Stainless steel sinks gauge chart
| Sink Gauge Size | Thickness | Durability / Strength | Cost | Recommended use |
| 12-14 | — | Most durable | $$$$ | Commercial kitchens |
| 16 | .0625in | Great | $$$ | Kitchen sinks |
| 18 | .05 in | Good | $$$ marginally cheaper than 16 | Kitchen sinks |
| 20 | .0375 in | Average | $$ | Bar sinks |
Full Answer
What is the difference between 16 and 18 gauge sinks?
An 18 gauge sink is 20 percent thinner than a 16 gauge model. Look for a 16 gauge sink instead, although an 18 gauge model is fine if you’re looking for something cheaper. It is also appropriate if you don’t have anything too large to handle in your area. It may not be as strong as another model.
What gauge stainless steel sink is best?
- For the small kitchen sink, 23 gauges are the better option.
- For the budget sink, go with 20 gauges.
- To get a premium look, 18 gauges will be perfect.
- 16 gauge stainless steel sink has the best finish.
What is the best gauge for stainless steel sinks?
The gauge comes from the general weight of the sink. A lower gauge means that the stainless steel sink is thicker. A sink with an 8 gauge is 0.172 inches thick, while one with a 16 gauge is 0.063 inches thick. A lower gauge means that something is heavier.
Is 18 gauge thicker than 16?
These sinks are very standard with the perfect size. 18 gauge is also known as 304 which means the percentage of chromium and nickel in the steel. As the lower the number the thicker the steel, 18 gauge is thinner than 16 gauge. Due to the thickness, the 16 gauge is quieter than the 18 gauge.
What is better 16 or 18 gauge sink?
A 16 gauge sink is 0.0625″ thick, while an 18 gauge sink is 0.05″ thick, which is only 20% less. There is no noticeable difference between the two gauges, however at the same price range, 16 gauge is “better” (thicker is better!).
What is the difference between 16 and 18 gauge stainless steel sinks?
The lower the number, the thicker the steel. Therefore, 16 gauge is thicker than 18 gauge steel. The reason we promote using 16 gauge steel for your sinks versus 18 gauge is 16 is more rigid. You will hear the difference between these two thicknesses when you drop a knife or other utensil in the sink.
Is 16 gauge stainless steel good for a sink?
Gauge. The thicker the gauge of stainless steel, the better the quality. The standard gauge for stainless steel sinks ranges from around 14 to 20, with the lower number indicating a thicker gauge of steel. A decent-quality sink should have a gauge of at least 18, while 14- to 16-gauge is even better.
What is the best grade stainless steel for kitchen sinks?
Grade-304Grade-304 is regarded as the best grade for stainless steel sinks. This grade means that the steel is an 18/8 stainless steel and made up of at least 50% iron. By understanding these properties of stainless steel, you'll be able to spot high-quality sinks from poorer ones.
What is the best gauge for a stainless steel sink?
16 to 18 gaugesA better quality stainless steel kitchen sink is the 18-gauge, which is 0.0500 inches. Many home improvement choices recommend 16 to 18 gauges as a good choice for a stainless steel kitchen sink. The more costly, a 16-gauge stainless sinks is often touted as a luxury sink and are 0.0625 inches thick.
What gauge should a kitchen sink be?
The most common household kitchen sinks are 18 gauge, which is lightweight and durable enough for all your kitchen needs. It is the standard gauge that is most appropriate and cost effective for the average size kitchen sink.
Do all stainless steel sinks scratch easily?
Stainless steel sinks also resist chipping and cracking, however are likely to be scratched through everyday use and often show water spots. Although they are easy to clean, they require regular maintenance to look their best.
Will 18 gauge steel rust?
Because of this composition, you will sometimes see this referred to as 18/8 steel, especially in reference to flatware. It is highly resistant to corrosion, but it is non-magnetic (again, important if you are using a magnetic flatware retriever).
Are stainless steel sinks out of style?
