My Dream Ceramic Double Sink: A Mixed Bag of Style and Function
check_circlePros
- The ceramic material is super durable and easy to clean
- The sink's design is truly one-of-a-kind and adds a touch of sophistication to my kitchen
- The protruding front panel creates a sense of depth and visual interest
- The price was reasonable when I bought it (around 13,000 rubles)
- The sink's size is impressive - it's perfect for big families or those who love to cook
- The installation process was relatively straightforward
cancelCons
- The sink is massive, which can make it difficult to fit into smaller kitchens
- The price has increased significantly since I bought it (now around 50,000 rubles)
- The sink's size means you'll need to compromise on other kitchen fixtures
- The ceramic material can be prone to scratches and chips
- The sink's design may not be to everyone's taste
- The installation process can be a bit of a challenge for DIY enthusiasts
Editor's Summary
I'm still obsessed with this sink, but it's not without its flaws. The unique ceramic design is a major style win, and I love how it adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen. But let's get real - it's huge, and I had to compromise on some of my other kitchen fixtures to make it work. The price has also skyrocketed since I bought it, so if you're considering this sink, be prepared to shell out some serious cash. It's definitely worth it for the style alone, but be aware of the potential downsides. I've been using it for a while now, and I'm still happy with my purchase, but I wish I'd known about the size and price increase before I bought it.
Specifications
I fell head over heels for this sink the moment I saw it at an IKEA exhibition, and later on Pinterest. The protruding ceramic sink really caught my eye, and I knew I had to have it. When I found out that my new kitchen was big enough to accommodate a large sink, I had no doubts.
During the planning process with an IKEA specialist, we discovered that this model is rarely purchased due to its size.
82x48 cm
IKEA Havsen Double Sink with Visible Front Panel
The price five years ago was 13,000 rubles.
The same type of products can be found in specialized stores today, but the price is no longer as affordable - around 50,000 rubles.
For example, here's [this link].
Maybe after reading my review, you'll decide that you don't need it.
Let's get some background story. I've saved these photos in my archives, so I'll show them to you too.
This is the kitchen during renovations
It's almost done here
I had to drill out a bigger hole for the large ceramic sink.
Before installation
The sink was made in Turkey.
Installation for drilling holes
And voila, everything is in place
Now, let's talk about the most important thing - the sink's performance.
First, it's essential to mention that the faucet is installed behind the sink, which means you'll have water there - constant cleaning is necessary.
I've got a wooden countertop that's been treated with a special oil for surfaces like that.
The positioning of the faucet is completely impractical.
You can see from the photos that the sides with the front part stick out, which means that when you're washing something near the front, water tends to drip onto the floor and onto the lower facades.
Let's move on to the two basins.
On the one hand, this seems convenient. You can wash potatoes in one, and soak a pot in the other, for example.
We've got a food processor installed under the left basin.
But in an ideal world, the drain should be positioned as close as possible to the food processor so that the mass doesn't get stuck in the pipes.
In the end, I do use it, but not 100% - I don't manage to wash potato peels down the drain, I've come to the conclusion that it's not worth it.
We use the right part just to wash things.
I also want to mention the design.
The large round sink is a lot more convenient than these two rectangular ones.
You can put a pot in to wash it or fill it with water - forget it! Or any other large items. Because the edge in front of us, which we're standing at, is at an angle, which also reduces the useful surface area of the sink.
There's no surface for placing a sponge with soap, I had to buy a plastic insert like that
Which again eats away at the useful surface area of the sink.
If you install a regular faucet on a sink like this, you'll be tired of washing it because of the large surface area and two basins - you won't be able to rinse it off easily. So, the faucet should be this type
with an extension)
Let's move on to the question of maintenance and washing the Havsen sink.
The best thing to clean it with is Sif cream
I've found that abrasive cleaners can damage the enamel. And you've got to be careful about what you put down the drain, too.
Cleaning the sink after making a batch of blueberry jam is a real pain - it's like the surface just sucks everything up.
Even if you're not using any harsh chemicals, you'll still get this annoying stain around the drain.
I guess the water just sits there and leaves behind this ugly residue.
I've had my fair share of close calls with water spills and stains, and it's a real pain to deal with.
Someone's bound to knock something over (and they never fess up to it), and then you're left with a cracked sink. I'm pretty sure it's toast - there's no way to fix the enamel now.
It's a shame, because I really loved the look of this sink.
The Verdict
The good news about my IKEA Havsen sink
I've got to say, it's a real head-turner - the aesthetic is 200% worth it.
The bad news is that the cons outweigh the pros:Water tends to collect in the gap between the wall and the sink.Water spills over the edges of the sink.There's no room for soap or cleaning products.Even though it's a big sink, the individual sections are a bit too small for my taste.Circular sinks are definitely more practical.I've come to realize that old-fashioned, single-bowl sinks are the way to go - they're just so much easier to use.
