This article is divided into two parts:
- Part 1 is a collection of stainless steel sink reviews. We scoured the Internet for the best stainless steel sinks and compiled them in one place.
- Part 2 is a stainless steel sink buyer’s guide. It covers everything you’ll need to know about stainless steel to make an informed decision.
Stainless Steel Sink Reviews
Here’s a brief rundown of the best stainless steel kitchen sinks we were able to find online. The Amazon customer rating information is current.
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ZUHNE Modena 32 | 798 Reviews | $249.00 | Check Current Price |
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Kraus KHF200-30 Standart Pro | 742 Reviews | from $328.29 | Check Current Price |
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Ruvati RVH7433 33 | 515 Reviews | $249.00 | Check Current Price |
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Zuhne Genoa 32 | 292 Reviews | $269.00 | Check Current Price |
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Ruvati RVH8300 32 | 383 Reviews | $399.00 | Check Current Price |
1. Zuhne Modena 32 Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
| 798 Reviews | $249.00 | Check Current Price |
Construction & Quality
The Modena 32 is made from 16 gauge steel, which is 1.5mm thick. Many reviewers remarked that the sink was solid and very heavily built.
While the heavy steel in this sink is resistant to scratches, it’s not 100% scratch-proof. This is true of nearly all stainless steel sinks and not a sign of a defective product. The included stainless steel bottom grid will go a long way to preventing scratches and other types of damage.
Noise
A noise-reducing outer coating combined with thick rubber pads ensure the Modena 32 is extremely quiet. This is helpful when pouring water, moving items into the sink or running a garbage disposal.
Accessories & Hardware
The Modena includes all required drain hardware, so you won’t need to order anything extra to install your sink.
This model is available in a variety of sizes, from the small Modena 10 bar sink up to the oversize Modena 32. The numbers indicate the sink’s width in inches.
Customer Service and Issues
Most customers who used Zuhne’s customer service reported that it was responsive and helpful.
A small number of users reported rust spots. Typically, the issues were caused by the user’s local water supply and/or chlorine-based cleaners.
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 32″ wide x 19″ deep x 10″ high
- Minimum cabinet size required: 36″
- Undermount installation
- Includes sink protector, drain hardware, side caddy, and plastic colanders
- Zuhne Modena 32 official website
2. Kraus KHF200-30 Standart Pro Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink
| 742 Reviews | from $328.29 | Check Current Price |
Construction & Quality
Kraus stainless steel sinks are built using 16 gauge T304 stainless steel. This is the industry standard material for high-quality stainless steel sinks.
A deep 10″ bowl offers plenty of room for large pots and pans.
Standart PRO Series
The KHF200-30 is part of Kraus’ Standart PRO series. This collection contains a wide range of kitchen sink styles, including top mount, undermount, double basin, and smaller bar sinks.
We selected the KHF200-30 to highlight a growing trend in kitchen design: stainless steel farmhouse sinks. This type of kitchen sink combines the traditional design of an apron front sink with the modern look of stainless steel.
This KHF200 is available in 30″, 33″, and 36″ sizes. There are also two double bowl models.
Noise
All Kraus Standart sinks feature NoiseDefend technology. A combination of pads and a thick noise-absorbing coating help to reduce or eliminate most sink noise.
Accessories
The KHF200-30 includes a stainless bottom grid, 3-piece drain set, and cleaning cloth.
The drain strainer has a deep, removable stainless steel basket. This makes it easy to clean up and dispose of large pieces of food.
Key Features
Like all Kraus Standart sinks, the bottom of the KHF200-30 is designed so that liquids completely drain away. This makes cleanup and maintenance easier.
The noise-absorbing undercoating also serves as a condensation barrier, which can be an issue with some stainless sinks.
Customer Service & Issues
Very few reviewers reported problems with the KHF200-30. Most were very happy with the sink’s construction quality and appearance.
A small number of users reported issues, such as tiny rust spots. In most cases, Kraus customer service was quick and responsive. Typically, the issues were caused by the user’s local water supply and/or chlorine-based cleaners.
Key Specs
- Heavy duty “TRU16” 16 gauge stainless steel construction
- Dimensions: 29.75″ long x 20″ wide x 10″ deep
- Minimum cabinet size required: 30″
- Includes sink protector, drain hardware, and drying cloth
- KHF200-30 official website
3. Ruvati RVH7433 33″ Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
| 515 Reviews | $249.00 | Check Current Price |
The Ruvati RVH7433 is one of the highest-rated, best-selling sinks on Amazon. Its top-quality stainless steel construction and minimal, modern design make it a smart choice for nearly any kitchen.
