What’s the difference between kitchen taps and mixer taps?

Kitchen taps, or faucets, which have separate levers for hot and cold water are the more traditional type of fixture. They are often used in heritage homes though they can bring charm and maturity to modern kitchens. Kitchen mixer taps however have a single handle, or lever, which controls everything from temperature to water pressure. These are the most commonly used kitchen taps in modern homes.
These two main types of kitchen taps can have a few particular features. Some include pull-out taps, which have retractable spouts for increased range. Others have swivel spouts, with varying degrees of range.
But you won’t know what you want until you see what’s on offer. Scroll down to shop some of our favourite kitchen taps and mixers, from goosenecks with high arches to contemporary square silhouettes.

We spoke to Jennie Adams, Sales and Design Manager at ABI Interiors for her best tips and tricks.

• If you have a bench-mounted basin and want bench-mounted tapware, ensure that the basin mixer extends high enough to reach above the basin. An extended mixer is often required in this case. For under-mounted basins, a standard basin mixer is usually sufficient.
• Think about who will be using the tap. Elysian taps have excellent accessibility, well suited to children and elderly users.
• If you have limited bench space, a wall-mounted tap may be the best option to maximise your available area.
• Decide whether you prefer separate controls for hot and cold water or if a single mixer is more convenient.

What to consider before buying tapware

Shop the best kitchen taps in 2025

01

‘Eden’ square kitchen mixer in White

$249.90, ABI Interiors

Best for: Contemporary design

Lovers of contemporary interiors have a lot to like about the ‘Eden’ kitchen mixer from ABI Interiors. It has all the modern conveniencees to expect, such as a 360° swivel spout, but it’s certainly the modern aesthetic that is most striking. The square spout design, especially in the white semi-gloss lacquer finish, creates a sculptural piece perfect for a modern kitchen.

Colours: White, Brushed Brass, Brushed Copper, Brushed Gunmetal, Brushed Nickel, Chrome, Matte Black

Materials: Solid brass construction.

Key features:

• Square style
• Semi-gloss lacquer finish
• White finish
• 360° swivel spout
• Brass construction
• Seven colour options

Shop Now

02

Zip mixer tap in Rose Gold

$935, Winnings

Best for: A warm and luxe finish

This gooseneck mixer tap has a sleek and simple design that is elegant and timeless. The rose gold finish elevates this, creating a style statement that is sure to stun. The arched swivel spout has a high clearance, leaving you plenty of room for washing dishes, filling jugs and cleaning hands.

Colours: Rose Gold.

Key features:

• One year warranty
• High arch
• Gooseneck style
• Swivel spout
• Rose gold finish

Shop Now

03

Meir pinless round kitchen sink mixer tap in Champagne

$463 (was $579), The Blue Space

Best for: Pinless handle

This gooseneck style kitchen tap has a stunning electroplated champagne finish. The design is flexible and customisable as the handle can be positioned either front-facing or on the side. This means you have the power to pick the look and function that suits you and your home best.

Colours: Lustre Bronze, Shadow, Champagne, Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Tiger Bronze and Matte Black.

Materials: Brass

Key features:

• Lifetime warranty
• High arch
• Gooseneck style
• Pinless handle
• Champagne finish
• Brass construction

Shop Now

04

Tiago Tapware ‘Avalon’ spring pull-out/down kitchen mixer in Chrome

$249.99, Temple and Webster

Best for: 360° swivel capability

This modern kitchen tap has plenty of practical features, including a pull-out function and 360° swivel capability. This means you are able to splash water with less restrictions, reaching every corner of the basin. With a brass construction, it’s available in four finishes.

Colours: Chrome, Brushed Chrome, Gunmetal and Polished Brass.

Materials: Brass.

Key features:

• 15 year warranty
• High arch
• Chrome finish
• Brass construction

Shop Now

05

Sussex ‘Voda’ curved sink mixer in Brushed Gunmetal

$729, Appliances Online

Best for: Available in seven finishes

“Form follows function” is the guiding principle behind Sussex designs, which is clear in this modern yet classic and clean collection of tapware. The ‘Voda’ curved kitchen tap mixer has a timeless and elegant design. This gooseneck style has a high arch which is both stylish and practical.

