Kitchen sinks: made of artificial stone, granite chips, quartz sinks for the kitchen, pros and cons of sink models

Kitchen sinks made of artificial stone are becoming increasingly popular. This is due to the great strength of this material, as well as its non-porous structure, which prevents the formation of various bacteria and mold.

Decorative stone has a large number of colors, which allows you to choose a model in accordance with the style and color scheme of the kitchen.

Let's consider what types of sinks there are, what to look for when choosing them, as well as recommendations for care so that the purchase can last long enough.

Advantages and disadvantages

Artificial stone sinks have their pros and cons. Let's take a closer look at them.

Advantages

The stone type of sinks has its advantages:

Durability. The service life can reach 10 years.
If damaged, artificial material is easy to restore.
Thanks to the homogeneous structure, the appearance and proliferation of bacteria, as well as various stains and deposits, is impossible on the surface.
High strength. However, if heavy objects fall onto the surface, chips and cracks may form, and then the help of a professional will be required.
An important advantage is the large assortment of this product - there are many different shapes, colors and textures on sale.
Decorative stone has good sound insulation, so no annoying clanging or noise will be heard while washing dishes.

Flaws

Despite the large number of advantages, when choosing and purchasing a product made from artificial material, you should also pay attention to the disadvantages:

High price compared to analogues made from other materials.
Unnatural stone is quite heavy, so it will be difficult to install the purchased product yourself.
Contact with hot dishes or boiling water may leave stains on the surface of the sink. To avoid this, you should place very hot dishes on a special stand.
If dyes are spilled on a sink made of acrylic stone, it must be washed urgently, as the surface of the material will absorb them. At the same time, granite does not have absorbent properties.

Which is better - a stone or stainless steel sink?

Often, the consumer is faced with a dilemma: which model is better to choose - made of stone or stainless steel. Both types of material have their own characteristics, pros and cons.

The advantages of stainless steel models include: affordable price, universal appearance that will suit virtually any kitchen style, resistance to temperature changes, hygiene, and the absence of additional care products.

But stainless steel also has its drawbacks: various detergents can lead to small scratches, which in turn lead to the appearance of bacteria. Also, steel requires constant care due to the appearance of limescale; it must be constantly wiped. Stainless steel also lacks sound insulation and makes noise when interacting with dishes or water.

Stone analogues are very different from stainless steel products. Compared to metal sinks, they are more advantageous in terms of appearance and ease of maintenance. They do not make excessive noise when used.

However, stone models are more expensive than stainless steel counterparts. Decorative stone is also more susceptible to negative impacts, such as the appearance of cracks after heavy objects fall on its surface or scratches from using a metal sponge.

Based on a comparative analysis of two model options (artificial stone and stainless steel), the following conclusions can be drawn:

consumers who, when purchasing a product, prefer a beautiful appearance and style, should pay attention to stone products;
if the buyer is primarily interested in the price of the product, then he should choose the option with stainless steel;
users who value ease of care for their purchase can opt for a stone model;
Sound insulation is an important parameter when choosing a kitchen sink; artificial stone products have this advantage.

We should not forget that when purchasing any option, you should strictly follow all recommendations for caring for the product so that the purchase can last for many years, maintaining its original appearance.

Stainless steel kitchen sink

Professional commercial kitchens still use stainless steel equipment. Probably for the reason that this material easily withstands high operating loads.

Pros of a stainless sink

Not afraid of sudden temperature changes. You can put hot pots and pans directly from the stove in the sink, pour boiling water, etc. The main thing is that the siphon and sewer pipes can withstand.
Durable. Stainless steel is not afraid of impacts. You are not afraid that if a pan falls from the shelf, the sink will be damaged.
Aesthetic. Easily fits into any color scheme of the room. Easily integrates into any design style. Looks great in tandem with modern household appliances.
Resistant to aggressive household chemicals.
Does not stain.
Does not absorb pollutants.
Forms a single surface with countertops and hobs made of identical material.

Cons of a stainless sink

The glossy surface treacherously reveals the presence of tiny drops. Requires wiping dry after each use.
Small scratches are noticeable, which inevitably form upon contact with the dishes. The matte satin model is already scratched enough for this flaw to be barely noticeable, but in this case you will have to give up the shiny gloss.
If, when applying a strong detergent, you leave it in longer than expected, then dark spots will form on the surface that cannot be removed with anything, because. the surface decorative layer is damaged. The sink does not lose its functional qualities, but its aesthetic characteristics noticeably suffer.
Metal containers are excellent resonators. The sound of falling water intensifies and spreads throughout the room. A small drip from the tap at night will prevent you from sleeping, but it will encourage you to repair the tap and reduce your water bills.
It is impossible to paint the metal the same color as the countertop. High mechanical loads do not make it possible to apply painting or lamination. The metal appears in its natural beauty.

