Refurbishment and Restore Issue 23 2021 | Page 60

Sinks move to the forefront of kitchen design

For years , the sink was often an afterthought when it came to kitchen design , but now they are specified far earlier in the decision-making process , explains James Cunningham , Sales Director at AGA Rangemaster .
The general ‘ value ’ of a sink in a kitchen is more widely recognised by consumers and designers alike , so it is no longer an item that is automatically downgraded should a project ’ s budget be squeezed . In addition , today ’ s sinks need to be hardwearing and easy to clean , in order to meet the demands of the kitchen in a post-COVID-19 world , while complementing the overall scheme .
MATERIAL CHOICE The three main materials used for sinks – stainless steel , ceramic and granite composite – each offer a different aesthetic , as well as their own individual features and benefits .
Stainless steel remains the most popular material choice when specifying a sink , due to its hardwearing properties and resistance against heat , scratches and stains . However , it ’ s important to note that not all stainless steel is the same . To this end , at Rangemaster , all our sinks are manufactured using high-grade 18 / 10 stainless steel and we have created specific finishing touches , including ground edge trims to beautifully frame the sink and create a high-quality appearance .
Ceramic sinks are fashioned from clay fired at extremely high temperatures to provide superior strength , and a stunning high-gloss finish . They are stain and heat resistant , hygienic , easy to wipe clean and generally low maintenance , while the glossy finish provides added visual appeal . Recent manufacturing developments have allowed fire clay sinks to become lighter , stronger and generally more practical , while still providing the same aesthetic benefits .
Similarly , granite composite sinks are hygienic , nonporous and hardwearing – due to the way they are formed under extreme pressure ; however , SCHOCK by Rangemaster models have taken the benefits one step further by including ProHygienic 21 , the world ’ s first sink material with recognised antibacterial properties .
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