Colours: Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Satin Chrome, Brushed Gunmetal, Matte Black, Tumbled Brass and Brushed Brass Gold.

Key features:

• 15 year warranty
• High arch
• Brushed gunmetal finish
• Seven finish options
• Gooseneck

Shop Now

06

Hansgrohe ‘Talis’ ijet sink mixer tap in Stainless Steel

$891, Winnings

Best for: Adjustable swivel range

This gooseneck kitchen tap has a contemporary stainless steel finish and high arch. Functionally, the sink mixer has a laminar spray, ceramic cartridge and an adjustable swivel range. Simply choose from 60°, 110°, 150° and 160° for the swivel range.

Colours: Stainless steel.

Key features:

• 15 year warranty
• High arch
• Stainless steel finish
• Adjustable swivel range
• Gooseneck

Shop Now

07

‘Elysian’ commercial 3-way filter tap in Brushed Brass

$699.90, ABI Interiors

Best for: Filter system

This gooseneck kitchen tap has a classy brushed brass finish and two levers, one to control water pressure and another to control temperature. This tap is compatible with ABI Interior’s 3 stage undersink water filter system, giving you access to purified and filtered water, all from a chic fixture.

Colours: Brushed Brass.

Key features:

• Ceramic cartridge
• High arch
• Stainless steel construction
• Brushed brass finish
• Gooseneck

Shop Now

08

Slim 30 kitchen mixer with square spout in Fucile PVD

$855, Parisi

Best for: Square spout.

If you’re looking for a sleek and contemporary kitchen mixer, this design is ideal. The slimline style is modern, right down to the slim rounded handle. The square silhouette is striking, especially in the sleek, dark Fucile PVD finish.

Colours: Brushed Nickel PVD, Brushed Brass PVD, Fucile PVD, Electroplate Chrome and Electroplate Matte Black.

Materials: Brass.

Key features:

• Five finishes
• Square spout
• Contemporary design
• Brass construction
• Slimline style

Shop Now

09

Perrin & Rowe ‘Ionian’ 2-hole bench mounted sink mixer in Gold with White porcelain lever taps

$2285, The English Tapware Company

Best for: Traditional charm

With a high arch, two charming levers and a spray rinse, Perrin & Rowe’s ‘Ionian’ kitchen sink mixer has a classical beauty that evokes imagery of butler’s sinks and Martha Stewart. While this design does appear more traditional, it can still fit right in with modern kitchens as there are seven finishes to choose from. The white porcelain levers can also be switched to black porcelain or a matching metal to complement the finish of the tapware.

Colours: Chrome, Nickel, Pewter, Polished Brass, Satin Brass and Gold.

Materials: Premium grade brass.

Key features:

• Traditional
• Spray rinse
• High arch
• Levers
• 360° swivel range
• 15 year warranty

Shop Now

10

City Plus kitchen mixer in Durobrite Chrome with B Lever

Brodware

Best for: Available in 22 finishes.

Why settle for one version of brass, chrome or nickel when you can select a really specific type of the exact finish you want? The City Plus kitchen mixer from Brodware is available in a whopping 22 finishes, giving you plenty of control over the look of your kitchen taps. It has a swivel spout and also comes with two options for the attached lever.

Colours: Durobrite Chrome, Brushed Chrome, Polished Nickel PVD, Brushed Nickel PVD, Polished Swiss Brass PVD, Brushed Swiss Brass PVD, Polished Nordic Brass PVD, Brushed Nordic Brass PVD, Polished Gold PVD, Nero, Brushed Gold PVD Polished Rose Gold PVD, Brushed Rose Gold PVD, Brushed Copper PVD, Roma Bronze PVD, Statue Bronze PVD, Aged Iron PVD, Bright Black PVD, Weathered Brass Organic, Rumbled Brass Organic, Brushed Brass Organic and Polished Brass Organic.

Key features:

• Made in Australia
• 22 finishes
• Gooseneck
• High arch
• Two lever options
• Swivel spout

Shop Now

11

Kaya ‘Ambience’ sink mixer in Matte Blossom

$175 (was $349), Fienza

Best for: Pretty in pink.

