Sinkology

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

5 Budget-Friendly Tips to Freshen Up Your Kitchen Space

a woman spring cleaning her kitchen

If it feels like the opportunity to do a “spring” cleaning has come and gone in your home, Sinkology has you covered! With school years wrapping up and schedules getting busy, we’ve put together our five best tips for refreshing your kitchen without breaking the bank. Check out our ideas below on how to clean, update, and put a fresh new face on your kitchen this month.

Clear out the clutter:

It’s amazing how quickly little piles can form: school paperwork, kids artwork, unopened mail, those catalogs that you’re definitely going to read (one day)…they take up precious counter space. Clear out any items that don’t belong in the kitchen or need to be recycled. Donate or sell space-grabbing items that are in good condition, and say goodbye to other knick-knacks that no longer bring you joy.

Deep clean the appliances:

Take the time to deep clean all of your kitchen appliances, including the refrigerator, oven, stove, and dishwasher. This can involve wiping down the exteriors, cleaning the interiors, and descaling any parts that need it. If you’re able, take the often-overlooked step of pulling your appliances away from the wall to clean the floors underneath–trust us, it’s time.

spring cleaned kitchen drawers - no clutter

Clean the cabinets and drawers:

Remove all items from the cabinets and drawers and wipe them down thoroughly. Toss out expired spices and foods.Consider using a wood cleaner or polish if you have wooden cabinets. Once the cabinets and drawers are clean, we recommend putting down fresh drawer liners to create a super-clean, non-slip surface for all of your items. Be sure to include that elusive junk drawer–throw out the pens that no longer work, the broken pieces of toys that you’re saving “just in case,” and re-home the items that don’t belong in the kitchen.

Scrub the countertops and clean your sinks:

Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub your countertops thoroughly. Pay special attention to any stains or spots, and use a baking soda paste to remove tough stains. For your sink, follow the best cleaning and care instructions. Sinkology offers lots of resources to help guide you through how to clean a copper, fireclay, or stainless steel kitchen sink.

Freshen up your accessories:

Once everything is cleaned and organized, take the opportunity to freshen up the decor and accessories in your kitchen. Add some new dish towels and replace any outdated decor. Consider adding some potted plants or fresh flowers to bring a touch of nature indoors. A low-budget way to make a big impact is to swap out old accessories for new ones–like a new kitchen sink drain in a bold matte black or satin gold or adding a protective bottom grid for a new look.

As always, let us know what worked for you–or tag us on social media with your best hacks for a kitchen refresh! If you love what you’ve done, snap a pic of your space and your Sinkology sink and submit your entry to our Show Us Your Sink giveaway for the chance to win $1,000 gift card! Find the details here. Happy refreshing!

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or crafted stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for more helpful tips and design ideas.

The post 5 Budget-Friendly Tips to Freshen Up Your Kitchen Space appeared first on Sinkology.

source https://www.sinkology.com/blog/freshen-up-your-kitchen/

Monday, April 3, 2023

Single Basin Vs Double Basin – Pros & Cons

Washing dishes is an essential part of keeping your kitchen clean and hygienic. However, choosing the right sink for your needs can impact the way you wash your dishes. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between washing dishes in a single basin sink versus a double basin sink.

Single Basin Sink
A single basin sink, as the name suggests, has one large basin for washing dishes. This type of sink is becoming increasingly popular due to its versatility and modern design. When it comes to washing dishes, a single basin sink has both advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:
-Large surface area for washing larger items, such as pots and pans
-More flexibility in terms of how you organize your dishes
-Can be easier to clean due to the lack of a divider

Cons:
-No separation between clean and dirty dishes
-Can be more difficult to wash multiple dishes simultaneously

Double Basin Sink
A double basin sink, on the other hand, has two basins, usually separated by a divider. This type of sink has been a popular choice for many years due to its functionality and versatility.

Pros:
-Separation of clean and dirty dishes
-Space for soaking dishes or rinsing vegetables
-Ability to wash multiple dishes at once

Cons:
-Limited space for larger items, such as pots and pans
-Can be more difficult to clean due to the presence of a divider
-Less flexibility in terms of how you organize your dishes

Which is Better?
Ultimately, the decision between a single basin sink and a double basin sink comes down to personal preference and the way you use your kitchen sink. If you frequently wash larger items, such as pots and pans, a single basin sink may be the better option. However, if you prefer to keep your dishes organized and separate, a double basin sink may be the better choice.

