Stainless steel has been used in the manufacture of sinks for over a century. James Cunningham, Sales Director at Leisure Sinks, looks at the benefits of the popular sink material and how it can add value to kitchen projects.
Kitchen sinks continue to play an indispensable role in homes worldwide, demanding durability and longevity. In a market brimming with various shapes, styles and installation options, the choice of material stands out as a pivotal decision.
Repeatedly, stainless steel emerges as the preferred choice of material among consumers and professionals alike. While there are excellent alternatives available, and fire-clay ceramic or granite composite models hold their merits, stainless steel remains at the forefront in terms of popularity, due to its durability, stain and heat resistance, low maintenance and antibacterial properties.
However, it is worth noting that not all stainless steel sinks are created equal – there are many differences. Factors such as the gauge (i.e. thickness) of the material vary among manufacturers and even product collections. This is significant because the thicker the material, the greater its durability and sound-deadening qualities, which are invaluable advantages in busy family homes and open-plan kitchens. As plumbers and installers know, low-quality materials can compromise longevity; as a result, our ranges exclusively use food-grade 304 18/10 stainless steel with gauges between 0.6 and 1.0.
The grade refers to the quality, durability and temperature resistance, while the numbers ‘18/10’ indicate the amount of chromium (18%) and nickel (10%) in the material – responsible for the stain, corrosion and rust resistance that stainless steel is renowned for. Additionally, it also ensures a long-lasting, high-sheen finish that perfectly complements modern design schemes. The longevity factor can’t be overstated; stainless steel products are designed to last for years, if not decades, so it’s no wonder they are so popular with builders, developers and installers.
With so many kitchen sink options out there, it can sometimes be challenging to identify the one most suitable for a customer’s needs. After all, various brands offer seemingly similar models, on paper at least, made from 18/10 stainless steel. Some reliable advice to help with the buying decision is to look for the BSI Kitemark. Sinks with this accolade have been tested and proven to benefit from the highest manufacturing standards and management systems. The Kitemark is one of the most recognised symbols of safety and quality throughout the industry – it represents genuine value to consumers, businesses and procurement practices. In fact, Leisure Sinks can proudly say it has the largest range of BSI Kitemark sinks in the UK.
A number of benefits
While stainless steel sinks are celebrated for their durability and practicality, they also offer lesser-known benefits that make them suited for kitchen projects. One of the most practical elements is how easy they are to transport and store, due to their lightweight design, giving installers a distinct advantage over sinks made from alternative materials, such as fire-clay ceramic or granite composite. They can also be manoeuvred on site with ease, as well as fitted swiftly into kitchens or utility rooms.
It’s also important to recognise that, from an end-user viewpoint, stainless steel sinks are simple to clean and have a high level of corrosion resistance against many household chemicals and detergents. This allows them to maintain their pristine appearance in any kitchen, a feature highly sought after in privately owned and local authority homes.
From an environmental standpoint, stainless steel is also recyclable. When a sink is replaced, the material has typically only suffered minimal degradation and still contains a high volume of valuable alloying elements, such as chromium and nickel. These can be passed back into the melting furnace, facilitating the creation of new products.
Range of options
With kitchen sink trends becoming a more critical design element within the home, product ranges must adapt accordingly. An array of stainless steel sink designs, from single-bowl models with grooved drainers to double bowls with bilateral or asymmetrical drainers, cater to diverse preferences. Different finishes offer even more variety, thanks to effects such as satin, polished, brushed and PVD (physical vapour deposition). Selecting the right combination of design and practicality ensures customers acquire a sink that not only looks fantastic but also meets the demands of their households, which will be music to most installers’ ears.
Nevertheless, there isn’t a ‘one sink fits all’ formula. Plumbers and installers should keep up to date with the latest product developments and style trends to meet customers’ requirements or address any questions they may have. The stainless steel sink will undoubtedly continue to be the number-one product for UK kitchens. Given the material’s simplicity of manufacture, combined with its many other benefits, it’s no surprise it has endured for so long – and remained the foundation of Leisure Sinks for the last 90 years.
Main Image: Leisure Sinks
