 There is a range of sizes, shapes, materials and prices for kitchen sinks. If you are planning your new kitchen or remodeling an old one, the article will prompt you what kitchen sink to choose. A sink is something that will be present in your kitchen for a long time. Sometimes a little comparison that shops give is not enough.
Sizes and Mounting Options
The most common is the double-bowl sink, 33-by-22 inches in size. Two bowls can be of equal size and depth, or of unequal width or depths. Sinks with one very large bowl and one small are also available. The small bowl is very convenient for the garbage disposal.
The smallest single bowl sinks are of 12 inches wide. This type of sinks is good when kitchen is not big. The larger sink can be more than 48 inches wide and are very convenient if you have enough space for them.
Sinks are always situated above or below the counter. More common is considered installation above-counter; it is easier to install. Below-counter mounting looks less obtrusive is easier for cleaning. But the sinks for this installation are more expensive and more difficult to install. There is a much greater selection of sinks for mounting above the counter than below.
Materials
As for the material of sink, there is no “perfect” one. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Different materials look differently and have different price. Consider carefully, think and make your choice.
Stainless steel
Sinks from stainless steel are the most common, since this material is durable and is easy to clean. In sinks of this metal at the lower price metal of thinner gauge is used (they are noisy and easy to dent. It is considered that steel at least of 20-guage is good (the lower the gauge number, the thicker the material).
You have the option of finish as well, ranging from brushed - the dullest finish and currently the most popular - to polished, which is the brightest finish. Most stainless steel sinks are self-rimming - they have a finished edge for above-counter mounting, and are held in place with clips installed from below. Under-counter mounts are also available.
Cast iron
Porcelain-coated cast iron sinks are not so common, since they have a specific style and fit far not all kitchens. Cast iron sinks are very durable; they are heavy and quiet. There is a rich selection of colors.
Enameled steel
These sinks have an enamel coating over a steel base, and range from moderately priced to quite inexpensive - and you definitely get what you pay for. Lower-end sinks are thin, noisy, and have a finish that chips and wears easily. Higher-end enameled steel sinks utilize a resin coating that is much more durable, as well as having thicker, quieter steel. Most enameled steel sinks are designed for above-counter mounting and can be either self-rimming or mounted with a separate installation ring.
Solid surface
Solid surface sinks, such as Corian, are durable, attractive and easy to clean. If you are having a solid surface counter fabricated, you can have a matching or contrasting solid surface sink molded right into the counter - it makes for a very clean, virtually seamless installation. Solid surface sinks are also available in self-rimming models for installation into other types of counters.
Composites
These are the newest of the kitchen sinks and are manufactured from a composite of materials, such as acrylic and quartz. There are a growing number of color options available and since the color goes all the way through the sink, chips and nicks are hardly noticeable. Composite sinks are available in standard configurations and a growing variety of other shapes and sizes and can be mounted above or below the counter.
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