Stone sinks for the kitchen. Features of the choice and operation of marble sinks: advantages and disadvantages, artificial and natural materials Sink made of marble or quartz sand

On modern kitchen, thanks to relatively new technical developments in the field of functionality, you can find an alternative to almost everything except the refrigerator and kitchen sink. If for a traditional stove in some kitchens there may not be any place at all, then you can’t do this with a sink: no dishwasher is capable of performing all the functions of a conventional sink.

Temporary "evolution" in the field household appliances constantly improves "smart" gadgets, making them more functional and convenient to use in the kitchen.

When it comes to excellence, kitchen sinks are no exception:

They take on new, more comfortable forms;
The functionality of their use is expanding;
The material of manufacture is being improved.

An artificial stone sink for the kitchen is one of the latest innovations that has rapidly gained popularity and consumer confidence.

What kind of material is artificial stone? What are the indisputable advantages of such a sink? What are its merits? Are there any disadvantages? How to choose a sink made of natural or artificial stone and install it yourself? In the following review, you will find answers to all your questions.

Sinks made of artificial stone for the kitchen: what are they

Not many manufacturers around the world make stone sinks, but all of them have won the trust of customers. The production technology, like the material itself, may differ, but the quality of the product, durability and ease of use, except for cases with fakes, never.

Artificial stone is multi-layered composite material, which includes:

Chit natural stone;
Binder polymeric substances and acrylic resins.

Externally, artificial stone is very similar to natural, but due to its plasticity, it is very easy to process. The material is waterproof, since all the micropores of its structure are filled with polymer resin.

Sinks of different sizes, shapes and designs, colors and modifications are made of artificial stone.

Artificial granite and acrylic stone: what is the difference

You can often find negative feedback customers about artificial stone sinks.

They say different things about them:

The bottom disappears after boiling water poured into the sink;
There are traces of hot dishes;
Minor damage from mechanical influences appears;
There are always fresh food stains.

Apparently, the above shortcomings indicated the use of sinks made of a cheaper material - acrylic. Integrated sinks are much more difficult to maintain and more capricious to operate. The reason for this may be the choice of a product of low cost, and, accordingly, of low quality.

In such products, the production technology of sinks and countertops is often violated.

The seam between the sink and countertop often opens up from careless use or poor-quality glue. In order for the sink to become one with the surface adjacent to it, you need to carefully choose the manufacturer and take care of the product during operation.

Although the strength of acrylic sinks, in comparison with artificial stone, is small, they are light in weight. And this greatly simplifies the processing of the material and makes it possible to create sinks. different designs and forms.

The main and, perhaps, the only advantage of acrylic sinks is that small defects in the form of thermal traces, cracks, chips or scratches are eliminated on their surface. The previous look of the sink can be restored by grinding, but you can’t do it yourself.

Stone sinks cannot be repaired and restored in case of failure, but they are much stronger, more stable and more durable.

You should be aware that marble sinks or sinks made of artificial granite are not afraid of stains, mechanical stress, or temperature changes. They are not subject to deformation from contact with hot surfaces and are not prone to destruction from various kinds of influences.

If marble or granite sinks allow stains, chips and cracks to appear, this may be a factory defect, fake or not. correct installation.

Kitchen sink: important points (video)

Stone sink for the kitchen: pros and cons

Apart from High Quality and durability of stone products, sinks made of artificial stone have a number of undeniable advantages.

"Pros" of stone washing:

Due to the water resistance of the material, dyes and acids do not eat into the smooth surface.
The homogeneous non-porous structure of the artificial stone does not allow the spread of bacteria and microorganisms in the sink.
Grease, beet stains and blood stains are not a problem for sinks made of artificial stone. They are easy to clean and easy to care for.
The heat resistance of artificial stone speaks for itself: the sink will not leave marks on itself from hot objects and will not react in any way to temperature changes.
Respectable appearance, a wide selection of colors, models and functionality - characteristics stone sinks.
The ability of sound absorption is quite a significant criterion. Often a person is annoyed by the noise of water pouring from the tap, which this surface suppresses.

The disadvantages of washing made of artificial stone include its rather high cost: The production of composite materials costs manufacturers twice as much, hence the price.

A possible marriage or poor-quality installation of a sink is more of a miscalculation, not a minus.

