Designing your dream kitchen or remodeling an old one can be a lot of fun. You can play and experiment with different styles, patterns, and color-ways to create your perfect kitchen. However, kitchen renovation doesn’t only consist of fun, and it can be a cause of many worries, including financial expenses and choosing the perfect kitchen furniture and appliances.
Of course, the crucial pieces of furniture, like kitchen sinks, are intended to last a long time, so you’ll be making a lot of important decisions when contemplating which one to go with. So, before you make any final commitments, check out farmhouse sink reviews as well as this article to choose the type of kitchen sink that fits your needs in the best possible way.
1. Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel is the most widely used material for kitchen sinks because they are lightweight and affordable. Due to their popularity in use, stainless steel sinks come in various shapes and sizes, so you’ll most likely find what you’re looking for without the need to custom-order a sink and wait for it to be delivered.
Since stainless steel is lightweight, it can be mounted both from the top or bottom. However, the under-mount method is much more popular as it gives a more clean, seamless, and modern look while being more comfortable to keep clean. Another advantage of stainless steel sinks is their easy and quick installation.
However, the main disadvantage of these sinks is the visible water spots that are hard to eliminate. So, don’t expect your stainless steel kitchen sink to look spotless after years of use. Also, because this material is relatively thin, the running water can be pretty noisy.
2. Enamel Sinks
Enamel sinks are made out of an iron cast and coated with glass enamel, giving them a glossy finish. This material is typically combined with a farmhouse or apron kitchen sink style and provides a classic and timeless design.
Enamel sinks can be expensive, but they raise the home value and last a long time if maintained properly. Because their base is made out of iron, a sturdy cabinet is needed to support these sinks’ weight, while some mounting methods, like under-mount, aren’t possible for such heavy sinks.
One of the main disadvantages of enamel sinks is the possibility of chipping of the top enamel layer. If this happens and the iron is exposed to water, it will rust. That’s why these sinks have to be maintained with special care and cleaning methods. So, if you’re using your kitchen sink a lot, maybe the enamel sink isn’t the most practical solution.
3. Fireclay Sinks
Fireclay sinks are a perfect middle ground if you want the glossy and traditional look of the enamel sink, but you often use your sink. Fireclay consists of molded white clay, so the color options might be limited. However, if you’re looking for some neutral colors, you don’t need to worry about it.
Like enamel sinks, fireclay kitchen sinks are very heavy, but, unlike enamel sinks, they last much longer since they’re stain, scratch-resistant, and not prone to chipping. Also, they don’t need special cleaning care, so they’re more practical for everyday use. However, keep in mind that fireclay sinks are among the most expensive ones and require professional installation.
4. Composite Sinks
Composite kitchen sinks are made out of a mixture of either granite or quartz with a resin filler. The most common blend consists of 80% granite/quartz and 20% resin filler. Composite sinks are an excellent option for anyone looking for a modern and contemporary sink design while also paying attention to durability.
These sinks are among the most durable sinks while simultaneously being easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, they aren’t as expensive as some other materials, so they make for an excellent investment. Also, composite sinks aren’t as heavy, so various mount options are possible.
5. Copper Sinks
Copper sinks are unique and catch everyone’s eye at first glance. They have a beautiful color, which makes any kitchen stand out. You can choose from different finishes, patinas, and mount options for your ideal copper sink. All styles fit this timeless material, so you can go traditional or contemporary with it.
However, these sinks can be a luxury for many due to their high price, but with a reason – copper has antimicrobial properties, so it fights off germs and debris like no other sink can.
Conclusion
To conclude, this guide can help you to decide on a sink which will adorn your kitchen in the best way. Depending on your priorities, whether that is a budget, mounting method, style, or durability, you can choose a sink with which you won’t be disappointed. So, make sure to carefully weigh in all pros and cons before making a final decision.
