All About: Stainless Steel Sinks Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen? If so, then our Sink Spotlight series will help you. Today we begin looking at different sink materials, starting with the most common: stainless steel. Sink Style: Stainless Steel Associated with: Industrial style, but really works with all kitchens styles. Distinctive Features: Stainless steel sinks are usually designated by their chromium-to-nickle ratio. For example, a stainless steel ratio of "18:8" means there is 18% chromium and 8% nickel present. The higher the percentage of these elements, the better the stainless steel grade. Stainless steel sinks usually range from 16 gauge (thicker) to 22 gauge (thin). Thicker stainless steel will be more resistant to dents and have better sound insulation, i.e. the sink will be less "noisy" when washing dishes or running the garbage disposal. Look for 16 to 18 gauge if you want a good quality stainless steel sink. Pros: Durable, shiny, nonporous and easy to clean and disinfect;

works with every kitchen style; impervious to heat, rust, corrosion, and stains with proper care; less likely to shatter dishes if they're dropped inside, as compared to cast iron or another hard-surface sink; Cons: Cheaper, higher gauge models can be noisy; only one color option; Installation: Topmount or undermount. Price range: Starts around $50 for a 22-gauge sink (the cheapest kind). Whenever our stainless steel sink gets rust stains in it from cans I've accidentally let sit, I just scrub them right out with good old baking soda and water. I sprinkle a bit of baking soda on, use my regular sponge with a scouring pad on it, and voila! No more rusty stain! When my mom got a new stainless steel sink the first think the guy who installed it said was before you run any water in the sink be sure and wipe it down with baby oil. It helps clean and seal the surface and the sink was still shinning many years later!!! Not so sure about using it on the frig as I find just a cloth with water works about as well as anything.

I much prefer what I have - enameled cast iron [sink] with double basin. Easier to keep clean and better looking. Scotch Brite pads are a wonder. I've had single basin and stainless steel and they were not for me. • Quick Tip: Removing Rust Spots from Stainless Steel• Cheap Trick: Clean Stainless Steel with a $2 Product• So Shiny! Removing Stains with Bar Keeper's Friend More of our 'Sink Spotlight' Series • All About: Undermount Kitchen Sinks• All About: Drop-In Kitchen Sinks• All About: Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks• All About: Double Bowl Kitchen Sinks• All About: Bar or Prep Sinks (Images: Jess Watson | A stainless steel sink and the Chrysler Building have something in common. 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. Miniature Boxer Puppies For Sale In IowaSteel Gauge To ascertain the strength of the stainless steel, evaluate it based on its gauge. Kitchenaid Stand Mixer 2013Stainless steel is a metal alloy used in a variety of applications, such as the construction of the Chrysler Building in New York. Soaking Tubs ClearanceThe 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. : Sink Buying GuideFriendly Plumber: What to Look for in a Stainless Steel Sink Photo Credits Paul Katz/Photodisc/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionAsk the manufacturer directly.DetailsKraus CS-3 Stainless Steel Colander FREE Shipping on orders over $49. DetailsInSinkErator CRD-00 Power Cord Kit FREE Shipping on orders over $49.

Buy "KRAUS 32 Inch 16 Gauge Undermount Single Bowl Stai...” from Amazon Open-Box & Used and save 64% off the $705.00 list price. Kraus KBU14 31 1/2 inch Undermount Single Bowl 16 gauge Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Zuhne 32 Inch Undermount Deep Single Bowl 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Kraus KHU32 Pax Zero-Radius 31 1/2" 16 Gauge Handmade Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink 32 x 19 x 10 inches #3,677 in Home Improvements (See top 100) #1 in Home Improvement > Kitchen & Bath Fixtures > Kitchen Fixtures > Kitchen & Bar Sinks > Kitchen Sinks > Single Bowl 42.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) See all 284 customer reviews See all 284 customer reviews (newest first)Beautiful, high quality kitchen sink! Make sure you have enough room and depth to have this underground, and room behind for a faucet. Huge, gorgeous and exactly what my new kitchen needed! Well priced sink and had it shipped right to the fabricator of the Caesarstone counter.