A better quality stainless steel kitchen sink is the 18-gauge, which is 0.0500 inches. Many home improvement choices recommend 16 to 18 gauges as a good choice for a stainless steel kitchen sink. The more costly, a 16-gauge stainless sinks is often touted as a luxury sink and are 0.0625 inches thick.
The maximum gauge I would recommend for any stainless steel kitchen sink is 18 gauge. The best choice is of course 16 gauge, however either 16 or 18 gauge will provide the same top value in terms of cost, performance and overall satisfaction. Don't bother with higher gauges (20, 22, 24) which are significantly thinner.
So for instance, if you are looking at an 18 gauge vs. a 16 gauge, then the 16 gauge would be thicker (and therefore, more durable) than the 18 gauge. With an 18 gauge, you're looking at a thickness of 0.0478 inches whereas the 16 gauge comes in at 0.0598 inches.
The higher the number, the thinner the material—so if you're looking for a strong, durable material for your project, 14-gauge stainless steel is usually your best bet. However, if you need a thinner material that still offers good corrosion resistance or weldability, then 16 gauge may be better suited for your needs.
Best Gauge For Kitchen Sink
On average, most kitchen sinks are 18 gauge sinks. This is because although it may be slightly thinner than a 16 gauge, it is still durable and more cost-effective. In terms of what sink is better (16 gauge vs. 18 gauge), the 16 gauge sink is the better of the two.
MR Direct Sinks and Faucets
For example, most commercial kitchens will use 14 gauge thickness in their sinks, while a 20 gauge would be great for a wet-bar sink. Most kitchen sinks that are installed are either 18 or 16 gauge though, which is perfect for the size and durability needed in the average household kitchen.
The thicker steel sink has relatively better damping and denting characteristics because of its mass. But if you purchase a thin sink, you can face denting and bowing problems. Even after a year, you will end up with lots of marks of knives, forks, and other kitchen items.
Many home improvement choices recommend 16 to 18 gauges as a good choice for a stainless steel kitchen sink. The more costly, a 16-gauge stainless sinks is often touted as a luxury sink and are 0.0625 inches thick.
Typical gauges range from 16 to 23; the lower the gauge, the thicker the material and the better it resists dents and scratches. A sink made of 16 or 18-gauge stainless steel is ideal. Also look for a sink with under-the-sink spray coatings and/or sound-absorbing pads to reduce noise. Compare sink finishes, as well.
Grade 18/8 (Series 304): Made up of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This grade is highly rust-resistant and is the best stainless steel grade for sinks. It's less expensive than Grade 18/10 but is still unlikely to rust. Grade 18/10 (Series 316): Made up of 18% chromium and 10% nickel.
The lower the number, the thicker the steel. Therefore, 16 gauge is thicker than 18 gauge steel. The reason we promote using 16 gauge steel for your sinks versus 18 gauge is 16 is more rigid.
KOHLER stainless steel sinks complement any kitchen and are incredibly rust- and stain-resistant. Our stainless steel is premium 18-gauge steel or better, preventing chipping and cracking.
Stainless steel sinks are unquestionably noisy. Thicker undercoatings can be purchased to reduce the noise level.
16 gauge is best, 18 gauge is cheaper but still good, 20 gauge and above is too thin and will end up a false economy unless in a very low use area. 14 gauge is even thicker but usually not found in domestic kitchen sinks. The thickness of stainless steel is measured in gauges.
Sinks and Faucets
Average Lifespan: Expect your kitchen sink to last for around 50 years if made from acrylic. Vessel sinks made from copper, porcelain, glass or store could last more than 20 years, while enameled steel kitchen sinks may only last over a decade.
If you frequently use large pans or baking trays, it might be worth getting a sink with an extra wide or extra deep bowl – or even a 1½ / double bowl. If you don't have a dishwasher in your kitchen, make sure you get a sink with a built-in drainer, so you have enough space to let items dry after you hand wash them.
Fireclay is a highly durable material that holds up better than even enameled cast iron. This type of kitchen sink is resistant to stains, scratches, and dents, though it may need to be reglazed at some point, depending on the severity and frequency of use.
The most stain-resistant sink is a stainless steel sink. A stainless steel sink is the most durable and low-maintenance kitchen sink as they are resistant to heat, stains, and scratches.
Including 20% Chromium and 10% Nickel, this means that our sinks are highly durable and it will never rust, preventing dents, dings, scratches and ensuring they hold their shape for their lifetime, despite heavy daily use.
Most styles of sink work in small kitchens, as long as the sink is roughly between 22 and 24 inches. Anything more than 27 inches runs the risk of being too big and overpowering your kitchen, as well as taking up valuable counter space. As you have less space, a single bowl sink may be the better option.
I would HIGHLY recommend this sink! You will save a lot of money and it is superb quality. It is not cheaply made, very heavy and made from 16GA stainless. As good as ANY $1,000 sink.
The correct rough-in height for sink drains to pass the inspection is between 18 and 20 inches. Standard sink drains usually start from 24 inches and stop at 28 inches, so the rough-in height should be slightly lower than this height range.
Sink thickness often ranges between 16 and 22 gauge. The benefits of a 16 gauge or 1.5mm sink are being stronger, more durable and longer lasting.
Single-bowl sinks are generally larger than double-bowl sinks, which can make them more convenient for tasks such as washing large pots and pans. They also offer more uninterrupted space for items such as a drying rack or cutting board. Single-bowl sinks are often less expensive than double-bowl sinks.
Kitchen sink depth:
Find your sink's depth by measuring the top edge of the sink down to the bottom. The standard depth is around 8 to 10 inches. Anything shallower than 8 inches will make it difficult for you to have enough space to wash dishes.