How to choose a stainless steel sink. Discussion on LiveInternet

No. 1. Quality of steel for washing

It is not difficult to guess that the durability and strength of a product directly depends on the quality of the material from which it is made. Sinks that perform best are made of steel containing 18% chromium and 10% nickel . Such products are marked 18/10. They are resistant to corrosion and high temperatures, tolerate contact with aggressive substances well and retain their original appearance for a long time. The most responsible manufacturers additionally cover such products with a protective coating , thanks to which the liquid on the surface quickly collects into drops, and this greatly facilitates maintenance.

To be sure of the quality of the product, look at what grade of steel it is made of. If it is AISI304 brand, then everything is fine, but sinks made from AISI204 steel contain less chromium and nickel, so they behave worse in operation. Information about the steel grade is usually indicated in the accompanying documents, so do not hesitate to ask for them.

You can check the quality of the steel used to produce the sink without studying the certificates of conformity. It is enough to bring a regular magnet to the product : if it is attracted to the sink, then, alas, this is not the best option, which may soon rust. Ideally, the magnet should slide smoothly along the surface and not “stick” to it. When picking up a magnet, check all areas of the sink at once, since there are products in which the bowl itself is made of normal steel, and the wings are made of cheaper steel. This is how some manufacturers try to cheat, saving on materials and compromising the quality of the finished product.

Which sink is best to buy for the kitchen – our recommendations

When choosing, you need to clearly understand what you expect. If you are choosing an option for a specific interior, for example a classic one, then you should pay attention to models made of granite or ceramics.
If the kitchen is in a modern minimalist style, then stainless steel products are perfect. Perhaps they are the most reliable and practical, and are also quite affordable for any budget. Most manufacturers equip them with a special sticker that makes them less noisy.
A perforated sink with a pattern on the surface will be more unpretentious in maintenance. All you need to do is wipe it with a mild cleaner after use and it will serve you for a long time.
If you decide to acquire glossy stainless steel, be prepared to take good care of it, because... the water will leave a white coating and streaks on it. You should not use rough iron brushes, they leave scratches on the surface.
Lovers of elegance and originality will be interested in designer creations from Omoikiri, Blanco, Alveus.
If you doubt the quality of the goods offered by the seller, then take a closer look at well-known manufacturers that have proven themselves in the market, such as Franke, Florentina, Schock.
Be vigilant, do not give in to the seller’s persuasion if you are not sure of the quality of the product. It is better to be prepared in advance and read reviews of people who have already purchased products from a particular manufacturer.

No. 2. Advantages and disadvantages of stainless steel sinks

The widespread use of stainless steel sinks is not a fluke, but a consequence of the numerous advantages of such products. Among the main advantages we note :

durability _ With minimal care, a stainless steel sink will last for decades without deteriorating from exposure to sunlight, high temperatures and impacts;
availability . Stainless steel sinks are inexpensive, so even with the most modest budget you can afford this option. If we compare these products with analogues made from other materials, then stainless steel in the vast majority of cases will be cheaper. Of course, a lot will depend on the shape, size and design features, but the simplest option is inexpensive;
versatility _ The shiny surface of the steel will fit perfectly into any interior style. A variety of sizes, colors and shapes will allow you to choose the ideal model for a kitchen of any size;
ease of care . There are no special requirements for the operation of stainless steel sinks. It is enough to keep the product clean and wash it with detergent once a week. There may be traces of water drops on the polished surface, so fans of cleanliness are advised to wipe the walls and bottom of the bowl dry each time after use;
Stainless steel is not afraid of high temperatures , so no additional stands for hot pots, pans and baking sheets are needed;
stainless steel not afraid of blows.

