We are doing a kitchen remodeling and my wife would like a stanless steel
sink (undermount). Seems prices really vary.

At a designer show room a brand name sink (Elkay, Blanco...) could run
$400-$500, and for the same size same gauge a "nameless" sink could run
$250. Does it matter? Stainless steel is stainless steel right? Does it
matter if it's made in Italy or made in China?

Another question is it seems the "in thing" is zero radius SS sink. What is
the advantage of zero radius? Seems it would be harder to keep clean? What
is the big fuzz about?

Thanks!

MC

On Sun, 3 Aug 2008 21:16:36 -0400, MiamiCuse > wrote:

>We are doing a kitchen remodeling and my wife would like a stanless steel
>sink (undermount). Seems prices really vary.

Good choice.

>At a designer show room a brand name sink (Elkay, Blanco...) could run
>$400-$500, and for the same size same gauge a "nameless" sink could run
>$250. Does it matter? Stainless steel is stainless steel right? Does it
>matter if it's made in Italy or made in China?

There are different types of stainless steel, but I think the biggest
difference will be the gauge. For example, Franke's sinks are 18 gauge.
Those cheap ones may be only 20 gauge.

Don <www.donwiss.com> (e-mail link at home page bottom).

On Aug 3, 9:55*pm, Don Wiss > wrote:

>
> There are different types of stainless steel, but I think the biggest
> difference will be the gauge. For example, Franke's sinks are 18 gauge.
> Those cheap ones may be only 20 gauge.
>
> Don <www.donwiss.com> (e-mail link at home page bottom).


When I had my countertops and sink redone, I chose 16 gauge instead of
18 gauge. They say the pots and pans don't make as much 'racket' with
the 16 gauge. The sink that it replaced was 18 gauge. It is an
undermount.

If there weren't much price difference, I'd chose 16 again.
Dee Dee

"MiamiCuse" > wrote in message
...
> We are doing a kitchen remodeling and my wife would like a stanless steel
> sink (undermount). Seems prices really vary.
>
> At a designer show room a brand name sink (Elkay, Blanco...) could run
> $400-$500, and for the same size same gauge a "nameless" sink could run
> $250. Does it matter? Stainless steel is stainless steel right? Does it
> matter if it's made in Italy or made in China?
>

I've not shopped for sinks so I don't have any specifics, but yes, there are
differences in grades of stainless steel. Some are more durable than
others, will hold a shine better, have better finish and better attention to
detail. Take a very good look at the details and you may find that one is
superior. Is it one piece deep drawn or is it welded from pieces? Are
the radii smooth? Does it have sound deadening? The no name may be just as
good, but be sure it really is. Your wife will be living with it for many
years and you have to live with her.


http://www.frankeconsumerproducts.com/
http://www.frankeusa.com/

In article >,
"MiamiCuse" > wrote:

> We are doing a kitchen remodeling and my wife would like a stanless steel
> sink (undermount). Seems prices really vary.
>
> At a designer show room a brand name sink (Elkay, Blanco...) could run
> $400-$500, and for the same size same gauge a "nameless" sink could run
> $250. Does it matter? Stainless steel is stainless steel right? Does it
> matter if it's made in Italy or made in China?
>
> Another question is it seems the "in thing" is zero radius SS sink. What is
> the advantage of zero radius? Seems it would be harder to keep clean? What
> is the big fuzz about?
>

Having had 4 stainless steel sinks (in four homes), maybe I can help a
bit. Two were Elkay both purchased by us. They were 16 gauge,
excellent quality and held up well under very heavy use. Our current,
fairly new sink is a Blanco (also 16). We got it because the Elkays had
discontinued the design that I like. It too has been a great sink, easy
to clean and sturdy. I bang a lot of big, heavy pots around in it and I
never have to use any special polish or cleaner. I use Barkeeper's
Friend on occasion. That's what I use on my pots on occasion. The can
is maybe three or four years old I use it so little.

All 3 of these sinks had to be special ordered because of the gauge and
the depth. Too many stainless sinks are way too shallow. Shallow is
fine for a small vegetable sink on one side but not for the main sink.
My sink is a double with a small, 6" deep vegetable sink on one side and
a very large, 9-10" deep sink on the other. Too shallow and the water
splashes all over the place. Too deep and you break your back.

The other SS sink was a cheaper, off-brand, already installed in our
last home. It had no dents but was too shallow and was all scratched
up. Appearance-wise, it really sucked. The grade of steel does indeed
make a difference.

I do not have zero radius because I need my sink to be functional and
easy to clean. Mine is a drop-in because I did not want to install new
countertop. Good luck in your purchase.

Isabella
--
"I will show you fear in a handful of dust"
-T.S. Eliot