It can't be disputed that the kitchen sink is likely to be the most used appliance in the home and yet many don't give much thought to it. Taking time to research the sinks quality will pay dividends many times over. Ensure your sink has an overflow to avoid potential flooding in the kitchen and if you happen to have your kitchen on a first floor (or greater) the benefits of an overflow will be obvious.
| 'High polished stainless steel is something you really need to give careful consideration to before buying.' |
High polished steel will most likely cause glare into your eyes as the sun moves past your kitchen window and a high polish will also show scratches more readily. High polished stainless steel is something you really need to give careful consideration to before buying.
Tips when buying a sink
When shopping for a sink you will most likely have an idea of the configuration which will best suit your life style. To the uninitiated there are many "traps" to fall into.
| 'Some low quality sinks are not actually made from stainless steel although they look as though they are.' |
Good quality sinks are made from 304 grade either 18/10 or 18/08 stainless steel. Some low quality sinks are not actually made from stainless steel although they look as though they are. AISI 201 and AISI 202 is currently being used to make kitchen sinks to meet the budget end of the market. These are causing problems within the industry and for the unaware, the experience is catastrophic.
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The Regent 10
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You may think every sink will do the same job. The reality check is, if you buy a cheap sink made from thin steel you run the risk of experiencing what is called in the Trade as "TAP WOBBLE". This means the tap will always feel loose. The leverage from you touching the nozzle of the tap easily buckles thin stainless steel and it will always feel like the tap is going to fall off in your hand.
| 'When buying a sink make sure the recess around the 90mm waste hole is deep enough to accept the collar of the waste disposal. ' |
Waste disposal machines become considerably more noisy and vibrate unnecessarily when they are fastened to a thin piece of metal. When buying a sink make sure the recess around the 90mm waste hole is deep enough to accept the collar of the waste disposal. If it isn't, the collar of the waste disposal will sit raised in the bowl and water will constantly "pond" because it can't get over the "lip" of the waste disposal collar and drain into the waste and escape.
| 'Look for over zealous grinding and polishing' |
When buying your sink look at the surface as this is a good indicator of the sinks quality. If you see "dimples" around the outside edge this is a good indicator that the sink is made from thin steel. Look for over zealous grinding and polishing and remember a high polish installed near a window will reflect badly into your eyes.
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The President
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Before buying, look to see if the underside of the sink has a timber board glued to the steel. This also is a good indicator the sink needs additional support. Timber is cheaper than steel.
There are sinks and then there are sinks. Buying cheap for what is probably the most used appliance in the home is false economy. Paying little and getting a lot isn't possible.
If you weigh up your purchase well and still take the cheap option we wish you good luck.
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The RX980
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Duratech Industries is the National Distributor for the REGINOX Brand of kitchen sinks. Being the largest Supplier of kitchen sinks in New Zealand necessitates us also having the biggest range. We offer sinks made from stainless steel, ceramic, quartz, timber and composite materials.
Visit our website to see sinks displayed in two categories, Reginox and also Bisonne.
