Exploring the Essentials of Modern Kitchen Design: Understanding Stainless Steel Sinks
Exploring the Essentials of Modern Kitchen Design: Understanding Stainless Steel Sinks
A peek into many homes and restaurants reveals one commonality: the presence of stainless steel sinks in the kitchens. You won’t travel far to find stainless steel kitchen sinks because they are readily available in the average home improvement store. So just what makes these kinds of sinks tick? Let’s find out below.
What Makes Stainless Steel Sinks Unique?
Consumers find stainless steel sinks appealing for lots of reasons, including:
Corrosion Resistance
This quality takes us to the origins of steel — learning how it’s formed and discovering what makes a sink stainless steel. You may know that manufacturers combine iron and carbon to form steel. They may add other elements to bring out specific qualities they wish the final product to embody.
But to form stainless steel, manufacturers add at least 11% chromium to the steel alloy, with many adding as much as 18%. Chromium is what hardens the steel and boosts its corrosion resistance, a quality that makes the material popular with homeowners and commercial food establishments.
Having a stainless steel kitchen sink means never worrying about:
- Streaks of rust staining the sink
- Rust particles mixing with your food as you wash it
- Rust washing away and polluting water and, ultimately, the soil
Durability
First-time stainless steel sink buyers are naturally curious: What is a stainless steel sink’s average lifespan? After all, spending money on a fixture that will break down in a few months would be unwise.
Well, you have nothing to worry about on that front because stainless steel sinks can last 15-25 years. That’s according to industry experts. Two decades of your money working for you is a solid investment.
Stain Resistance
See the hint in the name? Your sink will remain stainless throughout its lifespan. It’s a unique quality you don’t see in many materials. That alone makes it a top choice for kitchen use. Think of how many stains the average meal preparation session produces and what a taxing chore it would be to clean it all up if it got stuck in the sink. That’s a burden you won’t have to deal with when you choose stainless steel for your sink.
Affordability
Some say quality and affordability are strange bedfellows. Not when it comes to stainless steel, though. Your stainless steel sink will deliver durability and reliability without draining your wallet because stainless steel is one of the most affordable materials.
Why Are Stainless Steel Sinks Ideal for the Modern Kitchen?
What comes to mind when you visualize a modern kitchen?
- An uncluttered look?
- Clean lines?
- A neutral-colored background that supports a spread of colors here and there?
You’re right on the money if you thought of any of the above. And stainless steel sinks deliver all three, so you can’t go wrong with choosing one for your kitchen. In addition, they are:
Stylish
These sinks have the aesthetics to turn any drab space into an appealing arena. Whether rectangular, square, or round, stainless steel sinks have a sleek appearance that will upgrade any kitchen’s look.
You can choose straight edges if you want a sharp, crisp look. Or go for a sink with round edges if you prefer a softer look. Some manufacturers now offer double sinks featuring two different shapes. So you can have a rectangular sink on the right and an oval one on the left.
Blends with Other Materials
Often, you can only use one or two materials in a space because the textures or colors are too bold. Not so with stainless steel, which complements other materials used in the kitchen because of its neutral color.
Plus, you can choose a stainless steel finish that harmonizes with the other surfaces, such as:
- Polish
- Brushed
- Matte
- Satin
Easy To Clean
Keeping your sink clean is easy: Just wipe down the sink after every use. Clean it using regular dish soap and a microfiber cloth, then rinse with clean water. Or opt for stainless steel cleaning liquid to maintain your new sink’s sparkle.
Maintaining Your Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink: Care Tips
You’ll need to handle your stainless steel sink with care to maintain its pristine look. Here are some things you can do to keep these sinks in good condition:
- Use soft cloths to clean the sink. Avoid abrasive materials as they can leave scratches.
- Use gentle cleaning solutions. We have cleaners specifically made for stainless steel. But if you don’t have one, use white vinegar to clean the sink and restore some of its shine.
- Avoid dropping or dragging sharp objects across the sink, as these can cause scratches and dents. If washing heavy pans, handle them gently to avoid denting the sink.
Conclusion
Stainless steel sinks can single-handedly change your kitchen aesthetic. Affordable, durable, and low maintenance, this type of sink pairs well with other colors and materials, making it the ultimate go-to whenever you want to remodel the kitchen.