Kitchen taps are rarely available in pink, especially such a subtle and soft shade. This matte blossom pink finish is achieved using a baked lacquer colour process. The gooseneck outlet has a swivel function, ensuring practicality as well as prettiness.

Colours: Matte Blossom.

Materials: Solid brass

Key features:

• Pin lever handle
• Gooseneck
• High arch
• Swivel function
• Made from solid brass
• Soft pink finish
• Matte finish

Shop Now

12

‘Vido’ flexible hose sink mixer in Chrome

$792, Phoenix Tapware

Best for: Detachable handpiece for extended reach

It’s time to be a little more flexible. The single function handpiece of this kitchen tap detachesfrom the cradle for extended reach. The hose is silicone, aiding this flexibility. Want even more range? The 360° swivel spout will achieve just that.

Colours: Chrome, Brushed Nickel and Matte Black

Materials: Brass construction

Key features:

• 360° swivel spout
• Silicone hose
• Detachable handpiece for extended reach
• Brass construction
• 5 star water rating
• 15 year cartridge warranty

Shop Now

The post 12 of the best kitchen taps and mixers to suit every interior style appeared first on Home Beautiful.

It worked, but times have changed and we’ve realised not everyone wants the same thing from their kitchen space. Just as some people love to entertain guests and others happily spend hours baking up a solitary storm, so too will their dream kitchens have quite different needs.

Enter the ‘zone’ method, a more versatile approach that allows a kitchen to be customised to suit the specific needs of each home chef. If you’re planning a kitchen layout, zoning is a practical way to go. Here are five different zones to consider, plus the top appliances and tricks to tailor them to your exact needs.

The cooking zone

One of the fundamentals of every great kitchen, the cooking zone usually comprises an oven, cooktop and microwave. You might stack them vertically with the oven sitting under the cooktop, or you may prefer to separate them so the oven can be mounted at a custom height. Either way, allow plenty of bench space around these appliances and keep frequently used cooking utensils stored within easy reach.

When planning your cooking zone, be realistic about the type of food you cook and how you like to prepare it. For example, if you enjoy chatting to other members of your household while you cook, consider positioning your cooking zone appliances in a kitchen island, instead of around the perimeter. The Westinghouse WHI955BD 90cm Induction Cooktop is ideal for this, as it heats up quickly but the safer induction surface doesn’t feel hot to the touch. Home chefs also love the cooktop’s cutting-edge BoilProtect feature, which detects rising bubbles in boiling water and automatically reduces to a low simmer to prevent boiling over (BoilProtect applies to stainless steel and enamelled pots filled with water only).

Alternatively, a freestanding cooker offers extra versatility and generally boasts a large cooking capacity that’s brilliant for bigger households. The Westinghouse WFEP9757DD 90cm Freestanding Electric Cooker combines a safe and efficient 5-zone induction cooktop with a spacious 125-litre oven complete with 10 innovative functions to take your cooking zone to the next level. These include an AirFry function to cook crispy, crunchy foods with less oil, and Roast +Steam for the juiciest roast dinner you’ll ever cook.

The baking zone

The right oven is also a centrepiece of this zone but if you take baking seriously, you’ll want to kit out the area with some specific features. Be sure to install additional powerpoints and extra bench space in your baking zone so you can use a mixer or food processor. Store other tools – such as measuring cups, whisks, rolling pins and baking pans – nearby so you can seamlessly transfer your mixture from bowl to pan to oven.

Speaking of the oven, Westinghouse is always happy to help bakers achieve their very best results. The new Westinghouse WVEP6918DD 60cm Pyrolytic Oven boasts 19 different cooking programs including a Bake +Steam function that gives bread, cakes, pastries and scones a crispier crust, fluffier centre and the perfect rise. 

The consumables zone

Having a well-organised space to store food keeps every kitchen running efficiently. Ideally, your fridge/freezer and pantry should be grouped together so you can easily move between the two when preparing food. Adding bench space nearby makes the consumables zone even more practical when you’re unpacking groceries.

