Kitchen sinks made of artificial stone - composition, selection criteria and manufacturers

Porcelain tiles, material characteristics

When purchasing, first of all, we pay attention to external data. And in this quality, a porcelain stoneware sink is clearly superior to a metal sink

Porcelain tiles are produced in different color shades, ranging from snow-white to gray and black. A variety of colors and different shapes allows you to choose a sink to suit any kitchen design.

Initially, porcelain stoneware was used for finishing floors, facades, walls and furniture; less often it was used in the construction of stairs and laying paving slabs.

But having studied all the unsurpassed technical characteristics of the material and determined a wide range of colors, designers from all over the world began to look for other areas where porcelain stoneware could be used.

As we know, in the production of kitchen sinks, porcelain stoneware has become an indispensable material.

The big advantage of a porcelain stoneware sink is the absolute exclusion of sound. Since the sink is quite thick (the thickness of the porcelain stoneware is about 10 mm), when it comes into contact with water, the porcelain stoneware does not make any noise or sounds.

Stainless steel kitchen sinks

Stainless steel is perhaps the most popular material. Modern sinks made of this metal are strikingly different from their predecessors in quality and characteristics. True, they cost more. High-quality stainless steel contains chromium and nickel. They give the kitchen sink a beautiful shine and reliably protect it from corrosion. “Stainless steel” sinks have one significant drawback - noise. However, manufacturers offer their own solution to the problem - kitchen sinks made of thicker steel with a sound absorber made of soft materials under the bowl. A stainless steel sink can have a glossy or matte surface. Sometimes it is decorated with an engraved design. To make sure that the sink you like is made of high-quality stainless steel, use a magnet. If it is truly stainless steel, the magnet will not be attracted to it.

No. 6. Artificial stone sink mixer and accessories

The mixer is matched to the sink so that everything looks harmonious. Don't be alarmed if the sink and faucet from the same collection are slightly different in color. Manufacturers allow a difference of 1-2 tones, attributing this to the nuances of technology. If the sink is made by casting and turns out to be one piece, then the coating is applied to the faucet using the spraying method. However, it is not necessary to choose a matching faucet - you can opt, for example, for a chrome version.

As a rule, the hole for the faucet is already in the sink, but if you need to create an additional hole, you can simply use a diamond-coated drill - you won’t have to look for a model with the exact required number of holes.

As for the rest of the accessories, their set does not differ from what is purchased for a stainless steel sink. For example, the product can be equipped with a waste shredder. A specific attribute for a composite sink is a special metal mesh , which may be needed if you purchased an inexpensive product and are afraid of the consequences of its contact with sharp and hot objects. In addition, such a mesh will make it more convenient to wash vegetables and fruits. You can also purchase special cork stands that will protect the sink from exposure to hot objects.

Should you trust ceramics?

An important point: ceramic sinks are often confused with composite sinks made from artificial stone. The latter are sometimes mistakenly called porcelain stoneware. But granite stone sinks have no relationship with ceramics: their composition is different, and their production technology is different.

Modern ceramic kitchen sinks should not be confused with fragile sanitary ware bathroom sinks. Kitchen plumbing is much more durable. Breaking or scratching such a sink under normal conditions is not an easy task. Of course, if you are not going to hit it with a hammer or drop a cast iron frying pan from a height.

If the ceramics are of high quality, you can safely pour boiling water into such a sink, place hot frying pans, put frozen food, or drain leftover tea and coffee (most importantly, do not forget to immediately rinse the sink with water). According to reviews, the smooth surface of ceramics is easier to clean than stainless steel or artificial stone.

A ceramic sink for your kitchen is usually chosen not by calculation, but by love. And if you were only concerned about practicality, you are unlikely to have read this article now and just bought a regular stainless steel sink.

Materials

Not only the size of kitchen sinks affects convenience, but also the materials from which they are made. There are such options here.

Stainless steel

The main material used for the production of sinks is stainless steel. The models of sinks from this option that are currently produced are significantly different from those that were produced literally 15 years ago.

The advantages of this material are:

• ability to withstand heavy weight;
• not susceptible to deformation;
• budget cost;
• ease of care;
• ease of operation.

