You want that dream kitchen and have found the PERFECT sink online but are not sure you can take the plunge? We get it! Purchasing online can be daunting, but not to worry! Our 6 considerations will help you make the best choice when shopping online to make your kitchen dreams come true.
1. Material
Choosing the perfect sink for you is as much as anything a personal choice and each come with their perks and challenges. To learn more about the different materials available we’ve put together a list of some of the most popular options.
Our expert advice: regardless of the material – if you look after your sink it will thank you for it! Ask for a material swatch if you’re not 100% sure!
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel sinks are a safe bet, have been around forever, and come in many shapes, sizes and grades. The most common being 304 grade stainless steel. Higher grades will come with a price tag. Coloured Stainless Steel sinks have also been a popular choice.
Figure 1 (IKEA, https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/vattudalen-single-bowl-top-mount-sink-stainless-steel-s89158172/)
Things to think about:
- Long lifespan
- Colour options
- Can look worn over time
- Prone to oxidation
Fireclay
Fireclay sinks are a more traditional look, originally more used in farmhouse-style kitchens. These days, they can suit any style. They’re known for their size, weight and unique look. Once formed, the sink gets fired at very high temperatures creating a highly durable material and finished off with a protective glaze to give it a nice finish.
Things to think about:
- Big capacity
- Farmhouse style sink
- Limited colour options, generally only off white
- Installation is more challenging
- Heavy
Granite Composite
Granite Composite sinks are a popular choice. The most common composition is 80% quartz and 20% resin. Similar to Fireclay sinks, these sinks can be quite heavy but give you a lot more choice and variety when wanting a coloured sink, as they come in many shapes, styles and colours.
Things to think about:
- Colour options
- Durable
- Heavy
- A little bit more effort to maintain
SMC Composite
SMC composite sinks are known for their durability, easy maintenance, and light weight nature. Styl offer a beautiful range of Fibr sinks that are unique, developed from high quality SMC composite material and reinforced with fibreglass for extra strength.
Things to think about:
- Lightweight
- Easy installation
- Easy maintenance
- Unique
- Modern designs
2. Colour
Colour is another important consideration and might trump any other! Whether you like it to be BOLD or subtle, there’ll be something in the mix for you. For instance, if you want something timeless and reliable, go with a stainless-steel sink. If you’re feeling more adventurous a white or black sink are popular choices, available in various materials. Colour matching may become tricky when tying in a sink to match other finishings, it’s best to check your space beforehand before deciding, or purchase sample swatches to check the colour suits what you need!
Expert tip: When colour-matching handles to your sink or kitchen tap, it doesn’t need to be identical to still look amazing, your handles won’t be right next to those.
3. Pick a Bowl, or two, or something in the middle?
For those that love practical over stylish, consider your bowl options for your sink first. Larger kitchens with larger footprint might suit a larger sink with larger bowls. For those catering to large families, do a lot of entertaining or love to cook up a storm with lots of washing up a double bowl sink may be better suited! Stash away your dirty dishes in one bowl and do your food prep in the other!
If you don’t have a lot of space, or less is more and are happy and prefer a bit more bench space a single bowl is the right choice for you. Remember, a single bowl doesn’t have to mean smaller either! There are plenty of large single bowl options available too, for example the Fibr 860 Single bowl sink, featuring a generous single bowl to maximise your productivity without dominating your benchtop.
If you can’t decide and want the best of both worlds why not find something in between? An option with a ½ or ¾ bowl option might be just what you need, perfect for multitasking! Need to peel those potatoes but have a sink full of dishes, no worries! That extra ½ or ¾ bowl is perfect for that last minute prep work!
4. Style and Type
Sinks with a drainer or without? Undermount, flush mount or top mount?
There is no right or wrong and really comes down to personal preference and the aesthetic look you are going for. If you don’t have the space for a drainer, you can still achieve the same level of practicality by adding accessories like a drying rack. Top mount sinks, meaning the lip sits above the benchtop, is the most common application as it’s the easiest to do!
Expert tip: Top mounting your sink helps protect your beautiful new stone benchtop plus your installer will thank you for it – it’s easier for them to do!
5. Installation and Configuration
Deciding on your bowl choice will generally dictate your configuration options, for instance if you really love the double bowl set up, you’re most likely going for a larger sized sink. In instances where your space and kitchen layout are limiting, don’t fret, there is still plenty to choose from and still love your final product.
Expert Tip: Not all sinks will have the same cabinet measurement requirements, best to check what your minimum requirements are first, before purchasing your sink – especially if you can’t change your cabinetry or benchtops to suit your dream sink.
- Check benchtop cut out requirements
- Check minimum cabinet requirements
The other important consideration is where you want your tap placed. Do you prefer it installed straight into your kitchen sink or would you rather have it installed into your benchtop or wall? Consider your plumbing options before you decide, if you don’t know, it’s best to check with your installer! If you can’t decide and want to leave that decision for later, the Styl Fibr Sinks come reversible, meaning you can opt what orientation (bowls to the left or right) right at the last minute, your installer will help you out! They are also pre-marked, not pre-drilled, meaning you don’t have to install the tap into it if you choose not to!
Expert Tip: A reversible, pre marked sink can be your best choice as it allows you a whole lot of flexibility, you can decide what suits you best when you’re installing it, that way you don’t have to make all the decisions right there and then and makes purchasing online easier!
6. Budget
A whole new kitchen reno can sometimes feel daunting, a lot of costs and decision to make but investing in a new kitchen sink is a great way to achieve the look and functionality. Think about it, the kitchen sink is the most used appliance in your home! You use it multiple times a day, for various activities, ranging from food prep to bathing your baby. Be sure to make a choice you LOVE that won’t break the bank. There’s something available for every budget, but don’t get fooled for price over quality.