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Types of artificial stone

There are several types of kitchen products made from decorative stone, which depend on the type of natural filler:

Sink made of granite chips. The highest quality and durable material. The best option is 80% granite chips in the composition.
Quartz kitchen sink. Made from 95% quartz sand, they are an excellent choice for those who value original design, durability and quiet operation of their kitchen accessories.
Acrylic products. Among their advantages are moisture resistance, ease of care, and elegance.
Sink made of marble chips. It is also called a cast marble sink. It is cheaper than granite products, but it is a less strong and durable option.

Types of structures and technical characteristics

The shape of the sink depends on the wishes of the customer. The best option would be cast models, they are more durable.

Each form has its own characteristics. Deep products will help to avoid splashes in different directions, keeping surrounding equipment and furniture dry. The rectangular shape adds austerity to the entire interior, but it is more difficult to clean, as dirt gets stuck in the corners. Round sinks are easiest to care for, but the soft shape doesn't suit every style.

The product may have 2 bowls. This is a more functional option. They are made only in a rectangular shape, since installation requires a large area. If the model has 2 bowls, a pull-out faucet will be the most convenient.

Manufacturers make quartz sinks in a variety of colors. You can order a model with a glossy or matte finish, but the gloss is susceptible to scratches.

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Stone products are heavier than metal ones. This is taken into account during installation. There are no other distinctive features of the installation. First, a template is made according to which installation takes place.

Varieties

There are several types of kitchen sink installations. Let's consider each of the options separately.

Built-in

Built-in models are installed either at the same level as the countertop or below its height. When installed below the surface of the countertop, sinks are made in the form of separate bowls without wings.

Integrated sinks made of artificial stone have their own specific features. This option will require the intervention of a specialist who can make the connection between the sink and the countertop seamless and completely invisible.

Thanks to such a tight and airtight connection, the integrated type has its advantages: waterproofness and the absence of accumulated dirt, as well as an interesting design solution.

The disadvantages of the integrated option include the rather high price for special installation, but the quality and unusual appearance will quickly recoup the money spent.

Invoice

A simple and inexpensive option. You can install the model yourself by placing it on a regular kitchen cabinet instead of a countertop. The countertop type features a simple design and a shallow sink made of steel.

The disadvantages of using this option are that over time, dirt and moisture can accumulate in the gaps between the sink and adjacent cabinets. This problem can be solved by treating all joints with sealant.

Mortise

This type is suitable for countertops of any size and material. To install the product, a recess is made in the countertop that matches the size of the sink itself. Then the sink is secured on the reverse side with brackets or clamps, and the seams are sealed with sealant or sealing tape.

Unlike the surface-mounted type, mortise installation prevents dirt and germs from accumulating in the joints between the sink and cabinets. At the same time, the disadvantage can be considered that during the installation of communications it is necessary to separate the entire structure from the floor, however, there are models that allow you not to do this.

With one or two bowls

The single-bowl model is a traditional and familiar option for all consumers, designed for washing dishes or washing vegetables and fruits. Suitable for users with small kitchens. Most often, one or two additional wings are attached to the bowl, which are used for drying dishes or defrosting food.

Advantages of the one-bowl option: small size, wide range, wide range of prices, easy to clean.

Unfortunately, the single bowl model has limited functionality. A wing or a washing basket can partially help expand it.

Using two bowls at the same time is much more convenient than one, as it saves water when washing dishes.

The disadvantages are the high price, as well as the amount of space taken up by two bowls.

With wing

The wing is a small horizontal plane on one or both sides of the sink. Most often, the wing is made corrugated so that when washing, water flows into the sink through small gutters. There are models with smooth wings; they should be inclined towards the sink.

There are also varieties without a wing, or simply with narrow platforms - they are recommended to be installed by users who do not plan to cook a lot often.

Corner

The advantage of this model is that it takes up little space compared to a regular sink, but at the same time it is a convenient and functional option. Another plus is the large assortment of corner sink designs - they can fit into a kitchen of any style and color scheme.

The disadvantage may be difficulties in repairing plumbing - the size of the cabinet door located under the sink is always less than the space behind this door.

Also, if you install a sink that is too large, the corner located directly behind it may not be usable.

Description

The sink was named granite because of the similarity in appearance of the equipment to natural granite. But if their manufacturers actually made it from it, then the total weight of the product and the price would not be reasonable - everything natural, by definition, cannot be cheap, and the stone has always been distinguished by its large mass.

Granite is a very beautiful material, which is chosen by the most demanding consumers

Such plumbing equipment is made from a mixture of various components: granite chips, resins, sand and dye. As a result of a complex technological process, durable products are born, indistinguishable from stone sinks, but completely safe for human health and the environment.

