Regency 106" 16-Gauge Stainless Steel Three Compartment Commercial Sink with 2 Drainboards - 18" x 24" x 14" Bowls (2024)

FAQs

Is there a big difference between 16 18 gauge stainless steel sinks? ›

This is because the smaller the gauge number, the thicker, high-quality steel choice. Therefore, from a technical standpoint, a 16 gauge kitchen sink is stronger and more durable than an 18 gauge sink. This is again because the steel is thicker the lower the gauge number.

Grade 304 stainless steel is the most common high-quality grade for household and commercial kitchen sinks, while grade 316 is used in environments usually exposed to harsh chemicals and minerals, such as hospitals, science labs, or outdoor settings.

It is best to opt for 1.2mm or 1.5mm stainless steel sinks. They are resistant to dents and dings; thus, even if you accidentally drop the pointy edge of a knife into the stainless steel sink, you don't have to worry about the piercing in the metal sheet.

The gauge of a sheet of metal for most sinks ranges from 22 -15 gauge. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the sheet metal is. High quality residential sinks range from 18-16 gauge while commercial quality sinks are offered in 15-16 sink gauge.

A 16 gauge sink offers superior durability, corrosion resistance, and joint strength, making it a worthwhile investment for your kitchen. However, an 18 gauge sink still offers substantial quality at a more budget-friendly price. Ultimately, the best gauge depends on your unique needs and budget.

Stainless steel thickness is measured by gauge: the thicker the steel, the lower the gauge. 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.

BLANCO Stainless steel Durinox sinks make things a little better. This Stainless steel is specially hardened and thus more impervious too fingerprints and scratches.

304 stainless steel vs 316

316 contains a minimum 2.0% molybdenum which makes it much more corrosion resistant than 304 however, as it is a more expensive element, generally makes 316 a more expensive grade of metal.

The ratio denotes the amount of chromium and nickel contained in the steel. For the ratio of 18/8, this means that there is 18% of chromium and 8% of nickel in the stainless steel. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the percentage of these materials, the higher quality your stainless steel sink would be.

When stainless steel is new, it is natural that the first scratches are visible. They become less visible over time as the material is used and gets a more matte tone. Thickness 0.9 mm, gauge number 20.

How long does a stainless steel sink last? ›

Well, stainless steel can take years of daily use without needing much care. A mid-quality stainless steel sink has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. It's highly durable, heat-resistant, and unlikely to stain.

Ruhe 304-Grade Stainless Steel Kitchen sinks resist rusting and corrosion due to moisture and hard water for a longer time as compared to any other sink.

This luxury sink is handcrafted from premium quality, 16-gauge stainless steel for exceptional durability and luster.

The smaller the number, the thicker the metal. A 14 gauge copper sink is thicker and more robust than a 16 gauge sink. The lower number means that the sink has higher copper content. At CopperSmith, we offer a fantastic range of 14 gauge copper sinks, which are 33% thicker than 16 gauge sinks.

A 20 gauge sink is also an option, but it may not be as durable as a 16 or 18 gauge sink. It's important to note that while thicker gauges may offer more durability, they can also be more expensive. Thinner gauges may be more affordable, but they may not last as long or be able to withstand heavy use.

If you're looking for a kitchen sink that will hold up well, it's worth investing in high-gauge stainless steel. And if the lowest grade isn't in your budget, opt for a sink in the 18 to 20 range.

It's uncommon knowledge! Few people know why the thickness of steel diminishes as the gauge increases (ie: 16 gauge steel is thicker than 20 gauge steel). The explanation comes from the early development of a steel gauge measurement system in which the control measurement was based on a 1? thick steel plate.