Must Know in Stainless Steel Sink Purchasing
Stainless steel sink is becoming more and more popular in the kitchen. Thanks to its durability and affordability. Unlike ceramic sink or iron cast sink, stainless steel sink does not easily chip. It is easy to maintain and efficient in the kitchen. Now a day, stainless steel sinks are offered in various style, thickness, and designs. There are so many varieties in this type of sink that we are having difficulty in deciding which sink is suitable for our kitchen. Here are some basic guidelines in things that you have to consider in buying stainless steel sink.
Stainless steel sinks guidelines:
1. Gauge
Gauge, in terms of stainless steel sink, is the thickness of the metal used in the sink. (The lower the number in gauge means the thicker the sink). The gauge of a stainless steel sink determines the capacity and durability of the sinks. Most people consider 18 gauge, it is just the right thickness.
2. Surface Finish
There are wide variety of surface finished done in a stainless steel sink. The common surface finishes are brushed satin, polished, plating, linen, matt, and mirror. Surface finishes determines the final look of a stainless steel sink. Some surface finish scratches easily or show water spots. Therefore choosing the right surface finish is very important in purchasing a stainless steel sink.
3. Bowl Depth
Make sure that the bowl is deep enough to allow washing pots and pans easily. Shallower bowls are primarily used for rinsing food.
4. Number of Bowl
In choosing whether your stainless steel sink should have single, double or three bowls, you should consider the primary usage of the sink that you would like to purchase, the size of your kitchen top, and the overall design of your kitchen. These factors determines if you need a single bowl stainless steel sink, a double bowls stainless steel sink, or a three bowl stainless steel sink. 2 or more bowls with different depths gives you different usage options.
5. Insulation and silencing pads
Choosing an insulated stainless steel sink is necessary for sanitary purposes and to prevent unwanted molds from growing beneath your sink. This is a must for countries that experiences cold weathers. You must also make sure that the silencing pad of your stainless steel is of the right size. Silencing pads deadens sounds.
6. Under mount, Top mount, or Apron
Under mount, Top mount and Apron are Stainless steel sink models. The Under mount sink fastens under the countertop and has no lip to catch crumbs or food. A top mount sink sets in a hole in the counter top. You’ll see the lip of the sink on top of the counter top. Apron sink is suitable for those who wish to have deep bowl.
7. Sink Configuration
Select a sink configuration that best suits your kitchen. You can determine the sink model that allows you to install it the way you plan to install it.
8. Drain board
Drain boards are available only on top mount sinks. Drain board is great for water flow and food preparation.