The elite kitchen interior seems incomplete if it is not complemented by a double stone sink for the kitchen. The advantage of such a sink is in its functionality, quality performance and appearance.
Artificial stone is a derivative material for sanitary products of various shapes and purposes, including kitchen sinks. At first glance, it is quite difficult to distinguish from natural, which cannot be ignored when creating an exquisite and rich interior of the room. The advantages of such a material provide unprecedented demand for products from it. But what is the popularity of a stone sink for a kitchen? Reviews on the Internet are very controversial, so let's try to figure it out.
What problems are you facing?
The purchase of any product is accompanied by various concerns from the consumer. The manufacturer can guarantee the quality of his product, but its improper use can lead to a quick loss of aesthetic appearance or microdamage to the sink. A stone sink for the kitchen, the pros and cons of which are determined by the characteristics of the material from which it is made, can become an interior decoration, or it can completely spoil a picture if you choose it incorrectly.
Sometimes the consumer is faced with problems associated with the proper operation of the kitchen sink. Let's talk about them and try to determine the cause of their occurrence.
Stains
Sinks for kitchen made of artificial stone respond to temperature changes. So, putting hot dishes on a dark sink, you risk spoiling the appearance of the latter. A light spot may form at the place where the object touches the surface.
On light stone shells, dark spots may appear over time from interaction with acids found in wine, juices, and beets. Even ordinary coffee can do much harm.
Mechanical damage
A crack in the sink may form due to contact of its surface with excessively hot water. Therefore, when installing corner stone sinks for the kitchen or traditional models in the kitchen, it is worth exploring their features and trying to treat such designs with care.
Split sinks, chips or cracks may be caused by the accidental fall of heavy dishes.
Care Rules
You will have to wash and clean the kitchen sink daily. Artificial stone is a finicky material that requires careful care.
The absence of drops and plaque from the water at the sink made of artificial stone does not mean at all that the kitchen structure does not need to be taken care of.
Since first use:
- rinse and dry the sink;
- use a special tool to process it; for some models of stone sinks for the kitchen, a special antibacterial composition is used;
- regularly clean the sink from plaque;
- put hot stainless dishes in the sink only on a rubber, silicone or cork mat;
- Do not forget to open the faucet with hot water before you start pouring boiling water into the sink. This will prevent plaque formation and quick wear of the siphon.
Adhering to these simple rules, you can not only keep the kitchen clean, but also maintain the aesthetic appearance of the sink.
Aesthetic component
Some types of artificial stone look so cheap that they look and do not closely resemble imitation of natural material or granite, but, on the contrary, look like plastic.
The quality of the sink depends on the production composition: the cheaper it is, the worse the stone sink for the kitchen looks. Reviews of potential buyers vividly illustrate this trend.
All of the above problems are not the result of low-quality production. They arise due to improper care or dysfunctional use of the sink. You can avoid such troubles, the main thing is to make the right choice in the process of acquiring a kitchen sink.
Interesting about kitchen sinks
On the Internet, they often mention the troubles inherent in sinks made of artificial stone: the bottom fell off, the sink cracked, stains of an incomprehensible nature appeared. Having met such information, try to figure it out.
In most cases, this happens with acrylic sinks integrated into the countertop. Mortise composite sinks for the kitchen made of artificial stone, made of marble or granite, are more resistant to high temperatures and mechanical factors. Therefore, choosing a sink for the kitchen, it is better to give preference to just such materials.
A granite sink is not afraid of the effects of acids. Stains rarely form on it, and if they appear, then you can get rid of them with the usual detergent and a sponge for washing dishes.
Chips or cracks on granite sinks are formed as a result of manufacturing defects or when acquiring a fake.
Most often, problems with acrylic sinks arise due to the use of cheap raw materials imported from China that do not meet the EU quality standard. Sometimes a violation of the technology for the production of kitchen countertops also leads to a reduction in the service life of the sink
Features of Acrylic Stone Sinks
Sinks made of acrylic stone are easy to distinguish from mortise models, which are based on granite. Integrated types of sinks for the kitchen are popular.
A sink made of acrylic stone cannot be compared with products made of artificial granite in strength. But such a material is easier to process and polish in the production process. From acrylic, you can make a sink for a kitchen sink of any shape and mount it on the countertop so that the border between it and the working surface of the latter is not noticeable.
But despite the fact that the aesthetically pleasing design looks harmonious as a whole, there is still a seam. There are cases when the seam is opened from a strong blow, a sharp drop in temperature, vibration, or when the sink is inserted into a worktop of poor quality, due to the use of poor glue and sealant, in violation of the production technology.
There is the possibility of ordering a one-piece construction: a sink and a working kitchen surface. In addition, you can choose any sizes of stone sink for the kitchen and make it to order.
Taking care of acrylic more carefully, taking care of it and choosing the manufacturer more carefully, you can find such a sink that you will use for its intended purpose for many years.
Interestingly, if you are aware of how to remove surface defects, you can easily get rid of them. For example, stains due to thermal effects, small chips or cracks are easy to remove by sanding, and the seams are simply glued. Only to carry out such work will have to invite a master.
If you need a stone sink for the kitchen, consider the pros and cons of the design when choosing a model. Do not neglect specialist advice. Be interested in how to choose a stone sink for the kitchen, how to properly care for the product made of artificial stone, and which manufacturer to give preference to.
Artificial stone VS stainless steel
A stone sink for the kitchen, reviews of which form a detailed description of the product from the point of view of the buyer, occupies the first position in the ranking of kitchen plumbing.
Experts identify seven main reasons why a stone sink is better than stainless:
- A variety of colors and textures.
- Stylish design.
- Compared to a stainless sink, an artificial stone sink does not generate noise during a jet of water falling.
- The stone sink is deeper, which means it is more convenient than a steel sink.
- Stains and splashes are hardly noticeable on the surface of the stone, while every drop is visible on the metal.
- The ability to use modern faucets for stone sinks for the kitchen. For example, on a double sink, you can mount a faucet with a short spout and a shower head for washing vegetables.
- There are no pores in the structure of the artificial stone, so dirt and food odors are not absorbed.
- Artificial stone (quartz and granite) do not fade.
- Modern production technology allows you to create sinks for kitchens made of artificial stone, presenting them as an environmentally friendly and safe product.
The disadvantages of stone washing
There is no such product in the world that does not have flaws. According to buyers, a stone sink for the kitchen (reviews confirm this) is characterized by such disadvantages:
- Significantly high price compared to models made of stainless steel and having similar configuration characteristics.
- Inexpensive models of sinks rarely turn out to be of high quality, so you won’t be able to save on the purchase of such plumbing.
- High risk of buying a fake.
In conclusion, I want to say: how many people, so many opinions. What is good for some may not be acceptable to others. Consider advice and recommendations when choosing, but be guided by your experience and feelings. Then you can choose a high-quality sink, which will serve as a starting point, an accent of the interior design of the kitchen.