Stainless steel kitchen sinks are one of the most popular choices for both households and commercial kitchens. They are durable, hygienic, and versatile—but not all sinks are created equal. If you are a buyer or distributor looking for the right product, here are the key factors to evaluate when choosing a stainless steel kitchen sink.
16 Gauge (1.5 mm): Premium, heavy-duty, highly resistant to dents and noise. Best for hotels, restaurants, and luxury kitchens.
18 Gauge (1.2 mm): Standard for most households. Strong, durable, and more affordable than 16G.
20–22 Gauge (0.8–1.0 mm): Lightweight, budget-friendly, but easier to dent. Suitable for rental properties or entry-level markets.
Tip: For long-term durability, always consider 16G or 18G sinks.
SUS304 (18/8 stainless steel): The industry standard for kitchen sinks, offering excellent corrosion and rust resistance.
SUS316: Enhanced with molybdenum, ideal for coastal regions or high-salt environments.
Lower grades (201, 430): Cheaper, but more prone to rust and discoloration.
Recommendation: Choose 304 or 316 stainless steel for export and premium markets.
Single Bowl: Large, open space for washing big pots and pans.
Double Bowl: Allows multitasking (washing on one side, rinsing or drying on the other).
Triple Bowl: Common in commercial kitchens for separating tasks.
Example: In a U.S. residential renovation, 60% of clients preferred double-bowl undermount sinks because they improve workflow.
Top-Mount (Drop-In): Easy to install, rim sits above the countertop.
Undermount: Seamless look, easier to clean, increasingly popular in modern kitchens.
Apron-Front (Farmhouse): Exposed front panel for a rustic or high-end style.
One drawback of stainless steel is noise. Look for sinks with:
Sound-deadening pads under the bowl.
Insulation coating that minimizes water noise and reduces condensation.
Brushed or Satin Finish: Hides scratches and water spots best.
Polished/Mirror Finish: Sleek and shiny, but scratches show more easily.
PVD Coating (Black, Gold, Bronze): Adds modern design options, requires proper maintenance.
8–10 inches depth: Standard for most homes.
10–12 inches depth: Ideal for large pots, common in commercial kitchens.
Custom sizing: Important for project-based orders, especially in hotels or apartments.
For distributors and bulk buyers, sourcing from a China stainless steel kitchen sink manufacturer allows:
Custom gauge selection (16G, 18G, or 20G).
Branding (laser logo, packaging design).
Special finishes (matte black, PVD gold, nano-coating).
Flexible MOQ with wholesale pricing.
Case Example: A European importer ordered 500 undermount 18G sinks with custom logos and packaging. The OEM service helped them strengthen their brand presence while reducing procurement cost by 25%.
When choosing a stainless steel kitchen sink, focus on gauge thickness, steel grade, configuration, mounting type, soundproofing, and finish. For most buyers, 16G or 18G 304 stainless steel sinks provide the best balance of durability, aesthetics, and value.
As a professional China stainless steel kitchen sink supplier, we provide OEM/ODM solutions for global distributors, hotels, and project contractors. With advanced production and strict quality control, our sinks deliver the performance and reliability your market demands.
