Usually the choice has to be made from these two proposals, if you do not take into account natural stone. The latter is relatively rarely used for the production of utilitarian household items, since it is an expensive and rather fragile material.
Stainless steel is the most common option, but sinks made of stainless steel compete successfully with it. artificial stone. Products made from it are somewhat more expensive, but this is the case when the price is completely justified. They are almost eternal, and their excellent design makes the kitchen interior especially interesting, even elegant.
Stainless steel sinks: pros and cons
The advantages of steel sinks include their low cost and relative strength. They go well with metal faucets, although the latter are increasingly made from ceramics. In addition to the price, other positive properties can be noted:
- Resistance to aggressive household liquids, acids;
- Easy to clean - they do not absorb dirt and do not stain;
- They can withstand high temperatures (they are not afraid of a hot frying pan).
However, the quality greatly depends on the manufacturer, namely on the composition and thickness of the metal. If the sheet is thin (less than 0.8 mm), then it will sag under heavy dishes and dents will form on it. It is difficult to fix the mixer on such a panel. The stream of water that is turned on makes a fair amount of noise; over time, the shiny surface becomes dull, and it is impossible to return it to its original appearance. When choosing which sink is better, stainless steel or granite, you need to remember: steel products famous brands They are quite expensive.
- A square steel sink is a familiar attribute of the kitchen.
A significant drawback of stainless steel sinks is monotony. The only thing that changes is their shape: rectangular, round, square. About the color palette and decorative possibilities there is no need to talk here.
Artificial stone sinks, which are better?
To understand this, you need to imagine the technology of their manufacture. But first, let us note that artificial stone is composite material, 80–90% consisting of sand and natural rock fragments. The binding mass is represented by acrylic resins with the addition of coloring pigments.
Manufacturing technology for “stone” sinks
The composite is obtained by mixing fine granite, quartz or marble sand with reagents that bind acrylic resins. The resulting mass is pressed and air bubbles are “squeezed” out of it. Different manufacturers add special components to it, trying to create a unique product.
For example, additives with silver ions give the material antibacterial properties, while hydrophobic impurities give the material a “dirt-repellent” effect. Everyone has their own “know-how”, which is kept secret. There are two main technologies for the production of sinks.
- Cast products. The molten mass is poured into special molds, and they are coated with a special alloy - gelcoat, which forms a smooth, shiny surface. Such two-layer sinks are sometimes called “glued”, in contrast to a pure monolith. In the latter case, it has a homogeneous composition, and the surface is ground and polished.
- Bent forms. A “stone sheet” heated to a certain temperature is placed into the matrix, repeating its shape until a thin flat edge is created for connection with the surface of the cabinet.
2. Composite material with pink marble effect.
According to the physical and mechanical parameters of products manufactured different ways, differ little. To a large extent, the differences are due to the mineral composition of the filler and special additives. That's why frequently asked question: which sink is better, granite or artificial stone - is not entirely correct. If granite chips are used in the mixture, then artificial granite is obtained, otherwise it will be “cast marble” or “quartz sink”.
3. If you order the sink and countertop from the same material, they will look like one whole, with virtually no visible seams.
Advantages of artificial stone products
Composite material based on natural stone chips has unique properties, and at the same time significantly cheaper than natural analogues.
- Thanks to its dense texture, it is free of pores and cracks, absolutely hygienic, and does not absorb dirt and grease.
- The product can be given any design shape: oval, shell, or painted in an interesting shade.
- Durable surface holds polish for a long time, preserves beautiful view, easy to clean.
- Rare scratches can be sanded and polished, eliminating the damage without leaving a trace.
- Simple installation of the sink and adjustment to the countertop without gaps; no cracks form in them when drilling.
Despite their excellent consumer qualities, sinks made of artificial stone are also beautiful, varied in shape and color. It is not surprising that their popularity is growing every day. They decorate the kitchen, acting as a full-fledged design element.
4. White “marble” countertop combined with a red quartz sink.
Which sink is better: marble, granite or quartz?
The answer is simple: all composites that imitate the listed natural rocks have good physical and mechanical properties and meet the requirements for household items. The choice is more a matter of taste and design. And yet, a sink made of marble or granite, which is better? What are the differences?
- Marble is a rock formed from limestone. It consists almost entirely of calcium, and a small admixture of iron (and other) oxides gives it a characteristic pink, creamy, greenish tint. Marble products are matte, with a warm surface, plastic. It absorbs dyes quite easily, so it is advisable to cover them with a protective layer.
- Granite is an igneous rock, much harder and stronger than marble. 55–65% of it is composed of quartz, the rest is feldspars and other minerals. This explains its “variegated” texture and variety of colors. It is more difficult to polish, the surface remains a little rough - it is perhaps most similar to “stone”.
- Quartz is a hard, brittle mineral that, when melted and fired, takes on a shiny, glassy appearance (the main component of glass). Polymer resins give the quartz sand-dominated material the necessary impact resistance.
