When overseas buyers consider stainless steel kitchen sinks, one of the first technical questions is: what gauge is the best? Gauge refers to the thickness of the stainless steel sheet. The lower the gauge, the thicker and stronger the sink. At our factory, we often recommend 16 gauge and 18 gauge stainless steel sinks as the best choices for long-term performance.
16 Gauge (1.5 mm thick)
Premium, heavy-duty thickness. Strong resistance to dents, ideal for hotels, restaurants, and high-end residential projects.
18 Gauge (1.2 mm thick)
Standard and most popular choice for home kitchens. Durable enough for daily family use, more cost-effective than 16 gauge.
20–22 Gauge (0.8–1.0 mm thick)
Lightweight and budget-friendly. Suitable for entry-level markets or rental apartments, but less durable for long-term use.
Durability: Thicker steel resists dents from heavy pots and pans.
Noise Reduction: High-quality sinks include sound-dampening pads, and thicker gauges naturally absorb vibrations better.
Long Service Life: A well-maintained 16 or 18 gauge stainless steel sink can last decades.
Example from Our Clients:
A European hotel group ordered 300 units of 16 gauge SUS304 stainless steel sinks from us. After years of intensive daily use, the sinks remain in excellent condition with no structural issues. For residential projects, our 18 gauge undermount sinks are consistently chosen by distributors because they balance affordability with durability.
As a China stainless steel kitchen sink manufacturer, we provide:
Material Options: SUS304 and SUS316 stainless steel with food-grade safety and corrosion resistance.
Gauge Selection: 16G and 18G as standard, with 20G available for budget markets.
OEM/ODM Services: Custom logo, size, finish (brushed, satin, matte, PVD coating).
Quality Control: Each sink undergoes thickness testing, surface inspection, and leak-proof testing before shipment.
Competitive Pricing: Direct factory supply reduces costs by 20–30% compared to distributors.
The best gauge stainless steel for kitchen sinks is 16 or 18 gauge:
Choose 16 gauge for premium projects requiring maximum durability.
Choose 18 gauge for most household and commercial use, balancing strength and price.
As a professional China stainless steel kitchen sink supplier, we can provide OEM/ODM solutions tailored to your market needs. Contact us to source high-quality sinks that meet both performance and cost expectations.
