Quartz sinks for the kitchen: customer reviews, pros and cons

Usually the choice has to be made from these two proposals, if you do not take into account natural stone. The latter is relatively rarely used for the production of utilitarian household items, since it is an expensive and rather fragile material.

Stainless steel is the most common option, but sinks made of artificial stone successfully compete with it. Products made from it are somewhat more expensive, but this is the case when the price is completely justified. They are almost eternal, and their excellent design makes the kitchen interior especially interesting, even elegant.

Stainless steel sinks: pros and cons

The advantages of steel sinks include their low cost and relative strength. They go well with metal faucets, although the latter are increasingly made from ceramics. In addition to the price, other positive properties can be noted:

1. Resistance to aggressive household liquids, acids;
2. Easy to clean - they do not absorb dirt and do not stain;
3. They can withstand high temperatures (they are not afraid of a hot frying pan).

However, the quality greatly depends on the manufacturer, namely on the composition and thickness of the metal. If the sheet is thin (less than 0.8 mm), then it will sag under heavy dishes and dents will form on it. It is difficult to fix the mixer on such a panel. The stream of water that is turned on makes a fair amount of noise; over time, the shiny surface becomes dull, and it is impossible to return it to its original appearance. When choosing which sink is better, stainless steel or granite, you need to remember: steel products from well-known brands are very expensive.

1. A square steel sink is a familiar attribute of the kitchen.

A significant drawback of stainless steel sinks is monotony. The only thing that changes is their shape: rectangular, round, square. There is no need to talk about the color palette and decorative possibilities here.

Customer Reviews

Anna, Moscow : “After buying my own apartment, I had a desire to do everything in it to my liking. When it came time to choose a sink, I knew for sure - just not stainless steel. I saw a quartz model from a friend, liked it, and decided to get one too. The choice fell on Polygran Tolero R-108E. The sink is quite spacious, does not make noise, and the white color looks great in the interior. The disadvantage is the high price."

Sofia, Samara : “I’ve been using the Delinia rectangular sink for about six months. It is quite large, there is a wing for drying dishes, which can be placed on the right or left, as desired. There are no right angles inside, so dirt does not accumulate and it is easy to clean. The only downside would be the high maintenance requirements, but I like everything.”

Artificial stone sinks, which are better?

To understand this, you need to imagine the technology of their manufacture. But first, let us note that artificial stone is a composite material, 80–90% consisting of sand and fragments of natural rocks. The binding mass is represented by acrylic resins with the addition of coloring pigments.

Manufacturing technology for “stone” sinks

The composite is obtained by mixing fine granite, quartz or marble sand with reagents that bind acrylic resins. The resulting mass is pressed and air bubbles are “squeezed” out of it. Different manufacturers add special components to it, trying to create a unique product.

For example, additives with silver ions give the material antibacterial properties, while hydrophobic impurities give it a “dirt-repellent” effect. Everyone has their own “know-how”, which is kept secret. There are two main technologies for the production of sinks.

• Cast products. The molten mass is poured into special molds, and they are coated with a special alloy - gelcoat, which forms a smooth, shiny surface. Such two-layer sinks are sometimes called “glued”, in contrast to a pure monolith. In the latter case, it has a homogeneous composition, and the surface is ground and polished.
• Bent forms. A “stone sheet” heated to a certain temperature is placed into the matrix, repeating its shape until a thin flat edge is created for connection with the surface of the cabinet.

2. Composite material with pink marble effect.

In terms of physical and mechanical parameters, products made by different methods differ little. To a large extent, the differences are due to the mineral composition of the filler and special additives. Therefore, the frequently asked question: which sink is better, granite or artificial stone, is not entirely correct. If granite chips are used in the mixture, then artificial granite is obtained, otherwise it will be “cast marble” or “quartz sink”.

3. If you order the sink and countertop from the same material, they will look like one whole, with virtually no visible seams.

Installation and connection methods

Surface-mounted sink

According to the installation option, sinks made of artificial stone are divided into several types:

• Invoices. This is the classic and simplest solution. You can carry out the installation yourself, without the involvement of specialists. An opening is pre-cut that corresponds to the size of the sink on the inside. 5 mm is added to each side for margin.
• Mortise. These models are usually equipped with a seal and fasteners. During the installation process, it is important to ensure that the fastening points are in the correct position so that the latches align with the latches. Where the sink rises above the countertop, a seal is placed. If all manipulations were done correctly, when you press on the sink, the latches will close.
• Under-table installation. Sinks are installed below the countertop. This method looks more attractive due to the reduction in the number of joints. Relevant for expensive models made of unusual materials. Stone sinks are fixed using brackets and screws. Fastening is carried out with self-tapping screws. A suitable opening is cut out with a jigsaw, the edges are sanded, and a moisture-proof film is applied.