The speckled pattern of granite is practical; streaks and stains are not visible on it. minor defects. Marble requires more careful handling and is more often used in classic-type interiors. Quartz sinks are not afraid of high temperatures, but not everyone likes their cold “glass” appearance.
5. The countertop and sink look like polished granite.
6. Stylish sink made of a composite with a predominance of quartz.
What to look for when choosing?
In an effort to overtake competitors, manufacturers are constantly improving the composition and design of their products. Therefore, when choosing a sink for the kitchen, you need to carefully read the instructions included with it. It is worth paying attention to the following characteristics.
- The content of mineral chips should not be lower than 80%. Large quantity resins will reduce heat resistance and strength.
- The composition of the stone filler - the more quartz, the better the abrasion resistance. But at the same time, fragility will also increase: granite sand is optimal in this regard.
- Temperature range - this indicator varies widely, from 200 to 500 degrees (in any case, you should not put pans in the sink directly from the stove).
- Antibacterial and dirt-repellent additives - they improve the quality of the material, facilitate maintenance and extend the service life of the product.
- There are sinks on sale without a cut-out hole for the faucet; this can be useful, since the wing can be turned in any direction.
The problem is which sink to choose, and what is better, artificial marble or granite, is decided depending on how actively it is used. The choice is also influenced by the style of interior design, and when it is installed: during overhaul, or the old sink is being replaced without the intention of radically changing the furniture and appearance of the room. One thing is good: there are many offers, and you can find an option that suits the price and quality.
Modern housewives increasingly prefer to choose quartz sinks for the kitchen; metal options are losing their popularity. The artificial stone sink has a pleasant appearance, is easy to clean and pleasant to the touch. Also, during operation there is no unpleasant pressing noise or rumble.
The product has a high level of strength. Dye is used to give a special color. A quartz sink must be covered with gelcoat. This is a special material that performs a protective function. Thanks to this layer, the surface of the product becomes more resistant to mechanical stress, and the level of durability of the sink increases.
It is easy to use, the protective layer fills the pores in the stone, which makes the surface of the product smooth and pleasant to the touch. Due to its smoothness, the product is easy to wash, and the protective layer prevents plaque. A quartz sink with a gel coat is durable and retains its original characteristics for a long period of time.
Sink characteristics
When choosing a sink for your kitchen, you need to take into account all the pros and cons of the product.
This sink has a number of positive characteristics:
- Easy to care for;
- Resistance to mechanical damage and temperature changes, with the exception of products with a glossy surface, scratches may appear on it;
- Attractive appearance, suitable for any type of interior;
- Durability work surface thanks to the protective layer, the service life is at least ten years; with careful care of the product, it increases several times;
- Safety, product manufacturing technology prevents the formation of harmful bacteria on the surface of the sink. Quartz kitchen sinks are made from natural material, so they do not emit harmful substances during operation;
- High level of strength;
- Easy to repair; if a scratch appears on the surface, it can be sanded using sandpaper. The chipped part of the product is glued with a special acrylic glue.
During operation, the housewives noted the following disadvantages:
- The surface cannot withstand too sharp temperature changes; you need to be careful with the sink. It is not advisable to place a saucepan or frying pan in it that has just been removed from the heat. This can damage the surface; as a rule, a mark remains that is subsequently not washed off;
- Objects that are too heavy can damage the integrity of the product; given the level of strength of the product, it can only be broken if thrown at it cast iron frying pan from a height or with great force. When choosing a sink, you need to pay attention to the quality of the product - this affects its strength;
- The appearance can be spoiled by the active use of abrasives and metal scrapers. A quartz sink does not require much effort to maintain during operation. There is no rust or unpleasant marks on the surface, so when correct use product, you just need to wipe the surface of the product with a soft cloth;
- The main drawback is the price, but a sink of this type will please its owners for a long time without losing its appearance or performance characteristics. Therefore, it can be noted that the price of the product justifies itself.
According to reviews from owners of such sinks, there are significantly more advantages. Housewives are pleased that there is no extra noise during the dishwashing process. The stone softens the fall of drops, muffling the sound, and the level of rattling of dishes is significantly lower than when using metal version products.
Varieties and design
Modern technologies allow you to make a stone product of any shape. They are mainly made cast, which increases the strength and reliability of the sink.
The choice of sink depends entirely on the buyer; there are many models on the market that differ in their shape, functionality and colors. This allows the consumer to easily choose a washing option that strictly matches the interior of the kitchen area.
The assortment is quite rich. When choosing a product, you should consider its functionality. For example, a deep sink allows you to protect the surrounding surface from a large amount of splashes. By purchasing a rectangular version, you can be sure that it will fit perfectly into the interior and give it rigor.
However, the maintenance process is a little more complicated because dirt can accumulate in the corners, which is difficult to clean. Unlike a rectangular sink, a round sink can simply be washed without the presence of hard to reach places. But it may not fit the strict style of the interior.
The product also differs in the number of bowls. The option with two bowls is quickly gaining the favor of buyers. When purchasing such a model, you should remember that it is better to replace the faucet with a pull-out version - this will greatly facilitate the use of a double sink.
