This is an informative article to read before spending money on that sink. We believe that the Franke Sinks are the best sinks on the market, but you may have another veiw point on that.

A guide to buying a kitchen sink   by housetohome

No matter how far kitchen technology advances, you still spend more time at the sink than anywhere else,’ observes Lawrence Pigeon, co-owner and director of Alternative Plans. ‘Rinsing vegetables, soaking pots, washing greasy hands; everything happens at the sink.’ So, for such a hardworking appliance that doubles as the kitchen’s visual focus, it’s worth considering your options carefully.

Before you Buy
‘The current trend in kitchen design is for a very linear look,’ says John Swain, product manager of Franke UK. ‘At the Milan Furniture Fair this year, there wasn’t a handle in sight, tiles were often replaced with glass or stainless-steel splashbacks and sinks had minimal, simple lines, low-level profiles, few, if any, drainer channels and

With such a variety of modern materials, dramatic designs, and space-saving options to choose from, it’s important to pick a sink that suits your needs. If space allows, you can opt for anything from a single-bowl sink to a bigger, more industrial size, which can accommodate extra-wide trays from range cookers. ‘A two-bowl sink is the best choice,’ says Lawrence Pigeon. ‘But if you have enough space, think like a professional and get completely separate sinks for dishwashing and food preparation.’ Types of sink
Inset
Probably the most common type of sink, inset designs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and are fixed in place with the rim of the sink and drainer overlapping the worktop. They can be fitted into a surface made from any material and are, therefore, an extremely flexible option. Effectively sealing the space between sink and counter top, they work particularly well with Formica or wood finishes, which can be vulnerable to moisture.

Undermounted
Undermounted sinks are ideal for use with all types of solid surfaces including wood, stone, Corian and glass. The bowl is fixed in place underneath the kitchen counter, giving a really smart, modern look. ‘Fitting an inset sink into a beautiful granite worksurface would be a wasted opportunity when you could have a sleek, undermounted sink,’ says Lawrence Pigeon. ‘They are also cleaner, as any spills or crumbs can be wiped straight into the bowl without getting stuck at the rim. Bear in mind, though, that they can’t be used with laminate worktops.’

Flush Mounted
Similar to stainless-steel undermounted sinks, flush-mounted models sit level with the work surface. The main difference between the two designs is the narrow perimeter that is left around the edge of flush-mounted bowls, where taps or soap dispensers can be installed. This area can also be extended to make sure the drainer is completely level with the worktop. For a coherent kitchen look, these designs look particularly good teamed with flush-mounted hobs, and also work well with wooden worktops.

Integral
As both the sink and counter top are manufactured from the same material, for example stainless steel or a synthetic solid surface, there are no visible seams between the separate components. The result is a sleek, contemporary and low-maintenance design. Belfast or Butler
Known for their robust, hardwearing features, these sinks can look as good in a modern kitchen as they do in more traditional schemes. There is not much difference between the two classic designs, other than the fact that butler sinks are a simple rectangle, whereas Belfast models have a weir-type overflow to one side. Be aware that, instead of fitting directly into your kitchen units, as most other sinks would, both of these need to be bracketed onto the wall behind the worktop Materials
Stainless Steel
Lightweight, durable and easy to clean, stainless-steel sinks come in a plethora of shapes and sizes. Great in industrial-style kitchens, choose from highly polished or subtle brushed finishes. Although it’s a low-cost option, cheaper designs can dent easily so pick lower-gauge models (16 is ideal) that have thicker steel.

Ceramic
Usually made from kiln-fired porcelain, ceramic sinks are known for being exceptionally hardwearing – they are heat, stain and scratch resistant. However, be careful with crockery as any heavy impact may cause it to smash, or indeed the sink to crack.

Corian
Corian can be moulded into any shape, meaning that sink and worktop can be made from the same piece of material to create a sleek surface. Although it can scratch, it is easily repaired.

Granite
Made from 80-85 per cent natural granite, which is ground up and mixed with resin to form an extremely tough material, ‘granite can be moulded into any shape or size, creating designs that wouldn’t be feasible with stainless steel,’ says Neil Clark of sink specialist Carron Phoenix. Available in a host of shades, there’s a hue for every kitchen.

Copper
Copper sinks have a warm, individual look, but do require some maintenance as they scratch easily and can get dark spots. Depending on your taste, they can be left to develop a rich, aged patina or can be repolished with abrasive cleaners. To avoid discolouration, they should be wiped dry after use.

Stone
Marble and other natural stone sinks can look amazing, but are best kept as prep sinks rather than for dishwashing, as they damage easily. Take care with cleaning products, and avoid bleach at all costs.

Wood
Quiet, resilient and softer than ceramics, wood warms up cool modern kitchens. Usually laminated teak composite, the wood is sealed using epoxy resin, which renders it tough and easy to clean.

house to home is a great source of interior design ideas and a helpful resource for buying and creating looks for your home. Search by room or by project to find the style you like for your home.

Whether you are looking to get a Franke sink or some other high quality sink, I think this article will help you in your selection. Franke Sinks may be one of the best sinks made, but they are by no means the only quality sink out there.

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