There were some downsides:

The most important disadvantage is called noise . The flow of water from the tap and contact with the dishes cause loud, unpleasant sounds, and the fall of something even from a small height will be heard by household members in all rooms. However, the thicker the steel, the less noisy the product, and some manufacturers use special rubber layers to improve sound insulation;
appearance of scratches on the surface . Over time, small scratches will inevitably appear on the polished surface of stainless steel. They will not affect the quality of operation in any way, but the appearance will not be the same. In addition, stains from water drops will be clearly visible on a glossy surface. To make your life easier, take a sink with a matte surface, but you will have to wipe it dry after use in any case, unless, of course, you want to extend the life of the product;
small variety of colors. Most products have a metallic finish. There are a small number of more expensive sinks that can replicate the color of bronze or gold. On the one hand, the steel surface is universal and will fit into any interior, but if you are planning something special, it will be difficult. Sinks made of artificial stone win in this regard. By the way, they are not noisy at all, so you can consider this option for purchase.

Or maybe a dishwasher?

What if you just buy a dishwasher and save yourself the hassle of dealing with dirty dishes? This option, of course, also exists. But does the layout of the room always allow for the installation of this miracle of technology? Even if you buy a car, will you only use it? What if you just need to wash a couple of cups? This is where the good old sink comes to the rescue.

So, you decided to go searching. What unforeseen circumstances might you encounter along the way? Oddly enough, the huge assortment will be the first obstacle for the inexperienced layman. There are so many different models offered by stores, it’s easy to see the range of colors and materials. So that you do not get confused and choose the right option, we suggest that you first familiarize yourself with the most popular materials.

No. 3. Method for producing stainless steel sinks

Some wash properties may vary slightly depending on how the product is manufactured. According to the method of manufacturing stainless steel sinks, there are:

stamped, they are also drawn, pressed or seamless. Such sinks are made from a single piece of steel, which is given the required shape using special molds. The result is a product without seams, and this is the main advantage of such sinks. No seams - no leaks. The production technology is inexpensive, so stamped sinks are cheaper than welded ones. The nuances of technology do not allow the use of thick sheets of steel - this is a minus. Moreover, the thickness of the steel may vary in individual parts of the product. Until recently, the shallow depth of such bowls was also considered a disadvantage, but today manufacturers have learned to make stamped sinks up to 25 cm deep;
welded sinks made from separate sheets of steel that are welded together. Manufacturers have learned to make seams so neat that you won’t even notice them, so the presence of a seam can already be eliminated from the disadvantages of these products. If the welding site is obvious, and the seam is clearly sloppy, then this is not a high-quality product. The joint is usually located at the junction of the bottom and walls of the bowl. Such sinks cost more, but the steel in them is thicker, so they are quieter and more durable.

Distinctive characteristics of stainless steel sinks

A stainless steel sink is significantly different from sinks made from other materials. The difference lies in the features of such steel, which give it its advantages and disadvantages. At the same time, stainless steel sinks are presented in stores with a huge number of models that differ in many parameters.

Features of stainless steel

Stainless steel takes first place in the ranking of materials for sinks in terms of durability and resistance to any water temperature. Its composition typically includes 10% nickel and 18% chromium, which makes the sink so protected and practical.

Stainless steel has a light gray-silver tint and does not require special care, as it practically does not get dirty and does not change color.

Attention ! Cheap sinks may contain reduced amounts of nickel and chromium, which will negatively affect the quality and durability of the product.

No. 4. Steel thickness

The thickness of the steel determines the quality of the finished sink. The thicker the material, the better the product will cope with shock loads, withstand the weight of heavy dishes and make less noise when it comes into contact with drops of water. Steel that is too thin will vibrate violently when the water jet hits it and may even bend under pans filled with water. There are cases when thin stainless steel was even pierced with a knife, but we are talking about handicrafts.

The thickness of the steel sheet ranges from 0.4 to 1.2 mm , while stamped sinks are always thinner than welded ones. In any case, it is not recommended to use a sink with a thickness of less than 0.6 mm . In the case of welded products, this parameter increases to 1 mm.

Criteria for choosing a kitchen sink

Overlay design

When purchasing a sink, you need to decide on the following parameters:

dimensions of the sink, including a wing for dishes;
depth, width and length of the bowl;
cabinet length and width;
the size of the hole for the sink.