How to choose a kitchen sink made of artificial stone

How to choose the right stone sink, so as not to fall for an unscrupulous distributor? What will help protect against counterfeiting? A few simple steps will lead to the right choice of such an expensive plumbing fixture.

Deciding on a budget

The cost of artificial stone sinks from Russian manufacturers varies from 3200 to 8000 rubles - it all depends on the material, shape and functionality of the plumbing fixture. The price of a sink from European manufacturers is much higher - from 5,500 to 12,000 rubles. The most expensive models of German quality can cost up to 100,000 rubles. These are high-tech corner sinks with a complex structure, having several bowls of different sizes and shapes and advanced functionality.

A sink of normal quality can also be found in the middle price category - from 12,000 to 25,000 rubles.

Which stone to choose

The durability and performance of washing depends on the stone chips that are part of the composite.

Stone sinks can be:

Marble;
Granite;
Quartz.

Deciding on colors

In terms of practicality, the darker the material, the less easily soiled it is.

The colors of the shells made of artificial stone are close to those of the natural material. Stone sinks can be brown, white or beige and gray with a metallic tint.

For buyers who are especially fastidious in terms of design, some Russian manufacturers make sinks of colors atypical for natural material - pink or green.

If you pay attention to user reviews, the most practical is the two-tone version of the color of the plumbing fixture.

Dimensions and shape

The sizes and modifications of stone sinks are not much different in assortment from the parameters of their metal counterparts. Sinks are frontal, corner, with different depths and the number of bowls. You can choose the best option for yourself, size and shape, as well as other parameters by watching the video.

Choosing a sink for the kitchen (video)

Protect yourself from counterfeiting

In order not to waste money and not end up with a destroyed or damaged plumbing fixture after a couple of weeks of operation, it is important to meet all the criteria right choice a truly quality product.

Important points when choosing a sink:

Do not buy goods "on the street". Very often, it is dubious outlets and stores that offer fakes, both European brands and Russian brands. The pros and cons of such "distributors" are obvious.
A cheap product has a low price. If you want to profitably purchase an expensive sink, there is a great risk of eventually being left with nothing. On sale, there are often sinks that look in all respects reminiscent of products of expensive brands and trademarks, at a significantly reduced price. A buyer who purchases a fake will not be able to use the product warranty if necessary.
Every “brand” has its own cost. If a “good-natured” seller offers to buy a sink “from the same factory”, but at a lower cost, arguing the difference in price by overpaying for the brand, it is better to refuse the purchase. Remember: it is important for the seller to sell the goods at any cost.

After purchasing a sink made of natural or artificial stone, it is important to install it correctly. You can do it yourself or use the services of a master.

Installing a sink in the kitchen with your own hands (video)

If you want to make a major change in your kitchen, you should pay attention to sinks made of natural or artificial stone. They have improved performance, are more durable and are less fussy about cleaning. A wide selection of sizes, shapes and modifications will allow you to purchase exactly what you need, after weighing all the pros and cons. You can install the sink yourself or seek help from specialists. The main thing is not to buy a fake.

Good luck choosing!

Examples of kitchen sinks made of artificial stone (photo)

The kitchen should be not only functional, but also comfortable and beautiful. At the same time, I would like not to spend a lot. Monolithic natural stone costs a lot. Therefore, a stainless sink for the kitchen was replaced by an artificial stone sink - we will describe its pros and cons in this article.

Artificial stone is a mixed material that includes several components:

Stone chips (granite, marble or quartz);
polymer for gluing crumbs;
Dyes are included in the composition in small quantities. With their help, the artificial material accurately conveys the natural shades of natural stone or is painted in other colors.

The composition described above includes natural stone. So it's kind of natural. But acrylic stone can be called 100% artificial. This does not exist in nature. It is made from acrylic resins mixed with aluminum hydroxide and polymethyl methacrylate.

Important: The durability of an artificial stone kitchen sink depends on the last component - reviews often contain information that the bottom of such acrylic sinks simply falls off. This means that the manufacturer took pity on polymethyl methacrylate, the most expensive substance.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before you have a stone sink for the kitchen, the pros and cons will have to be studied from all sides.

