How to Choose Kitchen Sinks for Small Spaces
With many types of kitchen sinks available, how do you choose one that fits in a small space and meets your washing requirements? One mistake to avoid is choosing a unit that looks great but is impractical in every way. If you have to spend hours cleaning it daily or preventing it from being damaged, it is hardly the type of bowl that you can use in a small space where the occasional bumps against the bowl will be a given.
Don’t fret too much though, as we share a few guidelines on choosing kitchen sinks for small spaces to meet your budget and functional needs.
Choose the right material
Nowadays, you can find bowls made from porcelain to cast iron, clay, hardened plastic and stainless steel. Porcelain looks great but can break if you add too heavy loads or drop hard items into the bowl. In addition, porcelain requires more cleaning to keep it stain-free and shiny for a long time. It’s best to reserve the porcelain bowls for the bathroom.
Clay is equally impressive but just as difficult to keep stain-free. It’s also heavy and can crack or suffer damage. Considering that the kitchen is not exactly an environment where everything is done in a considerate manner, the risk of damage should be weighed against the aesthetic appeal of the bowl. In addition, both porcelain and clay bowls are on the expensive side.
Cast iron is as durable as it gets, but then you have to consider the risk of rust. If not properly treated, you can expect rust issues. Since you will use the sink for years, it’s worth considering the cost of ownership of a heavy cast iron sink.
Stainless steel kitchen sinks offer the distinct advantage of being rust-resistant. If you live near the coast, you’ll know how quickly any type of steel product rusts. Not so when you buy a stainless steel kitchen sink from GEZA. These bowls are also lighter than the porcelain, cast iron and clay types, and more affordable.
If you’re looking for a durable material that can handle the knocks and bumps associated with cleaning dishes, then choose the stainless steel option. Also, the material is easy to clean and keep scratch- and stain-free. This is the low maintenance option that will be light on your pocket and time.
Single or double bowl kitchen sinks?
It depends on the available space. If you have a small area for washing up and cooking, then the single bowl is the way to go. It takes up less space and you can drain the load before rinsing the dishes. However, if you have space and want added comfort, then the double bowl unit works great. Keep in mind that, in most instances, the double bowl option consists of two smaller bowls whereas the single bowl type normally has a larger sink for bigger items.
The double bowl unit does offer two advantages. You can wash and rinse without first having to drain the water from the bowl. Also, you can use one side for your dishes and the other for rinsing vegetables.
Choose single or double based on available space as the price difference is not large.
Under-mount or drop-in kitchen sinks?
The under-mount types look stunning, especially because the bowls are hidden. But, other than the aesthetic appeal, you don’t have other benefits. It can even be more difficult to keep the bowl clean without causing damage to the work surface on top. The drop-in types are often moulded with no cracks or corners where dirt and grime can collect. In addition, these types often form part of a larger drain board system. Not only can you clean these types without having to worry about water damage to the cupboard surface, but you also don’t have to worry about rust and difficulty in cleaning.
Standalone or part of a combination unit?
A bowl with a drain board and cupboard already saves a lot of space. Now, if you want everything together, you can opt for one of our mini or maxi units that feature a bowl, drain board, cupboard and a combination of a stove, fridge and microwave – with several combination options available.
Where to get the best prices on kitchen sinks?
GEZA offers exceptionally affordable, yet high-quality kitchen sinks for small spaces. View our price lists and reach out for more information on our product portfolio.
