Friday, June 27, 2014

Kitchen Zip - How To Choose the Perfect Kitchen Sink



Kitchen sinks are one of the main focal points in any kitchen's décor. For homeowners with country style kitchens an apron sink or farmhouse sink will help to maintain a country kitchen look and feel. For contemporary style kitchens a stainless steel sink can add a sleek and modern look to the space. And Blanco sinks are available in an array of sizes, configurations and styles that can complement any home décor theme.

Sink Configurations

Regardless of the style of the sink you choose, when it comes to the configuration of a sink there are some factors to think about in order to ensure that you are using the right sink for your kitchen.   There are the highly popular single bowl or super single bowl sinks. These sinks are best suited for homes where there is a dish washer present. Then there is the 1-3/4 bowl sink. Depending on whether the homeowner is a lefty or a righty will determine which side of the sink has the larger opening. Next there is the equal double bowl sink. And then finally there is the option to have an entertainment bowl or bar sink. These sinks are usually added as a second sink in the kitchen and are used for preparation. Whatever kitchen sink configuration a homeowner wants, just remember it should fit into your lifestyle.

Kitchen Sink Installation
There are essentially two different ways to have a kitchen sink installed. The first way is by having an under-mount sink. This kind of installation looks clean and offers its users the ability to clean up faster with ease. When doing an under-mount installation, homeowners have the choice in deciding the amount of reveal they want. It's really personal preferences if there should be 1/8 positive reveal, greater than 1/8 or none at all. The second way to install a kitchen sink is by having an over-mount sink. When homeowners choose this method they don't have to cut into the countertop to have it installed. Blanco sinks, on the other hand, offer either a traditional or modern look using an over-mount approach. Some are so flush that it blends in with the countertop making for an easy cleanup.

Kitchen Sink Depth  Regardless of the style of sink you choose, the depth of the basin is important. The average sink is 7-8 inches deep, while some can go as deep as 10 inches. It is a good idea to know the cabinet dimensions to ensure the sink will fit. Sometimes when dealing with a shallow sink the faucets can be raised so that it accommodates larger pots.

Regardless of your application, know that there is a kitchen sink for every kitchen design. Blanco sinks are also very durable and can easily fit into any kitchen's design. With a new sink that can withstand the daily wear and tear, the kitchen has more functions. Also don't forget to look for kitchen sink accessories like cutting boards and custom fit protective grids. Now the kitchen can serve the home and the family better!


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Kitchen Zip - Tips On Buying A New Kitchen Sink



FOR BEST RESULTS, ALWAYS GO STAINLESS STEEL

Are you thinking about getting a new kitchen sink?  If so, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you being your new sink home.  By following these few tips, you can save a lot of time, money and effort.  

TIPS ON BUYING A NEW KITCHEN SINK   


1) Choose quality: In the end, choosing a quality sink will always cost you less over the long haul than choosing a cheaper version.  While the initial cost of acquisition is usually higher, you won’t have to worry about replacing it for many years.  Stainless steel is a favorite for its clean look and durability. 

2) Pay attention to the gauge: When it comes to stainless steel, the gauge of the steel will be directly related to the quality of the sink.  Those that are too thin will dent and scratch easily; resulting in a need to replace the sink much more quickly than if you choose a heavier gauge.  Most experts recommend that you choose a sink that is 16-18 gauge steel in order to avoid this particular pitfall.  Be equipped to handle heavier items. Your best bet, stay within the 16-18 gauge range.

3) Choose a sink that has a lot of depth.  The reason for this is that you will need the extra space to prepare meals, place dishes for washing and many other things.  The more shallow the sink, the less working space you have, forcing you to rely on counter space.  If this isn’t a luxury you can afford, make sure that you get a deep enough basin. Most experts recommend having a sink that has a 9 inch basin.  

4) What is the purity of the steel? The more steel your sink has in it, the more durable it is.  This is why it is important to know what has gone into the making of your sink before you buy it.  So, how do you know how much steel is in your sink?  Simply take a magnet with you to the store and check to see if the sink is magnetic.  If not, stay away from it as it will not include enough steel to be durable enough for your needs.  Don’t shortchange yourself by choosing a sink that includes too many contaminants in the manufacturing process and stick with those that are a higher quality.

5) Have you heard of the thump test? This is a test that you can perform to get the highest quality from your new sink. High quality stainless steel sinks will have a rubbery under-coating and pads. Why? This will cause the sound of running water to go silent. It also has an effect on the silverware too.