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Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Short Ribs Bolognese

Sinkology is proud to present Emily Schuermann, our food-loving guest blogger who runs Food for a Year. Emily is here to share some recipes she has created exclusively for the Sinkology blog that reflect her view of a copper sink: simple, timeless, affordable, and beautifully rustic.

Short Ribs Bolognese is such a classic comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen. With the shift to Winter and longer spans of moody, chilled skies, I find myself looking for recipes that match the season and this recipe is certainly “Winter on a plate”.

At first glance, the words – ‘short ribs’ and ‘bolognese’ – compel thoughts that trick me into thinking that time and talent and even expense are prerequisites for success. But before we go any further, let me assure you that this meal:

can feed 6 people who are eating on a budget (less than $6 per person)
comes together with only about 30 minutes worth of your labor
cooks while you are occupied with unrelated festivities

With the shift to Winter and longer spans of moody, chilled skies, I find myself looking for recipes that match the season and Short Ribs Bolognese is certainly “Winter on a plate”.

— Emily, Food for a Year

How to Cook with Short Ribs

If you are unfamiliar with beef short ribs, you might be tempted to ignore them altogether. BUT, I encourage you to give them a chance! Short Ribs are ::

packed with flavor
simple to work with and
add a lot to your dish with minimal effort

1 — Start by preheating your oven to 425° and then brush all sides of each short rib with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and cook in the oven for 30 minutes.

2 — Once the short ribs are browned and some of the fat has rendered, add them to the simple tomato sauce that you’ve prepared during the short oven-cook of the short ribs.

Bolognese Made Simple

The word alone “BOLOGNESE” sounds slightly untouchable, but I believe you’ll be surprised at just how simple this sauce really is ::

combine all the veggies (carrots, celery, onions, garlic and parsley) in the bowl of a large food processor and pulse until everything is coarsely chopped.
sauté chopped veggies with olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium high flame
add tomatoes, red wine and additional herbs, plus S + P
simmer while the short ribs are oven-cooking

Hands-Free Short Ribs Bolognese

Once the bolognese sauce has simmered and the short ribs have finished their oven-cook, place the short ribs in the tomato herb sauce (be sure to pour the pan drippings into the sauce). Place the lid on the dutch oven and bake at 400° for one hour and then remove the lid and reduce the temperature to 350° for 90 additional minutes of cooking time.

When the cooking time is complete, shred the tender short ribs in the sauce and serve over your favorite cooked pasta, rice or fluffy cheese polenta (as pictured above). Of course, this warm pot of short ribs and bolognese is delicious on its own as a stew!

Deep well developed caramelized flavors of tomatoes mixed with just the perfect balance of herbs and wine and vegetables all partnered perfectly with the salty, peppery chunks of tender, roasted short ribs. It really is a meal for those long winter nights! Oh – and the leftovers are even more magical, trust me!

Short Ribs Bolognese

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless beef short ribs (3-4 short ribs)
1/4 cup olive oil and more for brushing the short ribs
6 cups coarsely chopped vegetables (roughly 2 cups each)
- carrots
- celery
- onions
2 garlic cloves
3 tablespoons of fresh Italian parsley
60 ounces whole (San Marzano if possible) or crushed tomatoes
1/2 liter red wine
2 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1-2 teaspoons Kitchen Bouquet Browning & Seasoning Sauce, optional
coarse kosher salt
freshly cracked pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 425°. Brush each side of the short ribs with olive oil and generously sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the short ribs on a rimmed baking sheet and cook for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, warm 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large 6-7 quart dutch oven. Once the oil is warm, add the coarsely chopped vegetable medley (carrots, celery, onions, garlic and parsley) to the oil. Sauté vegetables for 10 minutes over medium flame, stirring occasionally.

Add tomatoes, red wine, thyme, rosemary and seasoning sauce (optional) to the sautéd vegetables and simmer while short ribs continue cooking. Add 2 teaspoons salt and several twists of cracked pepper.

Once short ribs have finished cooking, place them and their pan drippings into the simmering tomato sauce.

Place the lid on the dutch oven (that now contains the short ribs and bolognese) and place bake in the oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 400° and cook for 1 hour. After 1 hour, reduce the oven temperature to 350°, remove the lid and cook for an additional 90 minutes.

Once cooking time is complete, shred the short ribs with two forks, stir into the bolognese, (taste and adjust seasonings as needed) and serve over your favorite cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, creamy polenta or enjoy as a stew.

