Choosing a Sink for a Small Kitchen: 8 Tips

Choosing a sink for a tiny kitchen is not an easy task. How to handle it and what to pay special attention to, we found out from an expert at BLANCO, a German manufacturer of convenient and durable kitchen sinks and taps.

Size matters? Owners of small kitchens often make a regrettable mistake: they prefer the most compact sinks. Indeed, this way you can gain additional space on the countertop, but is it worth sacrificing a convenient and spacious sink for extra square centimeters of work surface?

PLEON 6 Split, BLANCO

There is no clear answer to this question. The choice should be made based on your habits, preferences, and lifestyle:

• If you have a dishwasher and eat out often, you can choose a more compact sink;
• If your family is large and you cook often, it's not worth saving on sink size.

However, by choosing an ergonomic model or adding useful accessories, you can use the sink as a work surface. But if you choose a countertop instead, there will be no backup option.

What is an Ergonomic Sink?

You have probably encountered the advice to choose an ergonomic model before. But what exactly does it mean? Simply put, a sink should be convenient to use. For a small kitchen, this point mainly implies the functionality of the sink, as every centimeter counts.

Sink with a Three-Level Concept

Take a look at how the revolutionary model ETAGON opens up new possibilities for owners of tiny kitchens. This sink has a recess where special holders can be installed to get an additional functional level.

The functional area can be enhanced with accessories that are mounted on the sink, and thus utilize a third working level.

ETAGON, BLANCO

Corner Sink

Another convenient model is the corner sink, for example, DELTA. It comes in two variants: made of stainless steel and made of the ultra-strong material SILGRANIT PuraDur.BLANCODELTA II, BLANCO

Its advantages:

• using the 'uncomfortable' space in the corner of the cabinet;
• creating an ideal working triangle in G-shaped and L-shaped cabinets;
• convenient wing shape with a drain hole in it;
• a mini basin with a perforated colander;
• functional accessories (e.g., a cutting board for the sink).

LANTOS 9E-IF, BLANCO

Is a Wing Needed? What About the Second Basin?

It seems like thinking about a sink wing or a second basin in a tiny kitchen is practically a crime. But again, it all comes down to individual preferences and lifestyle.

• If you cook often and defrost products, you cannot do without a sink with a wing or a second basin;
• A wing is important for those who find it convenient to dry dishes on the sink;
• If you often wash baking trays and use the sink for several tasks at once, a second basin will definitely come in handy.

ZIA 45 S, BLANCO

• If you often eat out, a single basin sink without a wing will suffice;
• If there is very little space left for the work surface, it's better to stick to one basin without a wing.

What Material is the Most Practical?

Regardless of the size of the kitchen and which style, size, and shape of sink you choose, one of the main requirements is practicality. This parameter mainly includes: durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance.

These requirements are met by three materials for sinks — stainless steel, ceramic, and also an innovative, ultra-strong material SILGRANIT PuraDur.

What is SILGRANIT PuraDur?

This is a material that consists of 80% of the hardest element of granite — quartz sand.
Such sinks:

• are incredibly durable;
• are maximally easy to maintain;

• look stylish and aesthetically pleasing;
• have antibacterial and dirt-repelling coatings;
• are resistant to the effects of acids.

What is the Optimal Installation Method for a Sink?

The choice should be made based on the countertop material and your own aesthetic preferences.

• The most popular and classic way to install sinks is on top of the countertop, which works for any type of material, is simple and easy to install;
• Sinks made of stainless steel often have a flat rim, they can be installed in different ways: as on top of the countertop (the rim will just slightly protrude), or flush with the countertop;

• For work surfaces made of natural or artificial stone, glass, or valuable wood species, the under-counter installation option is often chosen. Aesthetic appearance and a seamless design are guaranteed, but this requires high professionalism.

SUBLINE, BLANCO

Flush with the countertop is a more labor-intensive installation. Sinks suitable for this mounting method are more expensive. But the result looks maximally attractive.

CLARON, BLANCO

How to Choose a Tap?

Choosing a kitchen sink is impossible without selecting the perfect tap.

What requirements do you have for this important component of the cabinet?

Often washing large pots and trays? A tall tap will suit. Decided to place the sink by the window? There are taps specially designed for this purpose: they won't hinder regular ventilation in the kitchen. Washing dishes in a dishwasher, and using the sink just for rinsing products? A compact tap will suffice. Chose a sink with a wing or two basins? A tap with a pull-out spout will be more convenient. For a minimalist interior style? Choose a sleek model tap. If you prefer Provence, vintage, or cottagecore? Kitchen taps in retro style will suit.

Additional Functions

Here are a few more possible additions to the tap that won't be out of place on a small kitchen:

• built-in water volume measurement;
• built-in filtration system;
• touch control.

How to Organize Space Around the Sink?

Perfectly — when the sink is chosen not as a standalone unit but becomes part of a compact and functional washing center. What can you add to the sink?

• a removable tray for drying dishes (if you chose a sink without a wing), which is easy to store in a cabinet after use;
  
• mounted organizers (rails, wall panels, pegboards);
• a system for separate waste collection;
• a compact dishwasher;
• a functional tap;
• a disposal unit — a waste grinder;
• useful accessories (to increase the functionality of the sink and countertop).

What other accessories for sinks will help in a small kitchen?

Cutting boards that can be mounted on the sink. They fit perfectly in size, and you can move them along the sink basin.
Universal holders for the sink: can be used as a support for hot pots or as a compact and mobile dish rack.
Corner, side colanders that fit into the mini basin or narrow models that span the full length of the sink. These can be used for washing, defrosting, drying products, and storing kitchen utensils.
Valve button automation. With these, you can close and open the drain hole without putting your hands in the water.
Built-in dispenser for liquid detergent. Saves space on the countertop and perfectly complements the sink.