Our New Kitchen Products Display

Filed under Kitchens, New in the Showroom by on August 23, 2011 at 11:07 am {no comments}

We are pleased to announce the completion of the first phase of remodel of our kitchen display area. This new space allows us to increase our display of kitchen sinks and faucets so you can see and feel more products.

Today the Internet makes it possible to discover so many products that we might never discover shopping at our local home center. That’s a plus certainly, but what you cannot do online is see things firsthand; we all know that what looks good in a picture may be different in reality.

We now offer the largest selection of kitchen plumbing products in the Napa Valley. Our new kitchen features sinks by Blanco, Elkay, Julien, Lenova, Native Trails, Oliveri and Rohl. We have copper, stainless steel (several grades), fireclay and quartz/granite composite in under-mount, work-top, self-rimming and apron front configurations.

Our faucet displays include Grohe, Hansgrohe, KWC, Elkay, Blanco, Brizo, Harrington Brass, American Standard, Moen and Rohl (plus a few more). Our faucet selection also includes taps for filtration and hot water by Mountain, Franke and ISE.

The following are a few highlights of our kitchen.

Elkay has always been known for their stainless steel products but in the last few years they have added copper, cast bronze and fireclay to their collection. The Explore fireclay group includes a beautiful double bowl under-mount model that would be beautiful in any kitchen. Fireclay is a very hard work surface and this sink features a curved shape and thin line divider for greater bowl capacity. We display the Explore in white but it is also available in “Terra Cotta”.

Elkay Explore Undermount Fireclay Sink

Brizo introduced their “Smart Touch” technology a couple of years ago and it has been a huge hit. “Smart Touch” allows the user to turn the water on and off with a touch anywhere on the faucet. This is a great option for both cooks and for those who may have limits on their ability to grip a handle.

Julien make (mostly) 16g sinks for those who want the best. Made in Quebec Julien designs are made in standard residential designs as well as some products not seen from other vendors. A good example is their worktop group. This unique design integrates a large work bowl with storage for knives and other kitchen tools right at your fingertips; and the raised backsplash protects the wall. You can learn more about Julien sinks here.

Julien Worktop sink

Residential interpretations of restaurant pre-rinse faucets have become very popular lately and I think few companies do it as well as Blanco. The Meridian Semi-Professional offers the high arc spring spray in proportions appropriate to a typical residential kitchen.  It is also ergonomically designed making the spray comfortable to use for anyone.

Blanco Meridian Semi-Professional

Franke is a well known and respected name in kitchen products. The vision model was introduced a few years ago and quickly became a classic. Slightly larger than a typical double bowl this sink features the fine finish that sets Franke apart from the rest.

Franke VNX12037 Vision Undermount

Rohl set an industry standard with the Shaws fireclay farm sink. Rohl’s Allia sinks use the fireclay material for typical double and single bowl counter sinks and this year introduced “matte black” in addition to white and biscuit. We currently feature both Shaws farm sinks and Allis matte black sinks on display.

Rohl Allia Matte Black Double Bowl Under Mount

This is a sampling of our new kitchen but there are many more things to see. We invite you to visit and see for yourself.

Apron Front or Farm Sinks – Firestone, Copper, Stainless and More!

Filed under Kitchens by on August 3, 2011 at 2:44 pm {no comments}

Farm or apron front sinks first started to appear for general residential use in this country in the 1990’s. These sinks began as reproductions of fireclay sinks long common in England. Today these sinks are made of stone, stainless steel, copper, cast iron and even Corian.

Elkay Fireclay Dbl Farm Sink

I think the original appeal of the farm sink was twofold. It had the traditional country look and added a new design element to a kitchen. Farm sinks are also practical, offering a large work-space and solid construction.

London Farm Sink by Porcher

If you are interested in an apron front sink there are some things to know. A classic apron front sink is made of fireclay, not ceramic or china. Fireclay is a much harder, more durable surface that can withstand the wear and tear of kitchen work. A fireclay sink is fired at a very high temperature which fuses the glaze and clay making a rock hard surface. While a ceramic sink may look good new, it will not stand the test of time. Ever seen an old ceramic plate where the glaze is starting to wear out? It will scratch and stain at the wear points. Imagine that on your kitchen sink.

