The modern market presents a wide range of sinks. Therefore, each buyer is trying to understand which sink is better for the kitchen: granite or metal, with one bowl, two, angular or round? Before you figure it out, you should study the features of each of the models, their main parameters.
Types of sinks
There is a huge variety of shapes and materials. Having studied them, you can understand which sink for the kitchen is better. They can be divided into such types:
- Single bowl sinks are the most popular option. They are produced in various shapes: round, square, rectangular. Such sinks are suitable for a small room.
- Sinks with several bowls of the same size. The sink is suitable for a large kitchen. Bowls can be located relative to each other at an angle or between. Such a sink will help to cope with several tasks at the same time.
- Sinks with bowls of different sizes. They are bought to save space on the work surface. A small bowl is used for washing vegetables, defrosting foods, and a large bowl for washing dishes.
- Sinks with one or two wings. They provide an additional spacious work surface where you can dry dishes, lay vegetables and more. The wings allow water to drain back into the sink.
- Corner and triangular patterns. Sinks look original, but unlike the others they are not so convenient, but they save enough space on the work surface. Such models are made specifically for corner kitchen units.
Sizes and shapes
Before choosing a sink, it is important to determine the necessary parameters for the countertop. They will help to understand which sink for the kitchen is better. The most common are square products with dimensions of 50 x 50 or 60 x 60 centimeters. Models with such parameters are convenient to use and have a wide selection of designs.
Rectangular sinks are suitable for narrow countertops. This model needs to be installed only along, since it will be inconvenient to use. They are made in such sizes: 50 x 80, 50 x 100, 50 x 125 centimeters.
Round sinks are quite roomy and easy to use. Their diameter is from 45 to 55 centimeters. Such sinks are made from a variety of materials, they harmoniously fit into the premises of any area.
There are also sinks of non-standard shapes: pentagonal and hexagonal. They are suitable for spacious rooms. These models have wide wings, they can be installed both in the corner and along the working surface.
In order to understand which sink is better for a kitchen - round or square, you need to consider that the edges of the countertops, walls or cabinets should be located at a distance from the sides of the bowl at least 5 centimeters. It is also necessary to pay attention to the depth of the sink. It should not be too big or small. In the first case, you will have to constantly lean over when washing dishes, and in the second there will be insufficient space. A depth of 16-20 centimeters is considered standard.
Stainless steel sink
Products made of such material are the most sought after, due to their affordable price. The sink consists of steel, in which 18% chromium and 10% nickel are present. The thickness of the product can be from 0.9 to 1.2 mm. The sink may have a matte, glossy surface or anti-graph. The latter option well hides water droplets and small scratches.
Benefits:
- material safety;
- resistance to high temperature;
- easy care;
- Looks harmoniously in any interior;
- resistance to corrosion and acid;
- durability;
- affordable price;
- light weight;
- easy installation.
Disadvantages:
- eventually becomes covered with small scratches, loses its shine;
- a jet of water when it hits the surface makes a loud noise, but this is easily eliminated by purchasing special material for sound insulation.
Fake diamond
A sink may consist of composite materials or acrylic. In any case, it should contain 80% of natural stone waste and 20% of a polymer binder component and a coloring pigment. The finished product is treated with a protective composition that fills micropores and thus increases reliability and durability. It is ideal for those who canβt choose which kitchen sink is better - made of stainless steel or stone, because it has all the advantages of a natural component, but is more affordable.
Benefits:
- resistance to abrasion;
- stylish design;
- an opportunity to pick up the mixer in the same color scale;
- resistance to chemicals;
- unpretentiousness in leaving;
- easy removal of minor scratches with acrylic glue and minimal grinding;
- absorbs the noise of water;
- withstands high temperatures;
- durability.
Disadvantages:
A natural stone
The sink is made of such materials: granite, onyx, marble. It is made from a single block or crumbs. Therefore, buying a sink is not available to everyone.
