Your most basic need both in the kitchen and the bathroom - a sink. Innovative designs in both form and function provide huge selection for the discerning consumer.
When you shop for a bathroom sink, don’t be mystified if
you hear the term ‘lavatory’ in this context. The term ‘lavatory’ is the technically
correct term for a bathroom sink. This term has its roots in Latin coming from the
word 'lavare' which means 'to wash.'
Basic features to evaluate in kitchen and bathroom sinks
The size of the sink should be decided upon after proper measurement of your kitchen or bathroom. Some
kitchens may need deeper sinks and some bathrooms might have space for just a small
one.
The materials the sink is constructed from should be decided upon based on how it will be used
.
Sinks for both the kitchen and the bathroom come equipped with faucets that bring
you both hot and cold water. Some may also have a faucet with a spray feature included.
An important structural feature to be considered is the drain outlet. Sinks may include
a strainer or a device that aids blocking the drain. This helps in soaking dishes
for a while before wash. Sinks may also be equipped with a device for overflow prevention.
And then there is the design element to be considered. Several design houses have
their own line of designer bathroom and kitchen sinks to indulge customers looking to merge form and function.
Factors to consider before choosing a sink
Choosing the materials of your sink
Most contemporary kitchen sinks are made of
stainless steel. Other materials include
porcelain, enamel over cast iron, granite, composite stone,
and fireclay.
The popularity of stainless steel sinks is due to its durability and ease of maintenance. Stainless steel sinks
are very resistant to damage by contact with either heat or cold.
Sinks made
using porcelain over cast iron are also quite durable.
Porcelain sinks can be made
available in various colors and shapes. This fact makes them a very popular choice.
Porcelain is also very resistant to heat and cold hence it is ideal for use in the
kitchen where both hot and cold items can find their way to the sink. The only feature
where porcelain loses out to stainless steel is that porcelain is more susceptible
to damage when compared to stainless steel. Enamel over cast iron gives an
appearance that is similar to porcelain. Enamel sinks are less costly when compared
to porcelain but are not as long lasting.
Granite, composite stone, and fireclay sinks are the other options
to choose from. These sinks are rugged and long lasting. Surface damage tends
less in these sinks when compared to porcelain sinks. However, these materials need
more maintenance.
Composite sinks score over granite kitchen sinks as they are easy
to clean. These sinks are made to look like granite, but unlike granite, they have a stain
resistant surface.
Copper sinks are used in both kitchens and bathrooms. Several
manufacturers also offer
plastic sinks. These are inexpensive, but can be prone to damage by contact
with heat. Plastic sinks are not suitable for kitchens but may be used in bathrooms and utility rooms.
Kitchen sinks accessories and inbuilt features
Once you have decided on the material for your sink, you can turn your attention to other features
like number of bowls, size, number of taps, and bowl orientation - all depending on the
usage you foresee. Sinks with deep bowls will come
in handy if you use large pots. A high-set shallow bowl between two bowls will come
in handy for washing vegetables. Accessories like draining boards, sprayers, and
the like can be also helpful parts of a kitchen sink unit.
Sink Price Ranges
Kitchen Sinks
Unbranded stainless steel sinks measuring 13" x 15" cost in the range of $40 and up.
Manufacturers like Blanco, Kindred, and Kohler have single-bowl stainless steel sinks
in the $120- $250 price range. Larger stainless steel sinks and sinks made of other
materials from any top manufacturer will usually cost a minimum of $200 for a basic sink.
The addition of accessories like cutting boards, pop-up waste baskets, etc will add to the price of a sink. Stainless steel double-bowl sinks from a reputed
manufacturer will cost $300 or more. Bowls with less depth and made using
lesser grade steel can be purchased for $160- $200. A simple single-bowl top
mounting porcelain kitchen sink from a manufacturer like American Standard can be
had in the $125- $225 price range. An apron style, large single-bowl sink from
a top manufacturer will cost $675 upwards.
Bathroom Sinks
The low end of the spectrum can fetch you a pedestal sink for your bathroom
for around $100, and the choice that opens up as the prices increase offers
good value for money. Top manufacturers like Kohler, American Standard, Franke,
Blanco, Porcher, Aquabrass, Kindred, Moen, and others offer a wide range of products
from simple functional bathroom sinks, to breathtaking designer pieces.
Lovely
glass vessel sinks can make your bathroom look glamorous. Glass sinks are available
from $200 for basic pieces to $5000 for custom sinks. A glass countertop
sink mounted on a carved marble base from a top manufacturer like Madera or Eljer
Cornice can cost $650 and more. Stone sinks for countertop
mounting are available in the price range of $500- $1000. Sinks made of copper
are also becoming popular a popular design, and can be purchased in the
$400- $800 price range.
The most affordable and common choice for countertop bathroom sinks is porcelain -
and these are available starting at about $150. Some designer bathrooms also sport
specially treated wooden sinks, priced at a minimum of $500, and
up to $5000 for custom made sinks.
Theme-specific bathrooms demand specific designs and colors. Amusing shapes for children's
bathrooms and exotic shapes for other motifs are often supplied on request by several
manufacturers.
Caring for your sinks
Stainless steel sinks are the easiest sinks to care for. A vigorous rub down with
any cleaning agent can give you a sparkling surface. Porcelain is also easy to maintain
but may require some amount of stain removal from time to time, and standard stain removers
are quite sufficient for this purpose. Glass sinks are easy to clean but they
need to be cleaned with care as the surface can be easily damaged. Standard cleaning
solutions prove to be quite suitable for glass sinks.
When it comes to maintaining
stone sinks, it is best to use a stone cleaner solution available for
the purpose. It would be a good idea to maintain your stone sink in a polished state
as salt, lime and detergent build up on polished surfaces is minimal. Any spills
should be wiped up instantly as the surface is porous and the spill may leave a
stain in its wake.
Copper reacts to the environment and develops a natural
patina. If you like the natural look, time will do the job for you. However, if you
are partial to the shiny copper look, you will have to wipe the sink after every
use and use special solutions to maintain a constant shine. Copper has a unique
antibacterial quality and is thus considered to be a more sanitary choice.
Plastic sinks are easy to maintain, but the surface gets worn with increased use, and certain substances may leave stubborn stains.
Top Manufacturers