TOP 13 best bathroom sinks: how to choose, prices, rating

What are washbasins made of?

Ceramic washbasins top the popularity ratings. They are made from porcelain or earthenware. Both materials are similar in composition, which is based on white clay - kaolin. However, differences in the ratio of components and firing procedure give them different properties. Externally, plumbing products made of porcelain and earthenware look the same, but the latter is more fragile, has a porous structure, which is why it accumulates dirt, is difficult to clean and has a relatively high hygroscopicity - 9-12% versus 1-2%. But earthenware is cheaper than porcelain, and imperfections due to porosity are eliminated by glazing. There are also ceramics with a less reliable enamel coating.

Villeroy & Boch porcelain washbasin, My Nature collection.

Important! The cost of ceramic products, among other things, consists of the costs of firing and glazing, which determine the strength and hygiene of washbasins. Cheap plumbing fixtures often turn out to be fragile and quickly lose their protective layer.

Glass sinks They look gorgeous, but only with careful care and respect. Durability and scratch resistance depends on the type of material used. Tempered glass will withstand the fall of an adjustable wrench, but it costs several times more than regular glass.

Glass sink Frap.
Stainless steel washbasins strong, durable, but easily scratched. Dried drops leave a noticeable mark on them, and with poor care, streaks quickly appear. Another drawback is the loud noise from the falling stream of water from the tap.

Stainless steel built-in washbasin.
Read also: How to install and repair a siphon under a sink
Stone shells made from rocks and minerals: marble, granite, onyx, etc. Such materials are resistant to wear and chemical influences, but are vulnerable to dirt and bacteria that penetrate the pores. Some of them (fluorite, for example) are fragile, although stronger than ceramics. Stone washbasins are very heavy, cold, and require regular and diligent care. The main disadvantage is the high price. And yet, plumbing fixtures made from this material are in demand because they are aesthetically pleasing, create a special atmosphere, and emphasize the status of the owner.

Washbasin made of natural stone.
Fake diamond – a composite based on acrylic plastic, to which natural solid fillers (granite chips, for example) and dye have been added. The result is a material that looks similar to its natural counterpart, but is much lighter and warmer to the touch.

Garda acrylic washbasin.
The main advantage is that composite products are cheaper than their natural stone counterparts. There are no micropores in acrylic, so there is nowhere for bacteria and dirt to accumulate. Plastic plumbing fixtures are repairable: the crack can be welded, the broken piece can be glued back on. There is no seam left after sanding, so upon completion of repair or installation the structure looks monolithic. Acrylic is environmentally friendly and does not release toxic substances even when burned. There are also disadvantages. Artificial stone is soft, scratches easily, and is sensitive to chemicals - a number of acids, household solvents, alcohol, dyes. Hot dishes leave marks on acrylic. Low-quality material bursts due to sudden temperature changes and turns yellow over time.
Wooden sinks aesthetically attractive, but have not entered the masses for two reasons. The first is high cost. Here they even outstripped stone washstands, prices for which start at about 13 thousand rubles, and for wooden ones from 25. The second reason is the prejudice that this material is incompatible with water and will quickly swell and rot. This is not true, although the durability of wooden washbasins is inferior to all others. They are treated with an antiseptic and coated with several layers of varnish or polymer resin. The last option is better: the varnish cracks faster. A protective coating against mechanical damage is applied on top. But even if all the rules are followed, the wooden washbasin will require restoration in 5 years.

Integrated wooden washbasin ARPY.

An interesting material for the production of sanitary ware is thermowood. How it is obtained: the wood is dried to a maximum residual moisture content of 10%, then doused with steam at temperatures up to 240°C, after repeated drying it is gradually heated to 140-200°C. The result is that only 2-3% moisture remains in the material, hygroscopicity decreases by 5 times; resistance to rotting and temperature changes increases, the texture becomes more pronounced. But there is also a fly in the ointment in the form of increased fragility.

If you want something special and the price doesn’t scare you, pay attention to sinks made of stained wood. It is mined from the bottom of swamps and reservoirs, where it has lain for hundreds, or even thousands, of years. This material is strong and durable, has a unique texture and color.

Sink made from a single piece of stained larch. The photo shows the unique texture of the wood.

Important! Artificial staining of wood is known, when improved characteristics are achieved by chemical means. Substances that are harmful to health are often used, so check the hygiene certificate.

The most extravagant material is petrified wood, which has lain underground for millions of years without air or light. However, in terms of properties it is more of a mineral.

Petrified wood countertop sink from Natural Stone.

Metal

The washbasin can be made of stainless steel - this is the most common option, as well as copper, bronze, brass, and cast iron. In appearance, stainless steel goes well with chrome-plated plumbing fixtures, and the affordable price attracts buyers.