Important! When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the thickness of the metal. This is the most important parameter of the product, the thickness of which should not be less than 0.7 mm.

Sinks of this type are divided into stamped and welded products. The first ones are made from a single sheet, so there are no seams on the finished product. This is an undeniable competitive advantage. The disadvantages include the small depth, which reaches 15 cm.

Dimensions of stainless steel kitchen sinks:

• 185x225x138;
• 406x406x193;
• 440x465x160;
• 465x465x160;
• 780x435x160;
• 805x480x170.

Important! For a typical kitchen, this is the best option due to its low cost and large selection of available sizes and shapes of sink bowls.

Fake diamond

Sinks made of artificial stone look great and are very easy to use. They are made of homogeneous material, have high strength and are easy to repair. A minor scratch can be easily sanded out.

Standard products are manufactured in the following sizes:

• 430x500x200;
• 610x500x200;
• 850x500x200.

Important! Sinks made from this composite material can be of different shapes; production technology allows us to produce an order of any design.

A natural stone

If the interior allows, you can place a sink made of natural stone in the kitchen. It is enough to choose the right type of natural material.

Important! Granite sinks look good, the main advantage of which is durability and strength. An alternative could be a marble sink, which is a more expensive option, so you can often find a fake.

Standard kitchen sink size:

• 605x510x200;
• 630x510x270;
• 780x500x200;
• 800x475x150.

Important! Often products of this type are confused with composite materials, which are made from acrylic mass and stone chips.

Ceramics

Sinks made of ceramics look impressive. The products are resistant to damage, cleaning agents and temperature changes. They do not fade over time and have good water-repellent properties.

Main dimensions:

• 780x500x175;
• 1000x510x185;
• 101x510x185.

Important! The sink can be made in a corner version and fits into any interior.

Kitchen sinks made of composite materials

The only drawback of a composite sink is its fairly high price. So, a granite kitchen sink will cost, on average, $200-500, and Corian sinks will cost $600-800.

However, this “minus” is more than compensated for by their quality characteristics. Composite kitchen sinks are very environmentally friendly. They will fit perfectly into almost any kitchen interior. Easy to clean. They have a temperature maximum of +280 degrees. They are not afraid of “chemistry” and absorb the sound of pouring water. Composite sinks are made from stone chips mixed with acrylic mass. Their colors can imitate natural stone in the most bizarre shades. Each manufacturer calls the composite material differently, but its qualities do not change.

Kitchen sink color scheme

Colored sinks can surprise, because they are rare

Even sinks made of artificial stone are now offered in a wide variety of shades.

When choosing a product such as a kitchen sink, special attention should be paid to the color scheme. On the plumbing market, ceramic sinks are available in various colors: black, white, red. It is worth remembering that colors in no way affect the quality properties of the products. White sinks will add light notes to the interior, black ones will emphasize the sophistication of the style, and red ones will add some challenge to the interior. Colored sinks will look more impressive if they receive natural light, so it is better to place them near a window. A stainless steel sink with a glossy surface will look original; corner sinks are especially popular among them. A properly selected sink will add a bright accent to your kitchen interior.

Which sink is right for your kitchen?

To decide which sink model will best fit into your kitchen design, we’ll make a list of requirements for an ideal sink.

The kitchen sink should be spacious enough. After all, not only plates and cups are usually washed in it, but also pots, pans, baking sheets and other kitchen utensils. A good sink must withstand high temperatures, accidental impacts and exposure to various household chemicals. At the same time, it is easy to use and retains its excellent appearance with a minimum of effort.

You should only take a closer look at the kitchen sink after you have decided on the style of your kitchen. Then it will fit harmoniously into the interior and will be combined with kitchen furniture, appliances and accessories

Be sure to take into account your family's cooking habits - how often you cook, what ingredients you use, and how many dishes you have to wash daily

Decide in advance what shape of faucet to choose, what items you will keep near the sink, whether to install a water filter and a waste shredder.

Porcelain stoneware kitchen sink

Porcelain tile is a special material with elegance and originality, which allows modern designers to create a masterpiece from an ordinary kitchen sink that will become the highlight of the kitchen.

