Are stainless steel sinks best for my kitchen?
Friday, 25 May 2012 09:32Stainless steel kitchen sinks are one of the most popular types to go for in a home, as there are a number of benefits to owning one. Choose Franke kitchen sinks, and you will have a wide range of styles and sizes to select from, meaning you will certainly find one to match your requirements and taste.
The manufacturer is one of the best-selling kitchen brands and offers both inset and undermount designs, as well as single sinks and those that come with drainers. If you want to learn more about stainless steel kitchen sinks, read on.
What type of property are they most suitable for?
Stainless steel sinks work well in all types of homes, although it can be said they look better in contemporary properties and kitchens than traditional houses with farm and country house-style rooms. The style of sink will also depend on whether the material will suit the rest of the decor, including major kitchen appliances such as the fridge-freezer, extractor fan and oven. Undermount sinks are installed underneath a worktop and so are more hidden, providing a seamless look. In this instance, stainless steel kitchen sinks will suit properties of all appearances. If, however, you decide to go for an inset sink - one which is fitted on top of a surface - the material will stand out more, so it might not suit the current theme of the room.
Will stainless steel sinks meet the needs of my family home?
Stainless steel is durable and lasts a long time, meaning it can withstand whatever you throw at it. If you seem to always be preparing meals or washing up, a stainless steel sink is a good investment. Franke offers designs that come with an attached drainer, which makes it a lot easier to drain vegetables, pasta and rice without worrying about dirtying the sink or any rinsed dishes in them. Unlike ceramic sinks, for example, stainless steel provides more leeway when a heavy item is dropped on it, minimising the chances of a plate or glass smashing on contact. In addition, the material is extremely hygienic, making it a lot easier to clean and keep free from germs. It is also very easy to fit a garbage disposal unit underneath stainless steel sinks, so you can help eliminate waste food odours by getting rid of leftovers in the unit, rather than leaving them in a bin until it is full enough to empty.
Are these types of sinks large enough?
You can purchase stainless steel sinks in a variety of sizes, from small corner ones to large double sinks. If you have a big family or spend a lot of time cleaning and cooking, you'll certainly appreciate the convenience of a double sink. Two people can use the sink at once without getting in each other's way, which is great for receiving a helping hand with the washing up. It also means dirty pots and pans can be placed into one sink and washed and rinsed in the other, which is especially useful if you are short on worktop space and struggle to fit all the dirty dishes next to the sink. If you have a single sink, you will know it can sometimes be tricky to drain food, especially if there are items in the sink you want to avoid spilling on - a double sink gets rid of this problem, helping mealtimes to be less of a hassle.
Are there any downsides?
The pros of stainless steel sinks outweigh the cons, but that is not to say they are the perfect option for all families. While the material is durable, it can sometimes get scuffed, so if you are a bit of a perfectionist and want your sink to stay in tip-top condition, stainless steel might not be for you. The fact there is not a choice of colours might also put you off if you are looking for a more statement fitting, but at the same time it does suit most kitchens, which is great if you decide to redecorate further down the line.