Rohl RC4018 Casement Front Farm Sink

The other thing to look for is that the sink you select is not warped or asymmetric. These are common flaws so look for a quality brand. Years ago a major fixture company introduced some fireclay sinks at a very competitive price point but the sinks came from a B grade factory. The result was almost every sink we ordered was warped or otherwise defective (although serviceable if appearance wasn’t a concern).

Blanco Magnum Apron Front Sink with Towel Bar

One last thing to understand about these sinks is that the bottom is often flat. This is in some ways desirable but be aware that sometimes some water remains on the floor of the sink instead of running into the drain.

Norwich by Sierra Copper

Fireclay apron front sinks are usually available 25”, 30” 36” and sometimes 40”. Most are single bowl although there are a few doubles too. The front is typically smooth and there are some models with a step detail that adds to the traditional look.

Kohler Whitehaven Cast Iron Self Trimming Apron Sink

The information above applies to classic fireclay sinks but today apron front sinks are also available in several other materials.
I believe that Kohler is the only manufacturer making apron front sinks from cast iron (Kohler also uses fireclay). Cast iron has long been a top choice for kitchen sinks but its popularity has decreased over time. This is probably due mostly to changes in the manufacturing requirements that have lead many companies to move away from cast iron. Kohler makes what they call a “self trimming” sink which reduces the need to trim the cabinet. I think it is true to say that when it comes to cast iron, Kohler is king.

Elkay ELUHFS2816 Stainless Apron Sink

Stainless steel is another common choice for apron front sinks. Elkay, Blanco and Kohler all offer such sinks but it is Julien that has brought some new design to the idea. Their “Worktop” group isn’t actually a true apron front but gives the same impression with a thick front edge and function backsplash. They also have step front, bow and square front models some with a front drawer.

Julien Classic Collection with Drawer

If you are looking for an entirely different look you might consider an apron sink made of copper or stone. Copper is actually a good choice for the kitchen because it has natural anti-bacterial properties. Copper is probably not the right choice if you don’t like a rustic look as it is going to be a “living” material that will react to water and other liquids that come into contact with it.

Sierra Copper Apron Design

But if a rustic look appeals to you there are many design options available. Native Trails’ collection focuses on plain front on a standard or bow front design. Sierra Copper has a selection of custom designs that may be added to most aprons. The choices available in copper provide a lot of options.

Native Trails Edna Valley Sink

Stone is the last material I will discuss and it is probably the least often used. There are a few different types of stone used for kitchen sinks. Soapstone is a traditional choice. We do not sell soapstone here so, while I have heard many different things about its suitability for the kitchen I do not have any first-hand information. Granite is another choice. Granite is a hard surface and there are some beautiful products made from it. It does require some care and it is possible to stain granite. My feeling is that if you want the unique look of a granite sink go ahead but be aware that it will require some care to maintain it’s look.

Stone Farm sink with Carved Face - R. A. Magnus

Granite and Quartz Kitchen Sinks

Filed under Kitchens by on February 17, 2011 at 12:11 pm {2 comments}

How About a kitchen sink made of stone?  “Hard Composite” sinks are made primarily of natural granite which is ground, then combined with an acrylic resin to produce a solid surface material. These sinks are 80%+ natural granite, giving them a hard, durable surface that can hold up to the demands of a working kitchen.

eGranite by Elkay

These sinks go by many names; granite composite, hard composite, quartz as well as brand terms like eGranite (Elkay), Silgranite (Blanco), Quartech (Elkay) and Moenstone (Moen, discontinued). Whatever you call it this is a material with a lot of benefits for a kitchen sink. It is

  • Hard and non-porous
  • Heat resistant
  • Difficult to scratch or stain.
  • Chip resistant  
  • Will not absorb bacteria  (hygienic choice for the kitchen)

The colors and finish of these sinks will vary a bit between manufacturers. Today most manufacturers are making sinks with a smooth, soft sheen. Not a completely matte finish but not shiny like cast iron or fire clay. The colors may have some gradation of tone rather like stone or may be of one color. Most are available in shades of white, off white, gray, brown and black although color selections vary between manufacturers.

