What is Handmade Stainless Steel Sink With Contemporary Design
Stainless steel sinks are not only produced from one of the most environmentally friendly metals commonly used in construction, they provide many benefits such as corrosion resistance, fire and heat resistance, hygiene, strength to weight advantage, ease of fabrication, impact resistance, antibacterial value, and long.
The Allure of Handmade Kitchen Sinks: Beauty, Craftsmanship, and Functionality
In the realm of home decor and design, the allure of handmade products continues to captivate the hearts of discerning homeowners. One such element that embodies this charm is the handmade kitchen sink. These meticulously crafted pieces seamlessly blend beauty, craftsmanship, and functionality, redefining the heart of the kitchen.
Crafting Excellence: The Art of Handmade Sinks
Handmade sinks represent a fusion of artistry and utility. Craftsmen invest time, skill, and passion into creating these sinks, resulting in unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out in any kitchen. Each sink is a testament to the artisan's dedication to perfection, from the careful selection of materials to the intricate details that grace its surface.
Elevating Aesthetics: Handmade Sink Designs
The world of handmade sinks is a treasure trove of design possibilities. From classic to contemporary, farmhouse to industrial, these sinks cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The term "handmade sink" doesn't simply refer to the manufacturing process; it speaks to the bespoke designs that can transform a mundane kitchen into a culinary haven. If you're looking to infuse character and personality into your kitchen, a handmade sink is a choice worth considering.
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How to Choose a Good-Quality Stainless Steel Sink
Stainless steel is usually steel that has been mixed with other elements to improve its properties. Think of stainless steel as a material that is mixed with the best of other materials to make a perfect final product.
The two most important materials to check before purchasing a sink is chromium and nickel. These two materials enhance the properties of stainless steel which make it durable and resistant to corrosion.
The Grade of the Stainless Steel
You'll usually see an "18/8" label on your local stainless steel sinks. The ratio denotes the amount of chromium and nickel contained in the steel. For the ratio of 18/8, this means that there is 18% of chromium and 8% of nickel in the stainless steel.
As a general rule of thumb, the higher the percentage of these materials, the higher quality your stainless steel sink would be.
The grade is another thing to look out for when purchasing a stainless steel sink. Grade-304 is regarded as the best grade for stainless steel sinks. This grade means that the steel is an 18/8 stainless steel and made up of at least 50% iron.
By understanding these properties of stainless steel, you'll be able to spot high-quality sinks from poorer ones. It can also save you a lot of money when comparing sinks from multiple brands.
Gauge (Thickness of the Material)
"Gauge" refers to the thickness of the stainless steel metal for the sink. Don't get confused; the lower the number of a gauge is, the thicker it is and vice versa. In this case, always remember that less means more when measuring the gauge of a sink.
The gauge of the material will range from 16-22 gauge with the 16-gauge one being the thickest. While some people argue that the thickness of a sink does not matter, having a thicker sink would mean that it is more sound-absorbent.
It is significantly less noisy than thinner-gauge sinks as it "absorbs" the sound of running water in your sink or when the garbage disposal is activated. As a rule of thumb, high-quality stainless steel sinks are in between the 16 to 18 gauge range.
Insulation and Coatings
Stainless steel sinks are usually covered with sound insulation layers or coatings to help reduce noise.
Coatings also help to reduce condensation buildup on the bottom of the sink. Having the coating would mean that there won't be moisture issues under your sink which can build up mold if there is moisture.
It is important to know that your sink may or not come with any insulation or coating. These are usually add-ons when you purchase a sink but it's worth it if you don't want to get annoyed by the noisy sound of stainless steel sinks.
Sink Finish
Finish refers to the surface of the stainless steel material. A mirror finish has a polished look to it and feels smooth. You can also opt for a matte look where the surface looks "brushed" rather than smooth.
With the exception of polished mirror finishes, you will be able to notice the grain direction of a stainless steel sink which results from the finishing process.
