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 mixers.

Does size matter? 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, spacious basin for extra square centimeters of working surface?

PLEON 6 Split, BLANCO

There is no clear answer to this question. The choice should be 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 working 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 that mean? Simply put, a sink should be convenient to use. For a small kitchen, this means primarily the functionality of the sink, as every centimeter counts.

Sink with a three-level concept

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

The functional area can be enhanced with accessories that are mounted on the sink, thus utilizing 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-durable 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 design with a drain hole in it;
• mini-bowl with a perforated colander;
• functional accessories (e.g., cutting board for the sink).

LANTOS 9E-IF, BLANCO

Is a wing needed? What about a second basin?

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

• if you cook often and thaw products — you can't do without a sink with a wing and/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 multiple tasks at once — a second basin will definitely come in handy.

ZIA 45 S, BLANCO

• if you eat out often — then a single sink without a wing will suit you fine;
• if you can only allocate very little space for the working surface — it's also better to stick with one basin without a wing.

Which material is the most practical?

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

These requirements are met by three materials for sinks — stainless steel, ceramic, and the innovative, ultra-durable 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 extremely easy to maintain;

• look stylish and aesthetically pleasing;
• have antibacterial and dirt-repelling coatings;
• are resistant to acid exposure.

Which installation method for the sink is the most optimal?

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

• the most common, classic method of installing sinks is on top of the countertop, which suits any material, is simple and easy to install;
• sinks made of stainless steel often have a flat edge and can be installed in different ways: as on top of the countertop (the edge will slightly protrude), or flush with the countertop;

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

SUBLINE, BLANCO

Flush with the countertop — a more labor-intensive installation. Sinks suitable for this mounting method are more expensive. However, the result looks extremely attractive.

CLARON, BLANCO

How to choose a mixer?

Picking a kitchen sink is impossible without selecting the perfect mixer.

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

Often washing large pots and trays? A tall mixer will suit. Decided to place the sink by the window? There are mixers specially designed for these purposes: they won't hinder regular ventilation in the kitchen. Washing dishes in a dishwasher and rinsing products only in the sink? A compact mixer will do. Selected a sink with a wing or two basins? A mixer with a retractable spout will be more convenient. Creating a minimalist interior? Choose a sleek model mixer. If you like Provence, vintage, or cottage style? Kitchen mixers in retro style will suit.

Additional features

Here are a few more possible additions to the mixer that won't hurt on a small kitchen:

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

How to organize the space around the sink?

Perfectly — when the sink is not chosen on its own but becomes part of a compact and functional dishwashing 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 the cabinet after use;
  
• wall organizers (rails, wall panels, pegboards);
• a system for separate waste collection;
• a compact dishwasher;
• a functional mixer;
• a disposal unit — a waste grinder;
• useful accessories (to increase the functionality of the sink and countertop).

What other accessories for the sink will help in a small kitchen?

Cutting boards that can be mounted on the sink. They fit perfectly in size, and you can also move them along the sink basin. Universal holders for the sink: use as a stand for hot pots or as a compact and mobile dish rack. Corner and side colanders that fit into the mini-bowl or narrow models all the way along the sink. You can wash, defrost, dry products in them, and also store kitchen utensils. Valve button clamps. These allow you to close and open the drain hole without dipping your hands into the water. A built-in dispenser for liquid cleaning agents. Saves space on the countertop, perfectly complements the sink.