Sinks Buying Guide

Human creativity has taken the simple need for a sink in the kitchen/bathroom and has added several embellishments to make a myriad of options available to fulfill this need and then some. Innovative designs that are both practical and pleasing to the eye have churned out a huge selection over the years for the discerning consumer.

When you are out in the market looking for a bathroom sink don't be mystified if you hear the term 'lavatory' in this context. The term 'lavatory' is technically the 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 taking all of your needs into account. Some kitchens may need deep sinks and some bathrooms might have space for just a very small one. The material the sink is composed of may also be decided upon based on the usage it will be subjected to.

Sinks for the kitchen and the bathroom come equipped with faucets that bring you both hot and cold water. Some also include a faucet with spray features. When choosing a kitchen sink you can choose the number of faucets you want and accordingly then decide on the shape of the sink to hold those faucets. Differing needs dictate the need for two or more faucets.

An important structural feature to be considered is the drain outlet. The function of the drain is basically to channel out used water. Sinks may include a strainer or a device that aids in blocking the drain. This helps in soaking dishes for a while before wash. Sinks are often also equipped with a device for overflow prevention.

And of course there is the design element to be considered. Several design houses have their own line of designer bathroom and kitchen sinks to indulge anyone's fancies.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Sink

When choosing kitchen sinks there are few considerations to be taken into account. Your needs and preferences will decide on the kind of mounting that is required.

A top mounted, or drop-in style sink is designed to fit into a space marked out for it in the counter-top. The size of the hole made for fitting the sink is measured in such a way that the rim of the sink will fit in neatly. Sealants are then used to ensure a sung fit.

Another option available is to install an under (or bottom) mount sink. This type of sink is installed below the counter top surface. This installation is preferred by those who like a contemporary look in their kitchen or bathroom. Silicon based sealants are used to ensure a leak proof finish. Top mount and bottom mount sinks are also used in bathrooms where a counter top is installed. The area below the counter top is usually converted into storage cabinets.

The third type of finish for counter top sinks is often referred to as a farm style sink as its usage gives a country decor look to the kitchen. In the farm style, or apron sink as it is also referred to, the front of the sink is aligned to the outer edge of the counter top leaving the sink front open. This is generally only used in kitchens.

For adding a contemporary look to a bathroom you can install a sink above the counter top. Taking this route will open a host of design options for you to choose from. A whole new segment of this style known as vessel sinks open out in front of you. A variety of materials and designs are characteristic of this segment, with endless combinations from which to choose.

The most common style of sink used in bathrooms is the pedestal sink. These have traditionally been made using vitreous clay or fire clay. Delicate and trendy porcelain pedestal sinks also look great in bathrooms with matching flooring and tiles. Today's designer bathrooms have given pedestal sinks a cool new look by using metal, glass and other materials. Free-standing pedestal sinks are now a common feature in bathrooms.

Wall mounted sinks are another option that customers have to choose from. While this is common in bathrooms it may also be chosen for kitchens with space constraints.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Material For Your Sink

Most contemporary kitchen sinks are made of stainless steel. The other materials that kitchen sinks are made of are porcelain or enamel over cast iron, granite, composite stone, and fireclay. The popularity of stainless steel is due to its durability and resulting cost effectiveness as well as its ease of maintenance. Stainless steel sinks are very resistant to damage by contact with both heat and cold. Sinks made using porcelain over cast iron are also quite durable.

Porcelain sinks are 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 kitchens. 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. These sinks are less expensive when compared to porcelain, but they are not as long lasting.

Granite, composite stone, and fireclay sinks are yet more options to choose from. These sinks are rugged and long lasting. Surface damage is less in these sinks when compared to porcelain sinks. However, these materials will need more maintenance. Composite sinks win over granite kitchen sinks as they are easy to clean. These sinks are made to look like granite but unlike granite have a stain resistant surface.

Copper sinks are also used in both kitchens and bathrooms. Several manufacturers also offer plastic sinks. These are inexpensive, but prone to damage by contact with heat. Plastic sinks are not suitable for kitchens, but can be used in bathrooms.

Accessories and Inbuilt Features in Kitchen Sinks

Once the material for the sink is decided upon you can turn your attention to other features like size, number of bowls, number of taps and bowl orientation. Depending on the usage you foresee you can opt for specific designs. Sinks with deep bowls will come in handy if you tend to use large cooking pots. A high set shallow bowl between two bowls will come in handy when washing vegetables. Accessories like draining boards, sprayers and such can also be incorporated into your kitchen sink unit.

Price Range

Kitchen Sinks

Unbranded stainless steel sinks measuring 13"x15" will cost in the range of $40 and higher. Manufacturers like Blanco, Kohler and Kindred have single bowl stainless steel sinks in the $120-$250 price range. Sinks made from other materials are also available in this price range. Slightly bigger stainless steel sinks and sinks made from other materials from any top manufacturer will cost at least $200 for a basic sink.

Additional accessories such as cutting boards and pop-up waste baskets will also raise the price. Stainless steel double bowl sinks from a reputable manufacturer will usually cost over $300. Bowls with less depth and made using a lesser grade of steel can be purchased for $160- $200. A simple single bowl top mounting porcelain kitchen sink from a manufacturer like American Standard can be found in the price range between $125 and $225. An apron style large single bowl sink from a top manufacturer will cost upwards from $675.

Bathroom Sinks

Where the low end of the spectrum can find you a pedestal sink for your bathroom for around $100, the choice that opens up as the prices increase offers customers good value for their money. Top manufacturers like Kohler, Franke, Porcher, American Standard, Blanco, Aquabrass, Moen and others offer a vast range of products from simple functional bathroom sinks to breathtaking designer pieces.

Stylish glass vessel sinks can make your bathroom look glamorous. Glass sinks are available from about $200 for basic pieces to $5000 for custom-made designs. 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 are the other option for countertop mounting and are available in the price range between $500 and $1000. Sinks made from copper are also becoming more popular on the design scene. These sinks can be purchased in the $400-$800 price range. While they are beautiful, keeping these sinks bright and shiny can be quite a challenge.

The most affordable and common choice for countertop bathroom sinks is porcelain, and these are available from $150 onwards. Some designer bathrooms feature specially treated wooden sinks. These sinks start at a minimum of $500 and can go up to $5000 for custom made designs.

The needs of theme specific bathrooms are met with the use of sinks in specific designs and colors. Amusing shapes for children's bathrooms and exotic shapes for other themes are supplied by several manufacturers upon request.

Caring For Your Sinks

Stainless steel sinks are the easiest sinks to take care of. A vigorous rub down with any cleaning agent can give you a perfect, sparkling surface. Porcelain is also easy to maintain, but may require some amount of stain removal occasionally. Standard stain removers are generally 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 sinks made out of stone it is best to use a stone cleaner solution available specifically for the purpose. It would be a good idea to maintain your stone sink in a polished state since salt, lime and detergent build up on polished surfaces is minimal. Any spills should be wiped up immediately as the surface is porous and the spill may leave a stain.

Copper reacts to the environment and develops a natural patina with age. If you like the natural look, time will do the job. However, if you are partial to a shiny copper look, you will have to wipe the sink after each use and use special solutions to maintain it. Copper has a unique anti bacterial quality and is thus considered to be a very sanitary choice. Plastic sinks are easy to maintain, but the surface tends to get worn with increased usage. Certain substances can leave stains on plastic that are hard to remove.