Everything but the kitchen sink

Every kitchen renovation boils down to the same thing... decisions, decisions, decisions. Everything from A to Z needs to be considered and options looked at - including the kitchen sink. With so many models to choose from, how do you know which kitchen sink is the right one for you?

 

Today's modern sinks are fashionable as well as functional. With a wide range of options, styles and materials to choose from the kitchen sink ceases to be a purely functional fitting.

Cost

The cost of a new kitchen sink will most probably be the number one factor that determines what sink you can afford to install. But there isn't a great difference in price between the various options, so let's take a look at these first.

Size

Size does matter, especially when you have a large family or love to cook. Give thought to how many bowls you need, will you use the sink for food preparation, and how much space is available.

Unless space is limited, two bowls are a must for every kitchen: one for washing and another for rinsing. The luxury of a third or prep bowl is an option to consider if you have the space, the budget, and the need.

Having made the decision on how many bowls, the next step is to decide how big the bowls should be, as well as a draining board. If you regularly wash dishes, as opposed to loading up the dishwasher (if you have one), then larger bowls and a lengthy draining board are perfect. The bigger bowl allows you to soak larger items rather than struggle to wash them over the bowl.

Anyone who entertains regularly knows that the bigger the sink the better. Soak, rinse and drip dry while you're cooking and then quickly pack away before guests arrive!

Mounting

Most sinks are available as either top-mount (inset) or under-mount, while newer models are mounted flush with the countertop.

While inset sinks are the easiest to install and the most affordable, under-mount sinks give you the flexibility to mix and match different bowls to create your own sink configuration.

A top-mount or inset sink is installed on top of the countertop, into a cutout, and then sealed around the edge where the sink lip meets the countertop.

Materials

- Stainless steel sink

A stainless steel sink is a kitchen staple when it comes to sinks. Everybody knows that stainless steel is hygienic, stain resistant and looks good for a long time. Plus, a stainless steel sink complements a wide variety of kitchen design styles.

Costing in the region of R700 for a single basin, up to R2500 for a triple basin, a basic stainless steel sink is the most affordable option for a kitchen renovation. And with the variety of styles to choose from, you can match your new sink to the style of the kitchen.

But if you're looking for something more contemporary than a basic stainless steel sink - expect to pay R6000 upwards. Designer sinks by Franke and Teka don't come cheap, but neither does high quality and good looks. Any investment made in a kitchen renovation is well worth the cost at the end of the day.

- Composite materials

Fraganite is the next generation of composite material, and one that addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor. Fraganite is scratch-proof, heat-proof and colour-proof.

Composite materials allows the homeowner to introduce colour (graphite) and texture into a kitchen, as opposed to settling for stainless steel.

Ceramic and Porcelain

Belfast and Butler sinks are always a favourite in cottage or country kitchens and these days you can select the material of choice for a butler sink, with manufacture in composite material, ceramic or porcelain. Prices for a butler sink range from R1500 for a single bowl, up to R9000 for an imported double bowl butler sink.

With their deep bowl, Belfast sinks are a popular choice for hardworking kitchens, while Butler sinks are not quite as deep but just as hardwearing and durable. Even a single bowl has plenty of space for the chef who regularly washes larger items. The only downside to a Belfast or Butler sink is that they are sold separately, which means you need two sinks if you need to wash and rinse.