Let's start with the benefits:

Resistance to aggressive environments (the material does not react upon contact with chemicals, except for abrasives);
Moisture resistance (closed pores make the surface waterproof);
Water, hitting an artificial stone, does not make noise;
Does not leave white spots from water;
Temperature resistance 180-280 degrees (depending on the quality of the product);
The absence of the smell that appears when bacteria multiply on the walls of the sink;
Color during operation retains brightness;
The material is environmentally friendly;
An assortment of multi-colored models is available;
It is possible to manufacture a sink according to individual parameters;
At proper care the sink retains its original appearance for up to 10 years and longer;
With the formation of mechanical damage, it remains possible to make repairs.

The disadvantages of sinks made of artificial stone include:

High cost of products. Compared with the price may differ by 2 or more times;
Poor quality material does not tolerate a sharp temperature drop;
Very hot objects (with a temperature over 180-280 degrees) should not be placed on artificial stone kitchen sinks;
Products have a fairly large weight;
Sinks combined with a countertop (monolithic) are often damaged, splitting so that they can no longer be repaired. You will have to change both the sink and the countertop.

Sink sinks cut into the countertop are a better option compared to combined sinks. So give preference to them. If you really want the sink and countertop to merge with each other, let them be made of the same materials, but be independent elements. In the event of severe damage to one of them, there is no need to replace the other.

Criterias of choice

In order for you to be satisfied with the sink, you need to decide in advance on the desired parameters. Everything must be taken into account: the area of \u200b\u200bthe kitchen, its design, the estimated volume of dishes that you will wash. Not the last criterion that you will be guided by when choosing is the cost of the product. How to choose a sink for the kitchen so that you don’t have even a shadow of a doubt, did you do the right thing?

The composition of the stone

The strength of the sink and its stability depend on the composition of the stone and the ratio of its components. The ideal ratio of stone chips to polymers is 80% and 20%. Shells made of granite chips will be the most durable: they do not leave scratches, and they can withstand a fall of a body weighing 2 kg from a height of 150 cm. Quartz counterparts are almost as good as granite ones. Marble sinks are capricious: scratches quickly appear on them, chips are easily formed, but it is much easier to repair such a product.

Shape and size

A large sink made of artificial stone is a plus, a minus of it only in the fact that it does not fit in a small kitchen. Therefore, with a limited area, narrow, but deep (about 20%) shells without wings of a square or round shape are chosen. A good way out is to buy a corner sink, which uses one of the corners of the kitchen.

There are no restrictions for a large kitchen; from above, the bowl may look like a circle, oval, rectangle, square, and in corner options it can be in the form of a trapezoid. If the kitchen is spacious, then pay attention to the wings. They are comfortable to place washed dishes for pre-drying.

And in a small sink, combined with a dish sink, it is convenient to put food for defrosting and vegetables with fruits for washing.

If you are washing dishes in special typewriter, the size of the sink may be small. It will only be used for rinsing bowls and cutlery while cooking. If the dishes are washed by hand, and the number of people living in the house is more than 2-3 people, then the sink should be wide and deep. Then it will contain enough dirty dishes.

Number of bowls

Large sinks can have one, two or even three bowls. Such a choice will be justified only when you cook a lot. At the same time, you put the dishes in one bowl, and wash and clean the food for cooking in the other. This is true for large families and cafes.

Color

Most sinks are matte, but there are instances with a metallic effect. The color of the kitchen sink made of artificial stone is close to natural. Usually manufacturers offer an assortment of 6-12 shades, but sometimes it is reduced to 4-6. Let the color palette be small, but compared to stainless steel, which has no choice at all, this is a plus.

Possible shades:

Dark (anthracite or chocolate shades);
Light (beige and white);
Grey.

Note: If you want to purchase a colored sink for the kitchen, then pay attention to the products Russian production. Of these, you can choose red, green, blue: any color to your taste.

Price

Russian-made artificial stone sinks cost in the range of 3000-8000 rubles, depending on the size and composition of the product. Foreign analogues can be purchased from 5-6 thousand rubles. The price range here is wide - up to 100,000 rubles (these are shells of complex shape with several bowls). For an apartment, the optimal price range is 12-20 thousand.

Reports of difficult to clean and low-quality artificial stone kitchen sinks - reviews from buyers with a small budget. Suspiciously cheap models are found in unscrupulous manufacturers who save on expensive materials that ensure the strength of products. As a result of careless handling, cracks and chips are formed. And from contact with hot surfaces, ugly spots remain that cannot be hidden by anything.

