Undermount sinks

Undermount sinks are a popular choice among homeowners who are updating their kitchens. They look clean and modern, and since an undermount sink actually fits under the countertop, they are also functional. Simply wipe any crumbs or debris right into the sink - there is no sink lip to catch and hold anything.

These sinks combine great functionality with contemporary design and add greatly to the usability of your kitchen. Undermount sinks are perfect for all types of kitchen countertops including granite, marble, wood, and are also available in the same variety of materials as top mount sinks, so you are guaranteed to find something that fits your kitchen's style.

For an undermount kitchen sink installation you'll need a template for cutting the counter top and mounting clips. These should be provided by the seller/manufacturer of the sink.

Kitchen sink accesories

I mentioned in one of my previous posts this two great sink accessories: the strainer and the grid. Today I'll just say some extra words about them.

First off, we have the sink strainers:



A strainer has two functions:

1. it helps keep food particles and other debris from clogging the pipes
2. it can keep water in the sink bowl/basin

The strainers are a must-have for all the homeowners that want to protect their plumbing.


Then there is the other accessory, the sink grid:
A sink grid is used on the bottom of your sink. You can place dished on top of it without the fear of getting scratches or dents.
It comes in different shapes and sizes so it can fit any sink.

How to clean your stainless steel kitchen sink

Stainless steel sinks are relatively easy to care for. However, to prevent dents, scratches and to keep them looking like new, you need to maintain them regularly.
Here are some useful tips on how to keep your kitchen sink clean and shiny:

• Clean the sink with dishwashing detergent and water, or a baking soda and water solution. Rinse with water and dry the sink with a soft cloth or paper towel.
  
• Don't use steel wool pads, because these will scratch the sink.
• Use vinegar for stains.
• For a shiny sink you can try rubbing a little bit of oil (any kind of oil will do) and let it dry on the surface of the sink. Of course, this is done after the sink was cleaned.
• The best way to always have a clean sink is to rinse well between uses and never let water, or any other solutions, detergents dry on the stainless steel sink.
  

Here are some of the types of kitchen sinks avaiable:


Undermount stainless steel sinks - the most common material used for sinks, stainless steel is easy to clean, hygienic,durable, and not expensive



Topmount stainless steel sinks



Acrylic sinks - very resistant at scratches, can be painted in any color to match your kitchen.



Cast iron sinks - the cheapest, this material is not scratch resistant, spots of water can appear, even rust



Copper sinks - doesn't rust or corrode; if left unpolished, develops a patina over time, and scratches more easily than stainless steel and other materials



Granite sinks - easy to maintain; softer granite can stain or etch, and it is expensive



Stone sinks - look good, but are also resistant at all kinds of shocks. The only drawback for some people would be the high price.

The sink - useful and aesthetic

Just like the stove, the hood or the countertop, the sink is a necessary item in a kitchen. If you want to have a unique kitchen, choose a sink with a special appearance that can offer elegance and originality to the cooking area.
When purchasing a sink, the material it is made from is a very important thing. This sets the price, appearance, stain resistance, but also the life-cycle of the sink. Besides iron and steel sinks, which are the most popular, there are sinks made of natural stone and composite materials, but these are less common and at a much higher price.
Shapes, types, and sizes are selected depending on space and needs of each family. Sinks are available with one, two, or three bowls, equal or unequal size, round, rectangular, or square shaped.
Kitchen sinks can have accessories included, like strainers, grids, dish washing liquid and soap dispensers. At some of the newer models you can turn the water on/off with the help of motion sensors located in faucets.

How to choose your kitchen sink

The kitchen sink plays a huge role in your home. While looking to buy the right sink you might want to target the stainless steel kitchen sinks. These are very good for two reasons: they come in many shapes and patterns (so you can choose the sink whose design is to your liking) and the material from which these sinks are made from is very durable. Certainly, beside the fact that you want your sink to look good and fit in the style and design of your kitchen, you also want it to be functional.

In the 70s-80s the iron kitchen sink was the most common, but it was lately replaced by stainless steel - a material less heavy, less expensive and easier to maintain. Materials available today are more numerous than in the past and you can choose from glass, marble, granite, ceramics, stainless steel. The limitations are only dictated by the amount of money you are willing to spend on a kitchen sink.

But the experts recommend stainless steel. This is hygienic, easy to clean and has the property to regenerate, because of the alloy composition. The alloy composition forms a pasive layer on the surface of the sink, which is renewable under the influence of the oxygen in the water.
In terms of finishes you can choose : matte finish, glossy finish, brushed satin finish. The matte finish better withstands daily use and grease stains.

When buying a kitchen sink you must also consider its configuration: the size, depth and shape of the bowl. The depth of the kitchen sink bowl varies depending on models. It can be 5", 7", or 9". The stainless steel kitchen sinks can take many shapes, like oval, round, square, or rectangular.

About kitchen sinks

One basic element of the kitchen is the sink. The kitchen sink is essential because of the many uses that are assigned to it daily. Due to variation of materials used in manufacturing, the characteristics of the sinks can be very different.

Stainless steel sinks are the most common on the market. It fits well both in a modern kitchen and in a traditional kitchen. Stainless steel kitchen sinks are easy to install and maintain, resistant and durable, have a pleasant appearance, are hygienic and the price is very affordable.
Because of the lime stains the appearance of the stainless steel sink can be affected. Also they can change shape under the pressure of very heavy objects and the surface can be easily scratched. Therefore, a delicate use of the stainless steel sink is recommended.

Sheet or cast iron enamel kitchen sinks are the cheapest, but they are also the least durable. Their surfaces can be damaged easily, creating an unpleasant aspect. Because of this it could become difficult to clean, and in most unfortunate cases, the sinks can rust.

Acrylic sinks are very resistant to scratches, stains, and mechanical shocks, but are quite sensitive to thermal shocks. Can be found in many shapes and colors. The newest models have properties against microbes and germs.

Natural composite kitchen sinks are made from a mixture of quart, pigments and acrylic resins. They look stylish, easy to clean, resist stains and are available in a variety of shapes and colors.

Natural stone sinks are original and have a pleasant appearance. The materials from which these sinks are made differ. It can be marble, granite, slate, or limestone. These kitchen sinks are very resistant to heat and are durable. Price-wise, natural stone sinks are the most expensive on the market.

Kitchen sinks installation can be done through several methods. Topmount sinks' edges are on top of the counter. This kind of installation can be achieved with minimum effort because there is no need for additional support systems.

Installing the kitchen sink undermount is the newest method and is becoming more common because it is easier to clean the countertop and the sinks' edges are hidden, thus giving the undermount sink a pleasant appearance. Undermount installation requires a system supporting the sink and a countertop of solid material.