Pictured: De Coste sink from Glass Design.

Distinctive features of metal sinks are high strength and long service life.

Pros:

High performance and durability, maximum damage is scratches.
Resistance to high temperatures.
Can be washed with any detergent, but without abrasive so as not to scratch the surface.
Resistant to contamination from coloring liquids such as red wine, coffee or iodine.
The product is light in weight, which is undoubtedly convenient both during transportation and installation.
When drilling technological holes in a washbasin, there is no danger of splitting the surface, compared to stone, ceramics, and glass.
Affordable price.

Minuses:

Higher sink noise when compared, for example, with stone or ceramics.
Over time, scratches may appear, especially if used carelessly.
It is advisable not to use abrasive detergents to avoid scratches.

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Methods for installing washbasins

A wall-hung (wall-mounted) sink seems to be the simplest option; it is mounted on a vertical surface using brackets or a console (usually included in the kit, but it’s worth checking). There is a problematic point: it is recommended to install such models on a permanent wall or partition that is not inferior to it in strength. The reason for such requirements is not so much the weight of the plumbing fixture, but the load on it: people tend to lean on sinks. In addition, the bathroom is a potentially slippery place, and it’s good if you can grab onto something reliable if you fall.

Wall-mounted washbasin IDO Mosaik.

Advantages of wall-hung sinks:

installation does not require additional expensive elements or furniture;
It is easy to clean the floor under the washbasin.

Flaws:

increased requirements for the strength of the attachment point;
the space under the washbasin is used ineffectively;
the eyeliner and drain must be hidden in the wall, otherwise the list of shortcomings will be supplemented by poor aesthetics.

The countertop sink is installed on a cabinet or countertop.

Washbasin Estet Nika.

Advice! Laminate and MDF, from which bathroom furniture is made, are treated with moisture-proof impregnation, but still retain residual hygroscopicity. To ensure that the products last longer and do not swell, install an exhaust fan in the bathroom vent.

Advantages of overhead sinks:

the space underneath is effectively used;
the strength of the adjacent wall does not matter;
the furniture hides the water supply and counters.

Flaws:

legs create inconvenience when cleaning;
set price.

The hanging cabinet represents an alternative between the console version and the cabinet. This solution has all the advantages of a headset plus the absence of legs, but creates a large load on the wall

A mortise or built-in washbasin can be installed in three ways:

under the hole in the tabletop, repeating its shape

Undermount sink.
level with her

Flush sink with countertop.
rests its entire perimeter on its surface.

Built-in sink with countertop support.

The first two options are more functional: water spilled on the table can simply be swept into the sink. However, a wooden tabletop is not suitable here. The advantages and disadvantages of built-in washbasins are the same as those of overhead washbasins.

Something between overhead and mortise washbasins - semi-recessed. Their peculiarity is that the front edge of the sink protrudes significantly beyond the table. Those. In depth, the furniture is smaller than the sink and takes up less space.

Important! Choosing a built-in washbasin as part of a set is the right choice. Factories make furniture for bathroom sinks using high-tech equipment and for a specific model. At home, it is not always possible to accurately adjust the bed.

The tulip washstand rests on a narrow, high pedestal that hides all plumbing unsightliness. The parts adjacent to the wall are fixed with self-tapping screws, but the main load falls on the leg. Despite its apparent fragility, it is a reliable support: even earthenware can withstand pressure up to 80 MPa (more than 800 kgf/cm²).

The pros and cons of a washbasin on a pedestal are obvious: beauty and ease of installation - yes, rational use of space - no, hygiene - questionable, since water can accumulate under the leg.

If you are not satisfied with the classic “tulip” and need to hide your eyeliner, take a closer look at models with a semi-pedestal.

Floor-standing washbasins appeared not so long ago; they have not yet gained popularity. Of all the options, they are the most stable, they look interesting, but the price is high.

Rating of the best models on the semi-pedestal

40 cm Hatria G-Full YXG8

The rectangular sink has a stylish appearance. As in most cases, plumbing faience is used to make the structure. In the central part there is a hole for the mixer. There is no connector for overflow. Dimensions: 40x48x22 cm.

Cost: 22600 rub.

40 cm Hatria G-Full YXG8

Advantages:

appearance;
manufacturer's warranty;
quality;
strength;
ease of use.

Flaws:

huge weight (36 kg), which will not allow for independent installation.

46 cm Jacob Delafon Ove E1567

The shape of the shell is semicircular. Made in classic style. Installed on a semi-pedestal. Made from faience. There is a hole for the mixer located on the left side. There is no connector for the mixer. A separate hole has been designed for overflow. Dimensions: 0.46x0.345 m.

