James Cunningham, sales director at Rangemaster, explains why he believes that granite composite sinks are set to become a must-have in post-COVID-19 kitchen design.
With hygiene and cleanliness on everyone’s minds, the relationship with the surfaces in our homes is changing. While the kitchen sink is typically thought of as a place to wash your hands and clean dishes, the models of today offer far greater advantages that will prove popular post-pandemic.
For years, the sink was often an afterthought when it came to kitchen design. Stainless steel models have been ubiquitous for decades and still continue to offer excellent all-round performance. However, in more recent years, granite sinks have evolved into a must-have product that is not only functional and hardwearing, but also aesthetically pleasing in modern homes. While these features are widely recognised by consumers and kitchen designers alike, it’s important to highlight their hidden benefit… antibacterial properties.
Hygienic
Granite sinks are formed under extreme pressure, making them nonporous and hardwearing. Most premium, high-quality models are made using a mix of quartz and acrylic; when combined, these materials create a hard, scratch-proof surface that makes it difficult for dirt to stick to it. Our latest range of granite sinks, which have seen us team up with market leaders Schock, are unique and manufactured using the finest quartz sand. Milled in Regen, Germany, and supplied exclusively to the company, this particular quartz has rounded edges, creating a uniform surface when packed tight together. The result? A tough barrier and super smooth finish that naturally repels dirt and microbes.
Innovative
Today’s sinks need to be hardwearing, and easy to clean, to meet the demands of the kitchen in a post-COVID-19 world. However, not all granite composite sinks are created equal. While most models can be considered ‘antibacterial’ due to their solid surface, some manufacturers offer enhanced protection. For instance, Schock by Rangemaster sinks include ProHygienic 21, the world’s first sink material with recognised antibacterial properties. The smooth, nonporous surface leaves no place for bacteria to thrive and, because it’s food safe, provides additional space for meal preparation. Safe and practical!
Multifunctional
Thanks to their material mix, granite composite sinks are also impact, heat and stain resistant; providing consumers with a multifunctional appliance to place hot pans while dishing up without scalding the surface, or prepare food without the worry of transferring unwanted smells or leaving stains. Material and manufacturing developments over the last 40 years have also opened the door for us to introduce a variety of designs – from smooth sculptural sinks to more classic models with grooved drainers and generous bowls – and an array of colour options that can be easily matched or contrasted with different cabinetry and worktop styles.
Consequently, composite granites have an increased share of the UK sinks market over the last decade, which shows no sign of letting up. At Rangemaster, we have experienced high demand across our granite composite ranges and we are expecting the category to see further growth in 2021, especially as consumers become more aware of the material’s antibacterial properties.