This model is made in a simple style and does not fit any design; thanks to its functionality, it is becoming more and more popular among buyers.
Sinks made of artificial stone are very diverse. Manufacturers have achieved success in their production, so among the usual classic color schemes you can find unusual options. The surface is also selected strictly from personal preferences.
You can purchase a sink with a glossy or matte effect. The main thing to remember is that the glossy version is more susceptible to scratches on the surface.
Is there a place for quartz in the kitchen?
Many housewives are skeptical about this washing option. Considering the pros and cons of the product, we can conclude that you should not be afraid of the stone. It has a sufficient level of strength. Many people read reviews about a product, and every negative response moves them away from the right choice.
To avoid unpredictable unpleasant moments, you just need to properly care for your artificial stone sink. If all rules and recommendations are followed, the sink will serve its owner for decades.
Installation features
Installing such a sink is no different from other types of sinks. The main thing to remember is that the stone is heavy. Given this feature of the sink, before installation it is necessary to make a template that completely copies the dimensions of the product. It will help during the installation process to correctly measure the dimensions of the required space for the sink.
Using the template eliminates the possibility of damage to the product. If you do not have enough experience with installing sinks, it is better to contact a specialist. This will eliminate possible financial losses.
In general, this process is quite labor-intensive; you should measure the dimensions of the space under the sink very carefully.
Video: several important installation points
Conclusion
Quartz sinks have their pros and cons, but due to the quality of the product, it is gaining popularity among buyers.
Today, a sink is not just a work surface. A well-made product will become a real decoration of the kitchen and give it solidity.
The choice of product depends on the required functionality, design kitchen area and dimensions of the working surface. When using a sink made of artificial stone, the main thing is to remember the features of the sink and properly care for it.
When purchasing, you should pay attention to the cost of the product; if it is significantly lower than that of competitors, then there is a risk of purchasing a counterfeit product. Quartz sink is the choice of true lovers of quality products with for a long time services.
Video: review of quartz sink
Photo examples
Everything about choosing a good sink made of artificial stone: the 5 most common problems, a review of prices and manufacturers than stone better than stainless steel How not to buy a fake, photos of granite sinks in the kitchen interior - here.
5 most common problems with artificial stone sinks
Reading reviews on the Internet, it is easy to find quite a lot of complaints about artificial sinks. Having surveyed the site's readers, we have collected the five most popular complaints and concerns, due to which many people prefer the good old, proven stainless steel kitchen sinks.
- “A stone sink will develop stains over time. On a light sink there are dark stains (from coffee, tea, red wine, beets, juice, etc.), on a dark one there are light stains (something hot was accidentally put on).”
- “Due to boiling water, the sink may crack, and hot dishes should not be placed on the surface of the stone.”
- “If you accidentally drop heavy dishes, the sink may break, chip or crack.”
- “Such a sink requires daily care, all you will do is clean it”
- “Artificial stone is not at all like natural stone, it looks like plastic”
Our review will help you figure out which of this is true and which problems can easily be avoided by simply choosing the right sink.
Myths or truth?
If you read about how the bottom of a sink made of artificial stone fell off after boiling water was poured into it, how it cracked when a pan or heavy knife fell into it, how it was left with traces of hot dishes, you were almost certainly talking about an acrylic sink integrated into the countertop , and not about a mortise composite sink made of artificial granite or marble.
Sinks made of artificial granite are stain-resistant. The photo shows a model from Longran. Granite sinks are not afraid of stains (even if they appear, they can be easily cleaned using ordinary detergents and sponges), no hot objects. If a granite or quartz sink is cracked, chipped, or stained, the reason may be a manufacturing defect, or you have come across a fake (read below for how to avoid being scammed).
But the shells from acrylic stone much more capricious and more demanding to care for.
Integrated sinks made of acrylic stone are easy to distinguish from built-in models made of granite The most common cause of problems with acrylic sinks is the choice of cheap, low-quality material (for example, from Chinese manufacturers) and/or a violation of the countertop production technology.
Acrylic stone, which is used for countertops and integrated sinks, is much inferior in strength to artificial granite. But it is much easier to process and sands well. You can easily make a sink of any shape from it, and the border between it and the countertop will be completely invisible.
But despite the fact that the seam is not visible, it is there. And with a strong impact, vibration or sudden temperature change, this seam can “open up”. Especially if the craftsmen who made the countertop cheated, violated technology or used low-quality glue.
If you want a sink without seams that will completely “merge” with the countertop, choose the manufacturer carefully, handle it carefully, and it will faithfully serve you for many years.
The big plus is that surface defects in an acrylic stone sink can be easily removed. Thermal marks from a hot frying pan, small chips, cracks and scratches can be removed by sanding; the seams can be sealed. But for this work it is worth inviting a specialist.
Built-in sinks made of artificial granite cannot be repaired, but problems with them are many times less than with acrylic ones.
When purchasing a sink, be sure to find out the composition of the material and read the manufacturer’s recommendations on how you can and cannot handle it.