The porcelain stoneware kitchen sink contains 80% granite chips and 20% acrylic resin.

A porcelain stoneware sink has many advantages, one of which is especially important for use in the kitchen - porcelain stoneware does not absorb odors and food residues.

The advantage of a granite sink is its appearance. Compared to steel sinks, artificial stone sinks look more expensive and add coziness to the kitchen work area.

Advantages of porcelain stoneware sinks:

1. Porcelain stoneware sinks are made from natural materials, which makes the kitchen sink more durable and durable.
2. Due to their composition, porcelain stoneware sinks are resistant to any mechanical damage.
3. Porcelain stoneware sinks do not absorb oils, fats and foreign food odors.
4. The composition of porcelain stoneware makes the kitchen sink absolutely silent.
5. Porcelain stoneware sinks are not affected by chemicals.
6. You can drill a granite sink without worrying about chipping or cracking.
7. Scratches, chips or other damage that appear over time can be removed by contacting specialists who will restore the kitchen sink.
8. Ceramic tile sinks are made from environmentally friendly materials, so there is no need to fear a negative impact on your health.
9. A porcelain stoneware sink does not lose its color for quite a long time.
10. Does not require much effort when cleaning the sink.
11. There are no visible stains or scratches on the porcelain stoneware sink.
12. Porcelain stoneware sinks have a long shelf life.
13. Wide variety of shapes and colors.

Porcelain tile is a rare material that allows you to realize any shape and any design. Small sinks, large, wide, narrow, complex designs - any shape of sink can be realized.

Kitchen sink in retro style.

Some unusual kitchen sink shapes:

1. Most manufacturers offer a kitchen sink with two sinks. Customer reviews indicate that this is the most popular and functional model. This sink model is identical in function and shape to a classic sink, except that it has an additional sink next to the main sink. The second sink can be the same size as the main one, or maybe much smaller. There may also be a difference in the depth of the two bowls. An additional sink is intended for defrosting food, washing vegetables and fruits. You can buy such a porcelain stoneware sink as easily as a regular one. The cost of such a practical and functional model is as high as that of a conventional porcelain stoneware sink with one sink.
2. Kitchen sink with wide drain. The large wing is designed for drying glass and dishes. If it is not possible to hide the dishes immediately after washing, the optimal solution would be to dry them on the sink wing and perhaps even store them on special stands.
3. Reversible kitchen sinks. The shape of the reversible sink increases the service life and practicality of the form used. You need to choose the shape of the sink based on your needs, the available space in the kitchen and available funds.

Each type of porcelain stoneware kitchen sink can be installed on a kitchen cabinet; this type is called an overhead kitchen sink.

A porcelain stoneware sink can also be embedded into a worktop - this is a built-in kitchen sink.

Relatively recently, new models with a hot water stand, additional self-cleaning capabilities and the latest installation schemes have appeared on our market.

Original porcelain stoneware sink with two bowls.

No. 7. The best manufacturers of artificial stone sinks

Remember the saying that the miser pays twice? So, in the case of composite sinks, this rule works win-win. Anyone who wants to save money and buys an inexpensive product, after just a few months of use, encounters a lot of problems and runs to the store again, but this time he buys a more expensive sink, taking into account the bitter experience. Learn from other people's mistakes! Trust only the products of large manufacturers who provide a guarantee for their products and are responsible for their quality with their own reputation.

We recommend choosing products from the following manufacturers:

• Shock – German sinks, which are 85% granite (Kristalite material), are of the highest quality and are available in a decent range. There are products of different colors and shapes, with two bowls of different configurations. Special mention should be made of compact models, as well as sinks of bright colors. All products are made in Germany, they are strong, durable, resistant to scratches and bacteria. The manufacturer has a lot of innovative solutions. Particularly noteworthy are sinks with built-in lighting;

  

