Kitchen Sinks Unclogged
The kitchen sink is an indispensable element of any kitchen, serving as a central hub for daily cooking and cleaning tasks.
In this blog, we will explore two popular sink types: stainless steel and quartz.
We'll delve into the types of stainless steel sinks, the differences between SS304, SS201, and Quartz Sinks, and the manufacturing process of different sinks.
Additionally, we will conduct a thorough comparison, to help you make an informed decision, on what's right for your brand and customers.
Types of Kitchen Sinks:
Before we compare stainless steel and quartz sinks, let's briefly touch upon the types of kitchen sinks available on the market:
1. Stainless Steel Sinks: Renowned for their durability and versatility, stainless steel sinks are a preferred choice for many homeowners. These sinks come in various thicknesses and grades, with SS304 and SS201 being the most common.
2. Quartz Sinks: Quartz sinks are a relatively new addition to the market, featuring a blend of crushed quartz stone and resin. Known for their contemporary look and scratch-resistant surface, quartz sinks are gaining popularity among homeowners.
Stainless steel was invented in 1913, and by 1935, Stainless steel kitchen sinks were in wide use.
Types of Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks:
Stainless steel sinks are classified based on their design, and the grade of stainless steel used.
The steel used in sinks is typically either SS304 or SS201/SS202.
1. SS304: Composed of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, SS304 sinks boast excellent corrosion resistance and durability. These sinks can withstand high temperatures, are hygienic, and exhibit superior longevity. Due to its composition, SS304 is more expensive (close to double) than SS201/202.
Since Nickel is used in EVs and other rechargeable batteries, its cost is expected to only increase in the future, further increasing the price of SS304
2. SS201/202: SS202 sinks contain lower nickel content (approximately 4%) and higher levels of manganese (5-7.5%) when compared to SS304. While SS202 sinks are more affordable, they may not offer the same level of corrosion resistance and longevity as SS304 sinks.
There are brands in the market today that falsely claim SS201 sinks as SS304!
How to distinguish between SS201 and SS304:
You can either test it in a lab or in the field using an XRF spectrometer.
XRF is an acronym for X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. XRF is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. Handheld XRF analyzers work by?measuring the fluorescent (or secondary) X-rays emitted from a sample when excited by a primary X-ray source.
Based on the design, SS sinks are classified as either machine-pressed or handmade.
Machine-pressed Sinks: The sink's shape and design are created through mechanical pressing, where metal sheets are fed into a machine that exerts pressure using a die to shape them into the desired sink form. This process allows for quick and efficient production.
Handmade Sinks: Handmade sinks get their name from the process of forming the sink by hand and welding the corners. This process results in tight radius corners and straight lines throughout the basin. The end product has a professional or industrial appearance, a significant departure from the gradual curves of a pressed sink. Machines are extensively used in the manufacturing process, so the name "handmade" is a misnomer.
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What are Zero Radius, Tight Radius, and Standard Radius?
"Zero radius," "Tight Radius," and "Standard Radius" refer to different styles or shapes of kitchen sinks, particularly regarding the curvature of the sink's corners and walls.
Let's break down each term:
1. Zero Radius Sink: A zero radius sink refers to a sink with very sharp corners, almost forming a 90-degree angle between the bottom and the sides. In other words, the corners have no curve (or a "zero" curve), giving the sink a very modern and angular appearance.
2. Tight Radius Sink: A tight radius sink is similar to a zero radius sink but has slightly rounded corners compared to the sharp 90-degree angles of zero radius sinks. The curvature is still relatively small, giving the sink a more angular look than traditional sinks.
3. Standard Radius Sink: A standard radius sink is a more traditional style with rounded corners and curved sides. The corners are not as sharp as those of zero or tight-radius sinks, creating a smoother transition between the bottom and the sides of the sink.
The choice between zero radius, tight radius, or standard radius sinks depends on personal preferences and the overall kitchen design. Zero and tight-radius sinks are popular in modern and contemporary kitchen settings due to their clean lines, while standard-radius sinks are a versatile choice that fits well in various kitchen styles.
Quartz Sinks:
Quartz sinks are engineered using a combination of crushed natural quartz stone and high-quality resin. The manufacturing process involves the following steps:
1. Mixing: The crushed quartz is blended with a precise amount of resin to create a uniform mixture.
2. Molding: The mixture is then poured into molds of various shapes and sizes, allowing manufacturers to create a diverse range of sink designs.
3. Curing: The molded sinks undergo a curing process, during which the resin hardens, binding the quartz particles together.
4. Finishing: After curing, the sinks undergo polishing and finishing touches to achieve the desired appearance and smoothness.
Quartz vs. Stainless Steel Sinks:
Now, let's compare quartz and stainless steel sinks, including cost:
Conclusion:
Both stainless steel and quartz sinks offer unique advantages for your kitchen. Stainless steel sinks, especially those made from SS304, provide excellent durability and corrosion resistance. SS201/202 sinks are also widely used and will last long with proper maintenance. Most importantly, they are far more economical, and machine-pressed SS201/202 are the correct choice where utility is primary, and aesthetics secondary.
Zero radius and Tight Radius sinks, also called Handmade sinks, offer a premium and modern aesthetic.
On the other hand, quartz sinks also. offer a contemporary look, superb scratch resistance, and a wide range of design options. They are also similarly priced, compared to SS304 Handmade sinks, and are quickly emerging as the customer's choice when it comes to premium kitchen sinks.
Bidso has a catalog of hundreds of models of Kitchen sinks and can supply customized sinks at low MOQs.
Please visit our website to discover the different variations, and request for quotations.