Buying the perfect sink for your kitchen is an important factor in any design or renovation project. 

You’ll need to consider how much daily use it will succumb to, the amount of countertop space you have for it, the style of installation you desire, and the optimal functionality.

At Deslaurier, we are experts in all things kitchen design. Although we do not install kitchen sinks, we understand how important it is to determine the right sink for your unique kitchen needs. 

In turn, many of our clients often ask us about the benefits of different kitchen sink materials, such as stainless steel. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about stainless steel kitchen sinks.

Let’s begin!

What are Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks?

Stainless-steel sinks are an extremely popular kitchen sink material thanks to their compact design, durability, ease of cleaning, and affordable price point. 

In light of those qualities, it’s no wonder that stainless steel is the most widely used kitchen sink material for both traditional and modern kitchen design styles.  

Stainless steel sinks are also lightweight and low-maintenance. The thickness of stainless steel sinks is referred to by their gauge number. They are commonly made from 14 (thicker), 16, or 18 (thinner) gauge, 304-grade stainless steel.

Their style and design versatility mean that stainless steel is guaranteed to have the sink style you desire. You can choose from various finishes, such as a shiny mirror or lustrous stain, as well as have your stainless steel sink manufactured in a number of different colours.

Take a look at this stunning, black stainless steel kitchen island sink with matching black faucet:

Strength and Durability of Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

A defining feature that makes stainless steel such a popular choice for kitchen sinks is the material's resistance to corrosion, rust, heat, and high impact. 

Regardless of the daily use or punishment you put stainless steel sinks through, they won't lose their integrity or result in any material chipping off. 

If you think your daily sink use requires some extra support, consider going with a 14 gauge thickness for increased strength. If you use a dishwasher for the majority of your cleaning, or don’t need the added durability, then sticking with a thinner sink is a more affordable option.

Stainless steel sinks are also considered hygienic, which means bacteria and germs can't easily grow or thrive on the material. The sink's smooth surface and quality finish will also rarely develop odors or stains if regularly cleaned. 

Although steel is very easy to clean, it can become dull and scratch over time, especially if you choose thinner steel. You may notice small hairline scratches after some use, but these are usually easy to get rid of using a sponge and mild cleaner. 

Stainless steel sinks also show fingerprints, smudges, and streaks more than other materials, but those are also easily wiped away with proper maintenance.

Types of Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

Single Basin Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

A single basin is a broad category of kitchen sink that includes farmhouse and in-counter sinks. As made clear by the name, the defining feature of these sinks is that they offer one large, single bowl or basin with no divider. 

Further, single basin sinks are offered in various widths ideal for both spacious and limited kitchens, from small island prep sinks to large farmhouse sinks. 

Generally speaking, single-basin sinks provide the best value and most common configuration. They require less plumbing (just one drain and faucet), which also lends convenience to the installation process. 

Larger single basin sinks are ideal for handwashing dishes or cooking supplies, as they can accommodate large pots, pans, or platters that must be soaked before scrubbing. 

Double Basin Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

Sinks with two bowls are preferred for their multifunctionality. 

Multi-basin sinks have the option to use one section for hot water washing and the other for cold water rinsing; one to soak tough pots and pans while simultaneously allowing the other basin to be available for routine function.   

The double-bowl, low-divide sink, is one of the most exciting new additions to double-basin sinks. Its central divider is lower than traditional double basins, which allows it to accommodate pots and pans with long handles, while still offering the benefits of two basins.

In terms of kitchen practicality, an excellent double basin sink is hard to beat.

Triple Basin Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

Do you have ample kitchen space? Maybe you have a large island you want to implement with one multi-versatile sink and alleviate clutter on your wall countertops.

A triple basin might be what you’re looking for. Thankfully, stainless steel is one of the few materials that offer triple basin kitchen sinks!

Triple basin sinks are typically much larger than both single and double bowl sinks, and require a vast amount of countertop room to comfortably integrate into a kitchen. 

Triple basins do not offer the number of choices that other sink styles do. Since they are so rarely used in home kitchens, triple basin sink options are extremely limited, especially in terms of materials. Outside of stainless steel, copper is one of the only other materials that offer triple basin selections. 

Farmhouse Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

Farmhouse kitchen sinks hold the unique distinction of being both their own style as well as requiring their own installation method (more on that below). Farmhouse sinks are equipped with a large, deep single or double-bowl and an exposed front that extends past the base cabinetry.

This design is perfect for cleaning large pans, pots, and platters. The farmhouse sink is larger and more expensive than other types due to the need for special cabinetry. A deep farmhouse basin will require a special base or modified cabinet for it to properly extend past the cabinet front. 

Like the sound of a farmhouse kitchen sink? Check out our Learning Centre page for our article on everything regarding Farmhouse Kitchen Design. 

Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Installation Methods

The versatility of stainless steel kitchen sinks lends itself to a multitude of installation methods including top mount, undermount, and the aforementioned farmhouse style.

Top-Mount Stainless Steel Sink

The most popular configuration for stainless steel sinks is a top-mount installation. The sink slides into a hole in the countertop, with the edge of the rim holding it in position. They are easy to install and work well with almost any countertop material. 

These sinks are also called "self-rimming." 

Top-mount sinks can additionally be fitted with clips or screws to increase stability. In terms of price, top-mount sinks are typically less expensive than those with undermount plumbing due to their easier installation. 

Undermount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

Undermount sinks are perfect for low-maintenance designs because they don’t have a raised rim or lip around the edges. Instead, the sink is installed on the underside of the countertop. 

This allows for easy cleaning, as you have the ability to wipe crumbs from a flush countertop directly into the sink basin.

Undermount sinks are best utilized with solid surface countertops such as granite or quartz, since they can support the weight of the installation method better than a laminate countertop.

Cost of Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

The best part about stainless steel sinks is that they provide an option for any budget. Be it a thin, single basin top mount sink, or a large double basin farmhouse sink, stainless steel sinks fit into any kitchen design. 

The cost of stainless steel kitchen sinks will vary depending on the size, style, installation method, and thickness of the material. All things considered, the rule of thumb when it comes to stainless steel is the thicker the gauge is, the more expensive the sink will be. 

Discover Deslaurier Custom Cabinets

Wondering what the best stainless steel sink for your kitchen design is? You’ve come to the right place!

At Deslaurier Custom Cabinets, we have everything you need when it comes to kitchen designs. With over 40 years of experience to our name, we provide our clients with a wholly customized design process with our talented team of designers. 

Book a free consultation today and meet with one of our Deslaurier design experts in our Jupiter, Florida showroom!

Interested in becoming an authorized Deslaurier dealer? Visit our Become a Dealer page to learn more!