5 reasons why a stone kitchen sink is better than stainless steel
- Stone sinks have beautiful colors and textures (you can match them exactly to the color of the countertop) and stylish design, they look nobler than steel and will harmoniously fit into the interior of any kitchen. Especially if it's modern classic, country or Provence.
- Compared to stainless steel, such sinks are absolutely silent - you will not be annoyed by the sound of water or the clanging of cutlery on the steel surface.
- They are deeper than stamped steel sinks.
- Smears and splashes on the surface of the stone are practically invisible, but on metal every drop is visible.
- Pleasant to the touch.
Round sinks made of artificial stone are an excellent option for a small kitchen. 6 more important advantages:
- European-made artificial granite and quartz sinks can withstand temperatures up to 280 degrees, Russian ones - up to 180 degrees. Compare: a baking sheet just out of the oven has a temperature of about 230 degrees.
- A high-quality granite sink is very difficult to break or scratch under normal household conditions.
- There are no pores on the surface of the artificial stone, so dirt and odors are not absorbed into it.
- Major manufacturers offer sinks with a special antibacterial coating - it prevents dangerous microbes from multiplying on the surface. stone surface. Franke has Sanitized®, Schock has Schock-AntiBac®, Longran has Microstop®, etc. Manufacturers claim that antibacterial protection is permanent throughout the entire life of your sink.
- Artificial granite and quartz do not fade over time.
- High-quality composite material is absolutely environmentally friendly and safe.
Model Liverpool LIR1080.515 from Longran, material - Rock artificial granite
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- A significant disadvantage of stone sinks is their high price. On average, a composite sink costs twice as much more expensive model made of stainless steel of a similar configuration.
- An inexpensive composite sink does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature, is more sensitive to boiling water, hot dishes and stains, and owners of a stainless steel sink do not think about it at all.
- There is a higher risk of buying a fake
Is it difficult to maintain a granite kitchen sink?
Any sink requires careful and regular care. It’s just a myth that stainless steel will look perfect on its own.
“A steel sink looks perfect only before the first use,” our reader Anna wrote in her review. — I used to have a stainless steel sink, and it wasn’t cheap, for 13 thousand, but now it’s made of artificial stone. I didn’t notice much difference in care. Both need to be rinsed and wiped dry regularly. All the drops of water were visible on the surface of the stainless steel - I kept spraying it with product and wiping it. And since our water is hard, we had to clean the deposits every week. With artificial stone (I have a sand-beige sink) this is much easier. No problems with stains yet. But I wash it every week - after washing it is like new.”
4 main rules, which will extend the life of any, even the most inexpensive and capricious sink, are very simple:
- start caring for your sink immediately from the moment of purchase, then it will look like new for a long time
- After use, rinse the walls and bottom of the sink well, ideally wipe its surface dry with a napkin
- place pots or baking trays on a special stand made of cork or metal
- Before pouring boiling water into the sink, open the cold water tap.
For other opinions and reviews about artificial stone sinks, see the comments in this article. Share your experience - leave your comment!
Choosing a stone sink in 6 simple steps
Step 1. Decide on a budget
Prices for mortise sinks made of artificial stone Russian manufacturers start at 3,200 rubles for the simplest and most compact model. Sinks with two bowls of domestic production can be found in online stores in Moscow starting from 5,900 rubles. Upper threshold prices for Russian kitchen sinks are on average 7.5-8 thousand rubles.
European prices stone sinks made of artificial granite start from 5.5-6 thousand rubles for products from Polish manufacturers. Models from Blanco, Franke, Schock (all from Germany) cost on average from 11-12 thousand rubles and reach 90-100 thousand rubles for technologically advanced corner sinks complex shape with several bowls. Most imported granite sinks in the mid-price category can be purchased for 12-25 thousand rubles.
Model BLANCO DALAGO 45 from Blanco, material – Silgranit Step 2. Which artificial stone is better?
Artificial stone is a modern composite material consisting of two main components: stone filler (crumbs) and polymer binder resins.
Each manufacturer has its own composition of artificial stone, its own components, its own production technology and, as a rule, a patented name. Blanco has Silgranit, Franke has Fragranit, Schock has Cristalite and Cristadur, Longran has Longstone and Rock, Alveus has Algranit, etc.
How durable the sink will be, how long it will last and whether it will resist stains and hot dishes depends on what kind of stone chips it is made from. There are three options: granite or marble chips and quartz sand.
The higher the proportion of granite, the stronger the artificial stone, easier to maintain and more durable. The ideal composition is 80% granite chips or quartz, 20% acrylic additives. This material is several times stronger than natural granite.
Sinks made of marble chips (so-called cast marble), especially if they contain polyester resins, - less durable. They are more sensitive to temperature changes, mechanical shocks, scratches, and their color may change over time. But they cost significantly less than granite ones.
The standard warranty period for artificial stone sinks is 12 months from the date of purchase. Some mid- and high-price manufacturers have more. For example, Schock has 5 years.
Step 3. What color of stone sink is the most non-staining?
