STAINLESS STEEL KITCHEN SINKS

Information current as of

Kitchen sinks are available in several materials but one of the most popular is stainless steel. The main advantage is their durability, they're easy to clean, they resist water spots and they don't show scratches and defacements easily. To properly clean a stainless steel sink be sure to use an abrasive cleaner, then rinse and dry. You can wipe mineral oil on the surface and let it dry, cleaning off the residue later. Our cleaning lady likes to use this as a neat trick.

There are some disadvantages to note regarding stainless steel. If the material isn't think enough they will show dents more clearly and the garbage disposal will cause noisy vibrations against the thinner metal. The lesson here is; be sure the steel is think enough, which means paying more money.

As a general rule, the lower the steel gauge number the thicker the material. Ideally you would buy 18 gauge, no higher than 22 gauge. Some manufacturers will try to convince you that a mirrored finish is best and even charge more for it. Don't buy it. The mirrored finish will scratch much more easily.

For faucet hardware you'll want to get faucets that match the sink coloring. They should at least be coating in something that has a similar gray coloring and shine. You don't want to clash dull vs shiny or colored vs gray steel.

If you have the materials for it you can drill extra holes in your sink for hot water dispensers and extra faucets, but most people will need to have those predrilled by the manufacturer or dealer. There isn't usually a high cost associated with this service.

Where to buy stainless steel kitchen sinks

Start with your local home improvement store for price shopping and to find the brands and styles you like best. You can take your research to the internet for more price comparison. Of course anything purchased from the internet will have shipping charges, potentially high ones, unless they have a local pickup option. Be sure to carefully read the fine print in all warranty notices and do the math to find the best deal for you. If you live in a small community it can be beneficial from a service and warranty standpoint to keep your purchase local.