Even a non-professional can handle the installation of conventional sinks. But installation of quartz and marble models requires special skills and experience.

Advantages of artificial stone products

Composite material based on natural stone chips has unique properties, and at the same time is significantly cheaper than natural analogues.

• Thanks to its dense texture, it is free of pores and cracks, absolutely hygienic, and does not absorb dirt and grease.
• The product can be given any design shape: oval, shell, or painted in an interesting shade.
• The durable surface holds polish for a long time, retains a beautiful appearance, and is easy to clean.
• Rare scratches can be sanded and polished, eliminating the damage without leaving a trace.
• Simple installation of the sink and adjustment to the countertop without gaps; no cracks form in them when drilling.

Is there a place for quartz in the kitchen?

This design option causes skepticism among some housewives. But having familiarized yourself with the advantages of the product, we can conclude that you can easily place quartz on the kitchen area without spoiling the interior. The material has a high level of strength, and therefore it is reliable and practical.

After reading negative reviews, many refuse to purchase because they think that such a surface is more difficult to care for. But to avoid troubles, you just need to use such a sink correctly. Follow the recommendations, and the sink will last at least 10 years.

Which sink is better: marble, granite or quartz?

The answer is simple: all composites that imitate the listed natural rocks have good physical and mechanical properties and meet the requirements for household items. The choice is more a matter of taste and design. And yet, a sink made of marble or granite, which is better? What are the differences?

• Marble is a rock formed from limestone. It consists almost entirely of calcium, and a small admixture of iron (and other) oxides gives it a characteristic pink, creamy, greenish tint. Marble products are matte, with a warm surface, plastic. It absorbs dyes quite easily, so it is advisable to cover them with a protective layer.
• Granite is an igneous rock, much harder and more durable than marble. 55–65% of it is composed of quartz, the rest is feldspars and other minerals. This explains its “variegated” texture and variety of colors. It is more difficult to polish, the surface remains a little rough - it is perhaps most similar to “stone”.
• Quartz is a hard, brittle mineral that, when melted and fired, takes on a shiny, glassy appearance (the main component of glass). Polymer resins give the quartz sand-dominated material the necessary impact resistance.

The speckled pattern of granite is practical; stains and minor defects are not visible on it. Marble requires more careful handling and is more often used in classic-type interiors. Quartz sinks are not afraid of high temperatures, but not everyone likes their cold “glass” appearance.

5. The countertop and sink look like polished granite.

6. Stylish sink made of a composite with a predominance of quartz.

Installation features

Installing a quartz structure is almost no different from installing a conventional sink. But it is important to remember that stone is much heavier than stainless steel or steel. Taking this feature into account, first they create a template that completely copies the product. It is used to measure the required dimensions for the installation location.

Using a template will prevent damage to the sink. If experience in installation and plumbing work is not enough, it is advisable to seek help from professionals.

What to look for when choosing?

In an effort to overtake competitors, manufacturers are constantly improving the composition and design of their products. Therefore, when choosing a sink for the kitchen, you need to carefully read the instructions included with it. It is worth paying attention to the following characteristics.

• The content of mineral chips should not be lower than 80%. More resin will reduce heat resistance and strength.
• The composition of the stone filler - the more quartz, the better the abrasion resistance. But at the same time, fragility will also increase: granite sand is optimal in this regard.
• Temperature range - this indicator varies widely, from 200 to 500 degrees (in any case, you should not put pans in the sink directly from the stove).
• Antibacterial and dirt-repellent additives - they improve the quality of the material, facilitate maintenance and extend the service life of the product.
• There are sinks on sale without a cut-out hole for the faucet; this can be useful, since the wing can be turned in any direction.

The problem of which sink to choose, and which is better, artificial marble or granite, is solved depending on how actively it is used. The choice is also influenced by the style of interior design, and when it is installed: during a major renovation, or an old sink is being replaced without the intention of radically changing the furniture and appearance of the room. One thing is good: there are many offers, and you can find an option that suits the price and quality.

Kitchen plumbing fixtures are typically made from various types of metal alloys to ensure strength and durability.

A successful alternative to metal as a material for making sinks is a quartz composite containing a small amount of binding and coloring components.

Kitchen sinks made of quartz are not inferior to stainless steel containers, and surpass them in many consumer properties. The new material has found a large number of supporters, its position in ratings assessing the quality of plumbing fixtures for the kitchen is actively increasing.

Varieties of design

Manufacturers make sinks from stone in various shapes and sizes. In most cases, sinks are made cast, which affects the reliability and strength of the entire structure. There are many interesting models on the market that differ in design features, shape and color. The consumer will be able to choose the appropriate option for a specific kitchen area.

