Kitchen sink designs and styles

Drop-on or Lay On kitchen sinks:

Most stainless steel kitchen lay-on sinks come in a wide range of measurements, so you can find the best fit for your cabinet size. Select between different configurations of drainers, bowls, reversible or back-stand models, overflows, tap holes, wooden frames, etc. The options are as varied as your needs. Lay-on kitchen sinks can be delivered with wood supports at the sides (below the rim) which aid installation while providing structural reinforcement.

Drop-in or Inset kitchen sinks:

Kitchen sinks were traditionally of the ‘drop-in’ type, that is, with the rim of the sink sitting on the work surface. Drop-in kitchen sinks can be mounted on virtually any worktop using the provided clip-and-bolt fasteners, which adjust to the thickness of the surface for a tight, non-slip fit. The kitchen sink is fastened to the worktop from underneath, so no screws or bolts show. The drop-in kitchen sink design has a small rim to stop water spilling onto the work surface. Some drop-in kitchen sinks can also be undermounted using special undermount clips.

Undermounted kitchen sinks:

With solid counter tops of marble and granite or modern composite materials, undermounting the kitchen sink has become a popular option. Undermounted kitchen sinks are mounted and caulked from underneath using the special clips provided. Undermounting gives the sink and surrounding area a much sleeker appearance. It  prevents dirt from getting trapped around or below the kitchen sink rim and it is absolutely waterproof when installed correctly. Most undermounted kitchen sinks come with cutting templates and easy-to-follow fitting instructions.

Integrated or Flush mounted kitchen sinks:

Probably the most perfect installation system, providing a totally seamless working area which is also aesthetically pleasing. The sink and work surfaces become one solid unit, free of awkward edges and corners. Some undermounted models can also be installed this way.

The reversibility of kitchen sinks.

It refers to the possibility of being installed in either right or left versions, as the sink is totally symmetric. The presence of tap holes or pop-up system indicates the lack of reversibility.  This is important since non-reversible sinks must be ordered as either a left or right hand version.

Stainles steel kitchen sink thickness.

It’s related to the characteristics of the raw materials. It usually varies from 1 mm to 0.4 mm depending on the quality of the sink and the depth of the bowls. The measurement can also vary from the drainer to the bowls due to the manufacturing process. The thinner the stainless steel is the cheaper it will be.  Most contractor kitchen sinks are 0.6 mm thick.  The more expensive ones from Teka and Franke are 1 mm thick.

Kitchen sink finish.

There are several stainless steel finishes available, according to the customers’ needs. The mechanical characteristics of the materials remain the same, but the aesthetic differs in the polishing; glossy, matt or textured finishes are available.

Kitchen sink overflow.

Teka, as a global supplier, produces sinks for markets where the overflow is unnecessary; therefore there are codes with and without this security system to
avoid home flooding.

The pop-up.

This practical system takes care of drainage from a button on the drainer surface, allowing users to empty the bowl without the unpleasant contact with hot water, detergent or small food residues. The pop-up also makes it easy to close the drain or fill the bowl with water.

The packaging.

Being practical and protective, the packaging is also essential as a price key factor when delivering goods from the factories. The possibility of sending bundles or pallets reduces the overall price when individual packaging is not a selling issue.

Kitchen sink waste.

Standard wastes in 90 mm or 38 mm or the practical 90 mm basket waste traps the food particles left from washing up or cleaning vegetable or fruits so that they do not access the sewage system. These days 90 mm basket waste is the standard.  Note that in some ceramic kitchen sink there is no option.  With polymer drop-in (also called acrylic kitchen sinks) or polymer undermount sinks one kan choose between 38 mm waste or 90 mm waste since the sink comes out standard with a 38 mm waste and can be drilled wider to 90 mm waste. Acrylic kitchen sinks come in white, bone, beige and dove grey colours.

Kitchen sink fittings.

Teka and Franke kitchen sinks provide all the fitting elements needed to install the sink. It's also possible to order less complete sinks as some plumbers and installers have their own suppliers for such elements.

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