Knowing how to maintain a kitchen sink will help you to maintain its original shiny appearance as well as improving its longevity down the years. As a bonus, you'll also save a lot of money along the way!
Before you do anything, it would be wise to consult the manufacturer's cleaning and care recommendations. You don't want to do anything that would void the manufacturer's warranty or aftercare policies.
Fortunately, warranty policies are uniform among manufacturers so you shouldn't be hung up too much on it.
When cleaning your stainless steel sink, make sure to avoid aggressive or acidic cleaners and avoid scrubbing the surface too vigorously. Doing these can avoid in scratches or stains on the surface.
Also, never use a steel wool to scrub the sink's surface. Small bits of steel from the steel wool will be embedded into the sink's surface which will rust over time. The rust will stain your sink and is incredibly hard to remove – don't do it!
If scrubbing has to be done, make sure that you go with the grain instead of against. Doing this would maintain the surface's shine instead of being scratching it.
Common house cleaners and detergents contain chloride compounds that are not good for stainless steel. Fortunately, chlorides are water soluble. This means that a thorough rinsing of your sink is more than enough to remove the chlorides from the surface of the sink.
An important thing to know is that soap scum may appear on your sink's surface after a few weeks of using it. If you're fine with it, then you may ignore it. If not, wipe your stainless steel sink with a cloth every day or once a week to get rid of water spots and soap scum.
Types of stainless steel sinks
As stainless steel is quite malleable or easy to manipulate, it comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to fit your lifestyle. If you have a more busy household, farmhouse style can easily suit your needs with it's larger, more robust size-the size that many professional kitchens often use. On the opposite end, there are smaller, more delicate sizes for more simple tasks in your kitchen such as the single or drop in sinks.
Farmhouse sinks
One of the largest sink sizes on the market, Farmhouse style sinks were designed in a time where running water was less readily available. So the design was created with the idea of holding water on one side of the sink while the other is used for washing and cleaning-everything from dishes, food and sometimes small children. Today, it still fills a more practical use especially for large kitchens where you can easily wash large pots and pans in a comfortable area when compared to other sink sizes available, plus it adds a more rustic, country kitchen feel to your home. For those that have very busy kitchens, Farmhouse size should be something to consider.
Undermount sinks
Undermount sinks are designed to be installed from the bottom of your countertop. The result of this design is a contiguous or seamless flow from your counter to your sink without any lip or extrusions that may catch dirt or food particles along the way. Another benefit is that it saves space as it is installed underneath your countertop, having it flush with the rest of your counter and therefore, making it more attractive in a more minimalist appearance. The trade off is that undermount sinks are usually more expensive compared to your typical drop in sinks.
Drop In
As the name specifies, drop in sinks are sinks that are literally "dropped in" an area of the countertop of a carved out recess. Since this method is very easy, the price of drop-in sinks are usually very affordable and many are DIY. The tradeoff for this is that drop-in sinks are more intrusive, space wise, since the lip rests on the countertop, allowing dirt and other food particles to slip into the cracks.
Single, Double and Triple Bowl
For those that have a busy kitchen and can't afford the space for a farmhouse style or just want a unique look, there is the bowl design. Available in either drop in or undermount variants, this sink style allows you to separate your sink into different functions. A small bowl for washing up, and two larger ones on the side for more robust tasks such as dish washing or cook preparation. Alternatively, if you don't need a large sink at all in your kitchen, even just a small bowl sink can be quite attractive and still suit your everyday needs.
Why You Should Purchase a Stainless Steel Sink
Still wondering why stainless steel sinks are the go-to choice in the kitchen sink aisle? Here are four reasons why you should install one:
They're Easy to Clean
Because stainless steel is a non-porous material, cleaning it is very simple. The best way to keep your stainless steel sink looking shiny and new is to rinse it daily with warm water and gentle dish soap. For days when your sink needs a more thorough cleaning, gently rub the baking soda into your sink with a soft sponge. Never use the following materials on your stainless steel sink:
Abrasive tools like steel wool or Magic Erasers - These tools can cause scratching.