Before purchasing the product, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the functionality:

1. A deep sink protects nearby surfaces from splashes.
2. The rectangular shape will fit into almost any design and add rigor.
3. The round sink is easy to clean - just wipe it with a damp cloth and all dirt will go away. But this cannot be said about a rectangular structure, since dirt will accumulate in the corners.

Sink designs are divided according to the number of bowls installed. The most popular are samples with two containers. If you decide to purchase such a model, take care to replace the conventional faucet with a pull-out version. This will make using a double sink easier.

If apartment owners prefer to diversify the standard interior with unusual details, it will not be difficult for them to choose extraordinary shapes and shades of the sink. Products with a matte or glossy effect are available for sale.

Important! Glossy surfaces are not as protected from mechanical stress as matte ones. If you use it carelessly, scuffs and scratches will appear on the sink.

Advantages of a quartz kitchen sink

The sink and the adjacent surface, made of quartz composite raw materials, appeared on the market relatively recently, but managed to impress users with a combination of the following positive qualities:

• appearance reminiscent of natural stone;
• ability to absorb the noise of falling water;
• absence of loud sounds when washing dishes (not like in stainless steel);
• smooth, uniform surface;
• resistance to detergents;
• environmental friendliness;
• durability;
• ease of care;
• possibility of repairs.

Advantages and disadvantages

Since the basis for the production of such sinks is quartz sand (a fairly durable mineral), it gives the finished products excellent performance characteristics. After pressing, composite sinks acquire an impressive set of advantages:

• Resistant to impacts, chips, scratches and cracks.
• Chemical inertness and good heat resistance (up to +280 °C).
• Immunity to stains (staining by products).
• Maintainability and the possibility of restoration by professional grinding. However, this procedure is not cheap.
• Quietness – will be appreciated by those who plan to change their metal sink.

Polyester resins, which combine quartz particles into a single monolith, also provide their advantages. Thanks to them, the sink acquires a very smooth surface without pores or roughness, which means it becomes hygienic. Customer reviews indicate that this type of sink does not pose any maintenance problems at all. Although on sale you can also find artificially created textures that more accurately convey the resemblance to natural stones. But here you will have to decide for yourself whether to compromise or prefer ease of maintenance to realistic effects.

The most important thing is that with all these advantages, quartz sinks remain affordable. However, let's not lose sight of their shortcomings. For silicate agglomerate, the main one is high rigidity. This means that such products practically do not work on bending. And so that there are no problems with them during operation, it is better to choose a separate sink, rather than a monolithic sink in the body of the main countertop.

How is quartz composite made?

Excellent consumer characteristics of quartz material for the manufacture of kitchen sinks, which has almost no disadvantages in its properties, are ensured by the implementation of the following technological stages of production:

• thorough mixing of the feedstock;
• homogeneous mass casting;
• molding products by pressing;
• hardening by thermal load;
• polishing surfaces.

The final stage is mandatory monitoring of quality indicators, preparation of a conclusion on the absence of disadvantages or defects in the product.

Some consumers do not see the difference between artificial quartz and artificial acrylic stone, believing that their composition is similar. In fact, the quartz composite used to make kitchen sinks contains a predominant portion of natural, non-porous silica. This is a huge advantage to the properties of the raw material. There is no natural component in acrylic stone, which is a big disadvantage.

Granite sink

Granite kitchen sinks combine luxury and rationality. Using them brings genuine pleasure. Manufacturers from different countries create products from granite chips - the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Russia.

Properties of artificial granite

The technology for producing granite sinks involves mixing granite chips with special clay. Then the components are impregnated with a special glue and painted in the desired color. At the final stage, the product undergoes finishing and polishing.

The sink is not only completely waterproof, but also withstands shock loads. Despite the high price, the products are in demand among buyers. The high density of the material allows it to avoid moisture absorption and the penetration of microbes.

Types and features of granite sinks

Such a sink always maintains its pristine cleanliness. The surface of the material does not change its properties over time under the influence of external factors (sunlight, exposure to household chemicals). Granite sinks are characterized by a variety of colors, sizes and shapes, which allows you to choose a product that completely suits your own taste.

Granite does not require special care, but it is still best to avoid using products with abrasive particles. The color of the sink is often matched to match the working surface of the table or furniture façade. At the same time, the sink can also act as an accent spot. The sink may consist of several bowls. Double and triple options are more suitable for a large family. The high price of granite sinks is fully justified, as the products last a very long time.