Accessories

To extend the life of the sink, purchase accessories that will protect the stone surface from mechanical damage. Protection is especially needed for cheap options, the quality of which is almost half that of expensive counterparts. You will need a basket that will not allow the shell to crack from an object that has fallen from a height. It is also convenient to wash fruits and vegetables. Buy extra coasters that protect the stone from hot dishes.

Care rules

In order for the sink to always be like new, it must be properly used and regularly looked after. Follow the rules:

Start maintenance from the day of installation;
After washing the dishes, go over the walls and bottom with a sponge and detergent and rinse them with water. Then wipe dry;
To place hot dishes, use metal or wooden coasters;
To prevent cracks from temperature changes, turn on cold water before draining the boiling water.

Tip: If you don't want to dry your sink often, buy a sink in white, beige or motley. Water on them will also leave a light salt coating after drying. But on light and colorful surfaces, they are lost. Then care comes down to washing the sink only once a week.

Popular brands

The German company Blanco produces products from silgranite;
The German company Schock produces crystallite sinks;
The German company Franke uses fragranite as a material;
The German manufacturer Teka makes sinks from tegranite.
The French company Benthor in the manufacture of sinks chooses between kermat and Novoquartz.

Silgranite, crystallite, fragranite and tegranite are one and the same: 80% granite chips and 20% resins. The names differ only because each company has its own patented technology for making artificial stone. Each one is unique, despite same composition. Only kermat and novoquartz differ, which include quartz, fiberglass, rubber, acrylic and resins.

Kitchen sinks made of artificial stone are beautiful and practical. In order not to be disappointed in the choice, you just need to understand that a quality product cannot be cheap. So choose sinks from well-known manufacturers who collect only positive feedback from their customers.

All about choosing a good sink made of artificial stone: 5 most common problems, an overview of prices and manufacturers, why stone is 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 online reviews, it's easy to find quite a few complaints about artificial washes. After polling readers of the site, we have collected five of the most popular claims and concerns, because of which many prefer the good old, tried and tested stainless steel kitchen sinks.

“Stains appear on the stone sink over time. On a light sink - dark ones (from coffee, tea, red wine, beets, juice, etc.), on a dark one - light ones (something hot was accidentally placed)”
“Due to the drained boiling water, the sink can 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 maintenance, all you have to do is clean it”
“Artificial stone is not at all like natural, it looks like plastic”

Our review will help you figure out which of these are true and which problems can be easily avoided by simply choosing the right sink.

Myths or truth?

If you read about how the bottom of an artificial stone sink fell off after boiling water was poured into it, how it cracked from a pan or heavy knife that fell into it, how traces of hot dishes remained on it, it was almost certainly an acrylic sink integrated into the countertop , and not about a recessed composite sink made of artificial granite or marble.

Sinks made of artificial granite are not afraid of stains. In the photo - a model from Longran.

Granite sinks are not afraid of any stains (if they appear, they are easily cleaned with ordinary detergents and sponges) or hot objects. If a sink made of granite or quartz cracked, a chip appeared, stains remained - the reason may be a manufacturing defect, or you came across a fake (how to avoid deception, read below).

But shells made of acrylic stone are much more capricious and demanding to maintain.

Integrated sinks made of acrylic stone are easy to distinguish from mortise 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 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 perfectly polished. 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. And with a strong impact, vibration or a sharp temperature drop, this seam can “open”. Especially if the craftsmen who made the countertop cheated, violated the technology, or used low-quality glue.

If you want a seamless sink that will completely "merge" with the countertop, choose the manufacturer carefully, handle it carefully, and it will faithfully serve you for many years.

A big plus is that the surface defects of the acrylic stone sink can be easily removed. Thermal traces from a hot frying pan, small chips, cracks and scratches will be eliminated by grinding, the seams can be sealed. But for this work it is worth inviting a specialist.

Mortise sinks made of artificial granite cannot be repaired, but there are many times fewer problems with them than with acrylic ones.

When buying a sink, be sure to find out the composition of the material and read the manufacturer's recommendations on how you can and how not to handle it.

5 reasons why a stone kitchen sink is better than stainless steel

At the stone sinks Beautiful colors and textures (you can choose exactly the color of the countertop) and stylish design, they look nobler than steel and harmoniously fit into the interior of any kitchen. Especially if it modern classic, country or provence.
Compared to stainless steel, such sinks are absolutely silent - you will not be annoyed by the sound of water and the clang of cutlery on a steel surface.
They are deeper than stamped steel sinks.
Divorces and splashes on the surface of the stone are practically not noticeable, but on the metal every drop is visible.
Pleasant to the touch.

