There are countless stainless steel sinks to choose from—here’s what you need to know about stainless steel gauges to choose the best sink for your kitchen.
Stainless steel sinks are durable, sleek, and long-lasting, which is why they’re such a popular choice in kitchens. And if you’re looking for a stainless steel sink, chances are you have come across the terms “gauge” and “grade.” We’ll cover what these terms mean, the differences between stainless steel gauges and stainless steel grades, what to look for when purchasing a stainless steel sink, and more.
What Does “Gauge” Mean?
Stainless steel sinks are one of the most affordable options for kitchens. Though, if you purchase a thin, echoey sink, chances are you’re not going to be very happy with it when washing your dishes. That's why it’s important to look at the gauge of the sink before you purchase it—because not all stainless steel sinks are the same.
The term gauge refers to how thick the stainless steel sink is. And while you may think a higher number means thicker metal, that’s actually not true. The higher the gauge, the thinner the stainless steel. So, a 16 gauge stainless steel sink is much more durable than a 22-gauge sink.
Low-end stainless steel sinks tend to be 22 or 23 gauge, while high-end sinks are usually 16 to 18 gauge. Consumer Reports tested 18- to 23-gauge sinks and found that gauge had little to do with performance, and noise can be diminished with sound-absorbing pads placed on the bottom and sides of the sink. So, if a 16- or 18-gauge sink isn’t in your budget, you can choose a higher gauge sink and use sound-absorbing materials to minimize the noise.
Generally, the lower the gauge the higher the price and vice versa. 16- and 18-gauge sinks tend to be the most popular options on the market for kitchen sinks. If you do have a higher budget, a 16-gauge sink is a high-end choice that will be very durable and long-lasting.
16-Gauge vs. 18-Gauge Stainless Steel
Learn about the differences between two of the best stainless steel gauges for kitchen sinks.
Which one is thicker?
16 gauge stainless steel sinks are thicker than 18-gauge sinks. Though the difference between the two is very minimal. An 18-gauge sink is .055 inches thick while a 16-gauge sink is .0625 inches thick. 16 gauge stainless steel is of higher quality and more durable.
Which one is better for sinks?
Many high-end stainless steel sinks are made in 16- or 18-gauge stainless steel. While 16 gauge is technically stronger and would be more durable than an 18 gauge, you probably wouldn’t notice much difference between the two. Both of these gauges are perfect for the size and durability needed in the average household. Though if you’re considering a larger or more durable sink, then 16 gauge would be best.
Will 16 or 18-gauge stainless steel rust?
Technically, both 16- and 18-gauge stainless steel can rust. But if you clean your sink with the proper materials for stainless steel, and purchase a high-quality sink, it’s very unlikely that your stainless steel sink will rust. The grade of the stainless steel will determine whether or not the sink is likely to rust, grades 18/8 and 18/10 are rust-resistant.
What Are Stainless Steel Grades?
The “grade” of stainless steel refers to the percentage of chromium and nickel contained within the steel. This affects the metal’s quality, durability, and rust resistance. The higher the grade numbers, the better the quality of steel. For example, 18/8 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
In addition to the sink’s steel grade, you will also sometimes see the sink’s series. You’ll want to look for 300 series stainless steel. 304 series stainless steel is the most widely used in kitchen sinks with 18/8 grade. Another common series is 316, known as Marine grade, with 18/10 grade stainless steel.
There are many different grades of stainless steel, and only a few are used in stainless steel kitchen sinks. We won’t go into details about all the different grades of stainless steel because most aren’t used in sinks or kitchen appliances. These are two of the most common stainless steel grades you’ll see when shopping for kitchen sinks.
Grade 18/8 (Series 304)
Grade 18/8 stainless steel is made up of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This grade is highly rust-resistant because it contains at least 50% iron. 18/8 stainless steel is good quality, and best if you’re not using stainless steel to conduct heat. So, it’s one of the best stainless steel grades for use in sinks. 18/8 is less expensive than Grade 18/10 but still has rust-resistant properties.
Grade 18/10 (Series 316)
Grade 18/10 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. It’s the highest grade of stainless steel—it’s rust-proof and holds its polish well. Because nickel tends to be more expensive, 18/10 kitchen sinks are typically more expensive. 18/10 stainless steel is very durable and of the best quality. It’s excellent at conducting heat, which is why it’s also a popular choice for stainless steel pots and pans.
6 Things to Look For When Buying a Stainless Steel Sink
When you’re shopping for a stainless steel kitchen sink, keep these six factors in mind before making a purchase.
