How to Buy A Good Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

Stainless steel kitchen sinks are very common these days. Not only can you find them for a great price, but the durability and ease of cleaning is above and beyond what most other types of kitchen sinks can offer. Stainless sinks are difficult to stain, and most of them do not dent or scratch easily either, making them a simple choice for many kitchens. Add to that the popularity of stainless steel appliances and the fashion trend of a "commercial look" and it is easy to see why stainless kitchen sinks are everywhere, but if you are not careful that high end look can become a high end eyesore.
 When you see a stainless kitchen sink in an advertisement, or in a store, it will usually have some information attached. One of the first things you will see, besides size of course, is Gauge. The Gauge of stainless steel measures the thickness of the steel itself that was used to create the sink. Usually you will see a number between 16 and 23. In most circumstances a higher number indicates a higher quality or larger measurement, but Gauge is like Golf, the lower the number the better.





A higher percentage of chromium and nickel in the steel indicates a higher grade of stainless steel so look for the 18-8 or even 20-10 numbers somewhere in the information so you can rest easy knowing your stainless sink is high quality. While stainless steel sinks are not very susceptible to rust, they can be stained by rust, so be careful of leaving a cast iron pan sitting in a sink too long.


One disadvantage of stainless kitchen sinks is that they are noisier than other sinks. A good quality kitchen sink will be insulated with some type of vibration damping material on the underside of the sink to help alleviate this issue. No one wants to hear a cymbal crash every time they drop a dirty fork in the sink. In addition to keeping the noise down, this insulation will help with condensation build up on the underside of the sink, thus preventing moisture issues in the base cabinet and keeping everything drier and less prone to mold or mildew, so look for a protective coating on the bottom of the sink.


Another reason to feel great about your stainless steel sink purchase is that according to the Specialty Steel Industry of North America, 300 series stainless steel, such as the 304 steel described earlier, is typically comprised of 75% to 85% post consumer recycled content. So stainless steel sinks give you strength, durability, and social responsibility all rolled into one package.


Whether it be a zero radius stainless commercial sink, a slick contemporary apron front sink, or just a simple undermount stainless steel sink, you know how to shop, and what to look for to get the best product for your money. And if you are worried about scratching, or just want the convenience of being able to keep your sink clean with minimal effort, purchase a stainless kitchen sink grid with rubber feet to match your sink. You'll be glad you did. So shop smart and look for the value, it's all there in stainless steel.