The Best Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks Reviewed
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When renovating or building a new kitchen, there are so things to consider, but it’s the sink and faucet that tend to stand out the most.
Choosing from all the different colors, materials and styles may be overwhelming, but we can tell you with certainty, that stainless steel is our favorite!
Why? Because stainless steel sinks are extremely versatile, and they are also one of the most durable materials out there. Add in that they’re classy and easy to clean, and you have a sink that everyone would want!
Take a look at the best stainless steel kitchen sinks here; we’ll also provide a buying guide to help you further.
The Best 7 Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks
Your kitchen sink should be well-made to avoid leaks, durable to stay in your kitchen for years, and conveniently sized to fit your plates and utensils. With these considerations in mind, we compiled the best seven options on the market.
1. Best Overall – Kraus KWT310-30 KORE Kitchen Sink Single Bowl
- Extra durable 16 gauge steel
- Ultra-quiet
- Workstation ledge
- Available in multiple sizes
When it comes to convenience, the Kraus Kore is hard to match. It measures 22 inches wide and 30 inches from side to side, and its single bowl is 9-inch deep. It’s made of 16-gauge stainless steel that’s heavy-duty and highly durable.
The Kraus features a predrilled hole in the center to fit a single-lever faucet. On top of that, there’s a utility hole that you can use for a filtered faucet or a soap dispenser.
The sink is pretty easy to install yourself without needing a handyman, thanks to its top-mount design.
The convenience doesn’t stop here; the Kraus is smartly designed with some advanced features to help you with food prep. For one, there’s an integrated ledge that you can use to place some accessories on top of the sink, such as cutting boards. This way, you can cut food or leave your tools to dry without taking any space on the counter.
Furthermore, although this kitchen sink is single-bowl, it offers considerate space for your utensils, thanks to the deep design and the tight radius corners.
There’s protective undercoating to create a moisture barrier to prevent the base cabinet from getting damaged.
Pros
- Integrated ledge for accessories
- Extra-thick rubber pads to absorb the noise and vibration
- Easy-to-clean corners
Cons
- Some users reported it shows signs of rust after a while
2. Best Farmhouse Sink – ZUHNE Stainless Steel Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
- Available in different styles (single/double bowls, apron, etc)
- Quietest farmhouse sink
- Easy install
If you’re aiming at a farmhouse sink, you may want to take a look at the Zuhne stainless steel sink. Farmhouse sinks are fully visible on the outside, so they need to be sleek and easy to clean, and the Zuhne fulfills both.
It features a tall apron front with a considerate thickness to avoid water leaks. Additionally, the sink is surrounded by thick padding to cancel any noise or vibration and to protect the underside from water damage under heavy use.
As for the finish material, it’s ultra-premium, scratch-resistant, and brushed, so the sink will look spotless for as long as possible.
The sink’s corners are a bit rounded to make cleaning them easier. In addition to that, it comes fully equipped with a designer drain strainer and a caddy with suction.
The farmhouse design allows you to use the sink for multiple uses, thanks to its high versatility. For one, you can defrost frozen food, flush out ice, and drain any boiling pasta without a single worry. The thick padding and external wall will protect the cabinet from any damage.
Pros
- Moderate price and innovative features
- Fast, block-free draining system
- Sleek, modern design
Cons
Some users saw rust signs after a couple of years using the sink
3. Best Budget Topmount – Friho Commercial Large Topmount Kitchen Sink
- Lifetime warranty
- Free accessories included (basket strainer, dish grid)
- Round corners for easy cleaning
If you’re on a tight budget, the Friho topmount sink is worth a thought. It makes for a great DIY project, thanks to its drop-in design that’s easy for anyone to install. It doesn’t offer much in terms of space, measuring 28 x 22 inches, but it’s 10-inches deep, which compensates a bit for the lacking length.
The sink is made of 18-gauge stainless steel with a finish of brushed nickel. It’s highly durable, and it won’t rust anytime soon. Plus, the sink features a back center hole that fits a single lever faucet, as well as a utility hole for soap dispensers or water filters.
