Sinks play an important role in our kitchen. They are essential to its operation and have a lot to say in its overall aesthetics. The wide variety of sinks available also makes it possible to adapt them to the needs of each kitchen, combining the appropriate materials and functions.
The stylish sinks They offer us the necessary functions to do everything we want in the kitchen. They also have a neat aesthetic, regardless of their style, and can be traditional or ultra-modern. Completing our kitchen with the right solution has never been easier than now.
With a single, double or triple bowl, the perfect sink solution for us will be the one that meets all our needs. How much counter space do you have? How often do you cook? What kind of food do you cook? Answering these and other questions will help you identify the features and functionalities to look for in a new sink.
Materials for sinks
There is a wide selection of stylish sinks on the market, built from different materials. Each of them provides the sink technical and aesthetic characteristics different. Characteristics that will help us to be closer to achieving the kitchen style we have in mind. Stainless steel is the most popular material -diverse studies indicate that more than 70% of the sinks are made of this material- however, there are other options as much or more interesting to contemplate:
- Stainless steel: It is a classic material with a timeless aesthetic that looks good in almost all kitchens. It withstands high temperatures, is resistant to corrosion, hygienic and easy to clean. Just wipe the surface with a soapy cloth and rinse the surface well to see it shine. The stainless steel sinks also offer an excellent quality / price ratio.
- Quartz or granite: Sinks made of quartz or granite are very elegant and bring a natural look to the kitchen. They are resistant sinks that withstand heat well, and to which certain resins provide a very attractive shine and texture. They also allow us to play with different colors, from white to Onyx.
- Ceramics. Ceramic sinks have a very hard surface, resistant to both heat and scratches. In addition, ceramic is a natural material and as such brings elegance and warmth to the kitchen. Today, the finishes applied to these sinks also allow their cleaning to be very simple, making it possible to remove difficult stains such as tea or red wine with a little soap and water.
- Synthetic materials such as Tectonite, Corian or Hi Macs. The ease of molding these synthetic materials makes it possible to create countertops with an integrated sink without aesthetic ruptures. They are alternatives that bring a contemporary and avant-garde style to the kitchen and that generally have a high price.
Types of sinks
Built-in sinks, those that rest on the countertop, are the most popular in our homes. There are also other systems that will place the sink above or below the countertop line. Systems in great demand such as slim-top or slim-fix and increasingly common in stylish kitchens.
- Integrated sinks or embedded. The sink is installed from above and its edges rest on the countertop. It is one of the most economical systems, however, the joint sealed with silicone ends up getting dirty over time.
- Slim-top sinks. These integrated sinks present a smoother transition with the countertop, allowing us to collect eventual liquids without any protrusion.
- Slim-fix sinks. It has practically similar characteristics to the previous one, but allows the width, depth and profile of the outer edge to be reduced in a more radical way.
- Undermount sinks. Undermount sinks offer smooth, uninterrupted surfaces. The bucket is placed under the granite countertop, giving us a finish without edges, but very easy to clean.
Features of stylish sinks
The most advanced sinks today have waste management systems as well as acoustic and thermal insulation to reduce the sound of the water and keep it hot for longer. These characteristics make the sink more practical, but they are not the only ones we should look at. There are accessories that turn the sink into a whole workstation.
- Pop-up valve: Allows you to empty your sink easily from the worktop.
- Cutting boards, buckets and drainboards. They are accessories that help us to prepare food in a comfortable and clean way, freeing up additional space on the counter.
- Acoustic isolation and thermal. Not only does it reduce the sound of the water falling into the bucket, it also keeps the water hot for longer.
- Taps with flexible and removable head. Facilitates access to all parts of the sink and prevents unnecessary splashing.
It is these accessories that, together with the design, make the difference between stylish sinks and ordinary sinks. Today we can find on the market a wide variety of sinks with different dimensions and configurations. We could safely say that there is a sink for every kitchen. We only have to configure it if the budget allows it.