The drinks zone

Ready to get creative? A drinks zone can be adapted to suit your beverage of choice. Ice on tap? No problem. The Westinghouse 564L French door fridge in matte charcoal black (WQE5650BA) has an automatic icemaker. If you’re a coffee devotee, set aside space to create your own barista-style hub, complete with espresso machine, bean grinder and an airtight container to keep your beans fresh. Position your favourite mug nearby so everything is exactly where it should be to brew the perfect cup.

If cocktails are more your speed, set up a dedicated cart or cabinet to house your preferred spirits plus a set of bar tools such as a shaker, strainer and muddler. Give this zone extra flair by adding your favourite decorative cocktail glasses.  

The cleaning zone

Just as important as your cooking areas, a well-planned cleaning zone allows you to scrape and stack dirty dishes with ease. Ideally it will be ordered from left to right, moving from garbage and food waste bins to the sink and then on to the dishwasher. Fast wash cycles make for entertaining or high-rotation use dishes is made easy with the Westinghouse Freestanding Dishwasher in Dark Stainless (WSF6608KXA).

One appliance you don’t need to worry about scrubbing clean is your oven, thanks to the pyrolytic self-cleaning function in Westinghouse’s new Kitchen range of electric ovens. Simply tap the button and leave the oven to heat to an incredibly high temperature, turning grease and splashes into ash that is easily wiped away.

The post 5 zones to consider when planning your dream kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.

For passionate cooks and kitchen lovers, the soft curves and clean, crisp finish lend a classic look to any style of kitchen, from contemporary farmhouse to classic Hamptons and even industrial chic.

Before you decide on the best sink for your household, there are some properties of clay sinks to take into consideration if you’re used to a stainless steel sink. If you’re asking yourself is ceramic a good material for sinks, here are the pros and cons to look out for.

Do ceramic sinks crack easily?

If you’re after added durability, choose a butler’s sink made from the very solid fireclay, a reinforced ceramic clay that is stronger and more durable than porcelain or standard ceramic.

Fireclay is very heavy and its construction from ground pre-fired clay mixed with wet clay and water means it is heat-, impact-, dirt- and stain-resistant and designed to be easy care.

Also chemical resistant, due to the heavy duty glazed surface, which also makes them resistant to chips and scratches and renders the surface hypoallergenic. This coating is compromised however if a chip or scratch does occur.

What is better? A porcelain or ceramic sink?

Some butler’s sinks are made from porcelain, which is not as hard-wearing as fireclay and more prone to damage and stains, however less expensive to buy.

Working in a kitchen with a ceramic sink takes some adjustment – you’re no longer able to simply throw things into the sink and let them pile up. A more careful approach is needed than with a stainless steel sink to avoid chips, breakages and stains.

The lack of a draining board alongside the sink seems to be less of an issue in modern kitchen designs, however, it’s important to be realistic about the daily washing up load. For handwashing and bulky items that don’t go into the dishwasher, a practical drying alternative needs to be sought, either set in the benchtop itself, or with a free-standing dish drainer. Do your research.

Filling your ceramic sink

Size matters. Modelled on the original farmhouse style, where sinks were filled by carting water from a remote source, butler’s sinks are generally much wider and deeper than standard sinks. Because of this, they take longer to fill deep enough to submerge a cooking pot, so it pays to be aware of the environmental impact of filling your ceramic sink to suit your daily needs.

Fitting a ceramic sink into your kitchen

The choice is yours whether to position your ceramic sink set-in to the benchtop – leaving the rim sitting proud of the surface; under-mounted – with the surrounding benchtop extending right over the edges of your sink; or cut in around three sides – leaving the front of your sink exposed.

Rather than simply buying something off the shelf as standard, due to their size and weight, consider enlisting the help of a professional cabinetmaker build your ceramic sink into your kitchen cabinetry.

Are ceramic sinks hard to clean?

Cleaning your butler’s sink is usually required more frequently as marks and stains show up plainly against the white surface.

