Decorative and Functional Copper Kitchen Sink
A sink is an important part of a kitchen. Without it, your kitchen will not function well. Where then will you wash the dishes, the kitchen wares and the ingredients of the food that you will have to prepare? Surely, a sink will have to pair with a faucet to complete those tasks.
Apart from being structurally beneficial, a sink can also be a good design addition to your kitchen. It can lift a kitchen from being plane to something uniquely and positively different. Copper kitchen sinks are examples of those that can be both functional and decorative elements of your cooking area. They can be molded or hammered into a piece that could blend well with various kitchen designs and themes. And so, to have a copper sink is to have an item that is a cross of practicality and beauty.
Basically, copper is just one of the materials used to produce the sink. Granite and ceramic are two other examples of those mostly used for sink production. More than the materials sink also differ in style. There are those that are under-mount, some are in apron front style or farmhouse style and others are wall-mounted.
Choose It Right
With the many variations of sinks that can be placed in the corner of your kitchen, it is undeniably important to choose well the type that you will have. Just as it can make your kitchen, it can also break its theme. It must fit well to the space allotted with your specific plumbing need considered and must blend well to the scheme or theme.
When it comes to the type, under-mount sinks are deemed to be the most appropriate for the kitchen. However, when it comes to what it should be made of, several issues arise as to which is the best. Some say that stainless steel is the best while others would counter that it is copper or other materials.
Say, you are inclined to go for copper kitchen sinks. What do that type has that others don’t? Would they be worthy of what you are about to spend to have them?
Well, copper had already proven itself useful to the kitchen. There are many kitchen utensils made of copper and for years they had been very useful. The same goes for copper sinks. They already have an established set of benefits. For one, they can add a unique look to the kitchen. There are also a lot of them for you to choose from. They are also less microbial than other materials. And in addition to those, they do not rust or corrode.
Why Copper For a Kitchen Sink?
Copper was always a favored metal in the kitchen because of its low maintenance and high durability. In recent times, it was also discovered that copper acts as a natural antibacterial surface. Instead of having to rely on expensive, and potentially environmentally damaging, disinfectants to clean your copper kitchen sink, all you have to do is simply let it sit for a few hours. The chemical makeup of the copper actually kills off any surface bacteria on its own. This feature alone makes it ideal for kitchen applications where food safety is such a high priority.
Another benefit of copper in the kitchen is its extreme durability. While it may be considered a softer metal, this also means that it is less likely to show scratches and signs of wear than other materials. Copper kitchen sinks are also extremely easy to maintain with limited effort and a simple solution of soap and water instead of harsh chemicals.
The return of copper kitchen sinks to the marketplace has also brought with it a resurgence of more unique sink design options. The sinks can be found in traditional single basin designs as well as split basin models. Inspired by vintage sink designs, apron front sinks are also growing in popularity once again. Smooth finishes that are either polished or matte are available, as well as a choice of a smoother or hammered texture.
A variety of copper finishes are available, including a smooth finish, hammered finish and a finish with designs. Copper does not corrode or rust, even over a long period. Copper will develop an attractive patina over time if the copper is never polished. There are several handmade artisan copper kitchen sinks to choose from. Copper kitchen sinks add an attractive custom look to any kitchen.
Cons to Copper Kitchen Sink
While there are many advantages of copper kitchen sink, there are also several disadvantages of it worth mentioning.
- Copper is high maintenance. The copper must be cleaned, polished and waxed on a regular basis in order to maintain a bright finish.
- Because copper has a low melting point, hot pots or pans can damage the copper kitchen sink.
- Copper sinks are the easiest to scratch when compared to other materials that are used to make kitchen sinks.
- If thin copper was used, the sink can warp or dent. A thicker (higher gauge) of copper will eliminate this con.
- If left unwaxed, the patina that develops may do so unevenly.
- Washing dishes in copper kitchen sinks can be very noisy if a lower gauge copper was used.
- Copper kitchen sinks are expensive.
Buying a Copper Kitchen Sink
Choosing a cheap imitation is never going to suffice the purpose. Buying the right model will add a great effect to the interior of the kitchen. Nevertheless, a wrong choice can hamper your chances and lead to staining.
The market today is flooded with a wide range of copper kitchen sinks that will make your choice overwhelming. Just do the research and you will get a spectacular piece of art right in your kitchen.
Maintaining the Copper Sinks
Copper has many advantages and a little care will go a long way. For many, it may seem a hassle to maintain it in comparison to stainless steel which is far convenient. Take good care and do proper cleaning on a regular basis to prevent the greening of the copper.
Do not place any hot pans in them as the melting point may cause damage. To maintain a bright, glossy finish, it must be polished and waxed on a constant basis.
Shopping for copper kitchen sinks can be a fun experience after all. If you know your options you are halfway through the shopping. With those benefits, indeed a copper sink can be said to be very worthy of what you have to spend. You can go check the products from famous brands like Elkay and Franke, for example, to start your search for the one that is exactly what you need.
How to Clean Copper Kitchen Sink
While copper sink will add a gorgeous decorative element to your kitchen. However, it needs proper maintenance to keep its beauty. You need to keep it clean and dry after you use it. It will prevent deposits that will leave green spots on it that surely will reduce the beauty of your sink.
In simple, your copper sink should only be washed with warm water, with a mild soap, as well as a soft sponge. To be able to keep the shiny look, the chopper should be cleaned with a copper cleaner at least once a month. Never use hard cleaner and scrubber to clean your copper sink, ever. Always dry the sink with a towel after you use or clean it.
Which Copper Sink to Buy
Below we list several copper kitchen sink products available on Amazon online store. Please understand that this is not a review article nor a recommendation. We list the products here just to give our reader a starting point where and which one to buy for faster and easier searching. We choose the products on this list based on the customer reviews listed on the product page. Again, use this list as a starting point on your research to find the right copper sink for your kitchen.
A simple guide to keep in mind when you are shopping for the sink.
- Have a budget in mind to help you limit the product based on the price. It will help you shop faster and easier and at the same time will prevent you from overspending. Copper kitchen sink can be very expensive depends on the product you choose.
- Make sure you have measured the side where the sink will be placed and use it as a guide when you search for the sink. It will ensure you choose the appropriate copper sink that fitss your kitchen.
- When choosing the model or type or even the color, not that you will have many color choices anyway, make sure it meets the overall nuance of your kitchen. Copper sink can bring beauty to your kitchen if you can choose the appropriate one.
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