The characteristics of materials, functionality, and quality of sound insulation are also taken into account.

Width and length

The size of the sink refers to its width and length from one edge to the other, or diameter if the sink is round. The size of the bowl is always smaller than the dimensions of the sink. Depending on the shape, the technical specifications will also indicate the width and length or diameter. If there are several bowls, then indicate the size of the main one.

When choosing, take into account that the mortise sink should not fit closely to the edges of the cabinet - at least 3-5 cm should be removed. Detergents can be placed in a free area near the wall. If you install the sink too close to the front edge, splashes will splash onto your clothes. A 40 cm kitchen sink will easily fit into standard-sized furniture.

In a set with a corner cabinet, you can install a sink of an unusual shape - corner or six-sided. They are large in size.

When going to the store, it is recommended to first prepare a drawing of the location of the sink with the dimensions of the countertop and cabinet.

Depth

The standard sink depth is 16-19 cm. But if large pots and baking trays are often used in the kitchen, or vegetables and fruits are prepared for the winter, then a deeper sink is more convenient to use: 20-25 cm. It is more convenient to wash tall dishes and vegetables and fruits in it. in large quantities.

A high tap should be installed above a deep sink. The water will still not splash. This will make washing dishes even more convenient.

Shallow washing has the disadvantage of creating a lot of splashes. And the deep bowl is inconvenient for short people to use. If the structure is small in width and length, then it is traditionally deeper.

Cabinet size

The choice of sink size depends on the dimensions of the cabinet on which it will be installed. Therefore, before going to the store you need to measure:

depth of the cabinet, i.e. distance from the outer edge to the back wall;
width taking into account the drying rack for washed dishes.

The average distance between the side walls of the cabinet or the width of the cabinet for installing sinks of different shapes:

corner or trapezoidal – 900 mm;
with several bowls – 800-1300 mm;
round – 600 mm;
oval – 450 mm.

Manufacturers call this parameter minimum width or minimum base.

Additional Tips

When choosing, pay attention to other criteria:

The choice of sink size is determined, first of all, by the purpose of its use. Even in a large kitchen you can install a compact sink if the family consists of 1-3 people.
If you have a dishwasher, then a large sink is not needed.
If the sink is made of stainless steel, you need to pay attention to the thickness of the metal. The thicker the metal, the stronger the sink, the less noisy it is and the more securely the faucet will be installed. The thickness of the metal varies from 0.4 to 1.4 mm. Optimal – 1.2 mm.
Sound insulation must be installed at the bottom of a stainless steel product, since the metal makes noise under the influence of a stream of water from the tap. You can apply sound insulation yourself.
If the mixer will be mounted on the sink itself, you need to choose a bowl with a hole. If it will be installed on a desktop, then you need to leave room for it.

Inexpensive stainless steel sinks are the most resistant to mechanical damage, easy to clean, but less aesthetically pleasing. They do not chip, but may lose their shine if you clean them with aggressive chemicals.

Artificial stone sinks look expensive, but are easily scratched and quickly lose their presentable appearance if not properly cared for. They cannot be cleaned with abrasive products or tools. Poor quality material may crack. Also, composite sinks crack due to sudden temperature changes.

Natural stone sinks are easier to care for, but they are fragile materials. In addition, it is difficult to install it yourself.

No. 5. Sink depth

When choosing a stainless steel kitchen sink, you will easily be tempted to take the deepest model possible, because it will hold more dishes and make it easier to wash large items. Many years of experience of millions of housewives have proven that sinks with a depth of more than 18 cm, although spacious, with constant use cause a lot of inconvenience due to the fact that you have to bend over more. Back pain is inevitable.

A sink that is too shallow can cause water to splash over all surfaces within a radius of 1-1.5 m. Sinks with a depth of 15-18 cm are considered the best in terms of comfort and spaciousness.