Construction
The RVH7433 is built with heavy 16 gauge T304 stainless steel. At 1.5mm thick, 16 gauge steel is highly resistant to dents and dings.
The brushed finish is designed to help mask the scratches and scuffs that will inevitably happen over time.
The RVH7433 features a modern single bowl design with crisp angles. This model comes in sizes ranging from 13″ wide up to 33″ wide.
Noise
A heavy undercoating and thick pads mean the Ruvati RVH7433 doesn’t produce a lot of noise when pouring water and washing dishes.
Accessories
The RVH7433 includes a stainless steel bottom grid and all required drain hardware.
Customer Service & Issues
A handful of users reported that the bottom wasn’t angled steeply enough for water to drain fully.
There were isolated reports of rust spots and discoloration. In most cases, these issues could be resolved by using an appropriate cleaner and avoiding chlorine-based products.
Specs
- Dimensions: 33″ wide x 19″ front-to-back
- Basin depth: 10″
- Minimum cabinet size required: 36″
- Undermount installation
- Includes sink protector, drain hardware, and decorative drain lid
4. Zuhne Genoa 32 Double Bowl Undermount Sink
| 292 Reviews | $269.00 | Check Current Price |
This Zuhen Genoa is essentially the double bowl version of the Zuhne Modena highlighted above.
It has the same 16 gauge heavy-duty steel construction with noise-reducing pads and undercoating.
The Genoa also includes the same accessories: stainless bottom grids, drain hardware, sink caddy, and plastic over-the-sink colander set.
Like the Modena, the great majority of customer reviews and feedback of the Genoa 32 were positive.
Key Specs
- Left bowl interior dimensions: 17″ wide x 17″ front-to-back
- Right bowl interior dimensions: 12″ wide x 17″ front-to-back
- Bowl depth: 10″
- Minimum cabinet size required: 36″
- Undermount installation
- Includes sink protectors, drain hardware, plastic colanders, caddy, cutout-template, and manual
- Zuhne Genoa 32 official website
5. Ruvati RVH8300 32″ Workstation Single Bowl Sink
| 383 Reviews | $399.00 | Check Current Price |
Ruvati’s Workstation series of stainless steel sinks have a small ledge on the front and back. This unique feature allows the sink to function as additional counter space when combined with the accessories, which include:
- Solid hardwood cutting board
- Flexible roll-up drying rack made of silicone and stainless steel bars
- Stainless steel colander (30″ sizes and up)
All models also include a protective bottom grid that doubles as a drying rack.
We were initially a little skeptical that these items were just going to be cheap add-ons. However, customer reviews for the accessories were almost entirely positive. Users remarked that they were well-made and worked as intended.
Users loved the extra space created by the RVH9200. This sink was especially useful for homeowners working with limited counter space.
Construction
Ruvati Workstation kitchen sinks are made with heavy 16 gauge stainless steel. The brushed satin finish helps scratches and scuffs blend in.
Key Specs
- Interior dimensions: 30-1/2″ wide x 16″ front-to-back
- Bowl depth: 10″
- Minimum cabinet size required: 36″
- Undermount installation
- Includes stainless sink grid, drain hardware, wood cutting board, steel colander, and roll-up drying rack
- Ruvati RVH8300 official website
Farmhouse Version
The Ruvati Workstation model featured above is also available as a stainless steel farmhouse sink (shown below).
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Ruvati RVH9200 Farmhouse Stainless Steel Sink | 204 Reviews | $399.00 | Check Current Price |
6. Kraus KTM33 33″ Double Bowl Stainless Steel Sink
| 147 Reviews | $179.95 | Check Current Price |
If price is a factor, the KTM33 is a good choice that offers high quality at a reasonable price point.
Construction
The double bowl Kraus KTM33 is made with 18 gauge stainless steel. This is about 20% thinner than most of the other sinks covered in this review collection.
The 18 gauge steel will be slightly less resistant to dings and dents. However, it does allow Kraus to offer this sink at a much lower price than the other sinks we’ve looked at so far.
Noise
One thing that separates the KTM33 from other budget sinks is the extensive sound-dampening features. The KTM33 has both pads and an undercoating to prevent the loud, hollow clanging noises often found in cheaper stainless steel sinks.
Key Specs
- Sink dimensions: 33″ wide x 22″ front-to-back
- Bowl depth: 9″
- Minimum cabinet size required: 36″
- Drop-in (top mount) installation
- Includes sink protector and drain hardware
- Kraus KTM33 official website
Stainless Steel Sink Buyer’s Guide
Stainless steel sinks are affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. Stainless steel also has a timeless look that works with practically any kitchen design theme.