Round sinks made of artificial stone - a great option for a small kitchen

6 more important advantages:

Sinks made of artificial granite and quartz of European production can withstand temperatures up to 280 degrees, Russian - up to 180 degrees. Compare: a baking sheet just taken out of the oven has a temperature of about 230 degrees.
High-quality granite sink in conventional living conditions very hard to break or scratch.
There are no pores on the surface of artificial stone, so dirt and odors are not absorbed into it.
Large manufacturers offer sinks with a special antibacterial coating that prevents dangerous microbes from multiplying on the stone surface. Franke has Sanitized®, Schock has Schock-AntiBac®, Longran has Microstop®, etc. Manufacturers claim that antibacterial protection acts constantly 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 - artificial granite Rock

3 cons

A significant drawback of stone sinks is the high price. A composite sink costs twice as much on average as a stainless steel sink of the same configuration.
An inexpensive composite sink does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature, is more sensitive to boiling water, hot dishes and stains, and the owners of a stainless steel sink do not think about it at all.
Higher risk of buying a fake

Is it difficult to care for a granite kitchen sink?

Any sink requires careful and regular maintenance. The fact that stainless steel will look perfect on its own is just a myth.

“The steel sink only looks perfect until the first use,” our reader Anna wrote in her review. - I used to have a stainless steel sink, and not cheap, for 13 thousand, now it's made of artificial stone. I didn't notice much of a difference in care. Both need to be rinsed and wiped dry regularly. On the surface of the stainless steel, all the drops of water were visible - all the time I sprayed with the agent and wiped it. And since our water is hard, we had to clean the plaque every week. With artificial stone (I have a sandy-beige sink), this is much easier. So far no problems with stains. But I wash it every week - after washing it is as good as new.”

4 main rules, which will extend the life of any, even the most inexpensive and capricious sink, are very simple:

start caring for the 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 pans or baking sheets on a special cork or metal stand
Turn on the cold water faucet before pouring boiling water into the sink.

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 easy steps

Step 1. Decide on a budget

Prices for mortise sinks made of artificial stone from Russian manufacturers start at 3200 rubles for the simplest and most compact model. Sinks with two bowls of domestic production in online stores in Moscow can be found from 5900 rubles. The upper price threshold for Russian kitchen sinks is an average of 7.5-8 thousand rubles.

Prices for European 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 an average of 11-12 thousand rubles and reach up to 90-100 thousand rubles for technological corner sinks of complex shape with several bowls. Most of the imported granite sinks of the middle price category can be bought for 12-25 thousand rubles.

Model BLANCO DALAGO 45 by Blanco, material - Silgranit

Step 2. Which artificial stone is better?

Artificial stone is a modern composite material consisting of two main components: stone filler (crumb) 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 be afraid of stains and hot dishes, depends on what kind of stone chips it is made of. 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. Such material is several times stronger than natural natural granite.
Sinks made of marble chips (the so-called cast marble), especially if they contain polyester resins, are less durable. They are more sensitive to temperature changes, mechanical shocks, scratches, besides, their color may change over time. But they are significantly cheaper than granite.

The standard warranty period for a sink made of artificial stone is 12 months from the date of purchase. Some manufacturers of medium and high price categories have more. For example, Schock has 5 years.

Step 3. What is the most non-staining stone sink color?

The color palette of stone sinks is very close to natural stone. Therefore, the gamut is not very wide and is limited to natural 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 in each collection, as a rule, there are at least 1-2 options with a metallic effect.

Most manufacturers offer 6 to 12 colors. But keep in mind: some models of sinks are available only in basic 4-6 colors.

If you are afraid of stains, do not take a plain white or black sink. Most practical option for the kitchen sink - speckled artificial stone (dark to light, light to dark). Any stains and dirt on such a surface will not be evident.

Step 4. Choose the shape and size

The options and sizes of sinks made of artificial stone and stainless steel are not much different. In detail about how to determine the size of the sink, we talked in this article. After reading it, you will find out what should be the optimal depth of the bowl so that your back does not hurt and water does not splash around, and what parameters you need to keep in mind to use the sink comfortably.

