What is a stainless steel sink? Beginners Guide to Steel Sinks

Choosing the right sink can always be a bit overwhelming. How can you tell which has the higher quality? Which size is appropriate for your house and how much should you spend? Well, hopefully this guide can show you what to look for when choosing a sink for your home and better inform you of where you should spend your money.

What is a stainless-steel sink

A stainless steel sink is a sink that is made by bending or molding steel until it is seamless. The result is a sink that is highly durable and can easily withstand a great deal of punishment while still lasting several lifetimes. Since it is easily malleable compared to other materials, stainless steel sinks can be formed to fit into almost any shape profile or mold you desire, so long as you are willing to pay for it. Lastly, since the surface is polished steel, cleaning a stainless steel sink is quite a great deal easier when compared to other materials such as granite or porcelain.

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.

How much do stainless steel sinks cost?

Stainless steel sinks start around $70 and can climb upwards to $1,000 and beyond. Drop-in styles float around $150-300 while undermount sinks are priced anywhere from $200-500. The largest factor when comparing price will of course be the gauge of the steel itself. The thicker the steel is, or the lower the gauge number is, the more expensive the sink will be. After gauge, other factors such as the style, size, material quality and the name brand come into effect.

What are the most common sizes of stainless steel sinks?

Stainless steel sinks are available in a wide variety of sizes between 17-36 inches. Here are the most common stainless steel sink sizes available:

• 18 inches
• 22 inches
• 24 inches
• 25 inches
• 27 inches
• 30 inches
• 32 inches 

What are the different grades of stainless steel, and why does it matter? 

The different grades of stainless steel determine the level of chromium present, with 304 carrying around 18% chromium and 409 having around 12%. The higher percentage of chromium determines it’s resistance to corrosion, making the 300 series more ideal for bathrooms. 

• 304 
• 316
• 409
• 430

What are common brands for stainless steel sinks?

These are the most common brands on the market for stainless steel sinks. When purchasing one for your home, you should consider the grade carefully. 300 series is more ideal for your bathroom while 400 is better for higher temperatures. 

American
Kohler
Blanco
Badeloft
Frigidaire
Ruvati
Swanstone

Granite vs stainless steel sinks

In general, Granite sinks will provide you with a much better aesthetic compared to stainless steel. They will also cost twice if not triple the amount of a stainless steel sink and require a great deal of maintenance. As a showpiece, Granite sinks are fantastic for your home, however, for functionality, a stainless steel sink is the best choice for a busy home. Stainless steel also has a few drawbacks, namely limited design choices when compared to Granite.

Benefits of Granite

• Aesthetically pleasing
• Comes in different styles and colors
• Quiet

Cons of Granite

• Heavier/Harder Installation
• Pricier
• Less Durable
• Harder to clean

Benefits of Stainless Steel

• Affordable
• Very Durable
• Ease of install
• Easier to clean

Cons of Stainless Steel

• Only one look/color
• Very loud/noisy

Do stainless steel sinks require a lot of care?

Upkeep on your stainless steel sink is relatively straightforward-you want to clean with water, vinegar, and baking soda. Refrain from using abrasive cleaners and use a soft sponge to clean the surface of it. The material itself is easy to clean so long as soap, detergent or any less harsh chemicals are applied. Avoid leaving water deposits as it will discolor the material if not properly dried. After a hard wipe down of your cleaning agent, make sure to wipe your sink dry to avoid any lingering water deposits.

Do they scratch easily?

Stainless steel will not scratch from normal impacts or heavy objects, however, if the steel is thin, it may scratch over time. To avoid this, avoid using abrasive cleaners that could potentially scratch the surface. 

How easy are they to install?

For drop-in styles, home installation is very straightforward. For farmhouse and undermount sinks, however, you may want to look into a professional as these styles tend to be heavier and larger in size, requiring more support from your counter. While it may not be as heavy as Granite, Stainless steel sinks still tend to be quite heavy, so keep your safety in mind when attempting home installation.

When choosing a stainless steel sink for your home, always keep in mind the quality of the steel you are purchasing and the size that is the best fit for your home. Stainless steel sinks prioritize practicality over aesthetics, so keep that in mind when purchasing one. While it may not look the prettiest, it will provide you a sink that is highly durable, affordable and is an excellent addition to a busy kitchen.