Kitchen Sinks & Waste Disposal Units | Home & Garden Classifieds

Many of us spend a lot of time chained to the kitchen sink so it is important that your kitchen sink is easy to work at, functions well and looks good. So, if you are thinking about changing your sink and possibly installing a waste disposal unit as well then here are some pointers about what to consider before you buy:

Buying a kitchen sink

Types of sink: essentially there are 3 common types of sink, namely inset, under mount and ceramic. Inset sinks are the traditional type where the sink is set into the worktop with its rim overlapping the worktop. An under mount sink is, as the name suggests, fixed in place underneath the worktop and requires the worktop to be made from a waterproof material such as granite. Ceramic sinks are commonly the 'Belfast sink' style which is a large white, deep, rectangular sink with a sluice overflow at one side and is fixed to the wall with brackets rather than being set into the worktop. Which style of sink you choose is largely due to personal preference and the style you want for your kitchen.
Drainers are classified depending on which side of the sink they are placed. A left hand drainer is on the left of the sink and a right hand drainer is on the right. A universal drainer can be fitted on either side of the sink and some sinks will offer a drainer on both sides.
Sinks may have one or more bowls. Whilst most have one, many people enjoy the benefits of an additional, often smaller, bowl for rinsing. Other options include two full sized bowls.
Material: Stainless steel is the most common material for modern sinks, available in a polished, silk, brushed or linen finish but stainless steel sinks will scratch and stain with time. Granite sinks are becoming popular and they are heat resistant up to very high temperatures as well as having the advantages of being scratch, stain and chemical resistant -- but they are relatively expensive. Ceramic sinks are usually white and may chip, crack or stain over time.
Plumbing: As well as buying a sink you will need to buy the appropriate plumbing. Generally, a plumbing kit can be bought which should contain all the parts needed but it is also possible to buy the parts separately, if you know what you are doing. The plumbing will vary depending on how many outlets or bowls the sink has. For most people, it is probably best to employ a qualified plumber to install your sink to make sure that it is properly installed and doesn't leak.
Sinks and the plumbing for sinks can be purchased in a local DIY store or a smaller, specialist kitchen and plumbing shop. The advantage of buying in-store is that you can see what it is you are buying before you buy and you should also be able to ask for advice from shop staff. You can also buy on the internet but you need to make sure that you see a photo of what you are buying and that the plumbing is exactly right before you buy it. Also check the returns policy in case your purchase is unsuitable, although in most cases this should be covered by the Distance Selling Directive.

Buying a waste disposal unit
Waste disposal units are becoming increasingly popular especially with the recent push to encourage us all to recycle and dispose of waste properly. Some sink units will be supplied with a waste disposal unit as part of the package but if your sink doesn't have one and you are thinking about installing a waste disposal unit then here are some things to think about:

Advantages: A waste disposal system offers a quick and easy way to tidy up after preparing food, they can reduce odours in your kitchen, they can reduce the risk of pest problems, they can create a more hygienic environment for working with food and they help prevent pressure on landfill sites.
Waste disposal units can be either batch feed or continuous feed. In the batch feed types, food is loaded into unit before the power is switched on and once the grinding process is completed more food can be added. This is often considered a safer option. The continuous feeder is switched on and off by a switch. When switched on food is ground into small particles with the aid of running water and food can be added during the grinding process.
If you are buying the waste disposal unit separately from the sink make sure that the base unit is big enough to allow a waste disposal unit to be installed, ensure that the waste pipe is large enough and that there is sufficient 'fall' on the waste pipe to prevent waste settling in the pipe and causing a blockage.
Ask what noise the waste disposal unit makes. Generally, units with an induction motor are quieter than a machine with a permanent magnetic motor.
Decide on what size of waste disposal unit you require. This will depend on the volume of waste that you predict you will need to dispose of. This is often based on the number of people in our household so you can buy a unit for 1-2 people, 3-4 people and so on.
Find out what type of cutters are included as the better the cutters the better the grinding. Cheaper models often have galvanised cutters which are lightweight, medium range models may have stainless steel cutters and high end models have cutters made of cast iron.
Waste disposal units can be easy to install but, as an electricity supply is required, if you are planning to hardwire the unit or require an additional socket outlet for it, it is now a legal requirement in the UK that you engage the services of a professional electrician. In many cases, employing a properly qualified and experienced professional to fit the unit may be the best route to ensuring that it is installed safely and correctly.

Always remember that a waste disposal unit is potentially hazardous when in operation. NEVER try to retrieve items such as spoons that have fallen into it without isolating the power first. Always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.