• Franke is a German manufacturer that produces a range of kitchen appliances and accessories. The sinks here are made of 80% granite and 20% acrylic - the ideal formula. The patented Fragranite material copes well with loads and retains its original appearance for a long time. Sinks are made in 9 colors and a huge variety of shapes;
• Longran is an international brand that has been represented on the domestic market since 1999. The sinks here are made from Lonstone composite, which is 80% granite and can withstand temperatures up to +2800C. The products have a stylish design, are manufactured in factories in Italy, Turkey and India, and have all the necessary certificates;
• Blanco – a German company that produces sinks made of Silgranit material. It is 80% granite, so it is not surprising that sinks can withstand temperatures up to +2800C, are resistant to scratches, dyes, sunlight and other influences. The design is also excellent;

  

• Teka is a German company that makes sinks from Tegranit Plus. The material consists of 70-80% granite chips, 19-24% acrylic binder and 5% pigments. The products are presented in 8 shades and a wide range of shapes and sizes, withstand high temperatures and mechanical stress;
• Polygran-M LLC is a domestic company that produces sinks under the Polygran and Tolero brands. With fairly high quality and a varied assortment, the manufacturer offers competitive prices;
• Granfest is another large domestic manufacturer that has been on the market for more than 15 years. The company's product range features a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. The manufacturer boasts its own design bureau and modern technical equipment;

  

• You can also recommend products from companies such as Benthor, Lemark, Omoikiri, lGranFest, Florentina and Smeg.

A counterfeit of a well-known brand or simply a low-quality product can be recognized by poor packaging. Regular companies pack sinks in boxes made of thick cardboard with stiffening ribs that securely fix the product. The packaging has the name of the manufacturer, sometimes a holographic sticker. The fake will be packed in a flimsy box made of thin cardboard without identification marks.

Another sign of low quality is problems with geometry, which is easy to check using a regular tape measure. A good sink will have walls 9-12 mm thick and its surface will be uniform. It is advisable to buy a car wash from official dealers, large showrooms and stores.

Kitchen sink shape

Kitchen sinks can have the most bizarre shapes. Modern materials make it possible to realize the bold fantasies of designers in combination with advice from experts in kitchen ergonomics. A classic sink is usually rectangular or square. You can often find round sinks. Less commonly, sinks with an oval or triangular bowl. The choice of sink shape is influenced by considerations of convenience. For example, round kitchen sinks, with equal volume to sinks of other shapes, often turn out to be more spacious. In addition, it is worth considering what shape of the sink will organically fit into the interior of your kitchen, complementing it in style.

A good kitchen sink may have one, two or three bowls. Which option to choose depends on your desire and financial capabilities. A high-quality sink with two or three bowls will cost more than a regular one. A single-bowl sink is easier to clean, but is less convenient for washing dishes and processing food. A kitchen sink with two bowls is much more convenient and functional. Thanks to this they are very popular. A three-bowl sink can become a real work center in the kitchen. As a rule, it has two large bowls and one small one, which is located between them.

No. 4. Shape and size of artificial stone sink

The size of the kitchen sink is selected depending on the activity of its use and the area of ​​the kitchen, and the second factor, as a rule, turns out to be decisive. But no problem! Even for a tiny kitchen you can choose a spacious and convenient sink.

According to the shape of the sink bowl, there are:

• standard rectangular and square bowls are characterized by sufficient capacity and ease of installation;
• Round bowls look more interesting, but they will hold fewer dishes or vegetables that require washing. It's simple: if a square sink with a side of 60 cm gives 36 dm2 of usable area, then a round sink with the same diameter gives only 28 dm2. If you have a dishwasher at your disposal, then you can afford the temptation of a non-standard sink shape. Round sinks will fit perfectly into an interior in Provence and classic styles, while square sinks will complement modern styles;
• A rounded or trapezoidal corner bowl Such sinks usually cost a little more;
• sinks of fancy shapes Made to order only. The main thing here is not to overdo it, because a sink is, first of all, a functional element.

  

As for the size , a standard sink has a width of 60 cm. If there is very little space, then you can find a more compact option with a width of 45-50 cm. Such sinks are often made deeper to compensate for their reduced width. If the countertop allows, then you can allocate 80-120 cm of space to the “wet” zone and use not one bowl, but several at once.

