Various Types of Kitchen Sinks
Kitchen sink is an integral of a kitchen as it's in constant daily use whenever any meal is prepared. The evolution of this important piece of equipment underwent may styles and material changes used in the manufacture, culminating in the latest styles, functionality and durability. Let's examine carefully the various parts individually, creatively and in totality .
Kitchen Sink Materials
With a wide assortment of kitchen sink styles to choose from, it presents a challenge to pick the right kitchen sink to match your kitchen.
Kitchen Sinks in Stainless Steel
From the purchasing habit of the consumer, stainless steel, by far is the the most popular choice compared to the other kitchen sink alternatives in the market. The reasons are obvious; lightweight, durability and affordability.
A stainless steel sink integrates beautifully in any kitchen environment - better than almost any other material.
Highlights of Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks include:
- classic, timeless aesthetics
- rustproof
- completely heat resistant
- suitable for food use and hygienic
- stain and acid resistant
- non-fading
- easy to care for
Kitchen Sinks in Cast Iron
When contemplating the use of cast iron sink, one has to ensure that the support structure to hold it is very sturdy and would not wobble over time. Any position shift of the sink may have a negative impact on the water pipes and safety for the user. This is because cast iron is many times heavier than stainless steel.
Iron in its natural state is prone to rust. To combat this deficiency, a heavy layer of enamel is used to cover the entire cast iron. Under normal use the enamel forms a protective shield and should serve the household over decades. Kohler Cast Iron kitchen sinks are made with an ultra-thick layer of enamel and guaranteed not to chip, crack or burn. The lustrous enamel finish is available in an array of Kohler colors to match the kitchen decor.
Cast iron kitchen sinks will always retain their lustre and gleam when care is used after every wash. Cast iron kitchen sinks by Kohler have a stain-resistant surface that require no scrubbing or harsh cleaning materials under normal use.
Kitchen Sinks in Composite
There are a wide range of coloured kitchen sinks available today, however not all share the heat and scratch resistance of BLANCO SILGRANIT® for instance. There are also both - soft composites and hard composites sink materials available. These come in a variety of finishes, some having only surface colour, others coloured all the way through. Many soft composite sinks have a dull finish. These soft composites are usually more porous and have a low heat rating (a hot pot could burn the surface). Soft composite sinks are usually less expensive but also tend to show signs of wear soon after being installed.
BLANCO SILGRANIT® is a rock-hard composite material, formed using 80% pure granite. Coloured all the way through, SILGRANIT® is extremely scratch and chip resistant and has a heat rating of up to 280° Celsius. Most BLANCO SILGRANIT® sinks are equipped with additional knock-out holes. These holes are marked on the sink deck with removable stickers and must be punched prior to installing the sink. BLANCO SILGRANIT®sinks are engineered in Germany and Made in Canada.
Characteristics of SILGRANIT® Kitchen Sink by Blanco:
- outstanding ease of care
- superior durability
- natural stone like character
- unsurpassed scratch resistance
- unsurpassed resistance to breakage
- heat-resistance to 280 °C
- suitable for contact with food.
- acid resistant
- non fading
Kitchen Sinks in Fireclay
A unique way to manufacture fireclay sink is to combine ceramic clay and enamel. The process starts with a sink mould of dry ceramic clay. The ceramic clay would be coated entirely with porcelain enamel. Next the sink will undergo a baking process of extreme high heat in excess of 2,000 F (1,093 C)for approximately 24 hours. Thus a fireclay sink is born.
The combination of various materials make the finish product extremely durable and strong. Under normal usage and care the kitchen sink would serve the user well. Though fireclay sink is more expensive than stainless steel it is generally cheaper than cast iron.
Franke Fireclay sinks are all handcrafted and many are created by the respected and world-renowned firm of Villeroy & Boch, which has been making fine ceramic creations for over 260 years. Still a family-owned business, Villeroy & Boch has served as Royal and Imperial Porcelain Manufacturer for royalty and aristocrats as well as becoming popular with the public due to the quality, durability of their beautiful and distinctive designs.
Franke by Villeroy & Boch fireclay sinks are impervious to household chemicals with an ultra-smooth dirt-repellent CeramicPlus finish is guaranteed for a lifetime of beauty and function under normal use.