Then it is dried under special temperature conditions and hardened so that it can be used without fear of the formation of cracks, chips, negative reactions from aggressive detergents and other troubles.

Thanks to innovative technological processes, the sink will never change its original color, and will be able to faithfully serve even your grandchildren.

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The video shows the positive aspects of a granite sink:

To understand which product you need to purchase, understand a few important points:

For a large family, a large sink is needed so that all the dishes from lunch or dinner can fit into the bowl. Pay attention to the product label, especially where there are notes on the permissible temperatures that the product can withstand without causing defects. It is also important to establish its strength against mechanical stress, which will be confirmed by a special symbol on the product, and its resistance to various chemicals for washing and cleaning the product itself. And don’t forget about your kitchen interior: the sink should complement a single design solution and fit harmoniously into the overall surroundings.

Stainless steel mortise kitchen sinks are also popular.

The number of working containers is also an important factor: for example, dirty dishes will be washed in one bowl, and rinsing in the other. This is very convenient if the sizes of the bowls do not differ greatly.

What to look for when choosing

Before purchasing any product, the buyer decides what criteria he will use when purchasing. When choosing a sink, you should take into account the following parameters: material composition, size, shape, number of bowls, colors, cost, as well as the necessary kitchen accessories. These criteria are discussed in detail below.

Composition of artificial stone

Decorative stone consists of two elements: filler (granite, quartz) and polymer resins. The most optimal ratio of filler and binding polymers is 80:20. The price, quality and strength of the product depend on the amount of granite in the material. Also, instead of granite, the filler can also consist of acrylic stone, but in this case the sink may not withstand sudden temperature changes.

Dimensions and shape

Functionality and compliance with the kitchen design depend on the chosen shape and size.

The shapes and sizes of sinks are of the following types:

Square - comfortable and roomy. Its dimensions can be 500×500 mm or 600×600 mm.
Rectangular - suitable for a narrow tabletop, but it is not as convenient as a square one. Dimensions: 550×500, 500×800, 500×1000, 500×1250 mm, etc.
Round is more convenient than rectangular, but often it lacks auxiliary sections. Diameter - 45-51 cm.

Number of bowls

The number of bowls in the sink can have several options:

With one bowl - a classic option, saves a lot of space, but is not functional enough.
With two bowls - the bowls themselves can be either the same size or different. In such a sink you can perform two functions at once.
With three bowls - two of them are the same size, and the third is smaller. This option is suitable for large kitchens.

Colors

On the modern market you can find a huge number of different colors and designs of sinks. They can be made to look like natural stone (black, white, brown) or brighter colors (green, blue, red, yellow, etc.). The latest technologies allow the product to retain its original color for many years.

Price

The cost of the product may vary depending on the size, number of bowls, brand, material and other factors.

The most budget option is a stainless steel model, the price starts from 800 rubles. The stone analogue will cost more, it costs from 7,000 rubles and can reach 30,000 rubles. Products from domestic manufacturers are usually cheaper.

Faucet and other accessories

A mixer is a very important part of kitchen accessories, since thanks to it such important things happen as washing dishes, vegetables, or simply collecting water in a container. Faucets vary in design, spout volume, angle of rotation and type of faucet mounting, material of manufacture, etc.

There are also a sufficient number of other accessories for washing:

filter on the drain - will not allow food debris to fall into the sink, thereby clogging it;
stand for the bottom of the sink - consists of metal rods, will protect the surface of the sink from scratches;
tray - placed on the bottom of the sink or on its edges, designed for defrosting meat, fish or drying vegetables;
cutting board - convenient for a small kitchen;
sink organizer - attached to the sink, used to store sponges, rags or gloves for washing dishes;
removable drying rack - suitable if there is no space for a separate drying rack for dishes.

How to choose a stone sink

If there is a strong impact, a stone sink can crack or even break.
When choosing a stone sink, it is important to consider the following factors:

Bowl capacity. You need to take into account how many people are in the family, how much time you usually spend in the kitchen, and take into account the amount of utensils you use daily.
Kitchen size. If the kitchen is small, the logical solution would be to choose a small sink. If there is a lot of space, various options are possible.
Choosing a bowl shape. Your decision will largely depend on the overall style of the kitchen. Minimalism, for example, is characterized by straight lines. But modernism, on the contrary, moves away from clear geometry to rounded shapes. There are rectangular, square, round and corner sinks. If the kitchen is small in size, the best option for saving space would be a corner sink.
Bowl depth. The deep sink can accommodate a lot of dishes, which can be convenient for a large family.

Popular kitchen sink manufacturers

Below is a list of the most popular and reliable manufacturers.

Blanco

This German company is a leading manufacturer of kitchen sinks made of steel, decorative stone, as well as the patented material Silgranit, which consists of 80% granite chips. This material is resistant to temperature changes and mechanical damage.

