Which Sink is Best for a Large Family? (A Review of Cost, Durability, and Design)
Which Sink is Best for a Large Family? (A Review of Cost, Durability, and Design)
The right kitchen sink can make all the difference between a tidy space and one that’s overflowing with dishes. This is especially true for busy families in New Zealand who may be short on time. The right sink then needs to meet three main considerations.
- Cost
- Durability
- Appropriate Size/Layout
In this article, we’ll unpack each one of these essential elements and will conclude with several family-friendly models for your kitchen. The team of design experts at Archant talks with thousands of customers each year. The result is a curated collection of sinks that are perfectly positioned to improve your kitchen workflow.
1) Pricing Considerations for Your Next Kitchen Sink
Cost is typically one of the first questions that come up when we talk with potential clients about the various options available today. We believe being mindful of a project’s budget is part of its success. Yet, this important detail is more than just the bottom-line cost of the sink. Other key aspects need to be weighed as well.
In addition to the sink cost, you’ll want to determine how long it should last. The manufacturer warranty is often a good indication of how well a product is made. Some of our stainless steel sinks by Robiq and Franke have warranties of 30 – 50 years, respectively. It’s this kind of durability that allows a sink to withstand the daily rigors of family life. As a result, it won’t need to be replaced or repaired anytime soon, saving you money in the long run.
You’ll also want to factor in any extra costs for maintenance needs. Stainless steel sinks, for example, can generally be cleaned with ordinary household products. Some clients even polish them to a high gloss with a hint of olive oil. This of course means you won’t need to buy any additional cleaning solutions to keep it looking new. Composite sinks, on the other hand, are a bit more involved to keep up with. Lime build-up and calcium deposits from hard water can leave behind stains which can require a special cleaner to remove.
All told, stainless steel sinks are a more cost-effective option than a composite alternative.
2) How Tough Does Your Sink Need to Be?
It’s easy to underestimate just how often we use the kitchen sink. Yet the reality is, it’s the most used appliance in the kitchen, and maybe even the entire house! From washing dishes, cleaning fruits and veggies, filling the jug, washing hands, and a plethora of other uses, the sink needs to be super durable if you want it to last.
This is especially accurate with small kids in the house. At some point, the sink will be tasked with dirty paint brushes, dirt from the garden, and any number of oddities. A delicate sink is just not practical no matter how gorgeous it may look. This again is where stainless steel models can really rise to the occasion.
Stainless steel has an advantage here, as it won’t crack or chip the way a ceramic option can. For example, if you drop a heavy cast iron pan, it may scratch the stainless steel, but won’t cause any lasting damage. In fact, with stainless steel sinks, scratches generally work to form a natural patina over time. This doesn’t minimise its aesthetic in any way but gives it a more authentic character.
3) Why a Single Bowl May Be Best for a Busy Kitchen
There are so many types of sinks to ponder. From single bowls to double bowls, reversible options, models with and without drain boards, and various depths, shapes, and sizes, it’s no wonder shoppers are often overwhelmed. We understand the challenge and want to simplify this for our readers.
The single bowl is stylish, and quite trendy, but is it up to the challenge of a busy household? While the outright size of a single bowl may not measure quite as large as a double, they are actually quite versatile in their own right. Without a divider in the middle which can get in the way of larger cookware, it’s easier to focus on the task at hand. This single bowl design usually takes up less space on the bench, freeing up valuable space around it.
In a recent article, Remodelista asked California–based architect Jerome Buttrick about this topic. His response was: “We see the trend moving away from the double-bowl sink.” Now, this isn’t to say that double bowls are antiquated or lacking in value. For some households, they may be the best fit. For family life though, a large, deep single bowl design may be the ideal configuration.
Top 3 Family Friendly Sinks to Consider for Your NZ Kitchen
If your large family generates a lot of washing, the Bolero BOX 210-50 is a great option. The large single bowl measures 500mm x 410mm and can deal with large piles of dirty pots, pans, and dishes. Aesthetically, the sink features smooth corner curves and gorgeous straight lines, suiting most kitchen styles.
Composed of the highest grade 1.2mm thick 18/10 stainless steel, the Robiq is built to last. The build quality makes it quite resistant to dents. You won’t need to worry about chips, cracks, or peeling. It’s also quite resistant to stains for a low-maintenance approach. Measuring 190mm in depth, the Robiq’s generous bowl makes it easy to wash large pots and pans. For the real-world demands of family life, the 500-10 is a cost effective, solid option.
As the biggest option in this list, the Arizona offers abundant space for even the largest clean-up jobs. Measuring 600 x 450mm with a generous depth of 300mm, there’s not much the Arizona can’t handle. It also features a 30-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Which Sink is Right for Your Kitchen Design?
The above selections are just three of the many sinks we stock right now. We are New Zealand’s sink experts, and our collection of sinks features a wide range of configurations, designs and materials to ensure we have a solution for every kitchen style.
Whether you are searching for your next sink, or have a bigger kitchen renovation in mind, we can help with the specifics. You are invited to come speak with a design expert at any one of our New Zealand showrooms.
Related Links:
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Why 2023 is a Prime Year for a Kitchen Renovation in New Zealand
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What is the Best Sink? Franke vs Schock vs Robiq (Comparison)
5 Luxurious Ways to Upscale Your Kitchen Design in New Zealand
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