Q What is the Chromium/ Nickel content?
A Chromium (Cr) is an alloying element that is used in stainless steel to deter corrosion. (Luster & durability) Nickel (Ni) is an alloying element used in stainless steels to enhance ductility and corrosion resistance (hardness & strength). The chromium nickel content is the percentage of chrome and nickel in the stainless steel. Our stainless steel is 18/10 chromium nickel content which means it contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. This is the same chromium/nickel content of all premium and fabricator grade sinks.
Q What is the gauge of your sinks and how does the gauge affect the quality?
A The gauge is the thickness of the stainless steel. It is important to remember that the lower the gauge, the thicker the stainless steel. Our thickest, sturdiest bowls are 16 gauge, a high quality bowl is 18 gauge and a standard bowl is 20 gauge.
GAUGE NUMBER
stainless-steel-sheetBasically GAUGE refers to the thickness of the stainless steel sheet used for the fabrication of sinks. It has nothing to do with the chromium/nickel contents in the stainless steel.
Technically speaking, the gauge number refers to the number of times the stainless steel material has to go through a series of narrow gaps. Each subsequent gap is smaller. So a lower gauge number indicates the sheet is thicker.
Typically 18 gauge is used to fabricate most standard sinks. 16 gauge or lower is used for square or apron-front sinks. 20 gauge is often used for small bar sinks which do not require a thick material to stay strong enough.
CHROMIUM/NICKEL CONTENTS
Chromium/nickel contents are mentioned almost always together. 18/10 steel means that chromium content is about 18% and nickel about 10%, which is usually the case for T304 steel that is used for almost all the sinks out there on the market. The chromium content controls the lustre, durability and corrosion protection properties of the steel, while the nickel content affects the hardness and strength of the steel. For more information on Cr/Ni contents, please click here.
Note that T304 steel is surgical grade which should last a life time if you do not intentionally subject the steel to harsh chemicals for a prolonged time. That is why most stainless steel sink manufacturers or suppliers can offer at least 15-year warranty if not lifetime warranty. If you know the skill, you can literally restore the freshness and lustre of any stainless steel sink to its original state. That explains why stainless steel sinks are superior to sinks made of other materials, including the increasing popular Silgranite or Moenstone.
Best of all, stainless steel is chemical free and much safer than any other materials that are made with resin. Remember the fact that all stainless steel sinks are made of T304 steel which is surgical grade? If you want to stay away cancer, stay with stainless steel and away from silgranite or acrylic materials.

