How to choose metal sinks?
When buying or changing a sink, each owner wants it to last as long as possible and at the same time perfectly fit into the interior of the bathroom or kitchen. Now, many people prefer metal shells, but their range is so diverse that it’s not so easy to choose which one is better.
Special features
The metal sink differs from the competitors in durability and durability. It is able to serve its owner for many years without losing its visual appeal.
Chrome-plated metal fits perfectly in any interior. Such a sink will look good in a modern kitchen and in a room styled as a classic.
Additionally, it is worth noting that in some cases the metal is also covered with a protective layer of enamel. This is done in order to increase the strength of the material.
Advantages and disadvantages
Metal sinks have many advantages compared to others made from alternative materials. They are inexpensive, in addition, they are reliable and durable. They are not subject to corrosion and mechanical damage, they retain an attractive appearance for a long time, and at the same time do not require special care - a simple detergent or cleaning agent is enough to clean them.
In the metal sink, you can safely wash dishes with hot water, do not be afraid to pour boiling water into it. Such a sink is not afraid of temperature changes. In addition, there is a wide variety of shapes and sizes of sinks. This allows you to choose the right sink for any apartment or house.
However, metal shells have their drawbacks. First of all, this is a weak sound absorption, but in order that the noises are not very harsh and unpleasant, you can paste over the bottom of the sink with material that will absorb sounds. Cork or bubble wrap is suitable for this.
In addition, metal sinks have high electrical conductivity. Many housewives complain that during washing dishes they are shocked. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to ground the shell. Also help and rearrangement of the refrigerator or other electrical appliances away from washing.
Kinds
Washbasins, above all, are divided into solid and welded.
- Solid sinks do not have seams, because they are made of solid metal sheet. If earlier the depth of such a washbasin was 15 cm, now it can go up to 25 cm. They are manufactured on an industrial scale, but the technical characteristics do not suffer from this.
- Welded shells much better whole. And the basis of the sink, and the bowl itself are made separately, and then simply connected. This allows you to make shells of different shapes and sizes. The only drawback can be poor-quality seams.
Also, depending on which sink the host chooses, it can be attached in various ways.
According to the methods of fastening sinks are also divided into several types.
- Washbasins Mounted directly on the bollards, if they do not have the top.Usually they are installed under the wall cabinets in which dishes are stored.
- Mortise models used for ordinary headsets, where there is only a tabletop. To install the sink, you need to cut a hole in the tabletop and carefully insert it there. You can also add all the seals so that the water does not find the course under the table.
- Suspended or console washbasins are fixed on the wall with a special mount. They take up wall models of little space, besides they fit well into the interior of any room.
Dimensions
Kitchen sinks can be both round and oval. They are also rectangular or square. Their shape is selected in accordance with the kitchen. Despite the fact that round washbasins take up a lot of space, they have a small volume. The most common are sinks of 500x400x200 millimeters.
To make it convenient to wash dishes, you can choose a sink with dimensions of 500x600x350 millimeters. In this case, a lot of dishes will fit in the sink, and during washing it will not splash water. But if the room is small, then it will be enough to buy a sink with a size of 400x400 millimeters.This sink is enough for a small bathroom or toilet.
Materials
The concept of "metal sink" is quite extensive. Such sinks are made from different materials - products can be both aluminum, and made of stainless steel, and cast iron. Here are examples of the most frequently used materials and features of each of them.
- Black steel This material was used in the times of the Soviet Union. Then all the shells had a white enamel coating, but the enamel not only served as a decor, but also protected the metal from water. In addition, enamel coating facilitates the process of cleaning the working surface. Now, despite the low price, sinks from this material are practically ousted from the market.
- Cast iron. Products from this material have a higher resistance to corrosion than steel, but the cast iron is very fragile. Enamel coated cast iron sinks are very rare and expensive. Especially prized are stylish, hand-decorated car washes. Over time, such a sink will become expensive antiques.