You also receive a basket strainer and a dish grid at no additional costs.
There’s insulative padding on the sink’s rim and underside to reduce the noise and vibration when the water hits against the material. Additionally, the sink’s bottom has drain grooves that direct the water to the drain instantly, not letting it sit around and produce an unpleasant smell.
The manufacturers took all the measures to prevent the sink from dripping. There’s non-toxic undercoating that prevents condensation from forming and so eliminates the risk of a musty smell coming out.
Pros
- Affordable compared to competitors
- Insulative padding on the bottom to reduce noise
- Extra-depth to accommodate large pans
Cons
Some users complained that the mounting clips break easily
4. Best Budget Undermount – Lordear 32 Inch Undermount Kitchen Sink
- Commercial grade finish
- Scratch resistant
- Sloped bottom to easy drainage
If you want an under-mount sink for a budget price, you’ll find no better option than the Lordear sink. Undermount sinks are considerably more expensive than top-mount ones, so finding an affordable one isn’t easy, but we’re lucky with the Lordear.
The sink is made of 16-gauge stainless steel, which is thick enough to stay durable for a long time. The 1.5mm panels are designed to prevent deforming, even with heavy-duty use. The sink is also 10 inches deep, which is sufficient for oversized pots and stacked dishes.
Furthermore, there are rubber silencer pads on the sides of the sink that provide sound insulation. That way, the water makes no noise as it hits against the material. The pads also protect against condensation to prevent the cabinets underneath from damage.
Upon the purchase, you receive the sink, the mounting hardware, a basket strainer, and a stainless steel grid that protects the sink’s bottom from scratches. You also get a rollable drying rack for the dishes, so you can dry your plates without taking much counter space.
Being an under-mount sink, the Lordear doesn’t have predrilled holes for faucets or water filters. It also needs a professional fabricator to adjust the cabinet and install it.
Pros
- Highly affordable for an under-mount sink
- A foldable drying rack is included in the purchase
- Metal grid available to protect the rough pots from scratching the bottom
Cons
A lot of users mentioned that the material scratches easily
5. Best Undermount – Kraus KWU210-57 Kore 2-Tier Workstation Undermount
- Includes 10 piece accessory kit
- 2-tier workstation ledge
- Channel grooves
- Low maintenance
If you don’t mind paying a fortune to get one of the best sinks on the market, you may want to consider this Kraus Kore. It’s designed for dedicated home chefs with its multitude of innovative features. This one is 57 inches long, but there are multiple options in different sizes if you want.
The deep bowl of the Kraus has a sloped design that directs the water and food remnants to the offset drain. That way, you don’t have to clean them yourself when you’re done.
The sink also comes fully equipped with two tiers that you can use to place the cutting boards, which are included in the purchase. There’s also a draining rack so you can dry your utensils without taking space from your counter.
The Kraus is made of heavy-duty 16-gauge stainless steel and finished with a wear-resistant PVD gun metal that’s soft and easy to clean. It also has a matte texture that doesn’t show fingerprints or water spots.
The sink features rounded corners that prevent buildup and make cleaning a breeze. It’s also equipped with the NoiseDefend technology that provides superior soundproofing, thanks to the silencer pads that are lined along the sink’s sides. And, of course, the bottom is fully insulated to protect against condensation and water damage.
Pros
- Cutting boards, strainer, drying rack, and drain cover included in the purchase
- Sloped bottom to prevent water from pooling in the sink
- Sleek under-mount design
Cons
- On the expensive side of the market
6. Best Double Bowl – Hykolity 33-inch Undermount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
- 10 inch deep bowl
- Includes bottom metal grid and drain assembly
- Protective undercoating
If you prefer a double bowl design, you may want to consider the Hykolity sink. It allows you to wash your dishes on one side and rinse them on the other, and it’s all for a highly affordable price compared to market alternatives.