Benefits:
- Exclusivity. Since in nature there are no two pieces of rock with the same pattern.
- Resistance to temperature changes.
- Material safety.
- Durability.
- Resistance to blows.
- Absorbs the sound of water.
- Resistance to chemicals. But this does not apply to marble.
Disadvantages:
- A lot of weight.
- Special care, depending on the material. For example, marble and granite sinks do not like acid.
- High price.
Ceramics
Sinks are made of porcelain and earthenware - more expensive, but also much more durable. Ceramic sinks are widely used in sanitary ware products.
Advantages:
- material safety;
- unpretentiousness in leaving;
- high scratch resistance;
- noise absorption of water;
- wide range of colors;
- withstands high temperatures.
Disadvantages:
- fragile, cracks may appear when a heavy object falls;
- high price;
- a lot of weight.
Types of installation of a kitchen sink
In order to understand which sink for the kitchen is better to choose, you need to decide on how to install it. Sinks can be divided into the following types:
- Mortise model. The sink is inserted into the slotted hole in the countertop. This type of installation is the most popular and is suitable for kitchen sets made of any material. All joints are sealed, so leaks will not occur.
- Laid on sink. It is installed on a separate stand, which has a lower height than the countertop. Suitable for a kitchen set, which consists of separate products. The surface mounted sink is easy to install without a specialist. But due to small gaps between the stands, small leaks are possible.
- Integrated type. This type of washing can only be installed with the help of a specialist. It cuts directly into the material of the countertop, uniting with it into a single whole. But it does not interact with chipboard and wood surfaces. But it goes well with stone, plastic and composite worktops. The main condition for its installation is the identity of its material with the surface. Such a sink will not stand out on the countertop, which gives it a more elegant look.
Depending on the headset, it will be possible to understand which sink for the kitchen is better - invoice or mortise. This parameter is crucial when choosing a sink.
The best manufacturers of sinks
Each buyer wants to understand which kitchen sinks are the best. Therefore, many are guided by the reputation of the manufacturer. The most popular are:
- Franke (Switzerland). The company is engaged in the manufacture of sinks from such materials: composite stone, ceramic mixture, stainless steel and combined steel models with a decorative glass insert. The manufacturer has a large selection of models with different designs and textures. The products are easy to install, no additional items, such as fittings, are needed.
- Blanko (Germany). The manufacturer makes sinks from such materials: natural and artificial stone, stainless steel and ceramics. He has a wide range of products at affordable prices and luxury models. Sinks are easy to install and durable in use.
- Alveus (Slovenia). The range of product materials consists of stainless steel and artificial stone. The manufacturer offers a variety of models that have high resistance to wear, as well as ease of maintenance and operation. Installation can be carried out by various methods without calling a specialist. The kit includes everything you need.
- GranFest (Russia). The manufacturer specializes only in artificial granite products. All sinks have a dense smooth surface, have good performance during operation. Installation in two ways is possible: laid on and cut-in.
- Flrentina (Russia). The manufacturer makes products only of cast artificial marble. He has a certificate of quality, which indicates the reliability and durability of products. The kit includes Italian fittings, which has high rates of durability and resistance. Installation is possible in two ways: mortise and laid on.
Before buying, it is important to study the reviews of which kitchen sink is better. This will help you choose the most suitable option for price and quality.
Which sink is better to choose for the kitchen?
An incorrectly selected product can cause a lot of inconvenience in the future. It is important not to make a mistake with the size and placement. These characteristics will help you understand which kitchen sink is better. When choosing, it is worth paying attention to the following parameters:
- Roominess. It is important that not only cups and spoons can fit in the sink, but also a large pot or pan.
- Sustainability. The sink must be resistant to household chemicals, as well as durable and withstand sudden changes in temperature. But at the same time, she must maintain her original appearance.
- Aesthetics. The sink should fit perfectly into the interior of the room.