Blanco Performa 1-3/4 Biscotti

Maintenance on these sinks is very easy. Daily cleaning uses any non-abrasive cleanser with a Scotch Brite pad. More stubborn dirt can be removed with a bleach/water solution or with baking soda or vinegar. Some clients have also told us that a “Mr. Clean Magic Eraser” pad does a good job of removing more stubborn marks.

Once installed these sinks are very tough. However, it is possible to damage a sink in transit if the box is dropped or if it receives a shape blow.  Be sure to keep the sink in a safe place until it is installed.

Julien Q110 Quartz Sink

At General Plumbing we carry granite sinks from three manufacturers; Blanco, Elkay and Julien.

Blanco has been producing their Silgranite sinks for many years and we are now into the Silgranite II series. Blanco has taken several of their most popular stainless styles and brought those out in Silgranite models. While Blanco does offer a few self-rimming models most of their Silgranite sinks are designed for under mounting.

Blanco Silgranite

Elkay offers two series of granite sinks; the eGranite and Quartech. These two collections have slightly different surfaces with the Quartech being slightly shiny with a very smooth surface and the eGranite a more matte finish. Quartech sink models feature a work shelf or bridge and come in double and single bowl models. eGranite sink models include standard and single bowl models as well as a contemporary curved bowl model.

Quartech by Elkay

Julien is perhaps the newest vendor of granite sinks. Known for making exception stainless steel Julien has recently introduced a couple of quartz sinks (single and double bowl) in under mount and self-rimming. Julien quartz is available in White, Brown, Beige and Black.

We are currently displaying Elkay eGranite in Bisque and Quartech in Java. Julien quartz in brown and will be adding Blanco Biscotti in a couple of weeks.

Don’t Like Stainless? Try Fire Clay!

Filed under Kitchens by on January 10, 2011 at 12:25 pm {no comments}

In the past I have done several posts which talked about stainless steel sinks. Today I’d like to talk about an entirely different product, fireclay. Fireclay is somewhat similar to the vitreous china that is used to make toilets and bathroom sinks but with a critical difference. Fireclay contains a high amount of quartz and feldspar and is fired at 2264 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperature fuses the clay and the glaze producing an extremely durable surface. The composition of the clay makes fireclay heavier and more durable so it can stand up to the wear and tear that a kitchen sink needs to handle.

Cast iron is a common material for kitchen sinks but does have some potential disadvantages that fire clay does not. If a cast iron sink is chipped or develops a hairline crack you will eventually get rusting from the underlying cast iron. Because fire clay is ceramic throughout there is no iron source to rust. In addition fire clay can be formed into tighter corners resulting in a more spacious interior.

Here is a video showing how easy it is to clean fire clay.

Farm house (also known as apron front) sinks can be made of several materials but the

Rohl Shaws RC3018 Farm Sink

 fireclay models have remained the most popular. If you are considering such a sink there are a couple of things to be aware of. These sinks are commonly installed under a solid surface countertop. A cabinet structure is needed to support the sink, including the sides and back. The floor of a farm house sink is designed flat with a slight pitch to the drain. In some cases this may require extra shimming and there may be a slight pooling of water. Finally this material does change in the firing process and no two sinks are alike; sizes can vary as much as 2%.

If you are thinking about an apron sink there are many to choose from, both in size and style. One of the best known is the Shaws sinks offered by the Rohl Company. Shaws has been making fireclay sinks since 1897 and these sinks are excellent examples of the classic style.  The most popular is the RC3018, a single bowl 30” wide it is available in white, Biscuit and now matte black. This single bowl sink is also available in 24” and 36” models. We stock all three sizes in white. Rohl also offers double bowl and casement front models.

Franke offers fireclay apron sinks by Villeroy and Boch, a company long known for the expertise in ceramics. Franke farm sinks have a somewhat more modern feel with a thinner wall and crisp edges. They offer 24”, 30” 33” and 36” models as well as two double bowl sinks. Franke farm house sinks are available in white, biscuit and matte black.

Elkay Double Bowl Farm Sink

Elkay has recently tossed their hat into the farm house sink arena with a 30” single and a 33” double bowl model. Elkay however has introduced a new color, “Terra Cotta” for their farm sinks. Elkay Farm Sinks are also available in Gloss White.