Rules of operation and care

Stainless steel is very easy to maintain, which attracts buyers. However, it is still worth considering a few simple rules to extend the life of the sink and prevent its damage:

After each use, the sink should be washed with detergent.
No moisture should be left on the surface; all of it should be wiped off with a dry cloth.
Do not use abrasives, acid solutions or solvents for cleaning.
It is also recommended to avoid any impacts on the surface of the sink, leaving water in it for a long time, exposure to fire and other harmful phenomena.

No. 6. Color and surface type of stainless steel kitchen sink

We all have a good idea of the color of stainless steel. The vast majority of kitchen sinks are produced in this shade. Whether this is good or bad is up to you to decide. In principle, this color has become as classic as the white shade of plumbing fixtures. If you want something like that, then you can buy a sink with PVD coating , which is applied to the surface of the product, giving it additional protection and a beautiful shade. Sinks are available in bronze, brass, silver and gold colors. Such specimens are more expensive than simpler analogues, but not exorbitantly.

If you are not limited by budget, you can pay attention to sinks in which the bowl is made of stainless steel and the work surface is made of tempered glass . Such products look modern, they are safe to use (glass thickness is 8 mm), but in price they catch up with, and sometimes surpass, products made from artificial stone.

Manufacturers of stainless steel sinks are trying to make up for the extremely poor choice of colors with various surface options:

The smooth, polished sink looks beautiful before first use. In order for it to maintain its mirror shine, you will have to wipe the surface dry each time and use special care products. All splashes and defects are very visible on shiny metal, and over time it can become dull;
the smooth matte surface is less demanding to maintain and retains its presentable appearance longer;
textured surface with engraving or rolling. Such sinks look unusual, and traces of water drops on them will not be noticeable, but it will be much easier for dirt to accumulate in numerous depressions and irregularities, so you will have to spend even more time on maintenance than in the case of a polished surface.

Fake diamond

This type of sink is a favorite in classic-style kitchens. Composite materials that imitate natural stone consist of quartz to which granite chips are added.

A stone sink will look most harmonious when combined with facades made of solid wood or imitation wood. Country style lovers will also like it.

Advantages

Strength. To damage it in any way, you will have to work hard, the only exception being hard metal brushes, which can leave scratches on the surface.
Complete freedom in the use of chemical care products.
Lack of sensitivity to temperature changes.
Wide range of color solutions.
Sophistication. A wide range of models and elegant design will add luxury and charm.
Silence.
Long-lasting color that does not fade over time.

Flaws

They easily absorb liquids, odors and food colorings due to their porous texture. And sometimes carelessly poured tea can become a dark stain on the reputation of your sink.
The cost of even the simplest stone sink starts at 11 - 13 thousand rubles, and design work can even cost you a vacation in warm countries.

Artificial stone sinks: photo

No. 7. Sink shape and number of bowls

The shape, dimensions of the bowls and their number directly depend on the size of the kitchen and your needs. In small kitchens, as a rule, compact square or round sinks with one bowl are installed. On one side there may be a wing for drying dishes. You can also opt for more interesting oval and rectangular sinks . Remember that square sinks are more spacious than round ones, and if you opt for a square or rectangular option, then it is better to take a bowl with rounded corners - such a product is easier to care for. The width of the built-in sink starts from 45 cm, the standard is 60 cm, but there are wider options. They usually contain several bowls.

An excellent option is a corner sink . It allows you to effectively use the kitchen space, because we all know that corners can sometimes be difficult to arrange. Often corner sinks are complemented by wings on both sides for drying dishes. Often such products also receive an additional bowl.

A sink with two bowls is convenient because it allows you to do two independent processes at the same time. For example, washing dishes and soaking vegetables. The size of the additional bowl may be slightly smaller than the main one, or be exactly the same. Naturally, a two-bowl sink is a privilege for owners of large kitchens. There are even triple sinks, but this option is more for professional use.

When purchasing, do not forget to pay attention to whether the sink has a hole for the faucet, because some models provide for its installation on the countertop. If a product with a wing is needed, it is important that it is located on the required side. However, there are convenient reversible sinks that can be mounted with the wing in any direction.

Sizes and shapes

The shape ensures the spaciousness of the product and its compliance with the chosen style.

