Choose the right kitchen sink and mixer tap
The sink is a key workstation in your kitchen. Get tips on choosing the kitchen sink that suits your needs and a matching mixer tap.
The sink is a key workstation in your kitchen. Get tips on choosing the kitchen sink that suits your needs and a matching mixer tap.
Your kitchen sink has to withstand a bit of everything. Just think about how many times you wash your hands, do the dishes, rinse vegetables or fill water in saucepans during a normal day. Your sink should therefore be wear-resistant and easy to clean.
The three most commonly used materials for kitchen sinks are:
Stainless steel: A classic, hygienic, easy-to-clean and durable choice that suits most worktops and kitchens.
Cast granite: A hard, wear-resistant material that is available in several colours and adds a modern, personal touch to your kitchen. It is also easy to maintain.
Ceramic porcelain: Besides being aesthetically elegant, porcelain is scratch resistant, heat resistant and easy-to-clean.
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to the question of how big your kitchen sink should be. It depends on several factors.
If you have a small kitchen and limited worktop space, it is a good idea to choose a small sink. Worktop space is just as important functionally in the kitchen as the sink is.
Another tip is to look at the unit the sink is to be mounted in. If it is 50 cm wide, you cannot choose a 60 cm wide sink without problems.
The sink is the focal point of the kitchen and has to match your needs. Think about how you use the sink. Do you prefer one large sink or a double sink?
The advantage of a single sink is that there is room to wash large oven trays and saucepans. While a double sink allows you to do several things at once.
There are several methods for mounting kitchen sinks.
Most kitchen sinks can be cleaned using a dishwashing brush, detergent and water, followed by a quick wipe down.
If you live in an area with hard water and a high lime content, discolourations may occur in the kitchen sink due to limescale deposits. To avoid this, use ordinary lime remover and clean afterwards with a soft sponge.
A kitchen mixer tap has to meet high demands. It has to be practical and make your workflow easy, while also having an attractive design that matches the sink and decorates your kitchen.
Before choosing a kitchen mixer tap, consider:
- How much clearance do you need under the tap for large saucepans etc.?
- Does your tap need a large turn radius so you can reach all around, or do you prefer a flexible pull-out spout?
- Do you want to operate the tap using one or two handles? Or should it be electronic?
Most kitchen mixer taps are made of brass and coated with glossy or brushed chrome or stainless steel. This is the classic, timeless choice that suits most kitchens.
If you want your kitchen to stand out, you can choose a brass mixer tap and a brass sink, giving the kitchen a modern and exclusive look.
Black mixer taps and sinks have become a popular choice to complement industrially inspired kitchen design.
One advantage of black mixer taps and sinks is that they harmonise with black appliances.