The color palette of stone sinks is very close to natural stone. Therefore, the range is not very wide and is limited to natural colors: dark (shades of anthracite and chocolate), light (white and various shades of beige) and gray. From Russian manufacturers you can find colored stone sinks, for example, pink or light green.
Most stone options are matte, but each collection, as a rule, has at least 1-2 options with a metallic effect.
Most manufacturers offer from 6 to 12 colors. But keep in mind: some sink models are only available in basic 4-6 colors.
If you are concerned about stains, do not choose a plain white or black sink. Most practical option For kitchen sink- artificial stone with speckles (dark to light, light to dark). Any stains and dirt on such a surface will not be noticeable.
Step 4. Choose a shape and size
The options and sizes of artificial stone and stainless steel sinks are not much different. We talked in detail about how to decide on the size of the sink in this article. After reading it, you will learn what the optimal depth of the bowl should be so that your back doesn’t hurt and water doesn’t splash around, and what parameters you need to keep in mind to make using the sink comfortable.
If your kitchen has a dishwasher, you can get by with a small round or square sink without a drain. However, it must be deep enough to rinse a frying pan, large pot, or baking tray.
A good solution for a corner kitchen set— a spacious corner sink with one or two bowls. It can be rounded or trapezoidal in shape and is specially designed for installation in corner floor modules. This sink allows you to effectively use the space in the corner. A suitable size model can be selected even for small kitchen. But such sinks are more expensive than regular ones. Models Russian production will cost an average of 6-9 thousand rubles, foreign - from 14 thousand rubles.
Compact corner sink made of artificial stone with one bowl in a small kitchen Step 5. How many bowls should the sink have?
The number of sections depends on your preferences and the size of your kitchen.
If the kitchen is small, you will almost certainly have to abandon models with 2-3 bowls. It is much more practical to buy a small sink and allocate space for a compact built-in dishwasher 45 cm wide or small tabletop.
The most compact sinks have one round or rectangular bowl without a wing. They are practical and roomy: small size compensates b O The greater depth of the bowl is 19-20 cm. Therefore, they are better suited for small kitchens. If you have a convenient built-in wall cabinet dish dryer, there is no special need for a wing.
A glass board is a convenient accessory that will increase usable area table tops Do you cook a lot and often? If the countertop space allows, do not skimp on convenience - buy a sink with at least two bowls different sizes. In one you will wash dishes, in the other you will use fruits, herbs or defrost meat, berries and other frozen foods. Practical and very hygienic.
Advice:
For a large sink with 2-3 bowls, you should buy a faucet with a pull-out spout - it will be much more convenient to use.
Before choosing a new sink, spend a few days observing what exactly you do in the sink area. How much food do you have to defrost? What quantity of fruits-vegetables-greens and how often do you wash? This will help you choose the optimal size of the additional bowl - not too big, but not too small.
Step 6. Selecting accessories
Modern accessories turn any sink, even a budget one, into an ergonomic washing center and seriously make the housewife’s life easier. Read more about what they are in this article.
The set of accessories for sinks made of artificial stone and stainless steel is not much different. The only specific point is that if you have an inexpensive composite sink, we recommend using a special metal basket for dishes. It will additionally protect the surface of the stone from accidental damage, and if you drop the cup, it will not break. In addition, the basket is convenient for washing vegetables or fruits.
Note!
Some sinks have perfectly smooth, polished walls, and the bottom has a specially soft corrugation, invisible to the eye, but slightly rough to the touch. There is no need to worry - this is not a defect: different surface textures are associated with production features and are quite useful from a practical point of view. Drops of water do not linger on the smooth walls, which means they do not leave marks. On a rough bottom, dishes slip less, and with strong pressure, water splashes less.
Mixer BLANCOTIVO-S from Blanco, material – Silgranit Faucet to match the sink
The ideal companion for a sink and countertop made of artificial stone is a faucet of the same color. But keep in mind: sometimes the color of the faucet and sink may differ from each other by 1-2 tones. Manufacturers do not consider this a defect and explain it by the difference in production technologies: sinks are made solid, and the faucet coating (moisture-resistant powder enamel) is applied by spraying.
By the way, some manufacturers have sinks and mixers certain colors may cost more than others. For others, the cost does not depend on the color.
In a small kitchen there is a built-in dispenser for liquid soap especially convenient - there is nothing superfluous on the tabletop Beware, fake!
When choosing a sink made of artificial stone, it is important not to run into a fake. On construction markets and in dubious shops you can find counterfeit products not only of European brands, but also of relatively inexpensive Russian brands. For example, popular domestic producers“Granfest” and “Polygran”.
“Craftsmen” play on the desire of buyers to buy an expensive sink cheaper, churning out “clones” that are only externally similar to the original, and without complying with the necessary technical conditions. If you buy a fake sink, you will not be able to use the warranty if problems arise. The most common of them are the appearance of cracks, leaking seams, deformation of the bowl or a falling off bottom.
If you hear from a salesperson that “this sink is the same as [ famous brand], from the same factory” or “why overpay for a brand”, it’s better to refrain from purchasing.
