Get ready to delve into the depths of your kitchen sink. There is a lot of confusion revolving around the question “What is sink gauge?” But the questions of how gauge works and why a lower gauge is a good investment are not tough to crack. For your next big remodel, look into finding a stainless steel sink with a gauge no higher than 18. The lower the gauge, the less likely the steel will dent or make loud noises when in use.
To help clear things up further, gauge describes the number of times a stainless steel sheet is forced through a tiny gap. As the steel is forced through more times, it becomes thinner. Therefore, a lower gauge steel will be thicker and have more strength against the elements. People pay as much as a hundred to a grand more just for the more popular brand name, but the gauge of the sink is actually far more important than who made it. At the same time, most of the too good to be true deals you see on Ebay come from unreliable manufacturers who fail to produce the product they promise. If you want top notch at a reasonable price, Ruvati has an amazing selection.
How big a difference does the gauge of a stainless steel sink really make? That’s the real source of debate. The thinner the sink, the noisier it will be, making everything that hits the sink (from running water to a dropped fork) just that much louder. Thinner sinks are also more easily damaged, while thicker sinks hold up better to wear and tear. That said, while 16 gauge sinks are the ideal, 18 gauge sinks arguably have the best value. You can still get a wonderful product and save some money, but it pays to be aware of other features the sink might (or might not!) have. For example, sound dampening padding underneath the sink can help keep a sink of any gauge a little quieter.
This Gravena 16 Gauge Sink would be great for high-end apartment installations. If you do a lot of dishes in the sink, you might want the one with a double basin, but a large single basin sink is a good compromise for a smaller kitchen. It all depends on your personal style and needs.
Sinks with two equal-sized bowls are nice for those who tend to let dishes build up. I hate when dishes block the sink faucet. I go crazy if I can’t fit the water filter pitcher in the sink. Having two large basins allows you to fill one side with dirty dishes while still having an empty, usable, and good-sized basin to use even if you’re putting off doing the dishes.
Another fantastic brand is Anzzi. Anzzi is a reliable manufacturer that produces high quality sinks which tend to be a tad more expensive, but have an upscale feel and often come paired with designer faucets. Ruvati puts more emphasis on add-on accessories (like colanders, cutting boards, and wire racks designed to fit your sink), while Anzzi focuses on a sleek contemporary aesthetic.
Anzzi is especially known for their apron sinks, which combine a very traditional sink style with a sleek, brushed steel finish that’s the perfect updated workhorse for a busy contemporary kitchen. While you certainly can find stainless steel apron sinks from other manufacturers (Ruvati included!), Anzzi can’t be beat in terms of variety of sizes, configurations, and add-ons.
That said, if you’re more interested in fun kitchen gadgets, Ruvati is probably a better brand for you. While both manufacturers offer 16 gauge stainless steel sinks made of the same quality and composition of metal (T-304 stainless steel to be specific), Ruvati’s sinks are designed to accommodate add-on features, regardless of the size and style of the sink. This is especially nice for small kitchens, as these accessories let you use your sink as supplemental counter space, so you can spread out a little even if you have limited workspace in your kitchen.
Regardless of the gauge you end up choosing, it’s important to do regular maintenance on your stainless steel sink. Using Bar Keeper’s Friend and a scrubby pad to clean your sink every other day will keep it looking absolutely flawless for years and years. Has anyone found other good ways to keep a sink in tip top shape? I heard something about using sandpaper, but I’m too squeamish to try it. I’d love to learn more. I hope these deals help you with your remodel. If you have any questions, leave a comment and I’ll get an answer to you as soon as possible.
I really like the Artisan Single Round Basin. Thanks for sharing this.
Pingback: Artisan Kitchen Sinks And Faucets - High Quality Fixtures For A Beautiful Kitchen
Pingback: Best Quality, Least Expensive Stainless Steel Sinks For Your Kitchen
Pingback: Sick Of Scratched Sinks? Try Silgranit! - homethangs.com
Pingback: Rack It Up: Why To Hand Wash (And Air Dry) Instead Of Using The Dishwasher - homethangs.com
We use Bon Ami with highly satisfactory results. Since it’s a feldspar-based scouring powder, it doesn’t scratch the surface on which it’s used. However, I haven’t found any stain or such that can withstand it.
That’s awesome, David. I’ll look into that one. Thanks!