This short guide will give you an overview of stainless steel kitchen sinks to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your kitchen.
Best Selling Stainless Steel Sinks on Amazon
About Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a steel alloy. This simply means that it’s a type of regular carbon steel that has been combined with other elements to improve corrosion resistance.
The material used in kitchen sinks is usually grade 304 stainless steel. This type of steel, also known as T304 or SAE 304, is the most common steel in the world. 304 steel is used in flatware, chef’s knives, industrial equipment, and countless other products.
Stainless is also one of the more affordable kitchen sink materials on the market. Stainless steel is rather inexpensive compared to luxury options like cast iron and fireclay.
Properties of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has a number of properties that make it an ideal material for kitchen sinks:
- Stainless steel is highly resistant to heat, rust, and stains
- It’s incredibly tough but has enough flexibility to provide some “cushion” to dropped glasses and dishes
- Stainless steel sinks won’t chip or crack like cast iron or granite composite sinks. However, stainless is prone to scratching and scuffing
- Stainless steel offers a classic yet modern look that will never go out of style
Stainless Steel Sink Gauge
The gauge of a stainless steel sink refers to the thickness of the stainless steel.
Most stainless steel sinks are made with steel ranging from 14 gauge to 22 gauge. A lower gauge indicates a thicker material.
Thicker steel is more resistant to dents and dings. Heavier gauge steel sinks will also be quieter than sinks made with a thinner material.
Look for sinks with 16 or 18 gauge steel. These sinks will be a bit more expensive than those made with thinner steel, but they will be more durable in the long run.
Stainless Steel Sink Styles
The popularity of stainless steel makes it easy to find something that matches your design tastes and budget.
Stainless also goes well with most kitchen decor and appliances, making it an excellent and affordable option for home builds and remodeling projects.
Drop-In Stainless Steel Sinks
Many people are familiar with the standard overmount (drop-in) sink show below. This style is usually the easiest to install and is often very affordable.
Undermount Stainless Steel Sinks
The undermount style produces a clean, modern look. This style of sink also makes it easier to clean your counter since there’s no lip on the countertop to trap food and liquids.
Farmhouse Stainless Steel Sinks
Farmhouse style stainless steel kitchen sinks blend the modern look of stainless steel with the classic look of an apron front sink.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Sinks
To clean your stainless steel sink, all you need is soapy water and a sponge or rag. Be sure to rinse your sink thoroughly after cleaning.
For tougher messes, use baking soda and gentle scrubbing pads.
Certain cleaners and tools can cause pitting or leave scratches on stainless steel. Avoid the following cleaning items:
- Cleaners containing chlorides like bleach
- Harsh abrasive cleaners like Comet
- Steel wool and metal brushes
Stainless Steel Sink Scratches
Even high-quality stainless steel sinks are prone to scratching and scuffing. Scratches are simply a consequence of regular use and don’t mean there’s a problem with the sink.
Most stainless steel sinks have a satin or brushed finish designed to minimize the appearance of scratches, but they won’t be able to hide deep scratches.
Light scratches can be removed with an abrasive cleaning pad. Simply rub the pad pack and forth across the scratches in the direction of the grain and the scratch should go away. Water and a gentle abrasive cleaner can help this process.
Deeper scratches can be removed by wet sanding with fine-grit sandpaper. Special scratch removal kits are also available.
Stainless Steel Sinks and Noise
Stainless steel sinks can be noisy. However, this is usually only an issue with less expensive sinks that are made from thin steel and don’t have any noise-reducing features.
High-quality stainless steel sinks use heavier steel, which is inherently less noisy. They also usually have built-in pads and a special undercoating designed to absorb noise, as seen on the bottom of the Vigo sink below:
Stainless Steel Sink Cost
Stainless steel sinks are one of the most affordable sink options available, but there’s still a lot of variation in price.
The cost of most residential stainless steel kitchen sinks ranges from $50 to $500, with most models falling somewhere between $100 and $300.
Stainless Steel Sinks Pros and Cons
Is a stainless steel sink right for you? Chances are you’ll be able to find something that fits your budget and kitchen decor.
Still, it’s worth making sure you fully understand the pros and cons of stainless steel sinks before making a final decision.
Pros
- Tough and durable
- Easy to clean
- Low maintenance
- Affordable
- Stylish
Cons
- Prone to scratches
- Cheaper stainless steel sinks can be noisy
- Can be damaged by certain common cleaning products