If you are interested in fire clay but the farm sink isn’t your style there are several drop in and under-mount sinks available. One of the best known may be the Allia by Rohl. This is a 60/40 double bowl sink which may be installed as an under mount or self-rimming sink. Rohl also offers three under mount single bowl sinks in 31”, 24” and 17”square sizes. Rohl Allia sinks are available in white or Pergame (biscuit).

Elkay offers a 31” double bowl under mount fire clay and as well as 23” and 17” models. All three are available in gloss white or Terra Cotta.

So if you are looking for a new kitchen sink and stainless steel isn’t for you please take a look at fire clay.

Is value priced stainless for real? (Part Two)

Filed under Kitchens by on May 7, 2010 at 4:29 pm {no comments}

As I discussed in my previous post, we have discovered that some of the stainless sinks being sold today may not be all they are advertised to be. We tested one and found that it didn’t really measure up to the typical standards that we use to judge quality stainless: sound quality, finish, bowl dimensions, gauge and steel type.

 These characteristics are useful as shorthand to describe quality but really don’t tell the whole story. They say a little about materials and less about fabrication, the most important part of making a sink.

 For example, steel type and gauge describe the sheet of steel prior to fabrication. Most sinks are described as being type 304 steel meaning it must have a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel and no more than .08% carbon. But that alone does not tell you what other components are used or how the steel was mixed. If contaminants (called inclusions) are allowed to get into the steel they can cause defects after the sink is in use.

Better manufacturers use steel that is ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) or CSA certified.  Such certification indicates that the steel maker is complying with specific standards for the manufacturing process.

 Gauge is another measurement that can be deceptive because again it refers to the sheet of steel before fabrication. When steel is drawn into a sink the sheet is stretched and if not done properly the result can be walls that are thin and uneven. (I think this was the case in the sink we tested). Weak spots will be prone to dents or other damage.

 Sound quality, finish and bowl dimensions should be easier to judge but unless you know what to look for you can miss important details. Finish can be especially difficult; all brushed finishes are not created equal. To be effective the finish must be worked into the sink, a surface brushing will do little more than look nice when new but will scratch easily and may be difficult to clean. When looking at bowl dimension you want to consider wall to wall but also corner radius and slope of the sides and floor. Sloping the sides and bottom allow for cheaper manufacturing but reduces interior bowl space. Effective sound proofing requires more than a coat of paint.

 There are a number of things to look at when selecting a stainless sink. Top quality stainless is expensive so don’t be fooled into thinking you are getting something “just as good for half the price”. Look for certifications from ASME, CSA, IAPMO and UPC which are good indicators that manufacturers are meeting certain standards. The less information a vendor provides about a product the more likely it is that you are getting less than you deserve. There are variables that can make a big difference in price; a knowledgeable showroom associate can explain these differences clearly so you can make the best decision.

Italian Design

Filed under New in the Showroom by on April 10, 2010 at 1:23 pm {no comments}

Italy has long been a source for unique and beautiful design. While many people are aware of the Italian influence on fashion or automobiles there is perhaps less awareness of how much Italian design is present in many brands of plumbing fixtures and faucets. For example Rohl shows its Italian connection in their Cisal and Country Kitchen Collections, both of which are produced in Italy.Stone Vanity from Lacava

Recently we have introduced two new Italian collections to our showroom. The latest additions are furniture and sinks from Lacava  and faucets from Webert .

Lacava, a company of Italian origin located in Chicago, is dedicated to continuing a legacy of unique Italian design here in the USA. Lacava collaborates with designers from around the world to create and define styles for the bathrooms of today. Their collections include faucets and sinks from Italy and bathroom furniture pieces that are produced in the USA.

Flauto faucet by WebertWebert Italian Design is a family-owned and -operated manufacturer of premium, European-inspired bath faucets and fixtures located in Maggiora, Italy. Starting in January 2010, Elkay will be the exclusive distributor for Webert branded bath products in North and South America, combining the expertise of Webert craftsmen and Elkay sales and distribution to offer American consumers Italian luxury within reach. You can currently view the full line of Webert faucets in our showroom.

In addition a new brand from Italy called Fortis is set to launch it new line of decorative faucets later this year. We’ll let you know when they arrive.

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