How to choose the right kitchen sink and faucet

Asha Bogenfuerst Asha Bogenfuerst
Matt finish kitchens, Rebel Designs Rebel Designs Klasik Mutfak Kontraplak
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Designing or remodeling a kitchen can be very stressful, mainly because there are so many important decisions to be made in a short span of time. However informing yourself about the various options available before anything starts can make things run much smoother. The results will also be better. 

Choosing the right kitchen sink and faucet are one of the most important decisions to make. Today we have compiled some useful information on different types of kitchen sinks and faucets together with some simple tips on what works best.The focus is on the functional aspects of these basic kitchen fittings rather than on the style. 

The first question to consider before browsing through the many choices for kitchen sinks and faucets is how the kitchen sink will be used. For example, if there is a dishwasher, then there is no need for 2 sink bowls. Another factor to take into account is how often the kitchen will be used and by how many people, because more dishes in the sink requires a larger sink and a faucet that matches it. Read on to find out details about what the best material for a kitchen sink is, how to choose kitchen faucets, kitchen sink prices and more. 

What is the best material for a kitchen sink?

Kitchen sinks can be made out of various materials such as natural stone, ceramic, copper and fiber, but stainless steel sinks have always been the most popular choice as they are highly durable, affordable and low-maintenance. 

In terms of durability, stainless kitchen sinks win the race as they are highly resistant to heat and stains.They also don't crack or chip . The durability and quality of stainless steel sinks vary though and mainly depends on how thick the steel is. The thickness of the steel is referred to as gauges. The thicker the steel, the lower the gauge number. 

One of the common complains about these sinks is that they are noisy, but this problem can easily be solved by using modern stainless steel kitchen sinks which have sound-absorbing pads. There are also sound-absorbing sprays, but they are known to be less effective. 

Take note that although a stainless steel sink is made to withstand corrosion and rust, using harsh cleaning products such as bleach and drain cleaners can take its toll on the sink and result in rust stains. There are ways to get rid of the rust stains though. 

Stainless steel doesn't mean boring

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Stainless steel sinks can be coloured too as you can see here. For more ideas, please refer to our article titled choose the perfect kitchen sink.

Best price for stainless steel kitchen sinks in India

Kitchen sink prices depend on the thickness of the steel or the gauge and whether it is branded or not. Two popular kitchen sink brands in India are Anupam and Nirali. 

The cost of a 21x 17 sized non-branded stainless steel kitchen sink is around Rs 1000 to Rs 3000. Whereas branded stainless steel sinks of the same size can cost between Rs 3900 to Rs 7000. Larger non-branded kitchen sinks can cost from Rs 3200 to Rs 12000. 

For more information on cost prices and consultation for installation, please contact professionals involved in kitchen fittings such as Distributor House PVT LTD and Metals Craft

Composite granite sinks

A new alternative material for sinks is composite granite. These sinks are just as affordable, but a bit less durable than stainless steel. Basically they are made from a combination of different materials and there are different types, but the most popular type seems to be polyester and acrylic kind.

The best part about composite granite sinks is the variety of colours, styles and designs it comes in. Composite granite sinks can easily blend in with the rest of your kitchen so they tend to always look clean, even when they're actually dirty. It is a good choice for aesthetic purposes, but probably not the best choice in terms of durability as they can crack if heavy pots and pans are thrown into the sink. 

For more inspiration, have a look at our article titled incorporating a butler sink into your kitchen.

How to choose kitchen sink sizes?

Although most people would prefer a large kitchen sink, the size of the kitchen should also be taken into consideration. To determine the right sink size for the kitchen, measure the countertop and cabinet before deciding on the sink. The ideal sink size for the kitchen also depends on how it will be used. For example, a single person or a couple would not need a large sink, while a family of 6 would probably prefer two large sinks. The recommended minimum size for a kitchen sink is 20’x18'. 

How many kitchen sink bowls to install?

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Before deciding what type of style to choose for the sink, it is important to determine how many sink bowls are required. Most modern kitchens have two sink bowls, with one sink bowl being larger than the other. This makes washing the dishes much easier. However if there is a dishwasher is use as well, one large sink bowl to wash the big pots and pans which don't fit into the dishwasher would be sufficient. Some homes prefer to have two separate kitchen sinks. For example, one on the kitchen island and one near the stove. This design is best for homes where there is always more than one person working in the kitchen so that there is less traffic jam in front of the sinks. 

Kitchen sink styles

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The style of the kitchen sink will basically determine the placement and installation of the sink as they each have different mounting styles. Here are some of the qualities of a few common sink styles:

-The drop-in sink is one of the most popular styles, especially when it comes to remodeling kitchens as it can be placed in the existing countertop. 

-The undermount sink creates a seamless look and leaves extra counter space as it has an edge that mounts beneath the countertop instead of above it. 

-The farmhouse sink style is a larger type of sink, which requires extra counter space.

-The integrated sink is usually custom-made and requires an installation of a matching countertop. The result is a seamless design with no separation between the countertop and the sink.

Kitchen faucets

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Most importantly, kitchen faucets need to be matched with the number of mounting holes a sink has. It is not recommended to drill extra mounting holes to an existing sink or countertop. 

The durability of a faucet depends on the material used for the disk valves. There are various types of faucets which use ball, cartridge and ceramic disc valves, but the most durable faucet is with a ceramic disk valve and solid brass base materials. 

There are also faucets with different types of spouts. The faucet pictured here has a spray arm on the spout, making it easier to rinse pots and clean the sink as well. Although it is slightly pricey, it gets the job well done. The more common and inexpensive type are straight spout faucets. With this type it is important to ensure that the faucet head can reach the entire sink, especially if it's a large sink or a two-bowl sink. Last but not least, make sure the faucet size matches the size of the sink so that it doesn't look awkward. 

For more information, please refer to our article titled how to choose a faucet for a kitchen sink.

Kitchen taps

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The installation of a suitable kitchen tap depends on whether the sink has a single tap hole or two tap holes. For a single tap hole, the ideal choice is a monobloc tap which has a single spout that is controlled by either one or two handles. One handle taps or single lever taps are one of the most popular types as they are highly versatile and can be easily turned on and off with the slight of a hand. Twin lever taps on the other hand may not be as ideal for busy kitchens as many of them have a knob that needs to turned. 

For sinks with two tap holes, there is a choice between pillar taps with one or two spouts. Pillar taps are available with lever type handles and knobs as well. Since they come in pairs, they're ideal for double sink bowls or for controlling hot and cold water. During installation, ensure that the spouts of the pillar taps are able to reach the middle of the sink bowl. 

Basically pillar taps and smaller single lever taps are recommended for smaller sinks, while taps with larger spouts are ideal for big or double bowl sinks. 

We hope this article was helpful. For more ideas like these, please also read 7 ways to cool down a kitchen.

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