditionally placed above the sink.As a rule, the number of bowls in modern sinks does not exceed three, but, in fact, even two bowls make the structure truly functional. And if a work surface with grooves for drainage is attached to two bowls, then such a sink can be considered perfect.Despite the above, if conditions allow, do not deny yourself the purchase of the most functional sink. The third bowl will not be superfluous, there will always be a use for it.

Kitchen sink shape and size

When it comes to the shape and size of a kitchen sink, we can mean both the dimensions of the entire sink and the shape and size of individual bowls (if there are several of them in the sink).In fact, this is exactly the case when size matters, and at least one of the bowls should be large. This is important when you need to wash something large, say, a large frying pan with a non-removable handle or a baking sheet for the oven. If we talk about the shape of the bowl, then a large rectangular bowl will be much more spacious than a round bowl similar in size .If we are not talking about individual bowls, but about the shape and size of the entire sink, then they are dictated to you by the intended design of the headset, which, in turn, is created taking into account the area of your kitchen.As a rule, in headsets that are designed for a small area, so-called corner sinks are used. Their advantage is a decent spaciousness, combined with small linear dimensions. Plus, a corner sink, as a rule, has as many as two wings with work surfaces.For a kitchen with a large area, you can choose a large-sized sink with several sections. The linear dimensions of such a sink can reach one and a half meters.

What are kitchen sinks made of?

And, finally, the last but not least criterion is material. Which kitchen sink to choose - copper, ceramic, stainless steel or artificial stone? Or maybe you need to strain yourself and afford a sink made of natural stone? Is it worth the candle? You decide. We will try to help by explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Stainless steel sink Stainless steel is perhaps the most common material used to make kitchen sinks. There are practically no drawbacks to stainless steel, so let's start with them.

• Over time, the galvanic coating becomes thinner and darkish "bald spots" appear in these places. But, if you buy a sink from a good manufacturer, you can safely count on the fact that it will not threaten you for 10-15 years.
• A jet of water falling to the bottom of the sink makes a rather loud sound. However, the last drawback can be easily eliminated. You just need to paste over the lower surface of the sink with noise-insulating material. In addition, many modern models are initially equipped with noise absorbers.

Now about the advantages:

• The steel sink is in perfect harmony with almost any design, and the nickel-plated mixer looks like an integral part of it. Mirror shine pleases the eye, besides, stainless steel is unpretentious in the choice of detergents.
• Steel easily tolerates mechanical stress and you can not be afraid to damage it by dropping a heavy pan.
• Such a sink is lightweight; any non-professional can handle the installation.
• Low cost of the material.

If you opted for a stainless steel sink, be sure to check the thickness of the metal. A good sink is made of steel sheet with a thickness of at least 6 millimeters, preferably more. Artificial stone kitchen sink When people talk about sinks made of artificial stone, they often mean a whole family of materials with different properties. But most often we are talking about composite materials, or about imitations from acrylic. In both cases, the basis of the material (up to 80% of the mass of the product) is a powdery filler (powder from natural stone waste), 20% falls on the polymer binder and coloring pigment. After casting, the sink is treated with a special protective compound - gelcoat, which tends to diffuse into the densest materials and fill micropores. This increases the reliability and durability of the already strong material. In a word, artificial stone is an excellent alternative for those who wish to purchase a sink that has all the advantages of natural stone, but does not have enough funds for this.The undoubted advantages of a sink made of artificial stone include:

• Abrasion resistance. Artificial stone does not require a finishing coating, and therefore will never lose its appearance, unlike, for example, stainless steel, which over time becomes covered with a visible mesh of small scratches.
• Stylish look. There is a huge selection of colors and textures.
• Possibility to choose a mixer in the same color scheme. Most serious manufacturers, as a rule, develop a collection at once - a sink plus a mixer.
• Durability. With proper care, such a sink will serve you for decades.
• Easy to care for.
• Resistant to chemicals.
• Small chips and scratches that can form over time as a result of heavy objects falling can be easily removed with acrylic glue and minimal sanding.

There are only two downsides:

• Relatively high price.
• Great weight.

