A minimal need both in the kitchen and the bathroom – a bowl shaped fixture fitted
with a tap where you can wash hands and small objects- a sink. Human creativity
has taken this simple need and added several embellishments to make myriad options
available to fulfill this basic need. Innovative designs that please the eye while
fulfilling a basic need have been incorporated to churn out a huge selection 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 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 taking needs into account. Some
kitchens may need deep sinks and some bathrooms might have space for just a small
one.
The material used for the sink may also be decided upon based on the usage it will
be subjected to.
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.
While choosing a kitchen sink you may choose the number of faucets you want and
accordingly decide the shape of the sink to hold those faucets. Differing needs
dictate the need for two or more faucets.
The other important structural feature to be considered is the drain outlet. The
function of the drain is to basically channel out used water. 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 the fancies of
the discerning consumer.
Factors to consider before choosing a sink
Factors to consider for choice of material for your sink
Most contemporary kitchen sinks are made of
stainless steel. The other materials that kitchen sinks are also
made of are
porcelain or enamel over cast iron, granite and composite stone,
and fireclay. The popularity of stainless steel is due to its durability and
resulting cost effectiveness and the 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 is also
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 have a stain
resistant surface.
Copper sinks are also used in both kitchens and bathrooms. Several
manufacturers also offer
plastic sinks. These are inexpensive and prone to damage by contact
with heat. Plastic sinks are not suitable for kitchens but may be used in bathrooms.
Accessories and inbuilt features in kitchen sinks
Once the material for the sink is decided you can turn your attention to other features
like number of bowls, size, 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 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 also be a part of the kitchen sink unit.
Price ranges
Kitchen Sinks
Unbranded stainless steel sinks measuring 13" x 15" would cost in the range of $40 and upwards.
Manufacturers like Blanco, Kindred and Kohler have single bowl stainless steel sinks
in the $120- $250 price range. Sinks made of other materials are also available
in this price range. Slightly big stainless steel sinks and sinks made of other
materials from any top manufacturer will cost a minimum of $200 for a basic sink.
Addition of accessories like cutting boards, pop-up waste baskets, etc will make
a difference to the price. Stainless steel double bowl sinks from a reputed
manufacturer will cost $300 and more. Bowls will 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
Where the low end of the spectrum can fetch you a pedestal sink for your bathroom
for around $100, the choice that opens up as the prices increase, offer the customer
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
right from $200 for basic pieces to $5000 for custom made 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 are the other option for countertop
mounting and are available in the price range of $500- $1000. Sinks made of copper
are also becoming popular on the design scene. These sinks can be purchased in the
$400- $800 price range. 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 also sport
specially treated wooden sinks. These sinks can cost a minimum of $500 and can go
up to $5000 for custom made sinks.
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 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. 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
sinks made out of stone 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.
Cooper 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 the shine constantly. Copper has a unique
anti bacterial quality and is thus considered to be a more sanitary choice.
Plastic sinks are easy to maintain, but the surface gets worn with increased usage.
Certain substances may leave hard to remove stains on plastic.
Top Manufacturers