Often a fake can be distinguished by poor quality packaging. For example, there is no manufacturer’s logo on the box; it is made of soft cardboard, easily wrinkles and quickly loses its appearance. “Branded” packaging is made of thick, moisture-resistant cardboard. Inside it there are stiffening ribs that fix the sink and reliably protect it from damage. Some manufacturers protect their products with a holographic sticker or a molded raised stamp.
When purchasing, carefully inspect the sink. A fake may have errors in geometry, because of which it will not fit perfectly to the countertop. Another alarm bell is that the price is significantly lower than that of other sellers.
If you have any doubts, do not be lazy to contact the manufacturer (contacts can be found on the official website) or its major dealer. And buy a sink in specialized online stores with a good history, large showrooms or kitchen studios. As a rule, a list of official representatives can always be found on the manufacturer’s website.
Model Bristol BSR790.480 from Longran, material - Rock granite Is it worth buying a kitchen sink?
When ordering a kitchen, a good designer-consultant will always tell you which sink will best suit the chosen set. However, if a salon representative is too insistent in recommending only certain washes, this is a reason to be wary.
As a rule, kitchen showrooms and studios work with a certain, rather narrow, circle of suppliers. There are no guarantees that they are not simply trying to “sell” you stale inventory balances, and even with a decent markup. Write down the model and manufacturer of the sink, read reviews, look for analogues - it is quite possible that you will buy a better quality sink for less in an online plumbing store.
Modern kitchens amaze with their functionality and the number of various innovations designed to help housewives do their daily chores. But the most important thing that any kitchen should have is a sink. This kitchen device is used quite often; we can safely say that without it the room cannot be called a full-fledged kitchen. However, when choosing this piece of equipment for the kitchen, it is important to know what the pros and cons of artificial stone sinks are.
Sinks made of artificial material
Recently, it has become very popular to purchase sinks made of artificial stone. Metal analogues are slowly becoming a thing of the past, and the demand for them is gradually falling. And this is not surprising, because many consumers are attracted by the pleasant appearance of the equipment. Judging by the reviews, the sinks are easy to care for and pleasant to the touch.
Many owners of modern sinks say that they do not make unpleasant noise, so when washing dishes there will not be much noise, as happens with metal sinks.
Main characteristics
When deciding what type of artificial stone sink is needed, the pros and cons play a big role and depend on the main characteristics and performance indicators of the sink. The material used for sinks made of artificial stone is a composite, its composition is filler and binding elements. Natural materials are mainly used as filler, combining them with polymers and resins. The composition is usually marble and granite chips with binders in a percentage ratio of 80 to 20, respectively. Usually, in addition to these elements, various dyes are added.
After creating the shape of the sink, its surface is covered with gelcoat. This is a special composition that increases the durability and endurance of surfaces. Such a protective layer can make it smoother and cover all pores. Thanks to this material kitchen sink made of artificial stone, the photo of which is given in the article, is durable and capable of retaining its original properties for a long time.
Sink design
Basically, these things are made cast, which is why you can often come across the expression “cast stone sink.” Modern technologies do an excellent job of producing products of any shape, size and degree of complexity. The artificial material from which kitchen furniture is made has its own special characteristics and properties. Among them it is worth highlighting: reliability, uniformity of structure, resistance to chemicals.
These properties primarily influence the pros and cons of artificial stone sinks.
Colors and types of sinks
Thanks to the fact that modern technological processes have become functional and versatile, a kitchen sink made of artificial stone, photos of which help you make a choice, can be made in different variations. After all, it can easily be given any shades, textures and colors. Therefore, many consumers leave positive reviews about the range and the ability to choose furniture that matches the style of the room. Most of all, modern housewives, judging by reviews, prefer white, black and beige models, the pattern of which replicates real materials, and the texture is a little rough.
From artificial stone Blanco in data color ranges is the most popular, at least it has collected a very large number positive feedback. But if you wish, you can find other, unusual coloring and color solutions, such as blue or pink products, bright red sinks and much more. Users claim that such products retain their original color characteristics for approximately ten years of active use. It is also worth noting that many materials are made with different shades, in other words, they are given the external characteristics of silk or antique; you can choose a sink with a glossy or matte surface. This is one of the items on the list that captures the pros and cons of artificial stone sinks.
Performance characteristics
Analyzing customer reviews, you can see: many claim that these products do not require frequent maintenance and are quite resistant to mechanical damage. The only surface on which scratches may appear, according to owners, is the glossy finish. An important property is resistance to the sink will not be damaged at temperatures from -30 to 150 degrees.
It is easy to care for, because any stain can be cleaned very quickly. Many housewives in their reviews talk about how pleased they are with this advantage. But this is not the only factor that influences the pros and cons of artificial stone sinks. One more is enough good property artificial stone is resistance to thermal expansion, that is, no matter how much the temperature of the product changes, cracks will not appear on it and it will retain its original properties.
