Kitchen Systems as Design Elements: Water, Sinks and Faucets
The sink is the central point of many kitchens. It serves as a water source, a clean-up area, and, with a disposal, a waste removal site. It is connected to hot and cold water lines, drains and vents, dishwashers, disposals and other appliances requiring a flow of water. Sinks are made of metal, ceramic, manmade resins, stone and glass. In general, sinks perform a very basic function but they can become complex tools in their own right.
In considering a sink or sinks you have numerous options. Start with use. If you make regular use of a dishwasher for most of your clean-up you may only require a single well sink equipped with a sprayer for rinsing off waste and washing large pans. If you do a lot of dishes by hand a large double or triple sink with an attached drain board will make this task much easier. Serious cooks with a large battery of commercial cookware may want a deeper sink with a powerful commercial sprayer. However, these deep sinks are hard on the back and commercial pressure sprayers seldom keep their spray confined to the sink area, often necessitating a commercial tile floor with built-in drains for clean-up.
In larger kitchens or kitchens with a well defined separate area for entertaining or a specialized function like baking, you should consider a second, smaller sink. These single well ‘bar’ type sinks can save a lot of travel for uses like making drinks or rinsing utensils used during food preparation.
Kitchen Sink Materials
The material the sink is made of is the next consideration. Stainless sinks are cost effective and easily cleaned. Buy a better quality sink for its higher quality metal alloys, thickness and noise insulation, all factors that make a big difference in daily use. Glazed cast iron is another common choice chosen for the deep durable colors available and the heavy, smooth weight that means a quiet, lifetime sink. They can scratch and should be cared for with non- abrasive cleaners.
Ceramic sinks are making a comeback, both as a surface over iron and as solid material sinks. Popular in Great Britain and New England, large ceramic farm sinks that form their own section of counter are a popular retro look harking back to the forties. They often come with wooden drain boards made of a naturally water resistant wood such as mahogany or maple. Be forewarned that any wood exposed to water will eventually discolor and lose its finish. For some this results in a desirable patina, for others an unappealing used look.
Recently we’ve seen breakthroughs in sinks made of man-made materials including composites containing minerals, resin sinks cast in high-tech plastics and other stone-like materials. These sinks can be an integral part of a counter made of the same material resulting in a seamless look that is easy to maintain. Stains can be sanded out, although some of these materials can burn or be etched by acidic materials.
Kitchen Sink Mounting Options
Sink mounting offers a few options, chiefly surface-mount and under counter mount. Surface mount sinks incorporate a molded in lip the goes over the counter as the sink is dropped in from the top. They require careful installation and caulking to keep water from running under the sink and de-laminating or damaging the counter underlayment.
Under-mount sinks are a recent innovation offering a streamlined appearance and the advantage of allowing water to run off a counter into the sink. Because the counter edge is potentially exposed to water, solid counter materials are a necessity for under-counter sink mounting. Also because these sinks must be mounted to the counter surface before the counters are installed, replacing them may mean removing and/or replacing the counter.
The large ‘farm’ style ceramic sinks mount on top of the cabinetry and require considerable support because of their great weight, often hundreds of pounds. Other sinks are available made of exotic materials including nickel plate, gold plate, stone, glass and other unusual materials. Carefully consider the expense, care and cost of installation before choosing the more exotic materials.
Non-Traditional Sinks
Want a waterfall in your kitchen? How about a sinuous bar sink you can fill with ice and display white wine or champagne in a river-like environment? Sinks are major design elements these days and the range of non-traditional sinks is quite amazing. If you’re looking for a fun or creative water feature for your entertainment area be sure to check out the major sink manufacturer sites for the latest options.
Faucets and Sink Accessories
You have a wide range of choices for faucets and sink accessories. Consider a sprayer a necessity if you use a dishwasher. Faucets are something you use daily with several moving parts. For this reason, you should spend the money to buy a very high quality faucet even if you’re on a restricted budget. This is not the place to cut corners because you’ll end up paying again and again for breakdowns and leaks. A handsome, well-functioning faucet is one of those vital details that can lift a basic budget kitchen up into the realm of a better kitchen. It is something everyone uses and appreciates daily.
Other sink accessories are appearing everyday. Soap dispensers, sponge holders, filtered water dispensers, on-demand hot and chilled water options and other accessories are designed to fit into the pre-punched holes in m any sinks. Be sure to consider the appeal of these before you choose a sink or start knocking out the punched knock-outs on your new sink!
The water and drainage systems in your kitchens are not just there for the sink. Dishwashers and ice makers require dedicated water lines as do some of the more elaborate espresso machines coming on the market. It’s common to install on-demand hot and cold water sources for cooking and drinks, water conditioners for hard water and purifiers for removing chemicals. All of these appliances require both water sources and drainage.
