A kitchen sink is not something anyone likes having to buy again and again. In fact, it’s a one-time purchase of a product that (hopefully) lasts for years to come. Stainless steel sinks are thus a great option due to their durability and sleek looks.
However, with so many stainless steel options available in the market, selecting the right sink for yourself is not an easy task. It’s not just about how a sink looks but about its quality, drainage and installation systems, size, etc. as well.
To save you some time and trouble, we did thorough research and came up with 10 of the best options to consider.
Without further ado, let’s look at the features and pros and cons of each sink individually.
Best Overall Pick
Our top choice is the KRAUSE KHU100-32 because of its size and smooth water drainage. It also comes with a bunch of necessary accessories, saving you the hassle of buying them separately. It is also engineered with Krause's exclusive NoiseDefend soundproofing technology which makes this sink almost completely sound-proof.
Our Featured Pick
Our featured pick is the Zuhne Modena kitchen sink. It is made of rust proof T304 16 gauge stainless steel throughout. This means it has 40% more stainless steel than the average sink which makes it highly durable, and also helps with sound proofing by mitigating noise and vibrations. It is also available in 10 different sizes to choose from.
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks Quick Comparison Chart
- 2 10 Best Stainless Steel Sink Reviews
- 2.1 #1. Kraus KHU100-32 - Best Overall Sink
- 2.2 #2. Zuhne Modena Series - Our Featured Pick
- 2.3 #3. KRAUS KWU112-33 Kore Workstation
- 2.4 #4. Kraus KCA-1102
- 2.5 #5. Sarlai 33 Workstation Sink
- 2.6 #6. Ruvati RVH8300 Workstation
- 2.7 #7. Kraus KBU32 Double Bowl Sink
- 2.8 #8. Ruvati RVH8005
- 2.9 #9. Ruvati RVH9233 Farmhouse Sink
- 2.10 #10. Kraus KBU24 Double Bowl 60/40
- 3 Why a Stainless Steel Sink?
- 4 Things to Consider When Buying a Stainless Steel Sink
- 5 Final Words
Top 10 Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks Quick Comparison Chart
In a hurry? Here’s a glance at our 10 top choices in 2021:
Sink Name | Dimensions | Installation | Preview | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kraus KHU100-32 | 32” x 19” x 10” | Undermount | | |
Zuhne Modena | 32" x 19" x 10" (Also available in 9 smaller sizes) | Undermount | | |
Kraus KWU112-33 | 33" x 19" x 10" (Available in 10 different sizes from 17" to 57") | Undermount |  | |
Kraus KCA-1102 | 33" x 22" x 9" (Single and Double Bowl Options) | Dual Mount (Undermount or Top-Mount) |  | |
Sarlai 33 | 33" x 22" x 10" (Also available in 28" & 25") | Top-mount / Drop-in |  | |
Ruvati RVH8300 | 32" x 19" x 10" (Also available in 5 smaller sizes) | Undermount |  | |
Kraus KBU32 | 32" x 19" x 8.5" | Undermount |  | |
Ruvati RVH8005 | 33" x 22" x 10" (Also available in 30", 28" & 25") | Topmount / Drop-in |  | |
Ruvati RVH9233 | 33" x 21" x 10" | Undermount (Apront Front / Farmhouse Sink) |  | |
Kraus KBU24 | 32" x 28.6" x 9" | Undermount |  |
10 Best Stainless Steel Sink Reviews
#1. Kraus KHU100-32 - Best Overall Sink
Features
What we like the most about this sink is its huge size. It’s perfect for washing and soaking large utensils. Water drainage is pretty smooth too, thus lowering the chances of rust and corrosion from standing water.
This sink comes with 2 bottom grids, a basket strainer set, drain assembly with strainer and a few more useful accessories. The NoiseDefend sound-proofing eliminates noise almost completely.
This sink is also really easy to maintain. The satin finish ensures that as long as you wipe-clean your sink on a daily basis, the surface will not lose its sheen for a long time.Pros
- Extra large bowl
- Highly durable
- Corrosion and rust-resistant to a great extent
- Top-notch sound-proofing
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May stain easily under improper care
- Tends to discolor if not kept clean
#2. Zuhne Modena Series - Our Featured Pick
Features
If you’re looking for a trendy sink to go with your kitchen’s modern design, this may be the best option.
Zuhne Modena stainless steel sink comes with a colander set, drain strainer, sponge caddy and a scratch-protecting grate. The sink’s material contains 25% more steel than similar sinks so it won’t get damaged easily even if you drop a big pot.
This sink provides both thermal and noise insulation. In fact, its sound-proofing quality is 2.5 times better than other similar sinks. This is a great option if you want a quiet kitchen.
Last but not the least, the sink comes in a wide variety of 10 different sizes. The dimensions of each size vary, giving you the freedom to choose a size that best suits your kitchen.Pros
- Damage-resistant material does not dent easily
- Brushed finish hides scratches and lines
- Deep bowl
- Excellent sound-proofing
- Easy to install
Cons
- No faucet hole
- Somewhat flat bottom hinders smooth water drainage
#3. KRAUS KWU112-33 Kore Workstation
Features
If you’re willing to spend some extra money and get a true all-in-one sink, this one may be the perfect option.