Fireclay sinks are dirt- and stain-resistant so generally easy to keep clean, however, if a sparkling white sink is essential to your sense of daily order, simply keep a tub of Gumption handy or routinely give it a quick scrub with a paste of bicarb soda and lemon.

All of these factors take a little getting used to, but after time are unlikely to be noticeable in your day-to-day kitchen use, particularly as your sink will continue to look beautiful which, it has to be said is everlasting!

The post The pros and cons of a ceramic kitchen sink appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Sinks have come a long way since the stock-standard stainless steel jobs we grew up with. The types of kitchen sink available are endless, from double ceramic sinks to sleek black undermount sinks, and there’s one to suit every space — even the smallest of butler’s pantries. Take a look at these kitchen sink ideas before you update one of the most hardworking features of your home.

Best types of kitchen sink 

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sinks. When buying a kitchen sink, you’ll need to consider the size you need, whether it’s undermounted, drop-in or sits proud from the bench, how deep it should be, the material and whether you’ll require one or two kitchen sink bowls.

Do you need a kitchen sink with a cover, to increase prep space? What’s on trend in the world of sinks? It’s a surprisingly important decision. After all, you — or others in your family — will be spending a lot of time using the sink.

Here are some common types of kitchen sink on the market: 

• Top-mount, over-mount or drop-in sink: You might recognise this one from your childhood. It ‘drops into’ the bench top, of which a hole is cut to fit the sink, and it essentially hangs by the rim of the sink. Usually made of stainless steel, this is an affordable DIY option (unless you’re cutting into an engineered or natural stone bench top; in this case, you should call in the professionals who can do it safely).  
• Undermounted sink: This type of sink sits neatly under the benchtop, often with the sink lip flush with the benchtop edge. It’s a seamless and stylish option that works well in a kitchen island. Better still, you can wipe water and food crumbs straight into the sink bowl! You can choose from a variety of finishes.
• Farmhouse sink (or, butler’s or apron sink): Often a white fireclay sink (a type of ceramic) — but can be made of cast iron, porcelain or concrete — this is the ultimate kitchen sink for a Hamptons or country-home aesthetic. A farmhouse sink usually sits proud of the kitchen bench with an apron front, but can be quite large and not always suitable for small kitchens. They can also be mounted on top of the kitchen bench, which may require a lower bench height. 
• Double-bowl sink: Like the name suggests, this type of kitchen sink has not one, but two, kitchen sink bowls! So, you can use one for washing and the other for rinsing or washing veggies and so on. 
• Integrated sink: Technically, this isn’t a sink but one whole piece of the same benchtop material with a big, beautiful receptacle for all your dishwashing needs. It’s a kitchen sink design that’s trending among interior designers because you can carve out a sink from marble, Corian, engineered stone and more.    

So, once you’ve chosen the kitchen sink design that’s right for your space you’re halfway there.

Small kitchen sink ideas 

Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of space to play with. There’s a pint-sized kitchen sink out there to suit your small kitchen. You can still choose from almost any sink style, with the possible exception of the larger farmhouse sink. 

To minimise bulk, opt for an undermount, integrated sink or even a drop-in sink with a thin rim. If space allows, you could invest in a deep kitchen sink to compensate for the lack of width, so those pots and pans have room for a nice soak (I mean, they’ve been working hard). Similarly, optimise the depth of the kitchen bench. Think: narrow, deep and long.    

Do you need a double kitchen sink?

Having a double-bowl sink is the ultimate luxury, providing your kitchen bench has the scale to support it. However, each sink bowl is likely to be smaller than one big single bowl, so if you scrub a lot of cookware, a double kitchen sink might not be ideal for you. A double sink may also take up more real estate under the bench top.

But there are heaps of benefits. You can separate the dirty dishes from the ones you’re rinsing and drying — ask the retailer or manufacturer if they supply a matching dish rack, as well. Some come with a bowl that’s bigger than the other. If you do opt for twin sinks, look for a pair with a ‘low divider’, so water can easily overflow from one side to the other, if needed.