Strong acids like bleach - Bleach can attack your sink's protective layer.
They're Very Durable
Stainless steel sinks are durable and low-maintenance. Use your sink every day, as often as you need. Unlike other types of kitchen sinks, such as granite or stones, stainless steel sinks don't need annual care. With proper care, stainless steel sinks can last for 30 years or even longer. The finish won't chip off over time like cast iron sinks.
They're Made in a Variety of Styles
No matter the size of your kitchen, stainless steel sinks are made in a variety of styles and configurations. Choose from functional drop-in sinks to seamless undermount models. Stainless steel sinks are made in single and double basin styles, as well as roomy farmhouse and apron-front styles. And while stainless steel is known for its cool, metallic color, stainless steel sinks are now made in brass, black, and even copper.
They're Classic and Timeless
Stainless steel kitchen sinks aren't just a trendy addition. They've been a kitchen favorite for many years, and they're here to stay. No matter how many times you change the color of your paint, tile, countertops, or appliances, chances are your stainless steel sink will still complement your space. Even interior designers agree that stainless steel sinks are elegant and classic pieces to have in the kitchen. If you want to give your kitchen a high-end look, opt for an undermount stainless steel sink versus a drop-in.
8 Differences of Cheap and Expensive Stainless Steel Sinks
Both cheap and expensive stainless steel sinks are constructed from stainless steel, which is made from iron or steel, chromium, and nickel. These varieties of stainless steel sinks have the following difference:
Grade of Stainless Steel
The quality and the temperature resistance of the stainless steel depend on the grade of the stainless steel. Grade 304 is the most common high-quality grade for household and commercial kitchens, whilst a higher grade of 316 is predominantly used in environments exposed to harsh chemicals and minerals such as hospitals, science labs or the outdoors. A main elemental difference between the two grades is that grade 316 has the element called molybdenum, which is a metal that improves corrosion resistance, whilst grade 304 does not have molybdenum.
Two important materials to check in stainless steel are chromium and nickel. These elements enhance the properties of stainless steel making it durable and resistant to corrosion. A grade 304 sink contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, whilst grade 316 has 17% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum.
So, gathered from the information above you may already conclude that grade 316 is the more expensive kitchen sink option due to its extra properties that make it higher quality. As mentioned, grade 316 is commonly used for high-chemical settings which is why this grade is also known as Marine grade. But that also means paying up to four times more than a grade 304.
The less expensive 304 grade is the best choice if you're looking for a high-quality domestic sink. Anything below this grade would be cheaper, but would also mean lower quality.
Low-quality stainless steel grade has chromium content that is between 10 and 12 percent. This grade of stainless steel may be vulnerable to discoloring and pitting.
The Thickness of the Stainless Steel
The thickness of the stainless steel may tell how costly or cheap your stainless steel sink is. The thickness is seen on its gauges. So, don't forget to check the gauge of the stainless steel sink when you are buying one.
The higher the gauge number, the thinner the thickness of the stainless steel sink. And the lesser the gauge number, the thicker and more expensive the stainless steel sink.
The thinnest and cheapest stainless steel sink has a 22 to 23 gauge, however, we don't recommend getting this gauge for domestic use as it is mostly used for recreational vehicles and not ideal for most domestic or commercial kitchens.
The standard kitchen sink gauge in Australia is 18 gauge which is about 1.2mm thick. A sink with this gauge is lightweight and durable enough for simple dishwashing. A 16 gauge sink has a thickness of 1.5mm and is even better in durability, especially if you have heavy cookware. The thicker the gauge the more long-lasting, dent-resistant, and sound-proof it is among other benefits.
The thickest and most expensive gauge you may find is 14 gauge, which can be seen in higher-end luxurious kitchens.