Advantages of artificial stone sinks
The unique properties of artificial stone have already been appreciated by many housewives. After all, such sinks not only have an attractive appearance, they are much more stable and easier to clean than items made from other materials.
The pros and cons of which can be easily determined by analyzing information about the product, has a number of advantages. Many consumers like the following features about this product:
- The working surface is durable. In general, artificial stone sinks reliably serve their owners for at least ten years. Of course, compared to ordinary stone, this is a little less, but if we compare the service life with ceramics, then the artificial material wins. So we can safely say that composite furniture can be bequeathed to more grandchildren. In terms of product durability, the Polygran f 07 artificial stone kitchen sink ranks first in the ranking of kitchen products made from this material. In addition, there are many positive reviews regarding this product, confirming its high quality.
- Safety from a hygienic point of view. Thanks to the technologies used to create composite sinks, harmful microorganisms and bacteria simply cannot grow on this material. Therefore, the sink will not emit any irritating or bad odors; in addition, there will be no unpleasant mucous deposits on the surface of products made from this material. Unlike natural stone, composite is not capable of releasing radioactive substances, so it is completely safe for health.
- The strength of the product is very high. Studies have shown that the strength of artificial material exceeds endurance natural products approximately three times. It is worth noting that even concrete has lower strength compared to composite. This means that even if heavy dishes and other objects fall into the sink, it will not cause unnecessary damage.
- If defects appear on the sink, they can be easily eliminated. To get rid of scratches and gouges on this type of surface, it will be enough to polish the damaged areas with sandpaper. If a piece of the product accidentally breaks off, you can easily glue it back using It should be noted that there will be no noticeable seams or visible damage to the material after repair.
Disadvantages of artificial stone sinks
When deciding what type of artificial stone sink is required, the pros and cons known to buyers significantly influence the outcome. Naturally, products made from this material are not ideal and they have certain disadvantages. Among the reviews you can find complaints about the following design flaws:
- It is not advisable to place overheated pans and metal pans on the surface. An item that has just been removed from the heat may be too hot, causing marks to remain on the surface of the item. Many users, not knowing this drawback, often leave negative reviews online.
- If a really heavy object falls on the sink, it may very well crack or chip. But this point is extremely doubtful, plus it all depends on how well the product itself is made.
- Extensive use of metal scrapers may damage the surface. As for care, you should also not use abrasive substances, as this may negatively affect the appearance of the surface of the product.
- For some families, the high price may also be a negative quality of this product. After all, even the cost of such sinks is not cheap, and when it goes to retail, the amount for this kitchen furniture increases, so not everyone can buy it.
To decide on the choice of sink, you need to study the characteristics of the options on the market. This device- This an important part kitchen set. The sink is often used in its own way direct purpose, which means it must have a high level of stability and good functionality.
Often the choice varies between two options - stainless steel or artificial stone. Each material has its own characteristics and disadvantages. To understand which washing option is best for a person, you need to consider in detail the advantages of both types.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel has rapidly gained momentum among consumers. Stainless steel products have a number of advantages that significantly increase the demand for sinks made of this metal. Firstly, a stainless steel sink is affordable. The product is durable, wear-resistant and has a versatile design.
Let's look at some of the benefits of stainless steel:
- The product will suit virtually any design solution;
- Hygienic, during operation the product does not accumulate harmful bacteria, therefore it is absolutely safe;
- Resistance to damage and temperature changes;
- Does not require use additional funds for proper care of the product;
- Affordable price category.
Stainless steel has a high level of strength and is great for home use. The thin metal is quite flexible, which provides additional protection against heavy loads.
A stainless steel sink also has its drawbacks, which are revealed by the owner during the use of the sink:
- Coarse abrasive substances contribute to the appearance of small scratches on the surface, which not only spoil the integrity of the product and its appearance, but also affect the safety of use. Dirt can become clogged in these small scratches, which is then quite difficult to remove - this contributes to the development of microbes on the surface;
- Stainless steel will need to be rubbed periodically as marks may remain on the metal. limescale in the form of drops - this spoils the appearance of the product. In order for it to maintain its shine and stains not to become embedded in the surface, it is necessary to wipe it periodically and carefully remove the deposits that have formed;
- Metal is noisy; when water comes into contact with metal or dishes come into contact with such a sink, noise occurs, since there is no sound-absorbing substrate.
When choosing, you should carefully consider the quality of the material. On modern market There is a wide variety of models of such sinks. The surface can be of two types - smooth and corrugated. A distinctive feature of the second type is the difficulty of cleaning the surface.
Production technology allows us to divide all products into two types:
- Welded option;
- Stamped product.
The ease of installation of the equipment depends on the type of model. The sink from the group of overhead sinks is much easier to install than the mortise version. A stainless steel sink fits perfectly into any interior.
Technology for the production of artificial stone sinks
Artificial stone is gaining great popularity today; it is also used for the production of sinks. Such products differ from the models described above in a more aesthetic way. external design, the surface is pleasant to the touch and easy to care for. They differ significantly from metal options.
