Corner Kitchen Sink: 9 Tips For Choosing
|The kitchens in our apartments cannot boast of special spaciousness. Residents are particularly affected Khrushchev. Corner kitchens have become a real salvation for many, which allow you to place everything you need on a limited number of square meters, and even more - organize a really comfortable workspace. The main advantage of the corner kitchen is the ability to build a refrigerator, stove and washing according to the triangle rule so that the hostess can quickly move from one zone to another. Washing in a corner kitchen, as a rule, it is located at the top of this triangle, i.e. in the corner of the headset. Despite the many advantages of the solution, it also has disadvantages. To make it really convenient to cook in your kitchen, you need to figure out in advance which sink to choose for the corner kitchen.
Features of corner kitchens
Kitchen set can be installed in one line, and this option is often used on narrow small kitchens. It can be U-shaped - a good solution for spacious kitchens. In separate rooms it will be appropriate arrange kitchen furniture in two parallel lines, and in some places - additionally use kitchen island. Perfect for square kitchens corner headsets. Among their advantages:
- compact and roomy. You will be surprised how much of everything useful fits in a relatively small space;
- the ability to position the sink, stove and refrigerator - the key elements in any kitchen - in the corners of a triangle. This arrangement will greatly simplify the daily work of any housewife;
- the ability to zone even a small kitchen. The kitchen corner leaves enough space in another corner of the kitchen to accommodate a cozy dining area. Even in Khrushchev fit compact a table and several chairs, and if the area allows, then it will be possible to put couch.
The corner kitchen, alas, is not universal. In some cases, it will not work, as it differs by the presence of some disadvantages:
- headset not suitable for narrow long kitchens;
- the corner part of the kitchen can be compared with spaciousness small pantry, but in order to organize convenient access to it, it will be necessary to provide special accessories, and this will certainly affect the price;
- if there is a kitchen niches, ledges and other complex elements, then the corner kitchen will have to be ordered, i.e. furniture will be more expensive than standard.
And yet, for a small square kitchen, a corner set is an ideal solution. The sink, in fact, can be located anywhere, but in 99% of cases it set in the cornerso that the desired working triangle is formed. Therefore, considering the choice of sinks for a corner kitchen, we will bear in mind the angular arrangement of the sink.
Corner Sinks: Pros and Cons
If you place the sink in the corner of the kitchen, you can get a lot of benefits:
- there is a lot of space on both sides of the sink;
- it will turn out to equip an ideal working triangle when the distance between the sink, stove and refrigerator is as comfortable as possible for moving;
- Under the sink, a spacious place is created for storing dishes or household chemicals. It will fit water filter and shredder disposersmall water heater, large kitchen utensils - at your discretion. True, the space will need to be properly organized so that there is access to the farthest corners;
- Ease of use;
- wide selection of different models;
- aesthetics.
Before deciding to install an angle sink, it is worth taking into account some of them limitations:
- if one person washes dishes, then the second to go to the sink will be very problematic;
- difficulty accessing communications, since the door under the corner section is smaller than the space that is hidden behind it;
- tabletop corner elements are more expensive than straight ones;
- the corner behind the sink can become a dead zone, so you need to carefully consider the organization of space.
Shape of corner sinks
What can be considered an angle sink? If just a sink, which is placed in the corner of the headset, then it can have any form. Some experts are of the opinion that the real corner sink has the shape of a trapezoid. We will not be attached only to the trapezoidal shape and consider all variety of sinks for corner kitchens:
- round and oval sinks They look aesthetically pleasing, they do not have corners where food and moisture residues can accumulate, which means it will be much easier to keep it clean. The round sink takes up minimal space on countertopbut also inside the space is not much. Choose a diameter so that the largest pan can fit there, otherwise the process of washing dishes can turn into a daily hell;
- square and rectangular sinks - a real classic. Even though they take up more space than round counterparts, their bowl is also more voluminous, more dishes will fit there. If the washing angles are straight, without any rounding, you will have to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the surface of the sink;
- trapezoidal sink - Ideal for corner kitchens. This form allows you to maximize their potential. Models are distinguished by the presence of several bowls, a place for drying plates and products, etc. Bowls in a trapezoidal sink can be round or square, less often they get a triangular or other shape.