- Copper. When choosing a copper sink, it is imperative to see which sheet was used to make it, since thin material can create a lot of noise.Copper products have many advantages - this is both a long service life and corrosion resistance, but over time a patina appears on the surface. However, even this is not terrible, since such pollution can be easily removed with a special cleaning agent. Often, in order to make products cheaper, they are not made entirely of copper sheet, but only covered with copper dust. When buying, it is worth considering that when the sputtering leaves iron, the material will quickly be destroyed, which means you will have to buy a new model. So it is better not to save, but immediately take a good sink.
- Stainless steel. One of the most common materials for creating sinks is stainless steel. Products made of it are in great demand because they have a long service life and, among other things, are very practical in everyday life. The stainless steel iron sink looks stylish and may have an unusual design.
Design
To date, manufacturers are seeking to create models of sinks that can impress the buyer. Now you can buy sinks with both matte and shiny surface.There are different ways of finishing - the products can be decorated with colored painting or inlays of natural stone.
It is also important how easily the sink fits into the design of the room. Most often, metal sinks are used in kitchens and bathrooms. For kitchens, as a rule, large sinks are selected. The shape can be square or round. In some cases, the model complements the rotary console. But the color and method of decoration usually do not play any role - the main thing is that the sink should be practical and easy to clean.
For the bathroom, you can pick up something more original, for example, a sink in the form of a barrel or a washstand with legs. Also in the bathrooms often use artificially aged sinks. They are great for retro style.
In general, it can be noted that regardless of the style of the bathroom, you can always choose the sink that will become the highlight of the interior.
How to pick up?
Choosing a sink, you need to decide where it will be put: in the kitchen or in the bathroom. It is also important to consider what is the area of the room and where the selected plumbing will be placed.
Many buyers still doubt whether to choose an imported car wash or still support a domestic manufacturer. Now it is not so important, because today, domestic manufacturers are trying to make products very high quality. Therefore, you can even buy a sink from local manufacturers, and at the same time they will be much cheaper than imported ones. So you should focus on choosing a sink for the right room.
For bathroom
Choosing a bathroom sink, you can turn your attention to the washbasin, cast iron and made in the form of a small table. Pleasantly pleased not only with the beautiful appearance, but also with the great strength and durability of such a product. Plus, on such a washbasin, you can store accessories for personal care.
However, one of the most common and affordable materials used to make bathroom sinks is still stainless steel. She is not only not afraid of moisture, but is also resistant to chemicals.
To install the washbasin in the bathroom very often use a stand,and the surface of the sink is polished to a shine or covered with a pattern depending on the style of the room. Such a sink is well washed even without detergents.
For kitchen
When choosing a sink for the kitchen, you must remember that it is designed for more active use than it could be in the bathroom, so the quality of the product should be very high. However, if you use strong chemicals, then such washes will quickly lose their visual appeal.
Many housewives do not have dishwashers, so they wash dishes with their hands. For this reason, the workspace should be comfortable and appealing. Often kitchen sinks have a special place for drying dishes, which is very good, because then it does not need to be transferred to the table. You can also attach a shelf above the sink to put there already dry dishes.
As for the material, for kitchens you should choose chrome-plated metal sinks. Since the steel sinks contain nickel and chrome, they are resistant to temperature extremes and chemicals. Such sinks are perfectly washed and do not lose their attractiveness for a long time.
Useful recommendations
Before buying a selected model, you should make sure that it is made of good alloy. To do this, you should attach a regular magnet to it - if it does not stick on the sink, it means that it is made of high-quality material.
When buying a sink, you also need to determine how many sections it will have and whether it will take a place to dry the dishes.
Be sure to see if there is a filter and strainer available. If there are none, you should buy them separately. You also need to pay attention to where the mixer will be placed. If it is a kitchen sink, you need to pay special attention to the size of the bowl. The deeper it is, the less water will be sprayed, in addition, it will be possible to more quickly cope with washing large quantities of dishes.
You should definitely choose a sink for the interior of the room, as well as taking into account the taste preferences of the inhabitants of the apartment.
On how to choose the right sink for the kitchen, see the following video.