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 Accessories |
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Kitchen Sink
Consumers now are taking more time to research different styles of sinks & taps, spoilt by the immense choices of impressive designs & tough hardwearing materials. No longer is the choice stainless steel or a white brown or cream coloured sink, here we look at the different styles, materials and colour choices available in today’s market.
Stainless Steel
The traditional choice is now available in designer styles and shapes. These can be can be top or under-mounted in certain work surfaces. Look out for the different grades of stainless steel that relate to the thickness. Better quality models have the bowl areas welded separately to the rest of the sink. This results in the density of the steel being greater at the bottom of the bowl that results in a stronger sink, less likely to suffer dents should items be dropped. With lower priced models the whole sink is made out of one single sheet of material, with the bowl area ‘pushed through’. If the bowl has been welded to the sink afterwards this will be visible if the sink is inspected from underneath. Alternatively try the ‘thumb test’, Press your thumb on the bottom of the bowl & if you are able to flex the material this indicates that the steel in this area is thinner. Stainless steel sinks are very hygienic & easy to clean but by the very nature of the material they will scratch.
Synthetic materials
These are normally manufactured from Asterite a material developed by ICI especially for kitchen sinks, or with lower priced models Polycarbonate. Asterite sinks are available in a choice of colours with white & cream being the most popular choices. These sinks are generally hard wearing & will resist stains & heat up to a certain temperature. Lower priced polycarbonite sinks are available in similar colours but do not possess the strength & durability of asterite sinks. Both of these materials are solid colour all the way through the material so scratches are easily disguised.
Granite Sinks
If you desire a coloured sink & want the best all round material go for one of the many granite sinks on offer. Better granite sinks will be manufactured from around 80 – 85 % natural granite, which is mixed with a resin, ground & coloured. The addition of this resin allows the sink to be moulded and shaped.
Most granite sinks are waterproof, stain proof, non-swelling, safe for foods, hygienic, and heat resistant up to around 180 degrees. The choice of colours is equally impressive, choose from traditional white, cream or green or a vast selection of modern varieties of which black & grey are much desired.
Ceramic Sinks
These are normally associated with the traditional Butler or Belfast sink but are also available in other styles & designs. These types of sink sinks always look better in white that accounts for the vast majority of sales. Ceramic sinks are hard wearing as well as scratch and stain resistant but can be prone to impact damage, which can crack the sink.
Sink shapes & Styles
The 1.5 bowl version is the most popular sink for the UK market. A smaller half bowl accompanies a larger main bowl with the drainer area located to the side. The smaller secondary bowl allows the sink to be used for different activities in each bowl i.e. washing up in the main bowl while preparing vegetables in the smaller bowl.
The conventional single bowl single drainer sink is still popular especially where the cabinet in which the sink bowl fits is smaller say 500mm. On the other hand larger single bowl models boasting bigger main bowls are chosen by many. For those whom need more capacity from their sinks consider a double bowl version with 2 bowls and normally a drainer area.
Double drainer sinks, normally manufactured in stainless steel are available on the market in a variety of qualities. These are usually with one main bowl and a drainer area either side.
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