Stainless steel sinks are highly popular equipment for the modern kitchen. There are several materials and styles available these days, and stainless steel is the commonest of all. If you want to opt for stainless steel sinks, then a few essential elements need consideration, thereby making your process of choosing a stylish and exceptional sink easy and smooth.
Stainless steel is an alloy of chromium, steel, and nickel. The grade and gauge need due consideration while selecting a good quality stainless steel sink. The larger the proportion of nickel and chromium, the better is the grade of steel. A premium quality stainless steel sink is manufactured from 18/10 stainless steel. It means 18% chromium with a 10% nickel. Nickel is responsible for the strength, while chromium, which reacts with oxygen resulting in the chrome oxide film, making stainless steel resistant to breakdown. You may even opt for a tough Kraus USA steel sink to have a good kitchen workstation in your budget.
Gauge is the unit of measurement of the thickness of stainless steel. The ideal range is between 8 to 13; the higher the number thinner, the stainless steel. Gauge range between 16 to 18 is most common for kitchen sinks. Higher gauge stainless steel is more famous for kitchen accessories. It also ensures resistance to bowing and denting.
Reasons why you must select stainless steel
There are a lot of reasons which underline stainless steel as the most common alternative for kitchen sinks. It is a highly durable material that is easy to maintain and requires very little upkeep. It is also corrosion-resistant hence; keeping away cracks and wearing out. It is also non-porous, which implies it is very hygienic. The longevity of a good quality stainless steel sink is too high.
Essential types of stainless steel sinks for your kitchen
- Top Mount sink: stainless steel sinks differ based on installation giving rise to two broad categories, namely, top mount and under-mount. The top mount sink refers to an inset sink, a cost-effective option for installation charges, and retail cost. These options have stainless steel drainer attached to them; however, you may install it without them also. The installation starts by cutting a gap on the benchtop. The sink has a broader rim that sits on the bench, protected with clips from underneath. The cut-out is unexposed, enabling top mount sinks to become suitable options and benchtop material like laminate.
- Under-mount sink: these types of sinks stay mounted underneath the benchtop. Here the bench cut out is completely exposed, enabling the sinks to become the best options for solid surface benchtops. It may include engineered stones or granite. Correct installation and sealing are vital for preventing leakage. These sinks’ primary benefit is the continuous flow of the benchtop platform, making it easier to wipe water that goes straight into the sink. You may also choose a drainer groove that cuts into the benchtop.
- All in one sink and benchtop: You may employ competent professionals who can make the sink as a part of the entire benchtop unit. There are various options for this sink shape. The main benefit here is that the sink may get incorporated into the benchtop while preventing any joining marks. It provides a continuous view of the benchtop with the stainless steel sink inserted in it. It is an easy to clean option, just like commercial-style kitchens.
Overview of workstation sink benefits
The workstation sinks gradually emerged as a viable, functional feature of modern kitchens. The style is so flexible that it claims its existence in almost any kind of ambiance. You may install them in your kitchen without making any further changes to the interior design.
- Functional aspect: a kitchen is a place where the homemaker spends the most amount of time. It is the busiest part of the house. Hence, every section of the kitchen is essential. The kitchen’s highly functional role makes you choose useful accessories like a bottom grid, drying rack, coal under, and cutting board.
- The look: the ergonomic and spacious design of the sink makes it a better option for homemakers. It helps to keep the kitchen organized, clean, and uncluttered. They also perform the role of storing veggies and fresh fruits, handling different accessories and utensils without messing.
- Storage: every tool in the kitchen occupies some space. It is valid for cutting boards, drying racks, colanders, and more. It means that you may have to compromise with space on the cabinet and counter with every single element. Nonetheless, workstation sinks are an impressive range of custom fit accessories, which may help you adjust them over the tabletop while performing your daily tasks. Fitting them in the sink area will help you to get free space on the counter and cabinet.
- Smooth cleaning: since these sinks come with enhanced functionalities, you may manage most of the washing, chopping, and straining activities over them. Having a sink fitted on the counter may help you to go about the cleaning process smoothly. Moreover, you may use vinegar, lemon, and other acidic items for cleaning purposes without any worry.
Moreover, the custom free accessories with the sink maintain outstanding balance while helping you do everything in a hassle-free manner. Thus, the oversized workstation sinks are ideal for restaurants and commercial kitchens. The affordable price of the sinks has made millions of homeowners opt for it without any hesitation. They have started to realize that it is an integral part of the traditional kitchen.
Whether you are an occasional chef or a busy cook, you must never stop yourself from choosing a well designed and functional workstation in both cases. As stated earlier, these sinks can match any theme, decoration, and look. Hence, adding them to your kitchen may help to increase the overall look of the area. There is something called zero radii in stainless steel sinks compared to traditional styles, which have curved sides as such modern style harps on perfect ninety-degree angles at each edge. It adds a beautiful dimension to the working area of the kitchen.