Julien Fireclay sinks are hand-molded and fired at very high temperatures, they are still made with the same traditional techniques used a century ago. These high-end products have durable walls of at least 30 mm thick and a shiny brilliant white finish.
Other Types of Kitchen Sinks
Besides the main categories of kitchen sinks, there is a small category of specialized materials used in the manufacture of kitchen sinks. From metals; copper or brass is the dominant material while non metals feature marble, glass, granite or a combination thereof.
2 Kitchen Sink Manufactures from Specialized Materials
Stone Forest takes its lead from nature's blueprint. Contemporary designs for the bath and kitchen are sculpted from natural materials including stone, bronze, bamboo, copper, iron and hardwoods. Collaborating with the design community to create custom designs is our specialty.
Native Trails’ hammered copper kitchen sinks, copper bar sinks, copper kitchen hoods and kitchen sink accessories enhance spaces with their distinctive texture and warm glow, while NativeStone™ concrete kitchen sinks create the perfect fusion of modern and rustic finishing. One could create a culinary refuge featuring a concrete apron sink and kitchen prep sink; a country kitchen with a copper farmhouse sink, copper apron bar sink, and copper vent hood; a modern utopia with a concrete sink and concrete bar sink. For simplicity choose a single bowl kitchen sink or a more versatile double bowl kitchen sink. Native Trails also create custom copper sinks crafted to each specification.
3 Kitchen Sink Bowl Types
Single Bowl
A single bowl sink is ideal for handling large pots. Single bowl sinks can come in a variety of sizes, ideal for limited or large spaces and can be used as the main sink or as a kitchen island sink.
Single bowl sink can provide a simple yet attractive design.
Double bowl
Larger bowl sink provides more space and additional options. The double bowl sink offers great flexibility in the kitchen, such as having one bowl for washing and one for rinsing dishes, or one bowl can be used for food prep, while the other is used for dirty dishes.
Triple Bowl
A triple bowl sink is ideal for someone who needs to manage several sink tasks at once and has ample space to offer. It offers some flexibility, although the bowls are sometimes much smaller.
Types of Kitchen Sink Installations
Farmhouse Sinks or Apron Front Sinks
Farmhouse Sinks are an iconic element in traditional-style kitchens. And they’re becoming increasingly popular in contemporary spaces, too, thanks to fresh twists on colors and materials and easier installation options.
One of the keys to apron-front sinks’ popularity is its unique combination of beauty and functionality. Available with a wide single-bowl or a double-bowl with a lower divider, apron-front sinks are large enough to accommodate oversized cookware and cookie sheets, and their distinctive form creates a stunning focal point in the kitchen. The Kohler Whitehaven Hayridge sink takes the apron-front sink in a decidedly artful direction, with its distinctive pattern of horizontal ridges that adds a tactile quality.
Easier, cleaner and comfortable
Apron-front sinks are also ergonomically friendly. Often oriented farther forward than typical drop-in or under-mount sinks, they let you get closer and work with less stress and strain. The classic deep bowl of the apron-front sink also means less splashing while you work and fewer puddles on surrounding surfaces.
Classic, yet modern
Along with the kitchen, the farmhouse sink has undergone some evolutionary changes of its own. Fresh shapes, new colors and decorative designs coordinate with an unprecedented array of styles.
When it comes to materials, enameled cast iron remains popular for its beauty, strength and durability. KOHLER enameled cast iron sinks are guaranteed not to chip, crack or burn--and they’re available in an expanded range of color, pattern and shape options. To complement modern kitchens, Vault™ stainless steel sinks create a look that cleverly straddles the traditional apron-front and contemporary stainless designs.
Another innovation: Kohler’s easy-to-install Self-Trimming® design is available on the Whitehaven® and Vault kitchen sinks, It makes the iconic apron-front more accessible to homeowners than ever before.
Drop-in Installation or Topmount Kitchen Sink Installation
With this classical installation method the kitchen sink is inserted from above and its raised rim rests on top of the counter. Great for any countertop type.
Undermount Installation
An elegant method of installation where the kitchen bowls are seamlessly mounted under the countertop. Works well with mounted granite, marble, and engineered stones.