1. Gauge
As we covered above, it’s important to consider the gauge of a stainless steel sink. Lower gauges are higher quality and higher gauges are lower quality. Typically, 16 to 18 gauge are the best choices for a durable stainless steel sink. The best gauge for your sink depends on your household and how many years you’d like it to last.
2. Grade
The stainless steel’s grade will determine how effective and durable it is. The higher the grade, the better the sink. For example, a sink made of 18/10 stainless steel is going to be more long-lasting than a sink made out of 18/8 stainless steel. You should look for a kitchen sink that’s at least a 300 grade or higher.
3. Depth
Another factor to consider is the depth of the stainless steel sink. If you only need your sink to hold a few dishes at a time, then a shallow option may be okay for your household. However, if you plan on stacking lots of dishes and pots into your sink, you’ll likely want a deeper sink. Most bowls are 6 to 12 inches deep. Experts say the best depth for a kitchen sink is at least 7.25 inches. Though, it’s common for sinks to reach up to 10 inches deep. Remember, undermount sinks will be up to 1 ½ inches lower than a top-mounted sink.
4. Quality of Construction
Next, it’s important to consider the quality of the sink’s construction. How is it finished? High-quality stainless steel sinks will be quiet, durable, and have a long-lasting finish.
5. Undercoating or Pads
If you decide to purchase a stainless steel sink made out of a higher gauge of stainless steel, or you want to ensure it’s noise-free, consider rubber undercoating or pads. Both of these items add an extra protective layer that helps prevent noise if you accidentally drop something in your sink.
6. Drain Placement
Most kitchen sink drains are placed in the center of the sink. Though some are placed off to one side or the corner. Off-center drain placements can make it easier to stack more dishes in the sink at a time versus a center drain placement.
Benefits of a Stainless Steel Sink
Stainless steel sinks are sleek and stylish and will remain in style for many years. Here are just a few of the many benefits of installing a luxurious stainless steel sink in your kitchen:
- Very durable. Stainless steel is one of the most durable materials for kitchen sinks. It’s rust-resistant and is unlikely to dent. Though it can scratch, be cautious when cleaning your sink.
- Easy to clean. Stainless steel can be cleaned with most of the cleaners you probably already have in your home. You can clean it with dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda as well as many cleaners from your local store.
- Many styles to choose from. From sleek undermount sinks to statement apron sinks, there are so many different stainless steel sink styles to choose from. In addition to styles, choose from an array of finishes, including hammered, satin, matte, and mirrored.
- Heat resistant. Stainless steel is heat resistant. So if you need, you can sit hot pans in your sink without worrying about them damaging the finish.
- Good for the environment. Stainless steel is a recyclable material, so it’s one of the most eco-friendly materials for kitchen sinks. It doesn’t lose any of its incredible properties through the recycling process.
- Affordability. Compared to other kitchen sink materials, stainless steel is one of the most affordable. With stainless steel, you don’t have to choose between quality and affordability.
CopperSmith is the Best Stainless Steel Sink Brand
Now that you’ve learned about the benefits of stainless steel and what to look for when purchasing a sink, you’ll be able to make an informed decision when purchasing a sink for your household. One of the best brands of kitchen sinks is CopperSmith. All CopperSmith stainless steel sinks are handcrafted with sustainable materials and heirloom finishes.
Our stainless steel sinks are made with 16 gauge stainless steel, making them a beautiful, yet durable option for your home. They are created with high-quality materials so your sink will not tarnish or flake over time. Customize all of our stainless steel kitchen sinks to match your design vision—choose the finish, texture, gauge, width, depth, and so much more. Here are three of our customer-favorite stainless steel sinks:
1. Farmhouse Kitchen Apron Sink
This custom sink features a deep, single basin and hammered stainless steel material. It will definitely make a statement in your kitchen. Single basin styles are great for busy households and will easily hold larger dishes, pots, and pans.
2. Undermount Metal Kitchen Sink
Another popular choice is our undermount kitchen sink in hammered or polished stainless steel. It’s crafted in 16-gauge stainless steel, which will ensure your kitchen sink will last for many years to come. Undermount sinks are an elegant choice and will seamlessly blend in with your countertops.
3. Bar Sink
We also specialize in stainless steel bar sinks. Choose between hammered and polished stainless steel to bring rustic character into your kitchen. Whether you’re completing a full remodel or renovating part of your kitchen, this bar sink is a functional and stunning addition.
We recommend that each of our sinks is installed by a professional to ensure they will properly function. Our dedicated team is always ready to help and answer any questions that you may have about our products. Reach out to the CopperSmith team today to find a high-end stainless steel sink for your kitchen remodel.