Advice on picking the perfect kitchen sink

One of the most important elements of a kitchen is the sink. Used multiple times a day, most people only replace their sink when they revamp their kitchen, so it is important to get it right!

There’s lots to consider when deciding on a sink: from the ideal size and the right material to the colour and style to fit the look and feel of your dream kitchen. With plenty of kitchen sinks now being created which make a style statement too, there’s no reason why it can’t become the focal point of the room. With these endless options available, we thought we would put together a handy guide on things to consider when purchasing a new kitchen sink.

Read on!

Materials

One of the main things to decide on when getting a new sink is the material. As well as what you find most attractive, the material choice needs to suit the needs of you and your family’s lifestyle as they all have their pros and cons.

Ceramic

Visually appealing for a classic kitchen, the ceramic sink remains extremely popular for those opting for a traditional kitchen or a feature piece within a modern style. Historically, they come in a white shade, but newer designs have other colour options available. Durable and hard wearing, they are rather good at keeping scratches and stains at bay. The main con to these sinks is that the hard material may mean a few more smashed plates and bowls as the sink will be harder than your dishes.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel sinks are still our most popular choice of material for kitchen sinks which look good in both contemporary and country-cottage designs. Hygienic and easy to clean, the high shine finishes can look really striking. Traditionally they are found in silver but there are now a range of different metals including copper and gunmetal to pick from. The main con is that the material can be subject to scratches, however a brush effect option can hide these well.

Fragranite

Selling itself as sinks which last a lifetime, fragranite sinks are incredibly durable. Built out of quartz, they can not only be subjected to extremely high temperatures without damage, but also are resistant to scratches. In addition, they are germ resistant and come in a range of different colours, allowing the sink to become a statement of the room. A more expensive option, but certainly one to consider.

Undermount or Inset

Giving a clean look, undermount sinks are placed below the kitchen surface. Undeniably elegant, they are growing in popularity. As well being attractive, they allow for more counter space and are more hygienic as there is no lip which food could get caught in. The downside is they have no draining board and are likely to be more expensive. Inset sinks sit on top of the countertop. Their advantages are that the come with a draining board and are often a more economical choice.

Belfast & Butler Designs

Creating a focal point in a room, these big and robust sinks are more popular than ever! They tend to be installed as an undermount and are traditionally made of white ceramic. Newer designs are now creating belfast and butler sinks in different materials and colours.