Resin, stainless steel, built-in or countertop sink... there are many options available to you when selecting the new sink for your kitchen.
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The 5 questions to ask yourself before choosing your sink
To choose your kitchen sink, here are some questions to ask yourself:
1- What are the necessary dimensions, and does the sink need to be adapted to the worktop?
2- What shape do you want, depending on your tastes and the space available: round, square like the retro stamp sink, rectangular or corner?
3- How many tanks do you want and what depth should they be?
4- Do you prefer a sink with or without a drainer?
5- Which material to favor, taking into account both aesthetics and maintenance?
What are the different types of sinks?
Regarding the type of sink, you have the choice between several options:
The built-in sink
The built-in sink attaches to a worktop previously cut to the right dimensions.
It is adaptable to different supports, but make sure that the depth is sufficient for embedding.
Available in a wide range of colors, sizes, shapes and materials, it can match the style of your kitchen.
You can opt for three types of installation: overlay, flush with the worktop or under the worktop.
Each option has its aesthetic and practical advantages.
The countertop sink
The countertop sink is installed on a piece of furniture specially designed for this purpose.
Make sure that the under-sink unit is compatible with the chosen sink.
Although this type of installation somewhat limits your aesthetic choices, good preparation of measurements eliminates unpleasant surprises.
The sink, one bowl, two bowls or large bowl
Depending on the space you have available, the question of the number of bins arises.
A one-piece single-bowl sink
is preferred:
To optimize a small cleaning space
If you live alone or as a couple
If you have a dishwasher and you rarely do dishes by hand.
A two-bowl sink
offers greater comfort for washing a large quantity of dishes.
Two configurations are possible: two bins of identical size, or a larger bin to store pots, dishes or stewpot and a small one next to it for cutlery for example.
The large rectangular sink
(or maxi-basin) is very practical and can be placed directly on a piece of furniture intended for it, or via a cut-out in the worktop.
Our advice
Whatever your choice, opt for a model with a draining board, practical to avoid flooding your work surface.
What material to choose for a sink?
Stainless steel, stoneware or synthetic resin… Which material should you choose for your kitchen sink?
Let’s discover together the advantages of each material.
stainless steel
Popular in the kitchen, stainless steel is light, hygienic and resistant to shock, corrosion and high temperatures.
However, it requires regular maintenance to remove fingerprints and limescale.
The stainless steel sink is available in a variety of finishes: smooth, satin, brushed, honeycomb and microstructured and it fits different kitchen styles.
Natural stone
Granite, marble or Burgundy stone combine old charm with modern aesthetics.
Although natural stone is very elegant, some stones can be susceptible to stains and acidic products if not properly treated and maintained.
Synthetic stone options, such as Corian, offer easy-to-maintain and hard-wearing alternatives, with a wide choice of colors and bespoke finishes.
Synthetic resin
Resin has several advantages, including its lightness, its resistance to shocks and its ease of maintenance.
Available in a wide variety of shapes and colors, resin adapts equally well to modern and traditional kitchens.
Acrylic resins, whether mass-dyed or added to granite, offer innovative designs and good robustness.
However, some resins may be susceptible to staining, as is the case with granite resin sinks.
Polished concrete
Polished concrete is very trendy and comes in a multitude of finishes.
However, it requires specific maintenance to avoid scratches and stains.
Quality installation on a stable surface is essential to prevent cracks.
Although modern and elegant, microcement can be sensitive to abrasive products and high temperatures.
Glazed stoneware
Glazed stoneware or ceramic are durable and easy to maintain.
Stoneware offers good value for money but is sensitive to impact and may require more delicate installation due to its weight.
The enameled version is recommended because it resists scratches better and will be easier to maintain.
What color sink to choose?
Black, white, gray, or even colored: today, sinks come in almost all colors.
How to choose ?
Opting for a design that will match the color and style of your kitchen and worktop is a good idea.
But each color has advantages and disadvantages:
- White: white sinks are often the first choice for a kitchen, because white fits into all styles of interior decoration, both traditional and modern.
However, white remains dirty and tends to yellow in the long term if it is not well maintained.
- Black: very stylish, black sinks bring personality to your kitchen.
But a black sink can quickly become covered with white traces of scale.
- Gray or metal: stainless steel sinks are essential in the kitchen but can be scratched more easily.
- Bronze: you will find copper-plated stainless steel sinks on the market with a very vintage bronze finish.
- Golden: the golden color is certainly bold in the kitchen, but goes very well with a wooden or natural stone worktop.
Be careful not to put too many golden elements in your decoration.
- Color: resin sinks come in all colors.
Green, red, yellow… They can add pep to your decor but tend to scratch more easily.
In summary, your choice of sink will depend on your aesthetic preferences, the space available in your kitchen and your needs in terms of functionality and maintenance.
Whatever type of sink you choose, consider equipping it with filters to prevent waste from going into the pipes, which could then cause a blockage or release unpleasant odors.