How to choose the kitchen sink?

How to choose the kitchen sink? Kitchen sink in steel or fragranite? This is undoubtedly not an easy and underestimated choice: there are many factors that must be considered in order to identify the most suitable element for your needs and requirements.

In this article we will give you valuable advice and guidance to help you choose the perfect sink.

Kitchen sink: choice of material, size and shape

The sink of a kitchen represents one of the most important and significant elements of this space: for this reason it is important to pay the right attention to the material with which the furniture has been made, to its size and shape: these elements should never be underestimated in the choice of a sink, as they are fundamental to be able to benefit from a kitchen that is as functional and calibrated to our needs as possible.

Finding the perfect sink does not simply mean choosing among the best brands of stainless steel sinks: beyond the different materials with which modern sinks are made, finding the sink that best suits your needs means choosing a product that contributes to furnishing your environment in the way you want and that at the same time expresses itself in maximum functionality and comfort.

Where to place a sink

Before choosing the aesthetic appearance of your sink, it is important to carefully consider the measurements of the space in which you intend to place the furniture. You must never forget that a sink must always be positioned above the relevant drain.

It is true that during the design or renovation phase of a building it is possible to choose where to prepare the drains and therefore the sinks. In this case, the more ample space you have available for your kitchen, the more possibilities there will be for positioning the sink. In any case, when choosing the position of your sink, our advice is not to sacrifice too much the size of the worktop.

In a kitchen characterised by large dimensions, it will be possible, for example, to set up a central island, where the drains and the relative sinks can be arranged. With the presence of a central island it will be possible to combine the choice of a large sink and a sufficiently large worktop.

The questions to ask yourself when buying a sink

When you are about to buy a sink it would be good to ask yourself some specific questions, which will help you to clarify the situation and avoid risky choices. Here is what you should ask yourself:

• How many bathtubs should the sink have?
• What should the size of the sink be?
• What type of cover do you prefer? (Resin kitchen sinks, fragranite kitchen sinks, etc.).

Never forget that the sink is a very important element in the design of your kitchen. In this regard, we would like to underline how the latest trends prefer the presence of a single basin conceived as an evolution of the double sink. Contemporary sinks have also become one with the worktop, thanks to the built-in sink.

Sink: measures and dimensions

As far as the size and dimensions of a sink are concerned, in classic furnishing contexts we often and willingly find the presence of two sinks, consisting of a larger and a smaller one respectively. In any case, there are no predefined sink sizes.

The dimensions of the sink must therefore be chosen according to the size of your kitchen. In general terms we can say that a standard sink can have variable configurations: the single sink usually measures from 40 to 90 centimetres, the drip sink from 80 to 100 centimetres. The alternative is represented by the choice of two equal 80 centimetre tubs without drip tray or two 120 centimetre tubs with drip tray.

Sink with drip tray

The drip tray is a practical detail that gives the sink even more functionality. Usually the drip tray is arranged next to the sink and has the function of guaranteeing the dripping of the dishes once they have been washed. This accessory is very useful especially if you do not have a dishwasher.

If you have little space in your kitchen, you can place the drip tray in the cupboard above the sink. In any case, the drip tray, just like other types of accessories, can also be purchased later and combined with the sink. Other accessories that complement the functionality of your sink are, for example, the dispenser integrated in the sink, chopping boards or the drainer and dish drainer, which can be fitted on the sink tub if required.

Sink with single tub

Sinks with a single bathtub often represent a choice of style and design: their characteristic and peculiarity is represented by the typical linear, clean and squared shapes. Sinks with a single bathtub are also available on the market with more rounded shapes: these models are generally preferable to square sinks if there is particularly limited space available. In any case, it will be advisable to evaluate the style and furnishing lines of your kitchen.

Undoubtedly, a sink with a particularly large single basin represents a solution of great visual impact and sometimes more elegant than the classic two basins. In case your family is particularly numerous, and you often have to wash a lot of dishes, the sink with a single bathtub is a particularly suitable and congenial furnishing solution.

Different types of built-in sinks

Another aspect that you will have to consider with due attention when choosing a sink is the type of built-in sink that characterises the furnishings: it is possible to choose different types of built-in sink. The standard built-in sink is certainly the most commonly used type. In this configuration the washbasin rests on the hob, protruding a few millimetres (usually 8 mm).

This type of flush-mounting system is very practical as it is able to adapt optimally to any type of kitchen. The standard recess is in fact suitable for any top, regardless of the type of material used and its thickness.

Flush or semi-returnable washbasins

This recessed solution requires the edges of the top and the bathtub to be flush with the top, so that no discontinuity of the surface will be perceived to the touch. This type of recessed installation has the advantage that it is very easy to clean. The disadvantage is that the installation phase is quite complex. Flush-fitting washbasins are certainly an elegant and refined solution, particularly suitable when using certain types of materials, such as granite, marble, quartzite or corian.

A semitop washbasin, on the other hand, is a solution characterised by a 3 mm projection on the top. In this case the recess will be easier to create and thanks to the bevelled edge the visual effect will be much softer.

Undertop sink: a particularly elegant and refined solution

The undertop sink represents a solution of great visual and aesthetic impact. This solution is generally more suitable if the kitchen top has been made with the help of materials such as stone, synthetic materials, wood or glass.

By installing an under-top sink you will have more space and more freedom of movement on the top. The undertop sink is an extremely elegant solution but at the same time more expensive. This type of built-in sink also makes cleaning operations particularly quick and easy, due to the absence of edges that usually retain dirt and dust.

Semi-recessed sink solutions

If you are looking for a more particular and original solution you can opt for the semi-recessed top: the sink is usually embedded in a stone top or inside a piece of furniture.

This is certainly a more invasive solution but perfect if you want to emphasize the element of the sink, so that it can be perfectly integrated with the surrounding environment. The semi-recessed sink is a less refined solution than the undertop, but sometimes it is more suitable for an environment furnished according to the dictates of a classic design.