We're not saying stainless steel sinks are going out of style; they're similar to white kitchens - a.k.a. "always in style." But, based on some of our customers' recent choices, those that choose to pass on stainless sink options seem to prefer innovative alternatives that add a little more color to their kitchen ...
Are stainless steel sinks out of style 2021?
Stainless steel will continue to rule kitchen sinks, but white follows closely behind. Single bowls will remain hot, but apron-front, or farmhouse, sinks will not be too far behind.
How do you choose a quality stainless steel sink?
Know the Grade Stainless steel is ranked to reflect its contents. You want 300 series, or about 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel for optimal corrosion and stain resistance. The sink should also have a lustrous satin finish, which will develop a better patina over time than matte-finish stainless steel.
What type of kitchen sink is easiest to keep clean?
Porcelain, Ceramic and Fireclay Kitchen Sinks Their non-porous and high gloss finish makes the sinks stain-resistant and fairly easy to keep clean using normal everyday household cleaning products.
What is the difference between 16 gauge and 18 gauge stainless steel?
As the stainless steel sink gauge 16 vs 18 is thicker, no noise can create and you can work without any disturbance. They handle daily usage of the kitchen sink and no problems can be found. These gauges are recommended for household sinks. These stainless steel are affordable and perfect for home use.
How heavy is a stainless steel sink?
Most of the stainless steel sink has 16 and 18 which are very heavy. These are rust-resistant, soundproof, and easy to clean. A higher number shows low-quality sink, for example, 22 and above is the thinner.
What gauge is best for a kitchen sink?
Both 16 and 18 gauge stainless steel sinks are best for your kitchen. Though they are best they have some similarities and dissimilarities. They both are thicker than other higher number gauge. These gauges are the best material because they are durable and easy to clean.
What is the most important thing to consider before buying a stainless steel sink?
Gauge is the most important thing to consider before buying a stainless steel sink. The gauge represents the thickness of the stainless steel sink. How thick or thin your steel will be it depends on the gauge . If the steel gauge is lower than it would be thin. That means the lower the number, the thicker is the gauge .
What is the best sink material?
You need to choose the right one. There are various materials in the sink, but stainless steel is the most popular material for many reasons. Among the best stainless steel sink, there are some variations that can be seen in the gauge.
Is stainless steel corrosion resistant?
Stainless steel has a clean and attractive finish, matches other stainless pieces of stuff, it is highly corrosion and bacteria-resistant, durable, and long-lasting. To complement the beautiful granite or other surfaces, 18 gauge and 16 gauge both are very fine.
Is 18 gauge stainless steel quieter than 16 gauge?
Due to the thickness, the 16 gauge is quieter than the 18 gauge. No sound can be produced from the 16 gauge stainless steel sink.
What is the difference between 16 gauge and 16 gauge?
The thinner steel will be louder and higher pitched, whereas the 16 gauge will be a lower pitch and substantially quieter when struck. With a sharp enough object, stainless steel can still scratch.
What is the best sink material?
Stainless steel is one of the top choices for kitchen sinks for many reasons. It has a clean look, matches other stainless appliances, often the least expensive option, is highly corrosion and bacteria resistant, and very durable; making it easy to clean and maintain.
What is 18/10 stainless steel?
18/10 also known as Type 304, refers to the percentage of chromium and nickel in the steel. For example, 18/10 stainless has 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The chromium bonds oxygen to the surface of the product to prevent the iron in steel from oxidizing (rusting). Nickel also adds to this corrosion resistance.
Is 16 gauge steel thicker than 18 gauge steel?
Gauge is the standard unit of measure for sheet steel and wire products. The lower the number, the thicker the steel. Therefore, 16 gauge is thicker than 18 gauge steel. The reason we promote using 16 gauge steel for your sinks versus 18 gauge is 16 is more rigid. You will hear the difference between these two thicknesses when you drop a knife ...
Can stainless steel sinks scratch?