Alveus

A well-known British brand, famous for its wide selection of products. Particularly distinctive is the Monarch line, which includes models made of special steel with a metallic tint. This company is also famous for the ease of installation of products.

Franke

The manufacturer comes from Switzerland. The company offers a wide range of sinks made of stainless steel and decorative stone, characterized by increased resistance to high temperatures. Franke also has its own method for easy installation of products, using special clamps to attach the sink to the countertop.

Granfest

Well-known Russian manufacturer. It is distinguished by the interesting design of its models, both in color and shape. There is even a special style painted with the Gzhel ornament, made in the form of a white and blue pattern.

Omoikiri

A Japanese brand that also supplies the market with a large number of kitchen accessories - sinks, faucets, water purifiers. This manufacturer is distinguished by models with greater capacity than other brands. It should be noted that the products of the Akisame line have an increased level of noise absorption.

Disadvantages of natural stone sinks

No matter how durable porcelain stoneware is, it is still possible to damage it. This can happen when there is a strong shock load, for example, when a heavy object falls into the sink from the height of the top shelf. As a rule, a chip appears at the point of contact between objects. However, such damage does not change the performance characteristics of the product. In addition, the surface can be restored. The disadvantages of this type of sink are not limited to this, and they also include such an indicator as a high price. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford these products yet. However, as a rule, the costs of this piece of kitchen furniture are justified by at least a long service life.

Installation nuances

The sink is manufactured and installed in several stages:

Preparation. It is made from acrylic stone, which is presented in the form of a sheet. The blank consists of the bottom of the future sink, side plates and side. Then six slats measuring 800mm x 45mm are cut out.
Thermoforming. A special oven is used for this operation. Blanks for the bottom and sides are placed in it, which are then bent to the desired shape.
Assembly. Before connecting the sidewalls and the bottom, a special part is cut out - a fillet. It will ensure a smooth transition from the side to the bottom. Then all the parts are glued together.
Reinforced seams. A special acrylic strip is glued to the joint surface, providing additional strength and tightness of the material.
Installation. The finished product is attached to the tabletop below, above, or at its level. With high-quality integration, the sink should look like a continuation of the countertop, without seams or cracks.

Made of cast iron

If you are afraid of damaging your sink, but a shiny porcelain surface would fit well into your kitchen interior, pay attention to a cast iron sink. The strength of cast iron is beyond doubt; the coating, although made of porcelain, is also quite durable

Advantages and disadvantages:

Strength - as mentioned above, there is no doubt about the strength of cast iron.
The porcelain finish makes them easy to wash and clean.
Large selection of color shades.
Weight – Installing a cast iron sink will require strong fasteners.
Over time, a cast iron product may rust.
Cleaning with abrasive products is not allowed; they dull the shine of the porcelain coating.
The cost of cast iron sinks is reasonable.

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Care instructions

To maintain the original appearance and performance of the product, the following recommendations must be followed:

Wipe the surface of the sink with a dry cloth every day. This will save the material from rust and limescale.
If limescale does appear, you should use special means to remove it.
Protect the surface from strong impacts and scratches.

Try to follow the instructions provided, and your purchase will last for many years to come!

Which material is better

Some time ago, buying a stainless steel sink was incredibly lucky. Mostly enameled ones were used. The idea, of course, is not bad, but the execution was extremely poor. Today there are a lot of options:

Stainless steel. It may or may not be polished. The most durable option, easy to clean. But a polished stainless steel sink will eventually become covered with a network of scratches and lose its appearance. Unpolished ones look good, but cost more. Well, the main drawback is the noise when a stream of water falls. To make the sink “quieter,” a layer of soundproofing material is glued to the bottom.
Copper. These are not cheap options at all. Suitable for special kitchen interiors. Difficult to care for (requires special products) and is not widespread.
Metal kitchen sinks: copper and stainless steel without wings
Made from artificial stone. The natural component (stone chips and quartz sand) is diluted with a polymer binder, and the resulting composition is poured into molds. This is how you get a stone sink. There are different types of material: based on granite, quartz, marble, quartz sand. They are usually named after the “stone” component: granite, marble, quartz kitchen sink. Some companies develop special compositions, but they differ in the polymer binder, which gives the product certain performance properties (for example, Silgranit from the German company Blanco). Stone and glass (glass top) sinks are a more modern choice
Ceramic. Ceramics - porcelain or earthenware - are not so popular for kitchen sinks, but they are also available.

There are those that appeared not so long ago - with a glass panel (pictured on the left). This is a stainless steel sink with a tempered glass surface. This option will look great next to a hob of the same color. And don't be afraid that the glass will crack. It has been hardened, so it is difficult to damage it.