Stainless steel sink: quality and reliability for centuries (27 photos)

Of course, progress does not stand still, and the installation of a dishwasher has ceased to be an exciting event. However, it is simply impossible to imagine a kitchen without a sink. When choosing a model, it is expected that it will be convenient to use, harmoniously fit into the interior and for a long time will not lose its useful working qualities. Most fully meets these requirements stainless steel sink.

Advantages of metal sinks:

• corrosion resistance and impact resistance (formation of cracks and splits is excluded), reliability - metal models support the weight of various kitchen utensils;
• convenient use and easy care - the material is resistant to high temperatures (when pouring boiling water) and chemical compounds. The surface is quickly cleaned with any detergents; mixtures with a small amount of abrasive additives can be used;
• reasonable prices of products are due to the simple method of their production and inexpensive raw materials. This is a great option for washing for a summer residence;
• a wide range is represented by products of various shapes and with a different number of sections, so it’s easy to choose a sink that matches the style of the kitchen;
• several mounting options;
• environmental friendliness of the material.

The disadvantages include the following product features:

• the steel surface can be scratched with knives or forks;
• water leaves a calcareous coating on the metal, so that the surface shines, it is advisable to wipe the sink dry after washing the dishes;
• cheap models make noise from jets of water.

For the manufacture of kitchen sinks, alloy steel is used. Material marking 18/10 means the percentage of chromium and nickel additives (respectively). Additional elements increase the corrosion resistance of the alloy. A common household test is applying a magnet to a sink. Stainless steel - does not attract it to the surface.

Another important indicator of product quality is the thickness of its walls. For the manufacture of sinks using steel with a thickness of 0.4-1.2 mm Naturally, the thicker the wall, the stronger the sink (but, accordingly, and more expensive). The optimal indicator is not less than 0.7 mm.

Production technology

Two methods of making bowls are used: pressing (stamping) and welding. Each method has advantages and disadvantages.

• In the production of stamped sinks, whole sheets of steel are used. Advantages of the technology: products are airtight, at a low price. The disadvantages include the low height of the walls (about 15 cm), loud noise from pouring water. However, manufacturers are trying to improve the sinks: you can pick up a sink with a depth of about 25 cm, and a soundproofing pad glued to the bottom from the wrong side reduces loud sounds.
• The production of welded models consists in the assembly and welding of individual parts of the product. Advantages: you can make sinks of different depths, with thicker walls, low noise. Some consumers consider the presence of seams a drawback - they allow the possibility of leaks. However, technology allows you to get perfectly reliable seams, which are obtained almost imperceptible due to subsequent cleaning and polishing.

Parameters and shapes of shells

A variety of models allows you to choose sinks not only of suitable dimensions, but also corresponding to the style of the kitchen:

• square models are most often made with sides of 500 or 600 mm and are spacious and practical;
• common sizes of rectangular sinks: 500x600, 500x800, 500x1000, 500x1250 mm. Such sinks are ideal for installation in narrow countertops;
• round sinks are available in diameters of 45-51 cm and are distinguished by simple care;
• corner models can significantly save space and are made in different sizes.

Sinks can have one, two or three sections. The most comfortable to use three-section models, because you can simultaneously wash the dishes, rinse it in the second bowl and thaw food in the third section. When installing such bowls, you need a place on the table at least 80 cm in length.

If there is no such free space, then you can mount a two-section model with a length of about 60 cm. In such stainless steel sinks, the additional section is narrow, therefore they are also called one and a half. Also, two-section models can have bowls of the same size.

Surface structure

The outer layer of the shell may be polished or matte.

Smooth and shiny surfaces look spectacular, but require more time to care. On the front side, scratches and traces of water splashes are clearly visible. To maintain shine, it is recommended to use detergents without abrasive additives to wash containers.

Traces of water are not so noticeable on matt surfaces, but cleaning the sink of limescale is very problematic.

Sink installation options

It is the washing model that determines the way the product is installed. There are three options for installing a sink.

• The consignment note provides for the installation of a sink on a special stand. This method is the easiest and is great for giving. However, the need to purchase a special cabinet and poor tightness between the furniture and the sink can be considered significant shortcomings.
• The mortise method involves placing the sink in a special opening cut in the countertop. To ensure the sealing of the holes use a special sealant. Such an installation looks interesting. However, preparatory work requires special tools and working skills.
• The built-in installation option for washing is used when the bowl is placed flush with the surface of the countertop or even lower. This installation can only be used for plastic or stone countertops.

Before purchasing the product, you must carefully determine the location of the sink. In order for the bowl to fit perfectly, some requirements must be observed.

It is important to consider the width of the cabinet or tabletop. If you plan to install the product with an additional surface, then you need to measure the length of the table. Moreover, for righties it is rational to place the wing on the right, and for lefties - on the left.

The edges of the sink should not touch the wall or lie close to it. The optimum distance that must be maintained is 5 cm. For cabinets 50 cm wide, sinks no more than 45 cm are selected. Compliance with this requirement will facilitate cleaning the surface behind the sink. If the supply exceeds 5 cm, then there you can place dishes with detergents or mount a mixer.

The front edge of the sink should also not coincide with the edge of the countertop (optimal margin is 5 cm), otherwise water will splash onto clothes, but a longer distance will make it difficult to use the overhead container.

Bowl recommendations

In order for a stainless steel sink to the kitchen to allow convenient and high-quality washing of dishes, it is necessary to determine its location in advance (in a corner or along the wall). Also of great importance is the number of residents in the apartment and their taste preferences (how often they cook and in what volumes). A small family in a small kitchen is happy with a 45 cm wide sink.

It is also rational to install a small sink if there is a dishwasher.

The optimum depth of the bowl is from 16 to 20 cm. Such models will allow you to freely position the dishes and wash the dishes calmly without splashing water.

If pans of large sizes or baking sheets are often used at home or in the country, then models with higher walls must be installed.

It is advisable to mount bowls with a depth of less than 16 cm only in the bathroom. Mini-sized sinks usually have deep bowls.

When choosing an overhead bowl from stainless steel, furniture of exact sizes is selected. The standard parameters of the cabinet are 60-35 cm, therefore it is better to first put furniture, and then purchase a sink for it.

It is also important to determine the location and type of mixer. If you intend to install the crane on the countertop, it is important to choose such a built-in sink so that there is free space for the crane. For comfortable use of three- and two-section sinks, it is advisable to install a mixer equipped with a retractable "shower".

The purchase of stainless steel sinks cannot be classified as capital investments. However, the right choice of product and high-quality installation can provide comfortable use of plumbing in the kitchen for many years.