16 Gauge vs 18 Gauge Stainless Steel Sink
aadaasdark8072 > 05-20-2019, 09:48 AM
When you’re in the market for a new stainless steel kitchen sink it can be hard to know where to start.
When you are considering purchasing a stainless steel sink, the steel is measured by gauge. Thinner stainless steel has a higher gauge number, and thicker stainless steel has a lower number. For example, an 18 gauge sink is more durable and more expensive than a 22 gauge stainless steel sink. When shopping for a stainless steel kitchen sink, the sinks made with thicker steel provides greater durability and longer wear and tear. They are more expensive than the thinner steel, so consider your choices wisely.
THIN GAUGES
Stainless steel made of thin gauges is adequate for small sinks. However, larger sinks are more efficient and functional when they are thicker. The least expensive stainless steel kitchen sinks on the market are 22 gauge or 0.0312 inches in thickness. Stainless steel kitchen sinks made from this gauge (22 gauge) are more susceptible to bowing, denting and dings. A 22-gauge sink may not be an optimal choice if you have a garbage disposal. The garbage disposal will vibrate when you turn it on. Choosing a 20 gauge, which is 0.0375 inches, is a better option. Sinks with 22 gauge steel are perfect for recreational vehicles, small bar sinks or in cabins.
THICKER GAUGES
Stainless steel kitchen sinks that are 19 gauge and are a standard size are at the lower end of the price scale for kitchen sinks. A 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 in thickness.
COMMERCIAL GAUGES
Many stainless steel kitchen sinks used by restaurants and other commercial establishments are typically 14 to 16 gauge. These thick stainless steel sinks, intended for repeated and hard use are often very large and deep, which calls for a thicker stainless steel. They often have square corners that many find unattractive for home sinks.