How to choose a granite sink

The sink in the kitchen is the most useful and indispensable assistant in the household. Every day, it is subjected to a lot of tests: washing dishes, cleaning vegetables and fruits, defrosting products, random blows with metal cutlery, contacts with household chemicals, etc. Not every material will withstand such extreme conditions, therefore, the choice of washing should be approached thoroughly. Granite has always been considered one of the most reliable and durable materials. Traditionally, it was used in the construction of walls, stairs and flooring, then granite countertops appeared, and finally, a granite sink was invented. In this article, we will talk about how to choose a granite sink for its kitchen or bathroom, so that it harmoniously fits into the interior and lasts as long as possible.

Moikka requirements

Before going shopping or considering catalogs of Internet platforms, it is necessary to at least in general terms with the main characteristics of the kitchen sinks and the requirements that they should meet. This is a special plumbing device, which should impeccably perform its functions and at the same time be outwardly attractive throughout the entire life.

Traditionally, a metal sink is installed in the kitchen, porcelain in the bathroom. However, as practice shows, these materials are not so perfect as it might seem at first glance. Porcelain can be painted and darkened over time, dents and traces from potent detergents remain on the metal. But the natural mineral is deprived of these shortcomings, so sinks made of granite crumbs are so popular.

To understand how to choose the ideal option for washing for a kitchen or bathroom, you need to make a clear list of requirements:

1. Spaces - the kitchen sink should be maximum spacious and deep so that there you can not only rinse plates and mugs there, but also wash a large pan, wok or cauldron. However, do not choose a too deep sink, otherwise you will have to constantly bend and strain your back, arms, shoulders. The optimal depth, according to experts, is 180-220 mm. The size determines not only personal desires, but also the size of the kitchen itself. So, for a small room, a small sink for 1 bowl is suitable, and for a spacious kitchen you can choose the corresponding model for 2-3 bowls. They can be located along one line or at an angle. The corner granite sink will allow you to use more useful area and save space.
2. The temperature resistance - the sink material should withstand sharp temperature changes, for example, if you were leaked hot water and immediately turned on the cold.
3. Punish resistance - various small troubles often occur in the kitchen: cutlery falls, dishes break, slide out of wet hands of the pans, etc. That is why special attention should be paid to the ability of the sink to withstand mechanical influences. The granite itself is characterized by high strength, but this applies only to natural stone. If you need a cheaper option, you can see porcelain products with anti -jacket properties, for example, granite Longran sinks.
4. Chemical resistance - the washing should always be clean, and household chemicals help to maintain cleanliness. With regular processing, the surface should maintain its structure and initial appearance.
5. From here the following requirement follows - simple care. Since the sink is recommended to be cleaned after each use, it should not be polluted quickly, so that you only have a pair of movements with a rag.
6. The sink design determines the interior of the kitchen, so you should choose plumbing after you have completed the repair. In this case, it is necessary to take into account not only the color characteristics, but also the geometry of the product and its material. Fortunately, granite sinks are suitable for almost any style and are presented in a wide assortment.
7. Cost - the price of a granite sink even with the most uncomplicated design, as a rule, is higher than that of porcelain or metal products, but this just indicates reliability, durability and quality again. If you are offered a product from natural granite at a “funny” price, most likely they try to deceive you.

Useful advice: choosing a sink, in advance, decide on the type of mixer. It is best to order all components from one manufacturer so that they are combined in style. The installation of a new sink in the kitchen makes it possible to install a grain of food waste. This device has long been used in the West, but in our latitudes it is still new. Meanwhile, this little thing is able to greatly simplify the housekeeping and reduce the amount of household garbage several times - all skins from vegetables, skills and organic garbage will not go into a bucket, but grind and wash off into the sewer.

The shape of the granite sink

Kitchen granite shells can have completely different shapes. Traditional rectangular or square products are cheaper than others, it is easier to install and choose in accordance with the kitchen set. Round granite sinks are also popular, but sometimes in stores you can find products of the most bizarre shapes.

Choosing the shape of a future sink should be based on considerations of comfortable use and practicality. For example, round and oval sinks often turn out to be more spacious than rectangular and triangular. By the way, the water with such a container goes into the drain much faster, since the corners do not interfere with it.

Convenient and functional kitchen sink should have at least two bowls. Of course, in many cases, the quadrature of the kitchen does not allow to “walk around”, and you have to limit yourself to a small capacity of 1 bowl. However, if possible, do not hesitate and choose a sink of 2 or even 3 bowls. Thus, you can simultaneously deal with several business, for example, defrost products in one bowl, wash the dishes in another, and other family members will be able to use the third, helping to prepare lunch. Of course, it is easier and faster to wash a single -core washing, but its functionality is very limited.

Installation of a granite sink

Depending on the shape and configuration of products, several ways to install them are distinguished. Moikas can be metal or overhead. The first, as you can guess from the name, “crashed” into the countertop, installing them in a pre -made hole. Usually this installation is carried out for monolithic long countertops. The mount can be carried out at different levels: under the countertop, just above its surface or flush with it. The technical features of the model, the material of the countertop and your personal preferences affect the choice of the location.

As for the overhead sinks, they are simply applied to the corresponding furniture, like a lid. As a base, special floor cabinets are used, which replace the countertops, as in the previous case. This installation method is more suitable for composite kitchen sets composed of individual modular cabinets.