The sink is made of 16-gauge stainless steel and finished with an anti-scratch material. It’s 19 inches wide and 33 inches long, which is ideal for small cabinets. The bowls are also 10 inches deep, which is more than enough to fit your dishes.
The bowls have a gently sloped design that helps drain the water faster and prevent it from pooling in the corners. On top of that, there are silencer pads on the sides to prevent noise and vibration.
Upon purchase, you receive the mounting hardware and drain assembly, along with two chrome racks for protecting the sink’s bottom from pots that may scratch it.
The Hykilty is pretty easy to clean, thanks to its rounded corners and soft finish. It only needs a gentle rub with a sponge now and then to prevent mold buildup.
Bear in mind that the sink has an under-mount design, so it doesn’t have holes for the faucets.
Pros
- Highly affordable price
- Rounded corners for easy cleaning
- Metal racks available to protect the bottom
Cons
- Some users reported the slope doesn’t drain water well
7. Best Value For Money – Ruvati RVH8003 33″ L x 22″ W Drop-In Kitchen Sink
- Center rear drain
- Includes wooden cutting board, colander and more!
- Commercial brushed finish
The Ruvati isn’t affordable per se, but considering the accessories that come with it, its price is pretty reasonable. It comes with a cutting board, a square colander, and a drying rack with a foldable design to save space.
The drop-in design is pretty easy to install on your own, and the built-in ledge is brilliant for suspending the cutting board and the drying rack, saving space on the kitchen’s counter. If your kitchen is small, this feature will be highly beneficial.
The sink measures 33 x 22 inches, and it’s 10-inch deep, which is large enough to fit your dishes but not too large to take up much space. The sink will always look spotless, thanks to the brushed finish that’s soft and easy to clean.
The Ruvati is fully equipped with protective rubber padding and SoundGuard undercoating to prevent any noise and vibration from coming out. The padding also protects against condensation, which could lead to water damage eventually.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Thick padding to protect against water damage
- Curved inside corners for ease of cleaning
Cons
Some users complained about the mounting clips
Buying Guide: Things To Consider Before Buying A Stainless Steel Sink
Stainless steel sinks are a long-term investment. When paying $300+ for a kitchen sink, you don’t expect to change it in a couple of years. It should stay intact for ten years minimum, and it should be durable enough for that.
With this in mind, we rounded up the most vital things to consider when buying your kitchen sink.
Structure
Choosing the sink’s structure will determine where your faucet will go and whether you’ll have a place for a water filter or a soap dispenser. For example, most top-mount sinks have predrilled holes for the faucets. However, all under-mount sinks don’t have those.
Sinks that come without the hole will have the faucet go on the counter behind them. Or, you may install the faucet on the back wall. In both cases, you won’t be able to attach it to the sink, so that’s one thing to consider when buying.
Moreover, some sinks come with built-in drainboards. Those allow you to position your drying rack right over the boards, which are often sloped to direct the water into the drain.
Some sinks come with an extra utility hole, which is ideal for water filters and soap dispensers. It’s not essential, but it’s a nice add-on to have.
Lastly, some high-end sinks come with cutting boards and metal drain racks that fit right over the sink. These are perfect if you have a small kitchen because they allow you to prep your food on top of the sink without taking up counter space.
Size
Most sinks are available in a wide range of sizes. No matter which your favorite sink is out of our list, you’ll likely find plenty of sizes available for purchase. It’s imperative that you measure your cabinet’s size before the sink so you don’t end up with a sink that’s impossible to install.
Here are some standard measurements to give you a more inclusive view:
- Single bowl: 20 inches long and 30–33 inches wide
- Double bowl: 22 inches long and 33–48 inches wide
- Apron bowl: 24 inches long and 30–36 inches wide
As for the depth, the standard sinks vary from 7 to 11 inches. But if you want deeper sinks, you can get 13-inch ones, although they’re not common on the market.