Production material
Operational and aesthetic properties of a sink depend on what material it is made of. The following solutions are popular:
- stainless steel sinks differ in the low price and solid set merits. They withstand high temperatures well, are not afraid of shock, are easy to care for and are durable. Steel can be matte, glossy, semi-gloss and even with a pattern, so that the sink can be easily entered into any interior style. Main minus steel sinks - noise during falling water from under crane. To reduce discomfort, it is better to take a thicker steel sink. Connoisseurs of silence can pay attention to products with rubber layers. In operation, sinks with a matte surface show themselves best, since on a glossy surface scratches and traces of water drops become noticeable;
- artificial stone sink decorate any kitchen. Such products are manufactured using slightly different technologies, but there is only one general principle - binder (usually acrylic resins, up to 20%) and dyes are added to stone chips (up to 80%). The result is a product that cannot be visually distinguished from natural stone. The variety of colors and patterns is huge, you can imitate any natural stone. In addition to aesthetics, in pros composite sinks include absolute noiselessness, strength, resistance to high temperatures, ease of care, durability and maintainability (scratches can be polished). Artificial stone does not conduct electric current, but in the kitchen, where household appliances very much, it is important. Main disadvantage - high price. It is also worth considering the decent weight of the product (this is the load on countertop)Resistance to high temperatures depends on the quality of the product: good sinks can stand without problems and 2800C, and the bad ones will not tolerate temperature differences (they are afraid of food colors). No matter how expensive and high-quality the sink, strongly hot objects should be placed on its surface with great care - white marks may remain;
Well-proven domestic sinks made of artificial stone GranFest.
- ceramic sink - This is an option for those who do not like standard solutions. Ceramics have proven themselves to be resistant to high temperatures, scratches, excellent appearance, hygiene and ease of care. Such a washing will not make noise, even with a strong stream of water. But why didn’t such products ever gain much popularity? The thing is their fairly large weight and tenderness. If a more or less heavy object falls onto the sink (and in the kitchen the probability of such an outcome is high), then the product may crack, and then it will have to be completely replaced - repair will be impossible in this case. Plus, such sinks are expensive;
- enameled sinks are used less and less. Today, this solution is more likely for those who want to create an interior in retro style than for those who appreciate the special performance qualities of such products. However, the practicality of enameled sinks do not occupy. The product is a bowl of steel or cast iron, covered with a thick layer of protective enamel, which protects the metal from corrosion and makes the product more aesthetic. Enameled sinks are inexpensive, easy to clean, durable, not afraid of high temperatures, durable, and due to the many shades of enamel, the sink can be fitted into any interior style. Products have almost completely left modern kitchens due to their low mechanical strength - if pans and pans fall, chips and cracks may appear. Traces of food coloring may remain on the enamel, but with normal care it will be possible to maintain the surface in its original form for a sufficiently long time. Please note that not all products are suitable for cleaning such a sink - metal brushes and detergents containing acids can damage the enamel. Like stainless steel sinks, enameled ones give a decent noise during a water fall;
- wooden sink - a rare beast in the kitchen. Yes, such a product looks more than solid. There will be no noise when water falls, the material itself is durable, and scratches can be easily polished, but car wash need regular. A tree, which is exposed to water and temperature changes daily, without special means will quickly become covered with cracks and mold. Is it worth talking about the high price of such sinks? A wooden sink is an option for kitchens where they cook infrequently, and not the practicality of the material comes to the fore, but its aesthetics;
- natural stone sink - it is very beautiful and very expensive. TO the benefits solutions include high strength, resistance to moisture and temperature extremes. No impact will damage the surface of the sink, but many of the performance depends on the rock. Granite, for example, is a strength sample, and marble, due to its high porosity, can stain over time under the influence of food colors. In addition, the stone sink weighs decently, which will greatly complicate the installation.
Type of installation of an angle sink
The choice of installation method depends on the material of the sink, the material of the countertop, the layout of the kitchen and the skill of the person who assembled install a sink. Installation options are few:
- overhead sinks less and less used, although installing them is the easiest. The sink is simply mounted on top of the corner cabinet instead of part of the countertop and fixed accordingly. Weak point - the joints of the sink and countertop, where moisture may remain, and in the future - appear mold. If to process a joint sealant, then the unpleasant consequences can be nullified. Laid on sink - a good solution for those who assemble the kitchen and install the sink on their own;
- mortise sink will require making a hole in the countertop to the size of the sink, and jewelry accuracy when doing this work is not needed. The sink is inserted into the hole, clings to the tabletop with the sides, and is fixed below with special fasteners. As in the case of overhead sinks, the junction of the sink and countertop requires a sealant treatment. The installation process is not particularly complicated, because if you have the necessary skills, you can do it yourself;
- integrated sink mounted under the tabletop, fixed with special clamping mechanisms and brackets. This is the most aesthetic and hygienic version of the installation: since the washing with the sides does not go on the countertop, moisture will have nowhere to accumulate, which means that the risk of mold is minimal. Installation of an integrated sink requires special skill from the performer - there is no way to cope on their own. In addition, the kitchen will have to be made to order, because the hole in the countertop for the sink should be cut to the nearest millimeter.