This workstation sink comes with an integrated ledge that allows you to slide accessories easily. The accessories included in the package are a roll-up dish drying rack, bamboo cutting board, two dish grids and more.
The sink has a off-set drain and a gently sloped bottom with channel grooves to encourage efficient water drainage. It also has extra-thick pads to absorb vibrations and protective undercoating to minimize noise.Pros
- Workstation sink saves counter space
- Efficient water drainage
- All necessary accessories included
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Highly durable
- Large bowl
Cons
- May scratch with improper care
- Complaints of slight rust when not cleaned regularly
#4. Kraus KCA-1102
Features
This stainless steel sink offers an excellent value for money. It’s best for people who do not want to buy essentials separately as the sink comes with a faucet, bottom grid, drain assembly and more.
This sink is easy to install due to its convenient dual-mount design that allows both drop-in and undermount installation options. It’s easy to clean as well due to its beveled edge that sits smoothly in-line with the counter. You can simply wipe water off of the counter into the sink.
The Kraus KCA stainless steel sink has a sloped bottom and channel grooves that encourage smooth water drainage. It has a huge bowl that offers maximum space for washing, soaking and stacking large dishes.
Another thing to like about this product is that the NoiseDefend technology cancels out noise to a great extent. Even the running water will only make a muffled noise!Pros
- Deep bowl
- Sleek looks
- Rust-resistant
- Comes with a faucet and sprayhead
- Excellent sound-proofing
- Designed for easy cleaning
Cons
- May scratch under improper care
- Can rust if dirty water is allowed to sit in the sink for extended periods of time
#5. Sarlai 33 Workstation Sink
Features
This is another great workstation sink option. It also has an integrated ledge that allows you to slide accessories. You can switch it to a cutting board or a separate sink mode. This means that when you don’t need the sink, you can simply use it as counter space by switching to cutting board mode.
The package includes a roll-up rack, bottom rinse grid, drain assembly, stainless steel colander and other essential accessories.
Another thing to love about this sink is its bottom slope and X water guide line that takes water right down the drain. You won’t have to worry about water pooling inside the sink and thus the surface won’t get water stains or rust easily.
Unlike other options in this list, this sink does not come with a lifetime warranty but with a 3-month one. However, at this price, this sink is a smart purchase.Pros
- Modern look
- Mahogany cutting board included
- Deep bowl
- Ample storage space
- Sound-proofing Durable (does not dent easily)
Cons
- May scratch if sharp objects strike
- Bottom grid can trap silverware
#6. Ruvati RVH8300 Workstation
Features
This sink comes with a stainless steel colander, basket strainer, cutting board and other essentials. What we like the most about this sink is that it is compatible with almost every kind of garbage disposal unit.
It has an elegant satin finish that’s not only sleek but also easy to clean. The sink also comes with sound guard padding and undercoating to minimize noise and vibrations.
This sink is also a great choice for people looking for a sink that is both classic and professional in terms of looks.Pros
- Durable
- Modern and sleek looks
- Brushed finish hides scratches
- Easy to maintain
- Good value for money
Cons
- Drainage angle is not the best
- May scratch under improper care
#7. Kraus KBU32 Double Bowl Sink
Features
The smart low divider used in this sink offers the spaciousness of a single bowl and the functionality of a double bowl. This is the perfect sink to get if you can’t choose between a single and double bowl sink.
The rounded corners make maintenance easier. This sink is also insulated with extra-thick pads to maximise noise-absorption and offer a quieter experience. It comes with 2 bottom grids, 2 drain assemblies, cutout template and mounting hardware.
Overall, this sink provides good value for money. The surface, however, can get scratched if sharp silverware strikes against it.Pros
- Dent-resistant
- Amazing depth and size
- Easy to clean
- Almost all essentials are included
- Excellent sound-proofing
- Fits seamlessly with the countertop
Cons
- Prone to scratches under improper care
- Water drainage is not excellent
#8. Ruvati RVH8005
Features
This sink comes with a sink grid and drain. The material is also highly durable as it is 37% thicker than the material used in similar sinks so it won’t get dents easily. It also comes with easy-to-clean rounded corners that protect the sink from accumulating dirt and debris.
The sink does not allow water to accumulate in this sink, thanks to integrated drain grooves. Thick rubber padding and sound guard used in the sink muffles sounds and noise.
Large bowl of the sink also allows maximum storage for big utensils.Pros
- Includes mounting clips and cutout templates
- Drain grooves encourage fast water drainage
- Excellent noise-absorption
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Large bowl
Cons
- Water stains may appear over time
- Prone to scratching with aggressive use
#9. Ruvati RVH9233 Farmhouse Sink
Features
The True 16 gauge T-304 Grade Stainless Steel used in this sink model is made to never rust or stain. This makes the Ruvati RVH9233 a highly durable sink that will not get damaged easily.
