How Can We Choose The Best Kitchen Sinks?

When doing a kitchen renovation, it is important to choose a quality and durable sink. What are the common and popular kitchen materials we used for sinks? How should we choose a modern kitchen sink? This article will tell you some common sink materials, how to choose your kitchen sink, and some tips to maintain your sink. Let’s get started!

Common Kitchen Sink Materials

1. Stainless Steel Sink

From the current market, the stainless steel kitchen sink is the most popular. Lightweight and high-temperature resistant, stainless steel is not easy to corrode. Also, it is easy to install. There are various shapes and styles of stainless steel. You can select the best one based on your kitchen decor. Most importantly, the stainless steel sink is a very durable, good quality sink with a dozen years is no problem.

2. Granite Composite Sink

A granite composite sink consists of 80% granite and 20% acrylic resin. Granite is a very durable material that resists heat, stains, scratches, and debris. A range of colors can give you abundant options. But be aware that lighter composites can be stained, while darker ones can hide food scraps. Granite composites do not scratch like stainless steel, and the color does not fade when exposed to high temperatures.

3. Natural Stone Sink

A natural stone sink can make your kitchen more gorgeous, but it is not as durable as granite composite or stainless steel materials. While there are various natural stones to choose from, including black granite, green or gray granite, limestone, marble, etc., natural stone can be scratched or chipped, and many are easy to stain because they are porous. Proper sealant is essential to maintain the appearance of these sinks.

4. Concrete Sink

The most important thing about concrete is that it is quite porous. And although these sinks will have a seal, they will still see out the use of the sink over time. When you use a concrete sink, you have to like that worn-out look because concrete will deteriorate, but you can customize a concrete sink with a favorite color. These sinks are commonly used in industrial kitchens and fit the styles of a variety of countertops.

How To Buy a Sink?

1. Sink Materials

Be sure to choose a sink with corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and long life. Currently, on the market 304, stainless steel sink sales are the best. Some manufacturers use 202 or 402 stainless steel with less nickel, which will discolor after a long time. So, the first step to buy a sink is to see the sink material.

2. Sink Depths

The depth of the sink is not only about its price but also determines its utilization and practicality. Generally speaking, the deeper they sink, the higher the cost and the higher the price. When choosing a sink, you need to consider the space of the cabinet below, ensuring high utilization of the sink and adequate cabinet storage space. Combined with the anatomy, the depth of the sink is generally 18-23cm.

3. Sink Thickness

The material of the sink should not be too thick. When choosing a stainless steel sink, in general, 0.8mm-1.0mm thick material is the best. If the material used is too thin, the service life of the sink will be affected, while too thick material is easy to damage the tableware.

4. Kitchen Sink Accessories

The qualities of accessories are directly related to the cost of future maintenance. You shall focus on the sealing degree and corrosion resistance of the water pipe to prevent leakage. As for sewer pipe, you’d better use PP material or UPVC for higher sealing, elastic, heat-resistant, anti-cracking, and long service life. Also, PP and UPVC can prevent odor, blockage, seepage, and so on. The water pipe under the national standard should reach 50mm.

5. Sink Styles

The sink needs to be in line with the style and color of the kitchen decoration.

How To Use And Maintain The Sink Correctly?

1. Before installing the sink, the remaining debris in the pipe needs to clean first. After installation, you should wash the entire sink. 

2. Clean the sink immediately after use. Keep the sink dry without any debris left. The high iron content of the water will lead to floating rust and white film.

3. If the bottom of the sink appears mineral deposits, you can first wipe the sink with diluted vinegar and then rinse clean with water.

4. Do not put hard objects in the sink for a long time, and do not place iron or rust-prone items next to the kitchen sink for a long time.

5. Do not use fluoride, sulfur, hydrochloric acid cleaners to clean the sink.

6. Do not put the wet sponge and detergent in the sink for a long time.

7. Do not cut things on the sink.

8. Do not place pickle, mayonnaise, mustard, or salt food in the sink for a long time.

9. Do not use rough objects like wire balls to clean the sink to prevent scratches on the sink surface.

10. Extend the service life according to the used material of the sink.