The kitchen is one of the important rooms in any home. After all, that’s where we make our food to keep our bodies running. There are many essential items found in a kitchen, and a sink is one of them. Given the different types of materials they are made from, it can be difficult to choose one.
The fact you’re reading this means that you have likely already settled for stainless steel. Using a stainless steel sink for your kitchen is great because of its many benefits. They can be found in different shapes, sizes and they are very affordable.
Furthermore, this material is stain-resistant, so it won’t be challenging to keep it clean. Its durability is another reason why it’s very popular. So, you don’t need to replace it quickly.
Now that you know the material you want, you might think that the journey to choosing a sink would be easy, right? Wrong! To get the perfect sink, there are things you need to look out for. Therefore, in this article, we’ll guide you on how to choose the right stainless steel sink for your kitchen.
Understand What Gauge is
What is gauge you might wonder, and what does it have to do with getting a sink? Gauge refers to the thickness of steel. The durability of the material depends on its thickness.
Furthermore, it makes it less prone to corrosion and denting. You can get steel in 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, and 16 millimeters (mm). The smaller the guage, the thicker and more robust the stainless steel.
Know the Material Grade
Another thing you need to know is the grade of the material. Series numbers are assigned to stainless steel as an indication of the material’s elemental makeup. As you search for your sink, look for one within the 300 series.
They are popular because they contain a high level of nickel and chromium. These elements contribute to the durable nature of stainless steel. The 304 series has a high level of these elements which makes them corrosion-resistant.
Determine the Size
As we said earlier, stainless steel sinks are manufactured in different sizes. Therefore, you need to choose the size that matches the available room you have for it in your kitchen. A randomly picked washbasin won’t fit as you might have envisioned it in your head.
Therefore, you need to measure your countertop to ensure you get the accurate measurement. You can visit https://www.wikihow.com/ to learn how to measure your countertop. Once you do this, you can then shop for a sink that will fit your countertop.
What Shape and Style Do You Want?
Not only do these washbasins come in different sizes, they come in different shapes and styles. You can get single-basin and double-basin sinks. Some are designed with triple basins. It all depends on how often you multitask and the available space in your kitchen.
Also, you need to determine the style you want. Do you want a traditional or classic style? Or do you prefer the modern models?
If you don’t know what style to settle for, there’s a simple hack you can use. Simply follow the overall design style of your kitchen or home. With that, the sink will not look out of place.
The placement is another thing you need to consider. Most folks just embed the washbasin into the countertop. Installation via this method is straightforward.
Another trusted method you can choose is to try the under-countertop method. This option is targeted at making cleaning easier. As a result, flush integration or joints are altogether avoided.
Decide on the Finish
Stainless steel sinks with mirrored finish are so shiny and attractive. This can easily draw people to buy them without considering a crucial factor; maintenance. The art of maintaining a mirror finish stainless steel sink in your home so that they sparkle the same way they do in the pictures or store is not so easy. Because of its polished nature, every smudge and fingerprint will be put on display.
If you can keep up with such high maintenance, then by all means, go ahead and buy them. However, if you aren’t into such high levels of maintenance, we recommend you stick to satin or brushed finishes. With these options, you don’t have to worry about water spots and scratches as these finishes are more forgiving and hide stains better.
Consider Noise Control
The sound of rattling silverware, pans, and dishes in your washbasin is not music to anyone’s ears. The very nature of steel makes it so that even spraying faucet water can create unpleasant sounds. So, what can you do to control this noise?
Some features such as insulating foam and sound pads that are added to a good number of under-mount sinks are designed to reduce noise. You can check here to learn how to insulate under kitchen sink. The gauge of the steel also has an influence on the noise it makes. The thicker the steel, the less noise it makes – remember to go for the smaller guage to get the thicker steel.
Be Sure of the Faucet you Want
Why is this important? Not every faucet is compatible with every sink. Therefore, you need to be sure of the type of faucet you want even before you get the sink. It’s easier to match a sink to a faucet than it is to match a faucet to an already installed sink. So, if you don’t want to encounter faucet installation issues, ensure that both items are compatible.
Conclusion
Getting a stainless steel sink is an investment that will last for a long time. However, it’s not wise to jump at the first sink you see. There are things you need to consider before making a decision.
In this article, we’ve provided you with an easy guide on how to choose this important kitchen staple. To get the perfect one, you need to understand what gauge is, know the grade of the material, determine the size, decide on the shape and style you want, decide on the finish, put noise control in place, and get a compatible faucet. Once you do all these, you’re bound to choose a stainless steel sink that will last you for years and make your kitchen look fantastic.