Price: 6800 rub.

Model name

Advantages:

quality;
service life: 25 years;
Ease of use;
resistance to mechanical damage.

Flaws:

no significant ones have been identified.

50 cm Jacob Delafon Escale E1025

The sink is rectangular in shape. Made in high-tech style, which will allow you to install the structure in a modern bathroom. For production, sanitary type faience is used. A hole for the overflow and mixer (on the left side) has been thought out. The diameter of the drain hole is equal to 0.45 cm. Dimensions of the model: 50x31.5x16.5 cm. It should also be noted that there is a chrome-plated plug. A towel holder of the same brand can be ordered separately.

Price: 16100 rub.

50 cm Jacob Delafon Escale E1025

Advantages:

service life;
hygiene;
quality;
appearance;
ease of installation.

Flaws:

not identified.

About the importance of sizes

The choice of washbasin dimensions is often dictated by the availability of free space in the bathroom. But even if there is plenty of space, the depth of the sink (the distance from the outer edge of the front side to the back wall) should not be more than 50 cm. Excess will create inconvenience when washing, especially for short people. A reasonable width of the device is 50-65 cm. Reducing both parameters risks splashing onto the walls and floor.

If there is a total lack of space, it is worth considering corner models.

Their size is relatively small, splashes will be a problem, but they will fulfill their function. If you want to squeeze both a sink and a washing machine into a small room, then there are special washbasins with a rear or corner drain for this purpose.

Models of the “tulip” type, as well as those included with a cabinet, have a height parameter. According to SNiP 3.05.01-85, there should be 0.8 meters between the floor and the edge of the side of the washbasin, the deviation is allowed ±2 cm. Of course, you will not be inspected, but it is better to focus on these numbers for the sake of your own comfort. The exception is when all family members are short or, conversely, very tall. If there are children, then if there is space, it would be correct to place several washbasins at different heights. This will increase the convenience and safety of using the bathroom. Based on the same SNiP, a sink height of 50 cm is suitable for children of kindergarten age, and 70 cm for schoolchildren.

An original solution to the problem from VitrA is the Family double washbasin.

Features of standard sizes

Sinks with a width of 40-50 centimeters are installed in tiny bathrooms, usually in the corner. They are often offered together with a cabinet designed for storing bathroom accessories: shampoo, soap, combs, gels, etc. Very popular among summer residents.

50-60 centimeters is the most common size. Such washbasins are found in most bathrooms. They look harmonious and are easy to maintain and clean. There are many models of similar sizes on the market. There are mounted, overhead, built-in.

Washbasins with a width of 60 centimeters and above are used, as a rule, in modern multi-room apartments, characterized by spacious rooms, or in private houses. They are often oval in shape.

It may be interesting: What criteria should you use to choose a toilet lid?

Washbasins with a width of 90 centimeters are found in mansions and country residences (such dimensions, by the way, are allowed for double sinks, which can be used by two people at the same time). This is for those who like to wash their faces in comfort... They are installed together with the cabinet.

Shape - fashion or tradition

The choice of sink shape should be approached not only from the standpoint of design, but also functionality. If after every wash you have to wipe up a puddle, beauty will cease to please you faster than the time for the next repair comes.

Although the traditional shapes of washbasins have become boring since Soviet times, it is the semicircle and square that are optimal in terms of combining ergonomics and catching splashes. Therefore, such models are in demand; they are available in various materials and for all installation methods.

Nowadays, designer sinks with a low rim or no rim are in fashion. Above them, you can lightly rinse your hands under a weak stream of water, no more. To prevent splashes from a strong flow from scattering around, the washbasin bowl should be about 15 cm deep (meaning the distance from the side to the bottom point).

Advice. With a small bowl volume, shallow depth or horizontal outlet, the presence of an overflow hole is especially important. From an aesthetic point of view, it may seem unnecessary, but this attitude changes after the first flood.

If the washbasin is installed more for beauty, then the choice of shape is a matter of taste and wallet.

Shape and material

Shells come in different shapes. It all depends on the designer’s imagination and the volume of the bathroom. The most common forms are:

Corner sink (can be with a cabinet);
Tulip (on a stand);
Rectangular;
Oval;
Semicircular, with cut corners;
Round.

Wide selection of materials from which washbasins are made. This:

Faience
Marble (natural or artificial);
Porcelain;
Tree;
Metal;
Glass.

In general, there is plenty to choose from. The main thing is not to make a mistake when choosing the size.

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Do you need a riot of colors in your bathroom?

The sink no longer has to be white and plain, but the classics are still in trend. To make sure, just go to a plumbing store. A snow-white washbasin will suit almost any decor and add light.