The pros and cons of common kitchen sink materials

Sink materials can look, feel and function in wildly different ways. Some are more durable than others, too. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Stainless steel sinks: Highly durable, stainless steel sinks are resistant to heat, rust and stains and last forever. They’re not, however, impervious to scratches or smudges… but who’s looking that closely at a kitchen sink? You don’t have to settle for a silver stainless steel, either, with many manufacturers, such as ABI Interiors, making stainless steel sinks in brushed brass, brushed copper and brushed gunmetal finishes. 
• Fireclay and ceramic sinks: These are fired to extremely high temperatures so the material is durable, non-porous and resistant to rust, stains and scratches — not to mention finished in a beautiful, glossy white finish. The disadvantage of a fireclay sink is that it’s very heavy, can crack or chip after many years, and if you drop a plate or glass in a ceramic sink it’s basically a goner.
• Enamel-coated cast iron sinks: Like the fireclay sink, cast-iron sinks have a classic look that is right at home in a Hamptons, country, industrial, rustic or white kitchen. They’re long-lasting and scratch-resistant but heavy, and over time, the enamel surface can stain.
• Stone sinks: Natural stone sinks, such as those made from marble or granite, look super luxe and timeless. They are heavy though, and are more prone to stains, scratches and watermarks. Sealing your stone sink will help. You might also need to avoid harsh or acidic cleaning products.
• Composite sinks: These sinks are typically made of stone dust and acrylic resins and look and feel similar to a natural-stone sinks — but cost less. There’s a wide variety of colours and styles to choose from when it comes to composite sinks, so you tailor it to your kitchen design. 

Who knew there was so much to consider when it comes to sink design? Bookmark these kitchen sink ideas and happy shopping. 

The post Kitchen sink ideas to inspire your next renovation appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Types of kitchen sinks

Inset sink

“Inset basins are the most popular, as they’re both durable and inexpensive,” says Michelle Irvine of Abey. Tapware can also be mounted to the sink itself, however, the raised rim can trap grime, making it harder to clean, so you may prefer to opt for a lower-profile micro or bevel edge.

Undermount Sink

Tucked under the benchtop for a minimalist look, undermounts make cleaning a cinch, as cooking spills can be easily wiped from the bench straight into the bowl. “But, the exposed edge is susceptible to chipping,” says Nadia Hursky of Blue Tea Kitchens, who notes that undermounts can only be attached to a solid surface, such as stone, granite or marble. As most undermount models are generally basins only, you’ll also need to consider cut-outs for tapware and drainage.

Flushmount sink

For the ultimate in streamlined style, the best option is a flushmount sink, where the stone benchtop is carefully routed to allow the sink’s edges to sit level with the worktop. The seamless transition between the bench and sink maximises the usable workspace and, best of all, its smooth surface is a dream to clean. The high-end look is reflected in the price tag, however, with flushmounts typically more expensive to buy and install.

Material options for sinks

Enamel sink

Pros: Made from a heavy, cast-iron base covered with a lustrous enamelled finish, butler sinks boast rustic charm. Often large and placed at the edge of the bench, they’re also ergonomic and easy to clean.

Cons: Enamel sinks are hefty, so often require reinforced cabinetry to support the considerable weight, says Nadia. “Over time the enamel can also wear away, so it’s best to avoid abrasive cleaners and take care to avoid chipping the finish,” she advises.

Stainless-steel sink

Pros: A brilliant all-rounder, stainless steel is durable, hygienic, easy to clean and affordable. “It’s also available in a variety of colours, such as copper, gold and gunmetal, which can make a great statement,” says Catherine.

Cons: Scratches may irk fastidious owners, so it’s best to opt for a brushed finish to help disguise imperfections. “Low-quality stainless steel sinks can also be quite noisy when cleaning dishes, so look for a thicker steel with good sound insulation,” recommends Nadia.

Composite sink

Pros: Typically made from a granite, quartz and resin composite, this heavy-duty material is scratch proof, stain resistant and UV stable. “Nanogranite versions also come with an antibacterial nano-clean finish that repels bacteria-causing dirt, making them incredibly hygienic,” Nadia adds.

Cons: “Boiling water has been known to crack composite, and water marks can be an issue in dark bowls,” she says.