Review of manufacturers

Before proceeding to the direct review of the most popular manufacturers of sinks, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with one classification that will facilitate the choice.

So, all the sinks can be divided into 4 types according to the material from which they are made:

1. Natural stone - products made of natural granite, onyx or marble, covered with protective transparent materials, extending the life and facilitating care. Due to the high cost of the initial mineral raw materials and the difficulty of processing its price of natural granite sinks, it may seem very high, but they are justified by impeccable quality and almost endless service life. These are exclusive products with a unique surface pattern that can be safely ranked for luxury objects.
   
2. Porcelain stoneware - this material has become widely known, thanks to the mass production of Italian floor and wall tiles. Porcelain stoneware is remarkable in that it consists only of natural components: quartz sand and clay, and various metal oxides give it color. The mixture is subjected to high -temperature processing, as a result of which it is baked and becomes incredibly strong.
   
3. Artificial stone - usually such sinks are called acrylic, composite or made of cast marble. Most of the composition of the material falls on mineral natural fillers, acrylic resins serve as a binder, the color is given by coloring pigments. The artificial stone is as strong and durable as the natural stone, but at the same time it weighs less and is cheaper than it deserves its popularity.
   
4. Stone agglomerate - such products are the result of a successful combination of characteristics of natural and synthetic materials. The agglomerate contains from 70 to 95% of natural stone crumbs (marble, quartz or granite), and polymer resins were used as a binder. The cheaper are the marble agglomerate sinks, however, granite and quartz are distinguished by impeccable operational characteristics.
   

Popular manufacturers:

1. Polygrane-M and Granfest-leading companies manufacturers of composite sinks in the domestic market. They deserved popularity, thanks to the production of models of the budget and middle price category. The assortment also has exclusive models of integrated sinks for any interior. The most inexpensive granite Granfest sinks cost about 3 thousand rubles, which is quite comparable with metal products of the middle price class.
   
2. Omoikiri is a Japanese company offering stylish sinks made of natural stone. A distinctive feature is sophisticated design and unsurpassed product quality. The most inexpensive granite sink Omoikiri will cost 1 thousand euros, but together with a unique luxury item, the buyer receives 15 years of warranty and free maintenance of the company.
   
3. Blanco is one of the largest manufacturers of sinks made of stone agglomerate. The German granite sinks of Blanko are made of a special material called Sillytort, consisting of 80% of small granite crumbs. The rest of the share falls on ceramic balls, binding polymers, pigments and special dirt -repellent components. The price of granite washing Blanco will start from 9-10 thousand rubles. The products are notable not only with strength and durability, but also a well -thought -out system of accessories and technical innovations, for example, autosliva.
   
4. Franke is another German manufacturer on our list. Granite sinks of Franca are made of specially designed and patented phrasing material, which includes high -quality components that provide maximum strength and reliability of the structure. It is worthwhile to separately note the use of the special technology of the pigmentation of the granite itself, while other manufacturers do not stain crumbs, but a binding polymer substance. As a result, the granite Franke sinks are stable and color saturated. The video below clearly demonstrated the high stability of granite sinks Franca to the effects of household chemicals and various coloring products (sauces, coffee, wine, etc.).
   
5. Plados is an Italian company for the production of sinks from composite and agglomerate. The peculiarity of the products is that in the process of production a powerful antibacterial component of triclosan is added to the composition.
   
6. Schock is another German manufacturer, whose agglomerate sinks are in great demand in the domestic and world market. As in the case of Plados products, popularity is explained by the use of Pro Clean in the strongest antibacterial component. In addition, Schock granite sinks are treated with special substances that guarantee the stability of the material to the effects of coloring and chemicals.
   
7. Weissgauff is a German manufacturer of agglomerate plumbing products. He earned popularity with impeccable quality of products and loyal pricing policy - sink prices start from 5 thousand rubles.
   
8. Elleci - Italian sinks that appeared on the Russian market relatively recently, but immediately attracted attention. Materials used for production are treated with antibacterial and strengthening compounds, as a result of which the product is durable and safe for health. When staining, ceramicization technology is used, which significantly increases the resistance of the ground to the heat exposure. In addition, a metal baby is added to the composition, giving attractive shine and individual style.
   
9. Longran is a British manufacturer of porcelain sinks of the middle and high price class. A special manufacturing technology creates a compacted outer layer resistant to any mechanical damage, including scratches, chips and shocks. It is also impossible not to note the sophistication and characteristic severity of the English granite sinks of Longgran.
   
10. Marmorin is a Polish manufacturer of inexpensive and stylish sinks and shells. Products with antibacterial “silver” coating from BioCote, preventing the development of bacteria, mold and fungus. The gramorin granite sinks are distinguished by the sophisticated style, equipped with secret drain holes and are very convenient to use, which has earned popularity throughout Europe.
    
11. Teka - completes the "parade" of the best manufacturers by another German company. A distinctive feature of the granite sinks of the Tek is the use of quartzite - the hardest component of natural granite. As a result, products boast of extraordinary strength and durability. It is also convenient that in accordance with the model series for each sink, you can choose stylish accessories and accessories.

The choice of a granite sink for the kitchen should be approached with all the thoroughness, so that after a couple of years you will not ask again the same question. A quality product will last you at least a decade and during this time it will fully pay off its value.