If you’re in the market for a new stainless steel sink, you know how hard it is to choose from the countless options available to you. To make the process easier, we’ve put together a guide to help you choose the best option for your needs, including a 16-gauge vs. 18-gauge comparison. Keep reading to get a better idea about what gauge sink is best for you.
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Top 3 Differences Between 16-Gauge and 18-Gauge Stainless Steel Sinks
The gauge of a stainless steel sink measures its thickness and durability. The gauges range from 14 to 22, with 14 being the most durable and 22 being the least durable.
Take a look below to learn about the three main ways that 16-gauge vs. 18-gauge sinks differ.
16-Gauge
- Thicker material
- More durable
- More expensive
18-Gauge
- Thinner material
- Less durable
- Cheaper
Disadvantages of Thin Gauges
The main disadvantage of thin gauge stainless steel sinks is that they’re less durable than thicker gauge sinks, making them more vulnerable to damage. Other disadvantages include that they aren’t effective for larger sink spaces, and they’re so thin that garbage disposals vibrate during use.
Advantages of Thicker Gauges
On the flip side, the main advantage of sinks with a thicker gauge—like 16 gauge stainless steel sinks—is that they’re more durable and can withstand wear and tear without denting or scratching as easily. While thicker gauge sinks are more expensive than thin gauge sinks, they’re still extremely affordable.
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About Commercial Gauges
Commercial establishments—like restaurants, hospitals, and schools—generally have lower gauge stainless steel sinks because they can endure constant wear and tear. They’re also big enough to hold a greater amount of dishes and utensils.
Commercial gauge sinks are more industrial-looking and, therefore, less aesthetic. But that’s okay because the appearance of kitchen appliances doesn’t matter in a commercial space like it does in your home.
5 Factors to Consider Before Buying a Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
When you’re looking for a stainless steel sink, consider these five factors before making a purchase.
1. Gauge
The purpose you intend to use a stainless steel sink for will determine what gauge sink you need. If you are comparing the advantages of 16-gauge vs 18-gauge stainless steel sinks, it’s important you are aware that lower gauge sinks are more durable.
This makes them ideal for heavy-duty and commercial use. In addition, lower gauge sinks are more expensive. On the other hand, higher gauge sinks are less durable and cheaper. One gauge option isn’t universally better than the other. The best option for you is whichever type will do the job you need it to do.
2. Depth
Stainless steel sinks come in a variety of depth options. If you just need your sink to hold a few dishes at a time, then a shallow option will get the job done. But if you have lots of kiddos around the house, you’ll want to spring for a sink with greater depth.
3. Undercoating or Pads
If you’ve ever used a stainless steel sink before, you know how loud it gets when you start accidentally dropping items while you wash them. Both rubber undercoatings and pads add a protective layer that helps dampen the sound when this happens.
4. Grade
The “grade” of a stainless steel sink rates its effectiveness. The higher the grade, the better the sink, and vice versa. For a durable, tasteful option, you’ll want to look for one that’s a 300 grade or higher.
5. Drain Placement
While the drain on most sinks is located in the center, some are placed off to one side or in the corner. The benefit of an off-center drain placement is that it allows you to stack more dishes in the sink at one time while still providing adequate drainage.
Sink Repair & Installation Needs
If you need help choosing a new sink for your kitchen or bathroom, give our team a call by phone at (904) 217-5694. Our team of licensed plumbers offer dependable sink installation and repair services for homes in Jacksonville and other areas of Florida. Whatever your issue is, the professionals at Fenwick Home Services are here to help. In addition, our technicians offer other types of plumbing services such as water line replacement, water heater repair, drain cleaning, and sump pump installation. To receive assistance with an issue, book an appointment with our team. Our staff is committed to restoring the safety and comfort of your home.