Square – comfortable and roomy;

Common sizes: 500×500 mm, 600×600 mm.

Rectangular - perfect for a narrow tabletop or cabinet. But keep in mind that a rectangular narrow sink is not very convenient to use, because the wider the bowl, the less splashing and the more convenient it is to wash dishes;

Common sizes: 550×500, 500×800, 500×1000, 500×1250 mm, etc.

Round - such a bowl is easier to clean and will be more spacious than a rectangular one, but finding a round model with additional sections is quite difficult.

Standard diameters: 45-51 cm.

You can choose other shapes - triangular, fancy, oval.
For large and/or corner kitchens, trapezoidal sinks with six or five corners are suitable.

No. 8. Stainless steel sink installation type

The choice of installation type depends not only on purely aesthetic preferences, but also on purely pragmatic factors such as, for example, the material of the countertop. On the other hand, the chosen type of installation puts forward some requirements for the size of the countertop, the hole in it for the sink and the qualifications of the person performing the installation.

Based on the installation method, sinks are divided into three types:

mortise sinks - the simplest and most versatile option. In this case, the sink is held onto the countertop using sides. The hole for the bowl can be cut without making jewelry calculations. It is only important to treat the junction of the sides of the sink and the countertop very well with sealant. Otherwise, the water will slowly spoil the countertop. Installation using this method is not difficult, there are no special requirements for the material of the countertop, but be prepared that water will inevitably remain on the side, which can get from there onto the countertop, so don’t forget to wipe it off in a timely manner;
integrated sinks – a more modern and aesthetic installation option. The bowl can be installed flush with the tabletop (there will be no sides on top) or slightly below its level. In any case, it is better to entrust the work to a professional, and the hole for the bowl should be cut very carefully, to the nearest millimeter. The sink is held in place thanks to a system of clamps and brackets underneath. Outwardly, everything looks great, and there will be much fewer puddles on the countertop, or none at all. The bowl can be positioned below tabletop level, and then the walls of the sink seem to continue with the material of the countertop. Installation in this case becomes even more complicated. Moreover, you will have to order a tabletop with a ready-made hole of the required size. This type of installation is appropriate for stone and metal countertops, because part of it will be in constant contact with water;
overhead sink – this is already a retro option. This sink is mounted instead of a countertop on top of one of the kitchen floor modules. Installation is very simple. Previously, this type of installation was very popular, but today it is rarely used. It is used mainly when the budget is limited, or it is necessary to create a retro interior. The weak point in this case is the joints between the edge of the sink and adjacent cabinets. If water gets there, the furniture may deteriorate, mold and an unpleasant odor may appear, so many people prefer to treat the joint with a sealant.

Ceramic sinks

Mostly faience is used in their production. You can also find products made of porcelain; this material is denser and an order of magnitude more expensive than earthenware.

Among the advantages: high resistance to chemical attack, elegant design.

Disadvantages include fragility and impracticality.

No. 9. Sink accessories

A stainless steel sink will be even more practical and convenient if you equip it with accessories:

waste shredder , which is installed under the sink and crushes food waste, preventing sewer clogging;
colander – this is a tray with holes that follows the shape of the bowl and is designed to simplify washing, defrosting and drying vegetables;
baskets for washing vegetables and fruits differ from colanders in being deeper, and their holes are larger, because they are, in fact, a mesh;
automatic valve , which is built into the drain hole and allows you to block the drain with one click and fill the bowl with water. Convenient when you need to soak a large number of vegetables;
cutting boards, the size of which exactly follows the shape of the bowl, allow you to make maximum use of the work area in the kitchen, freeing up space on the countertop for other processes. Such an accessory will be appreciated by people who cook in a group, but do not have extra space;
detergent dispenser built into the sink and located next to the mixer. A dispenser with a supply of detergent is located under the sink and is replenished as needed;
a drinking water tap will allow you to supply clean, filtered water separately from regular tap water;
Cutlery stands will allow you to organize your storage system more neatly.

