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Sinks are one of the most important components found in kitchens anywhere in the world. Ireland is no different. The reason is simple to understand when you think how important water is in both the preparation and cleaning of food and dishes. Like the cooking area, the sink is one of the focal and busiest places in the kitchen. Location, size, style and material all require careful consideration. The importance of checking out all aspects of what you need from your kitchen sink or sinks (as many kitchens will have two sinks) cannot be overstated.
Kitchen sinks differ from bathroom or WC sinks in both size and the material that makes up the sink. A kitchen sink needs to be deep in size so it can easily accommodate large bowls, pots and pans, and any other utensil that one might use to prepare food.
The kitchen sink must also be able to withstand the abuse that large, heavy objects impart upon it. Large dishes and delph ware can do damage to sinks not made to withstand heavy daily wear and tear. For this reason, heavy-gauge stainless-steel kitchen sinks are a particular favourite in Irish kitchens. They blend in very well with contemporary modern stainless steel appliances and finishes.
Ceramic sinks follow this in popularity and many kitchens will have a mix of both in either island or utility room back up sinks. Porcelain-coated cast iron can be an alternative to consider if you want a vintage kitchen sink. The Belfast sink, a deep ceramic Victorian style sink with exposed front face, is a common feature in many Irish kitchens and may be complimented by a stainless steel companion in the utility room or in the island.
Ever-changing trends put pressure on kitchen-sink manufacturers to explore other materials for kitchen sinks. Other materials available in sinks include enamel over steel or cast iron, plastic, soapstone, concrete, terrazzo, totianota, wood, stone, copper and even glass. But stainless steel and ceramic are generally the most popular choices in Irish homes.
Solid surface composite materials are gaining popularity in Ireland. Plastic is one of these but in a modern Irish kitchen it is cheap looking and may devalue the image of the rest of the fittings. Granite composite kitchen sinks, on the other hand, and those made from marble and other hard stones, make a sweeping and expensive statement perhaps out of proportion to their cost but offer the advantage of great durability and style. Copper and brass can be used to form a kitchen sink. Copper and any copper alloy offer a hygiene bonus in that they have a built-in natural chemical that kills many bacteria and viruses.
In this section, please take time to explore the various options available for kitchen and utility room sinks. Avoid the common mistake of designing a beautiful kitchen without giving due attention to the importance of the sinks.
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