What is the best gauge for Stainless Steel Sinks?

Answer 1

The thickness of the sheet metal used to fabricate a sink is called its gauge. The gauge of sheet metal for most sinks ranges from 22 -15 gauge. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the sheet metal is. High quality residential sinks range from 18-16 gauge while commercial quality sinks are offered in 15-16 gauge. When manufactures refer to the gauge of their product, they are referring to the thickness of the sheet metal before the manufacturing process begins.

Most stainless steel sinks are manufactured using a process called deep draw forming where a sheet of metal is drawn down into a form through a series of steps called reductions. Each reduction stretches the sheet metal deeper and deeper into the form, so what started out as an 18 gauge sheet of metal will not end up being 18 gauge throughout the entire finished product. The industry standard is to state the gauge of the metal that the manufacturing process started with. Since this is the standard practice, it makes it easy to compare one sink to another.

Not all sinks are made using deep draw forming, zero radius sinks are manufactured using a process called press brake forming where the sheet metal is bent into the main sink shape under tremendous pressure by a machine. The sides are then added and welded to the main assembly, forming a box shaped sink basin. Zero radius sinks are identifiable by their flat sides and unique 90 degree or near 90 degree corners. Since these sinks are bent into shape instead of drawn, they retain a more uniform thickness throughout the finished product.

Whether you decide to purchase a deep drawn sink or one manufactured through press brake forming, make sure to identify which gauge of steel the manufacture used during the forming process, it is one of the most crucial factors when considering a sink investment.

Remember, the lower the gauge number the thicker the metal and as a general rule of thumb, an 18 gauge or lower sink is considered a high quality gauge. Give yourself enough time during your project to make an educated decision; it will be well worth the time investment.