All sink manufacturers provide detailed diagrams of their sink’s dimensions, so make sure to take a look at those before buying.
Stainless Steel Gauge
You’ll find all stainless steel sinks with listed gauges for the material. As a rule of thumb, the thicker the gauge, the better the quality of the stainless steel. Gauges range from 14 to 20—the lower numbers being the thicker gauges.
High-quality sinks should have 14–16 gauges, but an 18-gauge sink is also quite decent. Sinks with more stainless steel gauge will be less durable than their counterparts, and they won’t be worth your money. It’s easier to invest in a reliable sink from the start to avoid repairing it.
Finish
If the sink’s finish isn’t as good as its material, it’ll start showing signs of wear and tear faster than you can imagine. Most people neglect the finish material when choosing their sink, but it’s even more vital than the material because it’s the external layer.
Most sinks on the market will have you choose between brushed satin finish and high-shine finish. The high-shine finish looks more eye-pleasing because it’s polished and spotless. However, it’ll scratch faster and show fingerprints and water spots.
So, a brushed finish is the way to go if you want your sink to keep looking spotless for as long as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still confused about anything regarding stainless steel kitchen sinks, these answers to frequently asked questions may help you.
How thick should the stainless steel gauge be?
The thicker, the better. Bear in mind that the lower gauge numbers mean more thickness, so don’t let that trick you. For example, a 14-inch gauge stainless steel sink is much better than a 20-inch stainless steel sink.
The choice depends on your budget because thicker gauges cost more. 14-gauge is typically the best in the market, but up to 18-gauge is also decent. More than 18 isn’t worth your money; it’s better to look for materials other than stainless steel in this case.
Are double bowl kitchen sinks good?
If you don’t have a dishwasher in your kitchen, a double bowl sink will be highly convenient for you. It enables you to wash in a bowl and rinse in the other, giving you enough space without sacrificing the counter.
Even if each bowl is small, double bowls are better than a single one if you don’t own a dishwasher. If you need a large bowl, there are models available with one bowl larger than the other, so you can fit all your dishes.
Keep in mind that you need a drain in each bowl, or else one of them will be rendered useless.
Can my detergent ruin the stainless steel?
No detergent will ruin a stainless steel sink, but some cleaners will dull the finish and show some spots. Avoid using any abrasive cleaners or scouring powders. Also, avoid steel wool pads because they’ll cause the shiny finish to be dull. And, of course, avoid using bleach in any sink in your house.
How should I clean my stainless steel sink?
Stainless steel may be the easiest to clean out of the common materials for kitchen sinks. All you have to do for your sink to shine is to gently rub it using a sponge. Or, you can rinse it with water and a mild detergent.
If you want a shiny look, you can wet a rag with some white vinegar and wipe the sink with it.
There are also a lot of commercial detergents available explicitly for stainless steel that you can use.
Are topmount or undermount sinks better?
Topmount sinks come with a rim that rests on the countertop. Most of them come with predrilled holes for the faucet, and they’re much easier to install than under-mount ones. You can install them yourself without the need for a handyman.
Undermount sinks need some requirements to be installed. For example, the countertop should be solid, whether stone, granite, or quartz. It also needs a professional fabricator to adjust the cabinet to the exact size.
So, topmount sinks are the easier choice, but undermount ones are sleeker. Top mount sinks are also more affordable, so that’s one more thing to consider.
Wrap Up
The top pick in our list for the best stainless steel kitchen sinks is undoubtedly the Kraus KWT310-30 KORE. Its price isn’t over the top, yet it offers some advanced features that’ll make your life easier.
The integrated ledge lets you rest your cutting board or metal rack on the sink easily. If you have a small kitchen, this feature will be invaluable. If you’re on a tight budget, the Friho Mount Kitchen Sink is ideal to consider. It has all the basic features you’ll need for a highly affordable price. Plus, it comes with a predrilled hole and a utility hole, so you don’t need to make any adjustments before mounting it.
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