Blanco Stainless Steel Sinks Most people install new sinks when when they upgrade or remodel their kitchens and bathrooms.  There are two types of sinks commonly used with quartz or granite countertops, refereed to as drop-in and under mount. Sinks may be stainless steel, composite, or a number of other materials.  When choosing a sink, it is vitally important to make certain that the sink will fit in the cabinet in which it is to be mounted. Keep in mind that the cabinet must always be wider than the sink, i.e. a 30" sink will not fit in a 30" cabinet. There must also be ample room available for the faucet of your choice and any other accessories you may select. We carry a complete line of porcelain and stainless steel sinks for any application.    No doubt about it . . . the sink is the most frequently used area in your kitchen. It’s where you’re likely to be standing at as family and friends gather in the kitchen before a meal. It’s also the gathering spot, as guests help you clear the table after a delicious feast. Washing vegetables, slicing and dicing, draining pasta, adding water to recipes, rinsing dishes, washing fine crystal, soaking pots and pans, watering plants . . . it all happens at the sink. Morning, noon, and night, from food preparation to clean-up, your sink is a hard working companion. It's exposed to hot and cold, bumps and bruises, nicks and cuts, plus a full array of enemies mounting daily attempts to leave their permanent mark (coffee, tea, wine, fruit juices, beets, etc.) The sink is also a visual focal point, sure to be noticed by all who enter your kitchen.  It's no wonder your sink has to be as tough and durable as it is good looking. Today’s design options provide both style and durability, making it easy to choose the right solution for your lifestyle – as long as you know what important features to consider. Blanco Stainless Steel Sinks There are two types of sinks used with quartz or granite countertops, refereed to as drop-in or under mount sinks. The drop-in sink has a top rim and it sets down into the countertop. The under mount sink is glued or bolted underneath the countertop. Most people opt for the under mount sink for visual appeal.  The two types cost about the same but installation is much easier with the drop in sink. Stainless sinks come in various shapes and sizes and prices can run from $50-$500, so shop around. The thicker the stainless material used to make the sink, the more it costs. Your best deals are with countertop installers who will usually put the sink in for wholesale price when he does a granite countertop project. The photos below show an under mount sink on left and drop-in sink on right.   Consider these characteristics when shopping for a stainless steel sink: MATERIAL 304 series stainless steel, known for its durability and stain resistance, is the best possible formulation for kitchen sinks. The chrome and nickel content in stainless steel is an indicator of quality. Chrome gives stainless its luster and durability, while nickel adds hardness and strength. Premium stainless steel sinks will minimally feature 18/10 chrome/nickel content.  THICKNESS The gauge of stainless steel measures thickness. The lower the gauge, the thicker and more durable the stainless steel. 18 gauge is optimal for residential kitchen sinks. FINISH A long-lasting satin polished finish is easy to clean and impervious to water stains and calcium deposits. DESIGN DETAIL Tight radius corners create more spacious bowls than sinks with rounded corners. A flat sink bottom allows goblets and stemware to stand up, and rear drains maximize usable space under the sink. SOUND INSULATION Quality stainless steel sinks feature insulation that muffles sound, including garbage disposer noise.  Stainless steel sinks are easy to care for. Water spots and mineral deposits can be prevented by rinsing thoroughly after each use and wiping dry with a clean, soft cloth. Non-abrasive cleaners such as BlancoClean are ideal for regular maintenance. Stainless steel sinks will show day-to-day wear, including minor scratches. Over time this wear will become uniform with the sink’s grain, creating its own unique character, much like the patina on fine silver.  Be sure to ask about warranties when shopping for your sink.  Premium quality stainless steel sinks are often backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Mind’s Eye Sinks From early morning, through a hectic day, an evening meal, and the solitude of late night, the sink serves as both hard working companion and fashionable focal point. For more than 75 years, BLANCO has been a world leader in quality, innovative design and unsurpassed attention to detail. The company pioneered the use of stainless steel for kitchen sinks and was the first company to introduce hard composite materials such as Silgranit®.  BLANCO . . . The Cornerstone of Every Great Kitchen.  See a few of our most popular BLANCO below. Minds Eye’s Sinks & Lavatories For sheer beauty, nothing matches Mind’s Eye sinks and lavatories. Choose from stainless steel, porcelain, glass, and even hammered copper sinks and lavatories.   Mind's Eye is a Georgia company driven by a vision for creating performance products that embody both beauty and quality. From the initial design of a new home to the addition of another element of luxury, we provide innovative products, at an affordable price, that add panache to your project design. See Mind’s Eye sinks below.