[ Wiki ]How to Evaluate Stainless Steel Sinks

THE KITCHEN SINK TAKES A LOT OF ABUSE. POTS AND PANS, DISHWARE AND SILVERWARE, ALONG WITH FOOD PREPARATION, ALL TAKE THEIR TOLL ON THE KITCHEN ESSENTIAL. AS THE CENTRAL FIXTURE IN THE KITCHEN, YOU WANT A SINK THAT CAN TAKE THE ABUSE AND STILL LOOK GOOD. ONE DURABLE CHOICE IS A STAINLESS STEEL SINK. BUT NOT ALL STAINLESS SINKS ARE CREATED EQUAL. TO EVALUATE A STAINLESS STEEL SINK, YOU NEED TO CONSIDER A FEW FACTORS IN ITS MAKEUP.

STEEL GAUGE

To ascertain the strength of the stainless steel, evaluate it based on its gauge. Stainless steel is a metal alloy used in a variety of applications, such as the construction of the Chrysler Building in New York. The thickness of stainless steel equates to its gauge, the number of layers that it takes to make 1 inch. For instance, 16-gauge stainless steel takes 16 layers of steel to make it an inch thick. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel, and the greater the sink can resist dents and scratches.

OXIDATION RESISTANCE

Oxidation leads to rust, but the chromium-to-nickel ratio in steel helps prevent it. So prior to purchase, check this ratio, as nickel gives the stainless steel strength and hardness, and chromium offers durability and shine. A typical chromium-to-nickel ratio uses 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel. It typically reads 18/10 on the sink's label.

FINISH TYPE

Stainless steel sinks come satin, polished, mirror or matte finishes. The type of finish you choose can be an asset or a liability in the kitchen. If you don't want to be constantly polishing the kitchen sink, avoid choosing a sink with a mirror or polish finish. These finishes show water spots and scratches. Instead, choose a sink with a matte or brushed finish that also provides resistance against scratches.

INSULATION

Some stainless steel sinks come without insulation. Without insulation, water heat escapes quickly, and the sounds are louder. Insulation helps to deaden the sound of water running in the kitchen. Check the type of insulation offered on the stainless steel sink. Foam insulation is of better quality and works more efficiently than sprayed-on insulation.

MOUNT TYPE AND SHAPE

Most kitchen sinks are available in differing mounting configurations. Some mount atop the counter and others underneath counters. Undermount units are best suited for solid surfaces such as stone or granite; they won't work with laminate materials. Choose a sink shape that matches your current sink or one that works well when remodeling.

BOWL DEPTH

Stainless steel sinks also come in multiple bowl depths. Some are shallow, while others offer a much deeper sink. Before buying your new stainless steel sink, verify it is deep enough to work with your cookware.