With a sharp enough object, stainless steel can still scratch. Luckily, stainless sinks can be refinished with a stiff nylon brush and a product called Barkeeper’s Friend.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is a Sink Gauge on a Stainless Steel Sink?
If you’ve been researching sinks, you’ve probably seen the phrase “sink gauge.” The gauge number represents the thickness grading of the stainless steel material used for the sink.
The Best Gauges for a Stainless Steel Sink
16 gauge sinks are the top of the line choice for home kitchens. The 16 gauge means that the steel will come in a thickness of 0.0625 inches. If budget is no option, we recommend buying a 16 gauge stainless steel sink.
Sink Gauge Comparisons: 16 vs 18 vs 20 Gauge Sink
Most kitchen sinks you’d be looking to buy are probably either a 16 or 18 gauge sink. These are most popular for home kitchens.
Stainless Steel Sink Gauges to Avoid
Sink gauges in the 12-14 range are the most durable. They’re made from the thickest steel and will definitely hold up.
Final Verdict: What Gauge Stainless Steel Sink is Best?
The showdown for the best stainless steel sink gauge really comes down to comparing the 16 vs 18 gauge sinks.
How thick is a 16 gauge sink?
A sink with an 8 gauge is 0.172 inches thick, while one with a 16 gauge is 0.063 inches thick. A lower gauge means that something is heavier. But it is also capable of resisting dents and scratches. A higher total is useful for compact areas.
What is a thinner gauge sink?
A thinner gauge would be better for use in cabins, bar sinks, and other properties where the sink can be a little smaller, or you’re not going to use it as often. The thinner gauge is suitable for basic needs. The material is made with close to half as many materials as a 16 gauge model, making it lighter and better for less intense needs.
How long does a stainless steel sink last?
An average stainless steel sink works from fifteen to twenty years. It can work for longer if you maintain your sink well and clean it on occasion.
What does gauge mean in stainless steel?
The next point to note is what does gauge mean in sinks. The gauge measurement in a stainless steel sink refers to the thickness of the metal. The gauge is a non-linear measurement. The gauge comes from the general weight of the sink. A lower gauge means that the stainless steel sink is thicker.
Why is a lower gauge sink better?
A lower gauge is better when you’re trying to find something for food preparation, handling dishes, or other heavy-duty things. A lower total is ideal for what gauge should a stainless steel sink be for how it is durable. A low gauge sink is less susceptible to dents, scratches, and other damages that might make it harder to control.
What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy found in many sinks. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and other elements. It is created when iron ore and other elements like nickel, silicon, and chromium are melted together and fused to produce an alloy. Carbon is removed from the compound during the formation process to enhance the hardiness of the alloy.
Why is a low gauge sink less susceptible to scratches?
A low gauge sink is less susceptible to dents, scratches, and other damages that might make it harder to control. It also has enhanced noise dampening features, meaning that it won't produce lots of noise when you put things in its area.
Types of Kitchen Sinks
Following are the three types of kitchen sinks that are available in markets and can be used for your home’s kitchen:
Why Stainless Steel?
The Fridge, Hob and Sink are the three most important components of any modern kitchen model. The sink being one of the 3, has to have a strong constitution and long-lasting durability. Therefore, the sink being such an important factor should be planned very carefully beforehand.
What is a Gauge?
The standard measurement unit for stainless steel products is known as the gauge. When manufacturing the sink, the gauge is used to determine the thickness of the steel product. In the case of stainless steel sinks, the measurement is done based on the gauge thickness i.e. lower the number, thicker the steel, i.e.
What should you avail? 16 GA or 18 GA?
Surely, 16 GA seems to be a better option than 18GA, but the craftsmanship and quality may not always be up to the mark, even when 16 GA is used. Some brands can make quality and durable products with 18 GA steel that can provide longer service than 16 GA products of other brands.
Best stainless sink choices
A very popular brand of choice in the kitchenware industry, Kraus brings to us the Kraus Standart PRO 30-Inch 16-Gauge Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink, which has lived up to its name.