This is also a great option for people who love the look of a front apron sink but not in the usual ceramic option that farmhouse sinks come in. Safe to say, Ruvati RVH9233 stainless steel farmhouse sink is one of the best of its kind.
Like other stainless sinks mentioned in this post, this one also uses thick rubber padding and sound guard to maximize sound absorption. Drain grooves allow water to drain easily and not accumulate inside the bowl.Pros
- Sloped bottom with drain grooves allow complete water drainage
- Trendy look
- Comes with a decorative drain cover
- Highly durable
- Dent-resistant
Cons
- Prone to scratches under inadequate care
- Installation can be a little challenging
#10. Kraus KBU24 Double Bowl 60/40
Features
This is another great option from Kraus. Double bowl KBU24 comes with 2 bottom grids, a basket strainer set, drain assembly with strainer and more.
It has luxurious, commercial grade satin-finish which not only enhances its looks but also makes it easier to clean. Undermount installation means seamless fitting with your countertop, thus maintaining the kitchen’s overall design.
Like other Kraus models, this one also makes use of NoiseDefend sound-proofing technology to absorb maximum noise and offer a quieter experience.Pros
- Corrosion and rust-resistant satin finish
- Highly durable
- Easy installation
- Spacious and deep sink
- Top-notch noise absorption
Cons
- May discolor if not cleaned regularly
- Rust spots can appear if water accumulates
Why a Stainless Steel Sink?
Stainless steel sinks are the most commonly used kitchen sinks in the world, and for good reason. Stainless steel is a non-porous material, which makes it naturally resistant to stains (hence the name "stainless" steel); and when cared for properly it can also maintain its polished look for a very long time.
Stainless steel sinks are also the best type of kitchen sink to keep clean. When used right, food and other debris do not stick to it's surface hence keeping germs away. This is also why they are extensively used in medical facilities.
Since they are so common, stainless steel kitchen sinks are also amongst the most affordable options, and usually available in a variety of different sizes. It is important to choose a stainless steel sink of the appropriate gauge (thickness) to ensure if lasts you a long time. The right gauge for you depends on how rough your usage will be, but for almost all households a 16 gauge or 18 gauge sink is recommended.
Things to Consider When Buying a Stainless Steel Sink
When looking to buy a stainless steel sink, you obviously want one that is durable and functional. However, a lot of times customers forget to account for the logistical part of the buying process. Let's discuss of the few of the common factors to consider:
Size
Consider the size of your cabinet when buying a sink. The sink will sit in your cabinet, and in order to avoid the hassle of returns you want to buy the right size sink. The sink you choose should be around 3 inches smaller than the base cabinet you will be anchoring it on. For a more detailed article on how to choose the right size sink for you, check out this post.
Shape
Stainless steel sinks are available in different shapes like square, rectangular, round and even oval. Depending on what you plan to use the sink for, and your aesthetic taste it is prudent to decide on your shape preference to help narrow down your list. In my experience, I've always found rectangular kitchen sinks to be the most practical option.
Number of Bowls
Stainless steel sinks are usually available in single or double bowl variations. When buying a sink, the number of bowls can be an important factor to keep in mind.
A single bowl is a basin is generally fine for a small kitchen size, or a small family where not a lot of utensils are being used. But double bowl sinks are convenient when doing tasks like washing the dishes. You can use one bowl to rinse, and the other to wash. Or one bowl can be used to store dirty dishes, while the other for cutting vegetables etc.
But remember that if you have a double bowl sink, some of your larger pots and pans might not fit if you buy the wrong size.
Installation Type
Sinks are available in under mount & top mount (drop-in) installation methods. Some sinks are "dual mount", which means they can be installed as either top mount or undermount. Check your cabinet to see which type of installation you will need, or if you have the flexibility of choice then give some thought to which installation method would best serve your needs. Our in-depth guide on undermount vs top-mount sinks will be a good resource to help you make that decision.
Gauge
The gauge of a stainless steel sink is the measure of its thickness. The two most commonly available gauge constructions are 16-gauge (1.2mm) & 18-gauge (1mm). Both of these should be fine for most households, but if you think you're going to use your sink in a little heavier manner then go with a 16-gauge.
Remember : The lower the gauge number, the thicker the stainless steel!
Final Words
There are a lot of options available, especially when shopping for stainless steel sinks, and it can be a bit overwhelming trying to navigate through all of them. We hope this review brings you one step closer to making that decision on what is the best stainless steel sink for your kitchen.
Please reach out to us, or leave a comment below if you have any further questions or feedback. We love to hear from you!
“However, the 16-gauge stainless steel is enough sturdy to ensure the maximum sturdiness and durability.”….you do realize that 16 ga is thicker than 18 ga?
A 16 gauge sink is only 0.0625 inches thick where 18 gauge has thickness of 0.05 inch. That means 18 gauge is 20% less in thickness. Though it’s not a big thing to notice but yet you should go for the 16 gauge if you’re getting the both 16 and 18 gauge at the same price. Else, 16 gauge is all way better for having cheap price range and better durability.
Wow 🙂
This is an incredible collection of ideas!
Waiting for more helpful pieces.
Thanks ASH Green