The basis of the material is a composite, which is combined with additional fillers and binding elements. Usually an artificial stone in the form of granite or marble chips is required. They are held together using polymer resins. Dyes may be added to provide a distinctive appearance.
After shaping the product, its surface must be completely treated with a special product - gelcoat. It is required to provide the stone additional protection, the product fills existing pores, which allows you to get a perfectly smooth surface. Thanks to this treatment, the stone sink is easy to care for and is resistant to external influences.
Sinks of this variety are produced mainly cast, thanks to the active development modern world, technology allows us to create unique designer products. Artificial stone used for making sinks has its own distinctive characteristics, which bring products to a good level.
It is reliable due to its homogeneous structure. It is resistant to chemicals.
Possibilities modern manufacturers allow you to create unique options sinks made of artificial stone. You can see a wide variety of models, differing not only in shape and size, but also in color.
According to reviews from the owners of such sinks of bright colors, the product retains its appearance and brightness for ten years, of course, provided correct operation shells.
The buyer has the opportunity to choose a matte or glossy version; here everything depends only on the personal preferences of the consumer.
Positive characteristics of stone products
During use, stone sinks show their positive traits things you need to know when choosing a sink:
- Resistance to external mechanical influences significantly increases the service life of the product. It should be remembered that glossy surface most vulnerable. If not proper care scratches may form behind it, spoiling the appearance of the product and its integrity;
- The sink is quite resistant to temperature changes, it can easily withstand temperatures from -30 degrees to 150. This allows it to be used as efficiently as possible, without fear of being damaged;
- Dirt does not eat into the surface, it can be easily removed, the main thing is to wipe the sink clean of tea or coffee in a timely manner to avoid darkening of the surface;
- Sudden changes are easily tolerated by the stone, which eliminates the possible occurrence of cracks from sudden temperature changes.
Analyzing the advantages of artificial stone, many consumers highlight the main advantages over other sink options. In appearance, they are distinguished by their sophistication and aesthetics. Decorating a sink using artificial stone will help to add general interior kitchens of solidity, to give spectacularity.
On the other hand, owners of such a product highlight the following positive characteristics:
- The durability of the work surface allows you not to think about changing the sink for several years. The composite version has a high level of strength and reliability, so it can last at least ten years; with proper care of the sink, the service life increases several times;
- The product is absolutely safe in terms of hygiene. Manufacturing technology eliminates the possibility of accumulation of microorganisms on the surface. This eliminates the possibility of unpleasant odor or release of harmful substances;
- Composite is an artificial stone, so it does not emit radioactive substances that can harm the health of the body;
- The strength of the product is several times higher than that of the natural version. A product made from it is approximately three times more durable. Damage to the product can only appear if there is a very heavy load on it;
- Repairs can be done at home; if a scratch appears, it can be removed using sandpaper. The chip can be easily repaired; this will require acrylic glue, which will reliably connect the chipped pieces, and the seam will not be visible.
The advantages of a stone sink allow you to choose this option, but the product cannot be perfect. Therefore, the disadvantages of sinks made of this type of material should also be considered. It is necessary to remember about the correct use of the sink.
It does not tolerate exposure to the surface with abrasives or metal sponges. This provokes the appearance of small damage, especially on the glossy surface of the stone.
Despite high level resistance to external influences, it is necessary to avoid contact with the surface of overheated dishes that have just been removed from the heat. This can cause stains to appear on the surface, which will then be impossible to remove.
Avoid dropping items that are too heavy from a great height onto the surface. Failure to comply with these requirements and careless use may result in a crack. Products of this variety have a fairly high price. It should be taken into account here that a sink made of artificial stone has a long service life, so the cost of the product easily pays off.
After spending comparative analysis two variants of sinks, we can conclude that each of the varieties has its own positive and negative characteristics. The main thing is to understand when choosing what is required from the product performance characteristics.
Conditions for installing sinks made of stone and stainless steel
A distinctive feature of each option is their installation. Stainless steel is much lighter than stone, so its installation does not require special skills.
To install a product made of artificial stone, you must first make a template from thick cardboard, which will fully correspond to the dimensions of the stone sink. This will allow you to easily measure the required space for the sink.
A heavy stone can be dropped during the measurement process, which will result in losses. The sink may be damaged or scratched. Measuring the required space for the sink using a template will help keep the sink intact, and installation work will be carried out easily and quickly.
Video: installing a kitchen sink
Conclusion
The question of which sink is better: stainless steel or artificial stone is very simple to solve. When choosing, you should pay attention to the performance characteristics. The buyer must know exactly what he needs from the car wash. Some consumers value aesthetic appearance and original design, then you can select a sink made of artificial stone.
Some consumers care about price, so they purchase a stainless steel sink. The housewife should understand that after purchasing any of the options, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations for caring for the product so that the surface retains its original appearance for a long period of time.
There are a sufficient number of types of sinks on the plumbing equipment market. Options with two bowls are actively gaining popularity. Please note that they are only suitable for a strict style. If you need a functional bowl, then you should purchase a deep sink that will prevent drops from getting onto the surface around the sink.