How to complement a kitchen sink

An essential element of an ideal kitchen sink is a drainer or drainer. It can be located on one side of the sink or on both. Its function is to serve as a stand for dishes, food or hot pots and pans.

A modern kitchen sink is a real work center, which includes many additional accessories. They can be sold together with the sink. In this case, they are guaranteed to match it in design and technical parameters. However, you can choose them yourself. Manufacturers often complement “smart” kitchen sinks with waste choppers, sets of knives, graters, baskets for washing and drying vegetables and fruits, soap dispensers, as well as cutting boards, the shape of which follows the contours of the sink. All these devices make the housewife’s life much easier and save precious working space in the kitchen.

Kitchen sink size and bowl depth

The size of a kitchen sink depends not only on personal preference. If you have a small kitchen, you will most likely have to give up a large, spacious sink with two or three bowls. The solution to the problem in this case can be a corner kitchen sink. Most often it consists of two rectangular bowls. They can be located on the same line or at an angle to each other. Such a sink not only allows you to use an “inconvenient” corner, but also looks more compact.

In addition to the size of the kitchen sink, it is important to determine the depth of the bowl. You should not choose a very deep sink, otherwise you will have to constantly bend over

If the bowl is too shallow, it will not fit tall utensils. According to experts, a depth of 160-200 mm can be considered optimal - it will be comfortable for the housewife and the sink will be quite spacious.

Depth

The depth of the kitchen sink is as important as the shape. If the depth is insufficient, difficulties will arise with washing the same large dishes: pans and pots simply will not fit into the bowl, not to mention splashes of water and fat that will scatter across the wall and countertop. If the sink turns out to be too deep, you will have to bend over regularly while washing dishes, which during long-term work guarantees constant tension and pain in the arms and lower back.

Villeroy Boch ceramic washbasin.

The optimal sink depth is 17-20 centimeters. In the store, do not be lazy to measure the height before purchasing, since manufacturers of cheap sinks often like to deceive the buyer by a couple of centimeters. Depth is also called the distance between the front and back walls of the sink. This value should be less than the depth of your kitchen unit or base cabinet where the sink is located.

In addition, when choosing a sink, pay attention to such a parameter as the angle between the wall and the bottom of the sink. Sinks with a corner radius approaching 90 degrees (creating a distinct transition line) look more modern and stylish.

Advantages and disadvantages

When talking about artificial stone sinks, you should pay special attention to the disadvantages and advantages of such products. There are many advantages to a stone sink, but there are also certain disadvantages, which for some will seem insignificant, while for others they will be the main argument that will stop them from purchasing

Advantages of stone sinks

• Strength. You should not be afraid for the integrity of such a sink, even if something heavy falls on it: a knife, metal utensils, a hammer, equipment. In terms of strength, artificial stone is 2-3 times more resistant to mechanical shocks and damage than natural stone.
• Durability. Materials such as artificial stone have a long service life. With proper care and compliance with basic rules, the sink will please its owner for about 50 years.
• Purity. Bacteria will not accumulate on the surface of the stone sink and fungus will not multiply, this will ensure environmental safety for the whole family. The smooth surface and structure prevent plaque formation.
• Possibility of recovery. During operation, various situations may arise, and a crack or chip will form on the surface of even such a durable product. Don’t be upset, as a stone sink is easy to use and restore. A small defect can be easily corrected by simple polishing, and if a significant piece breaks off, it is reliably glued with glue.

Disadvantages of artificial stone products

The following points should be noted as minor disadvantages of such sinks:

• You should not conduct experiments and place too hot dishes on the surface of the sink. At very high temperatures it may leave a mark that will need to be polished and removed.
• Despite its high strength, cracks and splits may appear when heavy objects (about 50 kg) fall onto the sink. Porcelain stoneware products are most susceptible to such damage.
• When purchasing a sink built into a countertop, you should be especially careful, since if it cracks, you will also need to replace the countertop.

As you can see, there are no significant shortcomings. Their occurrence is not too high, and sometimes completely eliminated if used correctly and carefully.

A stone sink is a good option for the modern housewife. Many have already chosen this option and are satisfied with the beautiful stylish item in the kitchen, which makes their life comfortable and convenient.

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