Number of bowls
The number of bowls is selected depending on the size of the kitchen and the requirements of the hostess:
- single bowl sink - the classic and most popular option, suitable for small kitchens, as it takes up a minimum of space;
- two-bowl sink allows you to more efficiently organize your workflow. In one bowl, for example, you can soak vegetables or greens, thaw meat, and use the second to wash dishes. Two bowls are usually equipped with trapezoidal sinks. The bowls may be the same or vary in size. Alas, using such a solution in a small kitchen is almost impossible;
- sink with three or more bowls (up to five) - the privilege of owners of large kitchens. This is an option for avid cooks who constantly wash, soak, rinse, thaw. The range of such sinks is not so large, and the prices are higher than on models with one or two bowls.
Corner wash size
Choosing a sink of a suitable size is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. Firstly, it must correspond to the dimensions of the room, and secondly, it must meet the requirements of the hostess. Alas, it is not always possible to fulfill both of these requirements, since domestic kitchens rarely boast a large area. In this case, it is better to start from the dimensions of the room, because an oversized sink in a tiny kitchen will not look appropriate, and it will take up so much space that it will be impossible to work with products on the countertop.
Pay attention to washing depth. A depth of 15-18 cm is considered optimal. If this indicator is more than 20 cm, then along with increased capacity you will get a lot of inconvenience - you will have to lean more, and if you wash the dishes often, then it’s not far from back pain. Sinks with a depth of less than 15 cm will not be very spacious, but if there is a kitchen Dishwasher, then such an option will be enough.
Furniture under the corner sink
A corner cabinet can accommodate a huge amount of kitchen utensils, equipment and other things necessary in the household, but this is subject to the proper organization of space and convenient access to it. Ergonomics largely depends on how the door is made under the corner pedestal:
- sloping door - the most popular option. The corner part of the countertop has a rectangular shape, in front of it there is a bevel at an angle of 45 degrees, the door is equipped with a swing mechanism. Despite the wide distribution of such a solution, you cannot call it the most convenient, since the dimensions of the door are much smaller than the space of the cabinet - there may be difficulties with access to the most remote areas;
- radius door in terms of operation does not differ from beveled, but it looks more interesting;
- with two doorsthat swing open to the sides or fold accordion. In order to open the corner cabinet, you will need to use more space in front of it, but you will get maximum access to all parts of the cabinet.
Organization of the internal space Depends on what you are going to store in a corner cabinet. If there will be several bins for separate collection of waste, then nothing will have to be invented. But if you plan to use this part of the headset for storing pots, detergents, etc., then the following ideas may come in handy:
- withdrawable mechanism facilitates access to the entire space of the corner pedestal;
- shelves can be made rotating;
- on the door you can organize a storage system of hooks and small shelves.
Due to communications under the sink, minor difficulties may arise in arranging storage areas.
Accessories for corner washing
If space and financial capabilities allow, then a conventional kitchen sink can be made more functional due to the following accessories:
- automatic valve allows you to close the sink drain with one click and turn it into a small bathtub to conveniently wash vegetables;
- side wings for drying dishes, vegetables and herbs;
- cutting boardsthe size of which completely repeats the size of the sink. With their help, you can increase the working area, which is especially important when two housewives are cooking in the kitchen at the same time;
- colander - a pan in the shape of a bowl, has a lot of holes, designed to defrost frozen foods. Actual for sinks with two or more bowls;
- washing basket also repeats the shape of the bowl and has a mass of holes, but differs in greater depth than the coander;
- drinking water faucet will allow you to separately supply clean filtered water, while the resources filter will not be spent on cleaning water used for washing dishes. Economically;
- detergent dispenser with a dispenser under the sink, it greatly facilitates the process of washing dishes, but it requires allocating a place in the cabinet and constantly replenishing the detergent supplies;
- waste shredder installed under the sink and reduces the risk of clogging of the sewer. At the same time, it will save the kitchen from unpleasant odors, because organic waste can simply be crushed and sent to the sewer - they will not rot in the bin and stink.
Finally, we note that it does not hinder to pay attention to manufacturer name. Good stainless steel sinks are made by Blanco, Omoikiri, Franke, Alvenus, Zorg. High-quality products made of artificial stone should be sought in the collections of Granfest, Longran, Schock, Telma and others.