Kitchen sinks: basic parameters and characteristics

A kitchen sink is one of the most important accessories of a modern kitchen. It is not only an appliance for washing dishes or vegetables. It can give charm, completeness and comfort to the whole kitchen as a whole, so much depends on the right choice.

Sink designs

Modern industry and, accordingly, trade can offer many options for a wide variety of sinks. Let's start with their design. So, in terms of design, they are:

One-bowl (they are single). The most common option. They do not require much space and fit perfectly into the kitchen interior. The disadvantage of such a washing is that you cannot wash dishes and, say, vegetables at the same time.
Two- and three-bowl (they are double and triple). In such a sink, you can do several things at once. For example, wash plates and thaw meat. The disadvantage is that it can take up a lot of space and, accordingly, not fit into the interior.
One and a half. These designs with two bowls - larger and smaller. One bowl is the main, the other plays an additional role. By design, such sinks take up less space, and therefore can fit into any interior.
Corner This design can be with one or two bowls. Usually it is installed in the corner and, accordingly, requires less space. If the kitchen unit has an angular design, then such a placement will fully comply.
Winged. A wing is a special addition to a bowl located to the right or left of the bowl itself. Crockery can be dried on the wing; fruits or meat can be put there to defrost. There are options with one or two wings.

As for the sizes of sinks, they can be the most diverse.

Overview of materials for sinks

Modern sinks are made from a wide variety of materials. Any catalog can provide information on the advantages and disadvantages of designs, depending on what they are made of.

Sinks made of stainless steel. They do not rust, are resistant to various deformations, serve for a long time, they are easy to clean and, in addition, they have a low price. Their disadvantage is increased conductivity. When water flows from the tap into the bowl, the sound is very loud.
Sinks made of copper. It looks elegant and can add color to the whole kitchen. Durability, strength, hygiene, appearance are the main advantages of a copper bowl. However, the price of such a sink is considerable. In addition, over time, copper tends to darken and oxidize due to all kinds of acids and detergents.
From composite materials. Granite chips and acrylic additives are the materials from which such options are made. They are not afraid of high temperatures (can withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees), resistant to mechanical shocks and all kinds of chemicals. They are easy to care for, the water pours into them soundlessly.
Enamelled. These are ceramic, steel or cast iron structures coated with enamel. Now such sinks are almost not in demand. The fact is that their coating is short-lived and cracks from high temperatures and chemicals.
Ceramic. They are porcelain or earthenware. Such designs are not afraid of high temperatures and all kinds of chemistry, but they are afraid of mechanical shocks. Porcelain are considered the best quality sinks because of their strength and durability. Earthenware sinks have worse quality than porcelain sinks. Accordingly, the cost of porcelain is higher than that of faience.

Forms of sinks

There are several types of sinks in their form:

Rectangular
Square;
Round;
Curly.

Here a lot depends on the taste, on what form fits better into the kitchen, and also looks better in terms of interior.

Classification of sinks by their installation

There are many ways to install sinks. In this sense, they are divided into the following types:

Overhead. They are installed on a special structure (curbstone).
Mortise. They are mounted in a special opening, which is done in the countertop. This is the most popular installation method.
Integrated. They differ from mortise sinks in that they require a more complex installation, which consists in the perfect joining of the countertop and the bowl itself.
Tabletop.From the name it is clear that such a sink is installed under the countertop.

In general, the modern market can offer an impressive number of sinks with a wide variety of qualities and characteristics, and which one to prefer depends largely on the desire and financial capabilities of the buyer.