Jason, Häfele’s Sink and Tap Category Manager has a few expert tips on how to select the right sink for your home.

Materials:

Stainless Steel is a popular option and no wonder! They are affordable, durable, easy to clean and the non-porous surface is easy to sterilise — removing harmful germs and bacteria.
The composition of stainless steel is important and good indicator of quality – look for the ideal ratio of 18% chrome and 10% nickel, often referred to as 18/10 grade or ‘304 stainless steel’.

Brushed metal or textured metal sinks need to be manufactured from high quality materials to avoid issues of scratching or colour wear. ‘PVD’ finish is a premium coating technique and is three-times harder than standard stainless-steel finishes and achieves six times greater adhesion than ordinary electro-plated surface technology.

PVD coating shows fewer fingerprints and can be easier to clean and maintain than standard stainless steel.

Composite quartz kitchen sinks are made from 80% granite or quartz with 20% acrylic resin and are heat, scratch and stain resistant making them incredibly hardwearing. This material is also non-porous which is perfect if you’re looking for an odour free, hygienic option.

A great benefit of these sinks is the are available in matte black or matte white, and these modern sinks fit seamlessly into contemporary kitchens.

Drop-in or under-mount?

Drop-in sinks rest on the benchtop and have a visible lip. These are a great option if you’re looking to makeover your kitchen or laundry on a budget. Alternatively, and under-mount sink attached beneath the counter and creates a seamless integration with your benchtop.

These are also super easy to keep clean as there is no lip for dirt and grime to build-up. Whichever mounting option you choose, there are a range of models to suit every style.

Size:

Consider the needs of your home. A single bowl sink is perfect for a couple but would not be suitable for a family of 5. Double bowl sinks can handle almost any size pot or pan and are great for families that like to cook. Sinks with an integrated draining board are a good idea if you have delicate glassware or special items you prefer to handwash.

And we’ve never met someone who complained their sink was “too big”, so if you have the space and budget consider a double bowel sink, you can thank-us later!

Cleaning and maintenance:

Different materials require different types of care and maintenance. A busy family home that uses lots of pots and pans might require a sink that is durable and easy to clean like stainless steel. A new high spec kitchen may prioritise a feature sink that is stylish but may require a little more care such a quartz composite.

Ready to create your dream kitchen?

• Check-out our Häfele Home Instagram and Facebook for inspiration
• Experience our products at one of our 8 showrooms across Australia
• View our product range at www.hafelehome.com.au
• Create your custom mood board with Häfele at www.stylesourcebook.com.au
• Find a Häfele Studio Partner and start creating your dream kitchen.

To book a complimentary 1-hour showroom appointment with a dedicated consultant please visit our website to find a time that is right for you: www.hafelehome.com.au/pages/contact-us

The post Stylish sinks for Australian homes appeared first on Completehome.

Part of the company’s Designer Sink Mixers collection, the latest additions feature enhanced functionality — Deja has detachable hoses for extended reach and both mixers boast 360 degree swivel capability.

The Ester Sink Mixer Squareline is ideal for any contemporary kitchen, blending functionality and elegance in one. The tap utilises Cold Start cartridge technology, which produces cold water only when the tap is operated from the traditional mid-lever position. This means hot water flows only if the handle is moved to the left hot position, saving energy by avoiding the unnecessary heating of water.

Meanwhile, Deja showcases softer curves, pairing perfectly with kitchens that follow a minimalist chic aesthetic. The pull-out hand piece with a switch makes preparing food and cleaning the sink a breeze. To add to its attraction, Deja also has a fixed pin lever and swivel spout for enhanced functionality and easy movement.

If you love to cook and make a mess, the Ester Sink Mixer Squareline and Deja taps will be your saving grace. With their clever technology and design, rest assured the big clean-up after won’t drive your water bills through the roof.

You’re also spoiled for choice with the range of finishes. Both Ester and Deja are available in chrome, brushed nickel and matt black finishes to suit any kitchen — whether contemporary, classic, retro or minimalist.

For more information, visit: Phoenix Tapware

The post Phoenix’s Deja and Ester Mixers steal the spotlight appeared first on Completehome.

Starting with the kitchen sink market, Buildmat has expanded its range to include the supply of above-standard industry products to provide an innovative range for designers and homeowners who want more than what the industry has been offering.

A 100-per-cent Australian-owned and -operated online retailer, Buildmat is based in Melbourne and lives by the motto, “If it’s not a product we will have in our own home, then we won’t be selling it.” From bathroom basins and tapware to laundry tubs, faucets, mixers and even the kitchen sink, this premium manufacturer is an award-winning business with plenty on offer.

Handcrafted from 304-grade, 1.5mm-thick stainless steel — on average more than 0.5mm thicker than its competitors — Buildmat sinks are made to last. Formed in modern clean lines and slightly rounded corners for an easy-to-clean finish, these hardy offerings include a brushed hairline look for a matt aesthetic that suits most modern kitchens. Designed in Melbourne, these handmade sinks and basins are a reflection of the innovation for which Buildmat is known. With a focus on product development and a desire to meet customers’ needs, Buildmat has brought several effective products to market that defied convention.

It continues that tradition today, always looking to the future to ensure the best products for its clients — which is why the company was award the 2020 Architecture Masterprize Product Design Award.

More than just an award-winning company, Buildmat understands the importance of educating its customers so they can make the right choice for their projects, guaranteeing a successful outcome and product satisfaction for years to come.

In addition to its market-leading sink range, Buildmat also supplies an extensive range of premium architectural products, from elegant and durable tapware to bespoke kitchen accessories made to the exact specifications of its stainless-steel sinks.

For more information

Buildmat

The post Premium sinks built for performance appeared first on Completehome.

That means you want a sink from a quality manufacturer such as Oliveri. With more than 70 years in business, this industry expert has explored many different design trends, ensuring there’s something in its range to suit your needs. Whether you’re after large capacity bowls, single or double drainers, single or double bowls or under- or top-mount sinks, they have it and in premium 304 grade 18/10 stainless steel. What does that mean in layman’s terms? It’s tough. It’s quality. That’s probably why Oliveri backs it with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

You can even choose from a range of custom-made accessories that turn your sink into a food preparation centre to truly maximise your sink’s potential. Style, quality and practicality aside, there’s another reason to choose Oliveri: it is made in Australia. The company has produced a range of kitchen sinks and laundry tubs from its Adelaide factory for 70 years, making it a real homegrown success story. And when so many other companies have shut up shop to manufacture overseas, this is a huge achievement. It’s just one more reason to think Oliveri when you want everything plus the kitchen sink.

For more information

Oliveri

Originally featured in Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly 26.3

The post The Everything Sink appeared first on Completehome.