Before deciding which sink is better to buy in the kitchen, you need to choose a mixer and filter. And also pay attention to the drain. It is advisable that it be equipped with a built-in filter, since food debris often gets into the sink. It is good if it has two positions: in the first case it is firmly pressed to the drain and does not let water through, and in the second it holds up large debris.
What is the difference between a sink and a sink?
When choosing a product, it is important to understand its functional purpose. Therefore, the bathroom sink will not be able to replace the kitchen sink, as they have different purposes. And also the following differences can be distinguished:
- The inner bowl. At the sink, it is made in such a way that it is convenient to fold a large number of dishes, and the tap is so high that you can wash a high pot. Usually it has a round or square shape.
- Material. The sink in the bathroom is made of faience or sanitary porcelain, and the sink is made of metal and stone. This is due to the fact that the product for the kitchen must be resistant to possible temperature extremes and mechanical damage.
- Optional equipment. Sinks are equipped with various devices for greater convenience. They have wings on which to put the washed dishes, as well as various lattices, baskets, colanders.
- Mixer. It is made of a special elongated shape with a bend. This is necessary for comfortable washing high pots or a large watermelon.
Optional accessories
Manufacturers complement the sink with various functions. Many of them are equipped with a wing or dryer, which can be located on different sides or at once from two sides. It serves as a stand for food, hot pans, pots and utensils.
Also, a washing set may include graters, baskets for fruits and vegetables, cutting boards, waste shredders and other useful devices that will help to save a lot of space.
Which kitchen sink is better - marble or granite?
Both materials are considered the most durable. But there are a number of differences between granite and marble sinks that you should know. Moreover, the sink is bought for several years in advance and is quite expensive.
Sinks made of stone are mainly made of stone chips and binders. This technique allows you to perform models of various shapes, increasing their strength. In order to understand the advantages of each of them, the table below shows the characteristics of a marble and granite sink.
The properties | Granite | Marble |
Strength | high (90-250 MPa) | low (30-100 MPa) |
Durability | begins to collapse after 650 years | begins to collapse in 20-75 years |
Porosity | average (5% <Po <20%) | low (Po <5%) |
Moisture absorption | low level | high level |
Abrasiveness | difficult to handle | easy to process |
Hardness | high | average |
Acid resistance | high durability | is absent |
Surface Abrasion | Wear less than 0.12 mm per year | Depreciation 0.35-0.60 mm per year |
The listed characteristics will help to understand which sink for the kitchen is better. Products made of granite have high strength and are able to withstand temperatures up to 260 degrees. And also, unlike a marble surface, they do not react to acids and chemical reagents. In addition to all the advantages, granite practically does not absorb odors due to the low absorption of water. This cannot be said of marble sinks.
Which sink is better to choose for the kitchen, reviews
When choosing a sink, it is important to consider the size of the kitchen, its combination with the work surface and other points. They will help you understand which sink is better for the kitchen. Customer reviews will help in this matter. We will present the most interesting:
- Many users note that they have long dreamed of buying a ceramic sink. They have been using it for several years, and there are no complaints. The product looks very beautiful, unpretentious in leaving. The only thing is that some would change the color of the selected model to beige. Judging by the reviews, traces remain after using detergents on a black sink.
- Many users buy a mortise single kitchen sink made of stainless steel. For most families, this choice is obvious, because this type of sink does not require special care and has an attractive price. The main condition is its size and the presence of a wing. Judging by the reviews, the same model, but with a longer dryer for dishes, would be preferable, because sometimes there is not enough space.
- Those who purchased a sink made of artificial stone have never regretted. After a year, they can only note advantages: it fits perfectly into the interior of the kitchen, absorbs the sound of water, is unpretentious in maintenance, because it is not afraid of household chemicals and acids.

So, when buying a sink, it is important to determine the material, type of installation, size, shape and other important parameters. The ideal option, suitable for everyone, does not exist. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the buyer must understand for himself which sink is better for the kitchen - ceramic or composite, corner or rectangular.