We recommend: How to choose the right LED lamps for apartment lighting

What are the disadvantages

Do not place dishes in quartz sinks that have just been removed from the burner. Contact with hot material from a pot or pan may leave a mark on the surface of the sink. In this property, stainless steel outperforms composite.

The surface of many quartz kitchen sinks is coated with a special gelcoat-based compound. As a result, a decorative protective layer is formed on the product, which can be easily washed off from dirt with a soft sponge and ordinary detergents.

The sink cannot be cleaned with metal brushes or abrasive powders due to the high probability of damage to the surface. For some users, such restrictions are a significant disadvantage; they are used to scrubbing the sink with scourers made of metal threads.

Note! The advantage of quartz sinks is their high strength, however, if a large cast iron frying pan is dropped onto it from a height of half a meter, mechanical damage may occur.

For many buyers, the most important factor characterizing a product is price. For quartz sinks it is rather large, which is a disadvantage for a large number of potential owners, so they choose stainless steel.

The desire to buy is strengthened by the opportunity to use a beautiful, original sink. It will serve for many years without losing its attractiveness.

Installing a heavy sink requires the participation of several specialists. If the product has a non-standard shape or size, then diamond cutters will be needed for installation. The process may take several hours, but the result will be enjoyable every day.

Composite kitchen sinks are not without some disadvantages; they have both pros and cons, so manufacturers and experienced users warn about the specifics of their use.

Main types of breakdowns and ways to prevent them

To ensure that your sink lasts as long as possible, you should stock up on additional accessories to protect the surface from mechanical damage. This is especially true for inexpensive models, which are somewhat inferior in quality to their expensive counterparts.

A special metal basket will prevent chips and abrasions if heavy dishes accidentally slip from your hands into the sink. This same attribute allows you to conveniently wash vegetables and fruits.

To avoid other damage, just follow a few rules:

• The surface of the quartz sink is carefully wiped with a soft sponge and detergent, always gel or liquid.
• Do not place hot dishes in the sink, as this will cause scorch marks. Pots and pans are placed on a special stand or cooled under running water.
• To prevent stains from spoiling the sink, each time after using cleaning products, you must rinse it thoroughly and wipe it dry.
• Do not pour products that contain solvents or acids down the sink.

Whatever the quartz sink, it is important to properly care for it. Compliance with these recommendations will protect the model from damage, extend its service life, and maintain its presentable appearance.

Product range

Modern technology has been perfectly mastered by manufacturers; as a result, there are products of various colors and sizes on the plumbing market.

In small studio apartments, sinks with a shallow depth, up to 45 cm, look organic. They are often oval in shape and cut into the countertop of the work area.

In large kitchens, you can install a product with a wing to place clean dishes. Options for sink orientation may be different, because manufacturers prudently do not make a hole for the faucet.

Large kitchen spaces allow you to install quartz sinks with two containers, which is very convenient. In one container you can put large dishes before washing or vegetables that are prepared for processing.

A variety of color and texture solutions allows each buyer to purchase a sink taking into account the interior of the kitchen; sellers will be happy to help you choose a faucet so that the work area looks organic.

Modern housewives increasingly prefer to choose quartz sinks for the kitchen; metal options are losing their popularity. The artificial stone sink has a pleasant appearance, is easy to clean and pleasant to the touch. Also, during operation there is no unpleasant pressing noise or rumble.

The product has a high level of strength. Dye is used to give a special color. A quartz sink must be covered with gelcoat. This is a special material that performs a protective function. Thanks to this layer, the surface of the product becomes more resistant to mechanical stress, and the level of durability of the sink increases.

It is easy to use, the protective layer fills the pores in the stone, which makes the surface of the product smooth and pleasant to the touch. Due to its smoothness, the product is easy to wash, and the protective layer prevents plaque. A quartz sink with a gel coat is durable and retains its original characteristics for a long period of time.

Popular makes and models

Reviews of quartz sinks allow us to highlight the most popular products.

Types of structures and technical characteristics

The shape of the sink depends on the wishes of the customer. The best option would be cast models , they are more durable.

Each form has its own characteristics. Deep products will help to avoid splashes in different directions, keeping surrounding equipment and furniture dry. The rectangular shape gives rigor to the entire interior , but it is more difficult to clean, as dirt gets stuck in the corners. Round sinks are easiest to care for, but the soft shape doesn't suit every style.

The product may have 2 bowls. This is a more functional option . They are made only in a rectangular shape, since installation requires a large area. If the model has 2 bowls, a pull-out faucet will be the most convenient.

Manufacturers make quartz sinks in a variety of colors. You can order a model with a glossy or matte finish, but the gloss is susceptible to scratches.

Stone products are heavier than metal ones . This is taken into account during installation. There are no other distinctive features of the installation. First, a template is made according to which installation takes place.