Kitchen Sink
Not all kitchen sinks are created equal. You may think that a sink is a sink
is a sink. Well, that's just not the case. The kitchen sink you choose could greatly
affect the way you cook, how much your family interacts while cooking, and,
ultimately, the taste of your food.
First of all, in order to get the most out of your sink, you will need to find the proper material. There is no single best material to build a sink with. Each person and kitchen environment has different needs.
Stainless Steel: Tradition Rules
Today, stainless steel is by far the most popular sink material. As of now stainless steel sinks occupy 57% of the American market. Not only is stainless steel durable, but it is also the most cost-effective option for your kitchen.
Most models will not cost more than $100. However, you should keep the following in mind.
The thickness and the gauge of steel will have a direct effect on how long your
sink lasts. Sound deadening is also a factor, as nobody wants a loud clangy sink.
Keep in mind dent resistance. While this usually correlates with thickness, you can also buy a spray that will enhance your sinks durability.
The only tricky part about choosing a stainless steel sink is the gauge. The lower the gauge the thicker the sink will be. This may seem counter-intuitive but that’s just the way it is.
Cast Iron: Toughest of the Tough
Cast iron sinks are most often found in old homes that have not been remodeled.
The problem with cast iron sinks is that they are often covered with enamel.
If banged around a lot the enamel can chip off exposing the iron to your kitchen.
Cast iron sinks also do not hold heat very well, so you may find yourself having
to reheat the water more than you would like. However, with that said, these
sinks were designed to last forever, so you might just replace the enamel. If
you do want a cast iron sink, they will usually cost somewhere around $1,000.
A steep price for tradition.
Composite Kitchen Sinks: The New Deal
Composite kitchen sinks are quickly becoming the next most popular sink in
America. Generally there are three different types of composite sinks: polyester/acrylic, quartz composite and granite-based. These are the shiniest kitchen sinks available.