If you have a dishwasher in your kitchen, you can get by with a small round or square sink without a drainer. However, it should be deep enough so that you can rinse a frying pan, large pot or baking sheet in it.

Good solution for corner kitchen set- a spacious corner sink with one or two bowls. It is available in round or trapezoidal shapes and is specially designed to fit into corner floor units. Such a sink allows you to effectively use the space in the corner. A model that is suitable in size can be selected even for a small-sized kitchen. But these sinks are more expensive than conventional ones. Russian-made models 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 a sink have?

The number of sections depends on your preferences and the size of your kitchen.

If the kitchen is small, models with 2-3 bowls will almost certainly have to be abandoned. It is much more practical to buy a small sink and make room for a compact built-in dishwasher with a width of 45 cm or a small desktop one.

The most compact sinks are with one round or rectangular bowl without a wing. They are practical and roomy: small size compensates b O The largest depth of the bowl is 19-20 cm. Therefore, they are better suited for small kitchens. If you have a convenient dish dryer built into the wall cabinet, there is no particular need for a wing.

A glass board is a handy accessory that will increase the usable area of the countertop.

Do you cook often and a lot? If the countertop area allows, do not save on convenience - buy a sink with at least two bowls of different sizes. In one you will wash the dishes, in the other - fruits, herbs or defrost meat, berries and other freezing. Practical and very hygienic.

Advice:
For a large sink with 2-3 bowls, you should buy a mixer with a pull-out spout - it will be much more convenient to use it.

Before choosing a new car wash, observe for a few days what exactly you are doing in the car wash area. How much food do you have to defrost? How many fruits-vegetables-greens and how often do you wash? This will help you choose the right size for the extra bowl - not too big, not too small.

Step 6. We select accessories

Modern accessories turn any sink, even a budget one, into an ergonomic washing center and make life easier for the hostess. Read more about what they are in this article.

A 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, it is convenient to wash vegetables or fruits in the basket.

Note!
In some sinks, the walls are perfectly smooth, polished, and the bottom has a specially soft corrugation, imperceptible in appearance, but a little rough to the touch. Do not worry - this is not a marriage: different surface textures are associated with the peculiarities of production and are quite useful from a practical point of view. Water drops do not linger on smooth walls, which means they do not leave marks. On a rough bottom, the dishes slide less, and with strong pressure, water splashes less.

Mixer BLANCOTIVO-S from Blanco, material — Silgranit

Faucet to match the sink

The perfect companion for sinks and artificial stone countertops is the faucet in the same colour. But keep in mind: sometimes the color of the faucet and sink can differ from each other by 1-2 tones. Manufacturers do not consider this a marriage and explain the difference in production technologies: sinks are made of solid cast, and the coating of the mixer (moisture-resistant powder enamel) is applied by spraying.

By the way, some manufacturers of sinks and faucets of certain colors may cost more than others. For others, the cost does not depend on the color.

In a small kitchen, a built-in dispenser for liquid soap especially convenient - nothing superfluous on the tabletop

Beware, fake!

When choosing a sink made of artificial stone, it is important not to run into a fake. In construction markets and in dubious shops, you can find fake products not only from European brands, but also from relatively inexpensive Russian brands. For example, popular domestic manufacturers "Granfest" and "Polygran".

"Craftsmen" play on the desire of buyers to buy an expensive shell cheaper, churning out "clones", only externally similar to the original, and not observing the necessary specifications. By buying a fake sink, you will not be able to use the warranty in case of problems. The most common of them are the appearance of cracks, leakage of seams, deformation of the bowl or a fallen off bottom.

If you hear from the seller that “this sink is the same as [famous brand], from the same factory” or “why pay extra for a brand”, it is better to refrain from buying.

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 wrinkled and quickly loses its appearance. “Branded” packaging is made of thick moisture-resistant cardboard. Inside it has stiffening ribs that fix the sink and reliably protect it from damage. Some manufacturers protect their product with a holographic sticker or a molded raised stamp.

When buying, carefully inspect the sink. A fake may have errors in geometry, because of them it will not fit perfectly to the countertop. Another wake-up call is that the price is much lower than other sellers.

If you have any doubts, do not be too lazy to contact the manufacturer (contacts for communication can be found on the official website) or with its major dealer. And buy a sink in specialized online stores with a good history, large salons 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 - granite Rock

Is it worth it to buy a sink in the kitchen salon?