The best kitchen tapware

Nothing sets off your sink and benchtop like a terrific tap. With a myriad of spout styles, heights, mixer options and finishes on offer, try drawing style cues from your kitchen, suggests Freedom Kitchens‘ Felicity Page. “Brushed nickel and black are on trend in contemporary kitchens, but for timeless appeal you can’t go past a stainless-steel or chrome swivel mixer tap,” she says. Functionality is also key. “Professional-looking sink mixers with pull-out sprays and pull-down taps can often be a statement piece, particularly on an island bench, with the tall adjustable head suited to washing woks and large pots and directional sprays ideal for rinsing vegies,” says Ross Cass of Cass Brothers.

“When selecting size and shape, think about how you mainly use your sink,” suggests Felicity. “Ideally, the bowl should be deep and wide enough to immerse your biggest pot, yet not encroach too much precious under-bench storage.” Kitchen and household size may also influence your choice. A single bowl often suits a compact kitchen with limited bench space, whereas dual sinks are ideal for families.

The kitchen sink should preferably be sited in an open space, without cabinets overhead, advises Felicity. “Try to install it under a window where you can enjoy a view, natural light and ventilation, or locate it at one end of the island bench to make the most of an open-plan layout,” she says.

The post How to choose the correct sink and tapware for your kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.

For passionate cooks and kitchen lovers, the soft curves and clean, crisp finish lend a classic look to any style of kitchen, from contemporary farmhouse to classic Hamptons and even industrial chic.

Before you decide on the best sink for your household, there are some properties of clay sinks to take into consideration if you’re used to a stainless steel sink. If you’re asking yourself is ceramic a good material for sinks, here are the pros and cons to look out for.

Do ceramic sinks crack easily?

If you’re after added durability, choose a butler’s sink made from the very solid fireclay, a reinforced ceramic clay that is stronger and more durable than porcelain or standard ceramic. Fireclay is very heavy – constructed from ground, pre-fired clay mixed with wet clay and water which makes it heat-resistant, impact-resistant and easy care.

Fireclay sinks are also chemical-resistant due to the heavy-duty glazed surface. This also renders the surface hypoallergenic and makes them resistant to chips and scratches. This coating is compromised if a chip or scratch does occur.

What is better? A porcelain or ceramic sink?

Some butler’s sinks are made from porcelain, which is not as hard-wearing as fireclay and more prone to damage and stains, however less expensive to buy.

Working in a kitchen with a ceramic sink takes some adjustment – you’re no longer able to simply throw things into the sink and let them pile up. A more careful approach is needed than with a stainless steel sink to avoid chips, breakages and stains.

The lack of a draining board alongside the sink seems to be less of an issue in modern kitchen designs, however, it’s important to be realistic about the daily washing up load. For handwashing and bulky items that don’t go into the dishwasher, a practical drying alternative needs to be sought, either set in the benchtop itself, or with a free-standing dish drainer. Do your research.

Filling your ceramic sink

Size matters. Modelled on the original farmhouse style, where sinks were filled by carting water from a remote source, butler’s sinks are generally much wider and deeper than standard sinks. Because of this, they take longer to fill deep enough to submerge a cooking pot, so it pays to be aware of the environmental impact of filling your ceramic sink to suit your daily needs.

Fitting a ceramic sink into your kitchen

The choice is yours whether to position your ceramic sink set-in to the benchtop – leaving the rim sitting proud of the surface; under-mounted – with the surrounding benchtop extending right over the edges of your sink; or cut in around three sides – leaving the front of your sink exposed.

Rather than simply buying something off the shelf as standard, due to their size and weight, consider enlisting the help of a professional cabinetmaker build your ceramic sink into your kitchen cabinetry.

Are ceramic sinks hard to clean?

Cleaning your butler’s sink is usually required more frequently as marks and stains show up plainly against the white surface. Fireclay sinks are dirt- and stain-resistant so generally easy to keep clean, however, if a sparkling white sink is essential to your sense of daily order, simply keep a tub of Gumption handy or routinely give it a quick scrub with a paste of bicarb soda and lemon.

The post The pros and cons of a ceramic kitchen sink appeared first on Home Beautiful.