Serves 6-8

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Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Kitchen Sink Drain Installation 101

The kitchen sink is easily the most striking piece in any kitchen. No matter the style, from fireclay farmhouse sinks to handcrafted copper sinks, we refer to the kitchen sink as the focal point for a reason. But the often-overlooked sink drain is an incredibly important accessory in any kitchen sink and, therefore, a critical part of any kitchen sink upgrade.

Taking on a sink drain installation project may sound like a challenge at surface level, but we promise that you don’t need to be a professional plumber to get the job done. With the help of easy-to-understand Sinkology instructions and the interactive BILT Intelligent Instructions® app, you can complete your kitchen sink upgrade in less than 30 minutes.

First, you’ll need to decide what type of drain you need: either a disposal-ready drain or a multi-use drain.

The Sinkology disposal flange drain with stopper is made to work with most InSinkErator disposals. If you aren’t sure if this drain will work well with your existing disposal, contact us at customerservice@sinkology.com. If it’s the right fit for you, you’ll see why homeowners appreciate the open access to the ever-helpful garbage disposal as well as the versatility the stopper provides for heavy washes.

To install a drain with a disposal flange:

1.Follow the steps outlined on the InSinkErator instructions to install the disposal to the flange.

2.Apply plumbers’ putty around the underside of the outer drain flange lip and place it in the drain hole in the sink. Please note, the metal flange will sit directly on the metal sink.

3.Complete the installation by wiping away any excess plumbers’ putty that’s left around the rim of the drain.

If your kitchen sink does not have an InSinkErator disposal, or if you have a double-bowl sink with only one drain that has access to a disposal, the Sinkology kitchen sink basket strainer drain is right for you.

To install a drain with a basket strainer:

1.Unscrew the locking nut and washer from the drain flange.

2.Like the disposal directions, you’ll need to apply plumbers’ putty around the underside of the outer drain flange lip and place it in the drain hole in the sink. As stated before, be sure that the metal flange sits directly to the metal sink.

3.Place the rubber washer on the large metal nut and screw on to the drain underneath the sink.

4.Last, but not least, wipe away any excess plumbers’ putty around the rim of the drain.

Before you install, be sure to take the other materials in your kitchen in mind. Sinkology offers drains that blend beautifully with copper sink basins, pair perfectly with stainless steel sinks or even match the trendy matte black or satin gold fixtures in your kitchen.

After installing your new sink drain, share a photo with us on social @Sinkology with #MySinkologyDrain.

For more helpful how to’s, follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest or Instagram. If you are looking for personalized answers to your questions about your kitchen renovation project, contact us here.

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source https://www.sinkology.com/blog/kitchen-sink-drain-installation-101/

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Drop-In Kitchen Sink Installation 101

installed angelico copper drop-in sink with white countertop and rustic bronze pfister faucet

The drop-in kitchen sink is a DIYer’s dream come true. Designed to install simply and beautifully into precut countertops, anyone can tackle a drop-in sink installation project in just a few spare hours on a Saturday. We love how drop-in’s allow homeowners to refresh the look of the bathroom without taking on an entire bathroom renovation so they can enjoy their new sink sooner with less stress along the way.

Now, you may be wondering if the final look of a drop-in sink is as spectacular as the straightforward installation process. We can confidently tell you that yes, even though the project itself won’t cost you much time, the end result won’t look cheap. Drop-in sinks are the easiest way to get a high-end look for less effort. We designed our Sinkology drop-in sinks to fit flush for a seamless, meant-to-be finish in every kitchen. So, whether you love the look of an oversized farmhouse sink or the sleek, multipurpose style of double sinks, there is a drop-in sink to suit your style…and your busy schedule.

But what’s the best drop-in sink installation strategy? We break it down to two simple steps.

1.Plan

Every successful DIY project begins with careful planning, even for straightforward installations like this. We recommend you:

-Flip your Sinkology sink upside down and trace the outside edge onto thick paper. We love using sturdy cardboard. Once the first line is made, draw a second line inside the first, ½” away. This is the line that you’ll work with.

-Take your freshly cut template and place it on your countertop, aligning with the cabinet and plumbing connections. Be sure to mark openings before cutting the countertop at all.

-Before installing, make sure that the sink will fit in the hole. It may seem obvious, but we can’t say it enough: this step is really important.

2.Mount

The actual mounting process will depend on the specific sink you buy. Some Sinkology sinks will include mounting hardware, while others do not. No matter how it’s attached to the countertop, we promise you can do it.

-If your sink does not come with mounting hardware, you will use a combination of polyurethane expanding foam, plumbers’ putty and 100% silicone cure to adhere to the countertop.

-If your sink does include mounting hardware, you’ll work with things like bolts, brackets and claws to secure.

