What do you need to consider when purchasing your kitchen sink and faucet? We dish on all you need to know.
Purchasing a kitchen sink and a faucet or kitchen mixer can be confusing for first-timers, especially with the dizzying carousel of finishes and types in stores. When shopping for such essential fittings, consider your cooking habits and kitchen workflow – factors that should take precedence, especially when the sink and the faucet will be some of the most frequently used items in your home.
FAUCETS
The faucet – or tap as it’s more commonly known as in Singapore – is one of the most essential things in the kitchen. Note these considerations when selecting yours.
HEIGHT
Most vary between three inches (7.6cm) and eight inches (20.3cm), but if you often wash large items, like pans and woks, and your sink isn’t deep enough, consider getting a taller one to accommodate their size. Shorter ones, on the other hand, have the advantage of minimising splashing.
SPRAYER OPTIONS
Some faucets come with the option of a sprayer nozzle, which can be pulled down on a flexible hose to direct the spray. These can be very useful for high-pressure dishwashing or cleaning the sink. However, they can look more utilitarian than stylish, so do consider this if you want to keep your kitchen sleek and minimal.
FINISH
When it comes to finishes, faucets these days come in so many shapes and in such a variety of colours that they’re no longer a mundane detail. Instead, they are the focus of a kitchen. For maximum durability, opt for a matte or brushed finish that can better disguise watermarks and fingerprints.
HOT-COLD WATER OPTIONS
If you often cook with grease, a faucet with a hot water option can make cleaning up a lot easier. Check with your plumber or contractor about the possibility of running hot water to your kitchen first, though.
1. Grohe Essence Professional Kitchen Mixer, price upon enquiry.
2. & 4. KVK Japan Kitchen Mixer (KM6061EC-4), $990, and KVK Japan Eco Kitchen Mixer (KM5021TEC), $784, from Song-Cho.
3. Talis Select M51 single lever kitchen mixer 300 with Pull-out spout, $1,038.60, from Hansgrohe.
KITCHEN SINKS
Equally important when outfitting a kitchen is choosing the right sink because your contractor will need the dimensions early in the renovation or fitting process. It’ll also determine the type of faucet you can have, which is dependent on the number of pre-drilled mounting holes available.
TOP-MOUNT VS UNDERMOUNT
Easier to install, top-mount sinks or drop-in sinks are positioned with their rim on the countertop. This provides extra security since the countertop helps to support the sink’s weight. But having that protruding edge means sweeping food or water over the countertop and into the sink can get messy. Plus, you’ll have to clean the rim regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt.
Undermount sinks are fitted beneath the counter and held in place with cement, with no visible rim. This style gives you a little more prep space (essential in tiny kitchens) and creates a continuous flow from the countertop and into the sink. It is also easier to clean. However, since the sink is held in place with cement, it’s important to perform regular checks to ensure there are no leaks, which could lead to mould and expensive reinstallation.
WIDTH AND DEPTH
When purchasing a sink, ask your contractor to measure the space it can take up. Also, consider its positioning: is it going to be in a corner or on a kitchen island? Will there be sufficient space for cleaning tools and a drying rack?
SINGLE VS DOUBLE BOWL
This should depend on what you’re washing and the availability of countertop space. If your space is limited or your sink is going to be on an island, the smaller, single-bowl size may make more sense. Since they don’t have a divider in the middle, single-bowl sinks also often have more room for washing large woks and pans.
If you prefer soaping and rinsing separately or need a space to stack dirty dishes, a double-bowl sink may be more practical. The extra bowl offers space for washing hands, making food prep easier and adding a drying rack.
MATERIAL
The most common options for a kitchen sink are stainless steel and granite composite. The former is popular for its heat resistance, easy maintenance and ability to complement your fridge and oven. Washing dishes in a stainless steel sink can be noisy, though, and it may collect dings and dents over time. Opt for a gauge of 16 or 18 – the lower it is, the thicker the stainless steel.
Granite composite is similarly easy to clean and has colour options. If you prefer a more natural look over an industrial one, get a granite sink.
5. Cleanup Japanese Stream Flow Sink, from $1,733.40, from Song-Cho.
6. SilicaTec Granite Sink, price upon enquiry, from Hansgrohe.
7. Granite Sink Single Bowl 570.35.330, $359, from Hafele.
FARMHOUSE SINKS
With their exposed front, classic farmhouse sinks can be a focal point of the kitchen. These are usually made of porcelain but can also come in a variety of other materials such as copper, marble and even concrete.
Text MELODY BAY
