Photo courtesy of Ferguson Enterprise, Inc.


priced. The key to buying a stainless steel sink is the gauge of the steel. The lower the gauge, the thicker and more durable the sink will be. Look for 18- or 19-gauge stainless which has extra chromium


and is less susceptible to corrosion. The pros of stainless are many: easy to clean, sleek, durable, long lasting and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You also have a chance of not breaking that glass


or bowl you drop into a stainless sink verses other types of materials. The life expectancy of stainless, depending on the gauge and manufacturer, is between 15–30 years. The biggest cons: stainless dents easily, scratches easily and is noisy. Some manufacturers have added sound absorption technologies to the underside of the sinks to absorb noise to battle this complaint. Porcelain enamel over cast iron kitchen sinks are widely available and just about the most durable. There is a vast range in quality, color, shape and style. With a life expectancy of a high quality sink to be about 25–30 years, it is a great investment for your home. This type of sink has been in use for well over 100 years which has proved its durability many times over. The porcelain enamel on the surface is ground glass that has been melted and applied to the hot cast iron sink. There are a few drawbacks to this tougher than tough sink. A major issue is the durability being the cause for plenty of broken glass if you accidentally drop something, hence the reason a rubber sink mat is definitely a good idea with this type of sink. These sinks are


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January/February 2011


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