Colored plumbing fixtures will only fit into the appropriate surroundings; if you make the wrong decision, the bathroom will look tacky. A win-win option is white or gray tiles. In this context, a sink of any color looks organic.

How do you like the blot shell?

Among plain tiles, brick or marble finishes, glass washbasins with a pattern look appropriate.

Model OUBONI with original tap.

Important! For a combined bathroom, it is advisable to buy plumbing fixtures from the same brand line. The color of different products may seem identical, but inspection does not always take place under the same lighting conditions. It’s a shame when, after installation, it turns out that the shades of the toilet and washbasin do not match.

A little about design

A tastefully selected washbasin is no longer just a plumbing fixture, it becomes the main decoration of the bathroom. Often designers build the entire concept around it. This does not mean that the sink should be expensive or huge: a simple bowl made of ceramic or glass looks elegant and formal.

If saving space and money is not an issue, modern technologies will allow you to realize an idea of any level of complexity. In this regard, acrylic stone is interesting. In workshops they make sinks from it to order and even according to their own sketches. They will also make you a rectangular or shaped tabletop.

Integrated acrylic sinks are trending.

Plastic

Pictured: Roto CER790 washbasin from Agape.

Washbasins made of flexible PVC are practically not represented on the Russian market. Although models from foreign manufacturers are appearing, for example, the Agape company from Italy, where PVC washbasins are available in several color options and stylish designs. Plastic has several advantages - it is light weight, the ability to use a wide range of colors, it is easy to transport and install, and cannot break. The service life of plastic, if we draw an analogy with heating pipes, is quite long. Perhaps the consumer will appreciate washbasins made of flexible PVC.

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The best washbasin manufacturers

Finally, look at the rating of manufacturers of bathroom sinks, compiled based on the results of Yandex’s calculation of search queries. We hope this truly popular top 10 will help you make your choice.

Roca

Spanish international company, on the Russian market since 2004. Produces a full range of sanitary products, as well as bathroom furniture, mirrors and lamps. Roca equipment is installed in many famous places, including the Grand Theatre, the Olympic Village in Beijing and even the Eiffel Tower. Material – white ceramics. Prices in Russia are 15-36 thousand rubles. (hereinafter the cost of a washbasin without furniture).

Melana

Russian supplier of plumbing fixtures with production in China. This brand produces many types of products, including bathroom sinks in a variety of shapes, colors and all types of installation. The material is sanitary ware, the clay for which is mined in an environmentally friendly (according to the vendor) place in China near the plant. Manufacturer prices 3-28 thousand rubles.

Aquatone

Russian manufacturer of bathroom furniture, part of the Roca Group. The products are supplied with washbasins of our own production and are also sold separately. Material – sanitary ware, cast marble. Recommended retail prices 1.6-17.6 thousand rubles.

Set Aquaton Lazio, width 110 mm.

Cersanit

Polish manufacturer of inexpensive ceramics, sanitary ware and bathroom fittings. Material – porcelain. Prices on the official website are 1.2-13.6 thousand rubles.

Jacob Delafon

A French brand dating back to 1889. It produces sanitary ware, furniture, and accessories. The material of washbasins is mainly earthenware, there are also glass models. Prices in Russia for a single sink are 3.2-61 thousand rubles.

Laufen

The country is Switzerland, the company was founded in 1892. It is part of the Roca Group and produces a full range of sanitary ware. Material – ceramics. Prices in Russia are 2.6-107 thousand rubles.

Villeroy & Boch

Multinational company founded in Germany in the 18th century. Production is based in Europe, America, Asia. Among other things, it makes sinks of all types of installation, various shapes and colors. Material – ceramics, Titan Ceram. The latter is our own development and is a mixture of ceramics and titanium dioxide. This combination adds strength to the products, allowing the wall thickness to be reduced. Prices in Russia are 3.5-347 thousand rubles.

Am.Pm

A young European company, founded in 2010. It produces a full range of sanitary ware, but the range is small: at the office. The site presents 7 washbasins. The 25-year warranty is impressive. Material – sanitary porcelain. Prices in Russia are 1.5-77.5 thousand rubles.

Jika

Country: Czech Republic. The company began its work in the 19th century with the production of ceramic sinks, and now also produces bathtubs, shower equipment, faucets, and accessories. Part of the Roca Group. Washbasins are made mostly wall-hung, but there are built-in and “tulip” models. Material – sanitary ware. Prices in the office IM 1.1-10.3 thousand rubles.

VitrA

Turkish manufacturer of sanitary ware and ceramics, part of the Eczacıbası holding. Material – porcelain, earthenware. Prices in Russia are 1.1-108.5 thousand rubles.

Price information is valid as of October 2020.

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