When ordering a kitchen, a good designer consultant will always tell you which sink is best suited to the selected set. However, if the representative of the salon is too insistent on recommending only certain washes, this is a reason to be wary.

As a rule, kitchen salons and studios work with a certain, rather narrow, circle of suppliers. There are no guarantees that they are simply not trying to sell you stale commodity balances, and even with a decent margin. Write down the model and manufacturer of the sink, read reviews, look for analogues - it is quite possible that you will buy a better sink at a cheaper price in an online plumbing store.

Modern housewives increasingly prefer to choose quartz sinks for the kitchen, metal options are losing their popularity. The sink made of artificial stone has a pleasant appearance, it is easy to clean and pleasant to the touch. Also, during operation there is no unpleasant pressing noise or roar.

The product has high level strength. A dye is used to give a special color. The quartz shell must be covered with a gel coat. 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 endurance of the shell 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 the formation of plaque. A gel-coated quartz sink is durable and retains its original characteristics for a long period of time.

Sink characteristics

When choosing a sink for the kitchen, you need to take into account all the pros and cons of the product.

Such a sink has a number of positive characteristics:

Ease of care;
Resistance to mechanical damage and temperature extremes, with the exception of products with a glossy surface, scratches may appear on it;
Attractive appearance, suitable for any type of interior;
The durability of the working surface due to the protective layer, the service life of at least ten years, with careful care of the product, it increases several times;
Safety, product manufacturing technology prevents the occurrence of harmful bacteria on the surface of the sink. Kitchen sinks made of quartz are made from natural material, so they do not emit harmful substances during operation;
High level of strength;
Ease of repair, when a scratch appears on the surface, it is polished with sandpaper. The chipped part of the product is glued with special acrylic glue.

During the operation, the hostesses also noted disadvantages:

The surface does not withstand too sharp a temperature drop, you need to be careful about the sink. It is undesirable to put in it a pot or pan that has just been removed from the heat. This can damage the surface, as a rule, a trace remains, which is subsequently not washed off;
Too heavy objects can violate the integrity of the product, given the level of strength of the product, then you can break it only if you throw it at it cast iron 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 sink made of quartz does not require much effort to maintain during operation. Rust or unpleasant marks do not appear on the surface, therefore, with proper use of the product, you just need to wipe the surface of the product with a soft cloth;
The main drawback is the price, but this type of sink will please its owners for a long time without losing its appearance and performance. Therefore, it can be noted that the price of the product justifies itself.

According to the reviews of the owners of such sinks, there are much more pluses. The hostesses are pleased that there is no extra noise in the process of washing dishes. The stone softens the fall of drops, muffling the sound, and the level of rumbling of dishes is much lower than when using the metal version of the product.

Varieties and design

Modern technologies allow you to make a product from a stone of any shape. Basically, they are made cast, which increases the strength and reliability of the sink.

The choice of a 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 the option of washing strictly for the interior of the kitchen area.

The range 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 severity.

However, the care 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 is simply washed without the presence of hard-to-reach places. But it may not fit the strict style in the interior.

The product also differs in the number of bowls. The option with two bowls is rapidly gaining the favor of buyers. When purchasing such a model, it should be remembered that it is better to replace the mixer with a retractable version - this will greatly facilitate the use of a double sink.

This model is made in a simple style and will not fit any design, due to its functionality, it is becoming more and more popular among buyers.

Sinks made of artificial stone are very diverse. Manufacturers have been successful in their manufacture, so among the usual classic colors you can find unusual options. The surface is also selected strictly from personal preferences.

You can purchase a sink with a glossy effect or matte. The main thing to remember is that the glossy version is more prone to scratches on the surface.

Is there a place in the kitchen for quartz?

Many housewives are skeptical about this washing option. Given 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 the product, and every negative feedback moves them away from the right choice.

To avoid unpredictable unpleasant moments, you just need to properly care for the sink made of artificial stone. Subject to all the rules and recommendations, the sink will serve its owner for decades.

Mounting Features

The installation of 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 required to make a template that completely copies the dimensions of the product. It will help during the installation process to measure the correct dimensions of the required space under the sink.

Using the template, the possibility of damage to the product is excluded. If you do not have enough experience with the installation of sinks, it is better to contact a specialist. This will eliminate possible financial losses.