If you decide to buy a sink made of artificial stone of a dark color, do not leave hot objects on the surface - pots with boiling water or hot pans, try not to pour boiling oil and other hot liquids into the sink - they can leave light spots. Copper sink for kitchenThere are few materials that have survived millennia and remain popular to this day. Copper is one of them. The first metal, "tamed" by man, still continues to serve him faithfully. Yes, copper kitchen sinks are back in fashion. Archaic? Let it go. But how stylish it is.Copper sink consists of almost the same advantages. Let's see:

• The main advantage of a copper sink, which a sink made of any other material can hardly boast of is its bactericidal properties. Yes, the copper sink itself kills most of the known bacteria without any additional treatment.
• The already mentioned archaism. The copper sink will perfectly fit into the kitchen interior, made in wood and bronze. If you love antiquity, you will love copper.
• Durability. Copper products of ancient people are still found in the ground. The copper sink has every chance to outlive your great-grandchildren.

There are only two disadvantages:

• Price. Copper is not a cheap metal. A copper sink is not a cheap pleasure.
• Whimsicality. You need to know how to look after a copper sink. Then and only then will it forever retain its appearance.

When buying a copper sink, be sure to check whether you are really dealing with a copper product, or is it galvanized steel. Distinguishing them by their appearance is quite difficult, especially if you are not an expert. Don't be tempted by the low price - the coating will thin out after a few months, showing dark spots on the base metal. Actually, advice: you see a copper sink for sale at an unreasonably low price, keep in mind - it is almost certainly decorated steel. Natural stone kitchen sinks It is an attribute designed to evoke a sense of weight and respectability. Mainly used for the production of kitchen sinks is granite and marble. Products are machined from a solid block, which makes the process expensive, so only a wealthy buyer can afford such a sink.There are few disadvantages of such a sink:

• Great weight. A natural stone sink can weigh about 100 kg. This circumstance imposes certain requirements on the structure of the support and significantly increases its cost.
• Price. Expensive.
• The marble sink does not like an acidic environment. Lemon juice can leave a noticeable stain on the surface. In addition, marble has a finely porous structure and therefore can absorb coloring juices, for example, beets will almost certainly leave a pink stain. Granite, I must say, is devoid of these shortcomings, but not so plastic and beautiful after processing.

The advantages of a stone sink are obvious:

• Exclusivity. Since there are no two pieces of rock with the same pattern, your sink will be one of a kind.
• Durability. The service life of a stone sink is calculated for decades.
• Resistance to the effects of various substances (except for the aforementioned sensitivity of marble).
• Resistant to temperature changes.
• High environmental friendliness.

Ceramic sink Ceramic sinks cannot be called an invention of our time. Ceramics have always been used for the manufacture of sanitary ware. But today, thanks to the advances in modern technology, this material is experiencing a renaissance.Advantages of a ceramic sink:

• High environmental friendliness. Perhaps one of the most environmentally friendly materials.
• Unpretentious care.
• Resistant to chemical attack. Use any cleaners and detergents (except for explicit reagents).
• Scratch resistant.
• Silence.
• A wide range of colors.

Disadvantages:

• High price.
• Great weight.

Do not believe what is written about ceramic sinks on the net. For some reason, when describing ceramic sinks, the word "fragility" often sounds. Probably, the authors of such articles are deceived by the word "ceramics", causing associations with ceramic jugs and porcelain vases. In fact, kitchen sinks are not made from classic ceramics, like, say, washbasin sinks, but from so-called porcelain stoneware, which has impressive durability. Yes, it is possible to break such a sink, as well as to split a stone block. But this requires a serious effort.

Which sink is better to choose?

If your budget is tight, we recommend that you purchase a stainless steel sink. It looks equally good in a headset with a tabletop made of any material. But there are also single-bowl porcelain stoneware models that can be purchased at a reasonable price.The middle price category includes artificial stone and granite sinks . Also, in the middle price range, you can buy interesting stainless steel models with two bowls and additional work surfaces.If you are not particularly limited in the amount, then choose from elite branded sinks. As a rule, the price range is from 800 rubles. includes kitchen sinks made of natural or artificial stone, ceramic sinks and stainless professional sinks, complete with special accessories.Of course, this article is not an exhaustive source of information and answer the question "Which kitchen sink is better?" you yourself will have to. We hope to have helped you by providing some information for thought.

More information https://greatlivings.com/best-kitchen-sinks/