Type and Size of Stainless Steel Sink
If you want to compare cheaper to more expensive sinks, you should always consider the type and size specifications. For example, a double bowl kitchen sink is pricier than a single-bowl of the same or similar in size, and a single-bowl with a side drainer would cost more than one without. Prices also vary depending on whether they come with complete sink accessories such as a mixer tap, tap hole, strainers, and protector grids.
Installation methods may also influence the cost of the sink, where sinks that have the option to be installed as either under-mount, top-mount, or flush-mount can be more expensive than sinks that only have one option of installation. Also consider comparing the finish of the sink, such as whether it is a matte, polished, or brushed finish since this plays a factor in the price difference.
Scratch-Resistance
With any stainless steel sink, you can't avoid scratching it. However, the thicker the gauge, the more it protects from deep scratches and dents occurring.
A gauge of 16 or 18 is perfect for resisting scratches on stainless steel sinks. With a 314 grade, the high content of chromium and molybdenum of the stainless steel makes it the most resistant to scratches and dents, but again, more expensive.
Manufacturing Process of Stainless Steel Sinks
How does your stainless steel sink manufacture? The process of how the stainless steel sink is made can indicate if it is cheaper or expensive.
Two main manufacturing processes of stainless steel sinks include the integral molding method also known as stamping or machine-pressing, and the other method is hand-welding or handmade.
Stamping is a process in which you put a sheet of stainless steel into a stamping press machine. Then, the press machine will shape the stainless steel into a sink. This process is automated and capital intensive. Machine pressed sinks also stretch in material, often making the sink thinner which is why it is considered less expensive.
Hand-welded kitchen sinks are formed and welded by hand, resulting in precise straight lines, corners, and forms a closer-knit or tighter radius curve of the sink in contrast to the more rounded curves of a machine-pressed sink. This is the more expensive option due to its higher quality labour and professional appearance.
Noise Reduction
The stainless steel sinks that are thinner would likely be noisy when you wash the cookware or when running the faucet.
In this case, you have to know the thickness of your stainless steel sink as thicker sinks aid in noise reduction. And the thicker it is, the more it is expensive. Sometimes sound pads are also included with the sink, which would further reduce noise and could be a factor that would increase its price.
Corrosion and Discolouration
The molybdenum content in the stainless steel sink can protect your sink from corrosion, and the chromium prevents discoloration.
The higher the level of chromium and molybdenum, the more the sink is corrosion-resistant. It will not discolour easily and fast. Therefore, this stainless steel sink is more expensive than the sink with low chromium level or no molybdenum content.
Method of Buying
When you buy directly from the manufacturer than purchasing at a retail store, you save money. And your stainless steel sink becomes less expensive.
Our Factory
Franta has a domestic reputation for innovations that set stainless steel pipe standards. Take for example press connection technology, the innovative solution for stainless steel pipe systems. With Franta, safety is not just guaranteed upon installation. Also, Franta offers intelligent solutions for the global challenge of operating hygienic drinking water systems.
FAQ
Q: What are stainless steel sinks made of?
Q: Is stainless steel sink better?
Q: How do I know if my sink is stainless steel?
Q: Why do people like stainless steel sinks?
Q: Do all stainless steel sinks scratch easily?
Q: How long do stainless steel sinks last?
Q: Why does my stainless steel sink always look dirty?
Q: What grade of stainless steel sink is best?
Q: What can damage a stainless steel sink?
Q: Are stainless steel sinks expensive?
Q: What type of sink is the most durable?
Q: Can toothpaste remove scratches from stainless steel?
Q: Which sink is best quartz or stainless steel?
Q: Are stainless steel sinks hard to maintain?
Q: Why do professional kitchens use stainless steel?
Q: Why does stainless steel sink turn black?
Q: How often should I clean my stainless steel sink?
Q: How do I keep my stainless steel sink spotless?
Q: What is the difference between cheap and expensive sinks?
Q: Is it OK to use bleach on stainless steel sink?
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