In general, this process is quite laborious, you should carefully measure the dimensions of the space under the sink.

Video: a few 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 more than 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 work surface. When using a sink made of artificial stone, it is important to remember the features of the sink and properly care for it.

When buying, 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 fake product. A quartz sink is the choice of true lovers of quality products with a long service life.

Video: quartz sink review

Photo examples

Modern kitchens amaze with their functionality and the number of various innovations designed to help housewives go about their usual business. But the most important thing that should be in any kitchen is a sink. This kitchen appliance 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 are the pros and cons of an artificial stone sink.

Synthetic sinks

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, sinks are easy to care for and they are pleasant to the touch.

Many owners of modern sinks say that they do not make an unpleasant noise, so when washing dishes there will not be much rumble, as is the case with metal sinks.

Main characteristics

When deciding which faux stone sink is needed, the pros and cons play a big role and depend on the basic features and performance of the sink. As a material for sinks made of artificial stone, a composite is used, its composition is a filler and binding elements. Mainly used as a filler natural materials connecting them with polymers and resins. As a composition, marble and granite chips are usually used 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 shell, its surface is covered with a gel coat. This is a special composition that increases the resistance and endurance of surfaces. Such a protective layer can make it smoother and cover all the pores. It is thanks to this material that the kitchen sink made of artificial stone, the photo of which is given in the article, is durable and able to retain its original properties for a long time.

sink design

Basically, these things are made cast, which is why the expression “cast stone sink” can often be found. Modern technologies perfectly cope with the manufacture of 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 affect the pros and cons of washing made of artificial stone in the first place.

Colors and types of sinks

Due to the fact that modern technological processes have become functional and versatile, a kitchen sink made of artificial stone, the photos of which help to 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 feedback about the range and the ability to choose furniture that matches the style of the room. Most of all, modern housewives, judging by the reviews, prefer white, black and beige models, the pattern of which repeats real materials, and the texture is a little rough.

Artificial stone Blanco's data color schemes is the most popular, at least it has collected a very large number of positive reviews. 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 up to about ten years of active use. It is also worth noting that many materials are made with different shades, in other words, they are given external characteristics 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 an artificial stone sink.

Performance characteristics

Analyzing customer reviews, you can see: many argue that these products do not need frequent maintenance and are sufficiently resistant to mechanical damage. The only surface on which scratches can appear, according to the owners, is a 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 it, because any stain can be cleaned very quickly. Many housewives in their reviews talk about how happy they are with this advantage. But this is not the only factor that affects the pros and cons of an artificial stone sink. Another fairly good property of artificial stone is its 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.

Benefits of 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 product information, has a number of advantages. Many consumers in this product like the following features:

The working surface is durable. Basically, sinks made of artificial stone 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 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 and bad odors, in addition, an unpleasant slimy coating will not appear on the surface of products made from this material. Unlike natural stone, the 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 the endurance of natural products by about three times. It is worth noting that even concrete has a lower strength compared to composite. This means that even if heavy dishes and other objects fall into the sink, there will be no unnecessary damage on it.
If defects appear on the sink, they can be easily eliminated. To get rid of scratches and potholes on this type of surface, it will be enough to polish the damaged areas with sandpaper. If a piece of the product is accidentally broken off, it can be easily glued back using it. It should be noted that there will be no noticeable seams and visible damage to the material after repair.

Disadvantages of sinks made of artificial stone

When deciding which type of artificial stone sink is required, the pros and cons known to the customers make a big difference in the bottom line. Naturally, products made from this material are not ideal and they have certain disadvantages. Among the reviews you can find complaints about such design flaws:

It is undesirable to put too hot frying pans on the surface and metal pans. An item just removed from the fire may have too much high temperature, therefore, marks may remain on the surface of the product. Many users, not knowing this shortcoming, often leave negative reviews online.
When a really heavy object falls onto the sink, a crack or chip may well appear. But this moment is extremely doubtful, plus it all depends on how well the product itself is made.
Heavy use of metal scrapers may damage the surface. With regard to care, it is also impossible to use abrasive substances, this may adversely affect appearance product surface.
For some families, the high price can also become a negative quality of this product. After all, even the cost of such sinks is not cheap, and when it hits retail, the amount for this kitchen furniture increases, so not everyone can buy it.