As a rule, a set of some of these accessories is included only with expensive sinks. However, it is much more convenient to choose exactly those elements that will actually be used, so buying a separate sink and accessories separately is even more profitable.

As for faucets, they are chosen, as a rule, to match the bowl, but in terms of design you will find a huge variety. It is better not to install faucets weighing more than 6.5 kg on the sink itself - such products require installation on the countertop.

Installation

Installing a sink is not a complicated process; if you make the right choice of product, you can handle it yourself. But there are a couple of categories that are recommended to be left to professionals:

Built-in sink under the countertop. Rare type, installation is carried out by plumbers. The cost of the products is high. But maximum ease of use is guaranteed.
Built-in level with countertop. Installation cannot be done without professionals and is very expensive. Difficult to choose based on color and style.

The remaining sinks are installed independently. This is easy to do if the length and width of the kitchen sink are calculated correctly. Then the product matches the cabinet or countertop (depending on the installation location).

A corner kitchen sink is also easy to install, but it is difficult to make cutouts on the set. It is advisable to leave this process to assemblers and/or furniture manufacturers.

Built-in sinks

Stainless steel built-in kitchen sinks are often purchased because... The product is easy to install and has high performance characteristics. For installation you need to: make a cutout in the countertop that matches the size of the sink and wings, if any. Then the sink is installed.

The dimensions of a mortise kitchen sink are minimal. Installation is suitable for kitchens where there is a common countertop. This indicates the small size of the room. Therefore, the sink is not large in size.

The mortise version looks great with the overall interior

The countertop is allowed from any material: granite, laminate, artificial/natural stone, chipboard, steel, granite or wood. Built-in sinks are made only from stainless steel, so they have good parameters and hygiene.

No. 10. The best manufacturers of stainless steel sinks

The best guarantee that the steel is of the required thickness, has processed the joints well (in the case of a welded version) and has not violated the geometry is his name. Take the time to clarify all the characteristics of the product in the accompanying documents, and the warranty period is another evidence of quality.

Among the largest manufacturers of stainless steel kitchen sinks are:

Franke, Switzerland . Produces a wide range of sinks, presented in several collections. There are products with matte, polished and embossed surfaces, with tempered glass, wings and without them. The number of bowls, shape, size and style of execution vary greatly;
Blanco, Germany . It produces sinks with different surface types, for 1 and 2 bowls, with a width from 40 to 90 cm. Models differ in the type of installation, shape, number and location of wings;
Imenza, Portugal. It produces quite expensive but very high quality bowls. There are models where metal is combined with tempered glass;
Smeg, Italy - these are sinks made of matte, polished and embossed stainless steel for one, two and three bowls. In addition to metallic colors, there are also copper and brass colors. Sizes vary widely;
Reginox, Holland . Expensive and very high-quality products with a lifetime guarantee are produced here. The range includes all shapes, sizes and several colors;
Teka, Germany . The company produces sinks of various shapes. The assortment includes many products with two bowls and wings, but there are also quite compact models;
Schock, Germany . Produces sinks that are ideal in terms of quality and design, as well as accessories for them;
Zorg, Czech Republic . These are more affordable sinks that are distinguished by decent quality and an impressive range. There is a separate collection with PVD coating and tempered glass;
Ukinox, Russia. A large domestic manufacturer produces sinks in several collections and is able to satisfy the needs of different categories of customers. The assortment includes both the simplest, inexpensive, but high-quality models, and products with a claim;
We also note the products of European manufacturers Elleci and Alveus , which are distinguished by high quality and the same high price. Chinese companies include Matteo, Oulin, Ledeme and Sinklight . They are inexpensive, but it is better to evaluate the quality on the spot (a magnet will help you). also has some good products .

In the budget segment, the warranty is usually 1-2 years, but sinks last much longer. More expensive models are provided with a warranty of up to 5-10 years, and some manufacturers are so responsible for the quality of their sinks that they are not afraid to give a lifetime warranty.

Tags:Kitchen, Kitchen sink