My Blanco Sink & Tips When Choosing a Kitchen Sink

Hi there! I wanted to share with you some details on the sink featured in my recent kitchen makeover. I have used this sink in a few projects like this one and I am hoping to get another project photographed in the next month or so where I used the same sink.

There are thousands of sinks out there, so why did I choose this one?  It’s the Quatrus R15 U2 (The R15 refers to the 15mm radius corners and the U2 because it is an undermount model with two sinks.)

1) Blanco is a reputable brand, in existence for 90 years, when it comes to all things sinks and faucets. I learned more about them and their products at the Kitchen and Bath Show (KBIS) in Vegas last year. They have sinks (and faucets) in various sizes, materials and price points. This sink was just introduced last year and I love trying new and improved products. It is also an undermount sink which is a welcome change from my previous drop in sink as it not only looks stylish but is easy to clean as it doesn’t have a rim.

2) A key consideration is do you want one bowl or two? I wash many things by hand and always keep a dish rack in the second sink for drying (see photo below.) So, you have to think about how you function in the kitchen and what makes sense to you. I know many people love one large bowl but that would mean keeping an unsightly dish rack on the counter (because there are always things to hand wash and air dry, right?)

The Quatrus R15 also comes in a single bowl (three different sizes),  1.75 (one large bowl and a smaller bowl) and a bar size as well. You can see all of Blanco’s undermount sinks here.

3) Next, what material do you prefer? I replaced an off-white porcelain sink which was prone to stains and scratches and so difficult to keep clean – it was an embarrassment! (I just checked the supplier’s website for this sink and it has been discontinued – I wonder why.)

Although stainless steel can scratch if you aren’t careful, rarely does it stain with normal cleaning. This sink has 18 gauge stainless steel with 18/10 chrome-nickel content for “exceptional lustre, durability and strength.” (The first number, 18, refers to the amount of chromium present and the second represents the amount of nickel. The higher the second number, the more resistant the stainless steel is to corrosion.)

4) How deep do you want the sink to be? This one is 9″ deep but is really more than 10″ down from the counter because it is placed beneath the counter. I definitely wouldn’t want it any deeper because if you are short like me (5’2″) this could pose to be a strain on your back.

5) The shape of the sink is important. I like the look of a simple, rectangular sink with both bowls the same depth from front to back. It looks more clean and stylish than one with two bowls different sizes. I love the round, “15mm radius corners for easy cleaning, the rear-positioned drain hole(s) for maximum usable bowl and cabinet storage space and the X-pattern drain grooves” which allow for optimal drainage.

All photos by Stephani Buchman

Photo from Blanco Canada’s Instagram

At the Interior Design Show a few weeks ago, Blanco introduced some new products including their Gourmet Series which are accessories made to work with their Quatrus sinks. It includes an integrated cutting board and utensil holder to make cooking and clean up a breeze.

Thanks so much Blanco for partnering with me on my kitchen makeover.

If you require design advice, please contact me at vanessa(at)vanessafrancis.com