Now that you know the gist of a drop-in sink project, we hope you feel ready to replace your existing sink. We have even more resources available for you when you do. Every Sinkology sink comes with detailed instructions that walk you through each step from start to finish. If you need a bit more support, we recommend you explore BILT Intelligent Instructions®. We’ve partnered with BILT to create step-by-step installation support specific to Sinkology sinks in their user-friendly app. First-time DIYers love the interactive guidance in this easy to follow, easy to find app.

After your successful install, share a photo of your new drop-in kitchen sink with us on social @Sinkology with #MyDropInSink.

Still looking? Browse through our Drop-In Kitchen Sinks on our website.

For more helpful how to’s, follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest or Instagram. If you are looking for personalized questions about your sink installation progress, contact us here.

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source https://www.sinkology.com/blog/drop-in-kitchen-sink-installation-101/

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Farmhouse Kitchen Sink Installation 101

Austen Snow Day Fireclay Farmhouse Sink in Matte White

It’s no secret that the Sinkology Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink is a customer favorite. A beautiful addition to any kitchen, this sink style exudes sweet simplicity. But if we’re being honest, the installation is anything but effortless.

A fireclay farmhouse kitchen sink takes a bit more expertise and elbow grease to install, especially when compared to DIY-friendly drop-in sinks. But we promise it’s worth the effort. Everyone can appreciate the statement-making apron-front design and impressive durability that withstands the test of time. But before you can enjoy all the perks of a fireclay farmhouse kitchen sink, we recommend you familiarize yourself with the installation process.

There are two things you will want to keep in mind before taking on this project:

1. You will need extra support.

And by support we mean both in the form of a helping hand as well as quality, professional tools.

If you’re new to this whole home renovation thing, we highly encourage you to hire professionals to install your new sink safely and securely. These individuals are trained to complete even the most complicated sink installation projects and are experienced in making modifications to the existing kitchen when necessary (more on that soon).

At the very least, you’ll want a project partner to help with the heavy lifting. Fireclay sinks are known for their durable strength. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that this dense material is very heavy. An extra set of hands will go a long way when positioning the sink in place.

No matter if you’re a pro or a newbie, you’ll love the extra guidance that comes with the BILT Intelligent Instructions® app. In it, you can find step-by-step support, specific to Sinkology Fireclay Farmhouse Sinks, that will help you understand the process, even if you’re just monitoring.

Before committing to the installation project, make sure you at least have the following tools on hand (and are comfortable using them):

-Carpenter’s square
-Tape measure
-Saw fitted with a carbide or diamond blade
-Screwdriver
-Plumbers’ putty
-Silicone
-Painters’ tape
-Water soluble marker
-Safety glasses

2.Modifications are a must.

Given the unique shape and style of a farmhouse kitchen sink, you’ll need to make some adjustments to accommodate it. For example, if you’re replacing your existing sink, you’ll need to remove the false panel over the sink cabinets to make space for the eye-catching apron front. Even if you’re starting from scratch and redoing your entire kitchen, you will need to get comfortable with some heavy-duty countertop cutting for a perfect farmhouse sink fit.

As for the project itself, here’s a preview of what you should expect:

1.First, you’ll create templates by tracing the sink onto a piece of cardboard, both the inside edge of the lip and the apron front.

2.Next, you’ll create the sink support in the cabinet base, modifying if necessary.

3.Then, you’ll place the sink in the support structure and seal.

4.After that, you’ll hook up the drain.

5.Last, you’ll cut the countertop to size and install.

Now, the question is: did the above inspire you to tackle your fireclay farmhouse kitchen sink installation on your own or are you ready to call in the professionals? However your Sinkology Farmhouse Kitchen Sink is installed, once it’s complete, share a photo with us on social @Sinkology with #MyFarmhouseSink.

For more helpful how to’s, follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest or Instagram. If you are looking for personalized questions about your sink installation progress, contact us here.

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source https://www.sinkology.com/blog/farmhouse-kitchen-sink-installation-101/

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

SINKOLOGY Holiday Sale 2022

Holiday Sale Banner

The holidays are here and so are big savings with up to $150 OFF some of our most popular sinks!

You can save on a variety of products from our best-selling SureFire® fireclay kitchen sinks to our gorgeous handcrafted copper and stainless steel kitchen sinks. We are even tossing in a few of our unique bath sinks to really bring the festive holiday feel to one of the busiest rooms in your home.

These deals will be long gone before the New Year! So don’t miss out!

Select your favorite style below to see what amazing savings we have in store for you!

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