The new players in the UK sink market really did it for us, but then again we always do love the underdogs. The Abode stand for one looked fantastic, a calm oasis in an otherwise hustle of suits and uniformed ladies wearing impressively high heels (considering it’s a 4 day show). Caple’s sinks were a big surprise, especially the ceramics straight out of V&B. The new Caple glass sinks looked great too, near identical to the Carron and dare I say it Franke equivalents, and at a fraction of the price we’re led to believe.

The real revelations though came from the unexpected new comers Alveus. The Slovenian based company who similar to Gorenje match style with substance. Their sinks were perfectly crafted as would be expected from European manufacturing, styled with a pinch of flair no doubt borrowed from their Italian neighbours and finally given a slight twist on the colours. It wasn’t their granite colours we were most impressed with, it was their steel. Gold, Copper and Anthracite sinks as we’ve never seen before. Refreshingly different, a quality finish and designs to suit the most upmarket London boroughs. Could gold sinks be the future?

We’ll be covering more about Alveus sinks in the next few weeks, but if their displays at KBB are anything to go by they’ll be the talk of industry – look out Franke!

Carron Phoenix is a brand known to many throughout the UK for their quality sinks and taps and their team combined their knowledge and tradition of stainless steel sinks with their innovative granite technology, and it shows. The ZX Elements 100 Granite sink can be installed as either inset or undermount and is fitted with a Revolution waste that is easy to operate, highly effective and compliments the stainless steel detailing. You can combine the ZX Elements 100 sink with a chrome or stainless steel tap and we are sure it will compliment any kitchen. We were able to find this Carron Phoenix ZX Elements 100 Granite sink for £313.95 with the option of an accessory pack featuring a wooden chopping board, stainless steel basket and trivet. We were made up trying out this sink and we know you will be too.

So imagine our surprise when we found the Kempton ceramic sink which is nothing less than a proper double ceramic sink which sits neatly within your new kitchen work surface and provides you with the flexibility you need in modern kitchen. Now you have enough space to wash and rinse, or wash up and prepare the vegetables or even soak and have one free for the kids to dump their dirty pots in!

If you choose a nice rustic feel tap this would complement any kitchen. We found this Caple Kempton Ceramic sink on sale (November 2011) for £395 with the option to add on an over sink wooden chopping board as well.

The sink is a lovely size at 460 x 800 x 190 and is undermounted and it has its own tap included to finish off the appearance.  You can also specify additional extras if required such as a colander and an optional board, but as it comes already fitted with a waste kit it is simple and straightforward to fit.

We went shopping for it on the internet and found the best price at Appliance House where this Blanco SUBLINE 320-U Granite Sink is £699 with free delivery. If you are specifying a brand new up market kitchen then this sink should be on your ‘must see’ list.

We take them for granted and generally don’t give them a second glance until the time arrives to transform your kitchen or bathroom, when you really start looking and noticing what’s out there on the market. And they have changed so much over the years with different fashions, styles, colours and materials making for an enormous range and variety and really something for everyone.

So come with us and celebrate all that’s good and right about sinks. We’ll explore some of the best and worst on the market and bring you news of new ones that we like as they come out. We’ll also point you in the direction of some online resources and retailers to help you make the right choice.

Welcome to the world of sinks!