Stainless steel spec

On Sun 24 Aug 2008 09:54:47p, Paul MR told us...

Both 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel are good quality and have a high resistance to corrosion and staining. 18/10 stainless steel has a higher percentage of nickel which one might notice as a slightly richer color. IMO, both perform well, and I doubt that one really outperforms the other.

On 8/24/2008 11:37 PM Wayne Boatwright spake thus:

The 18 refers to the percentage of chromium and the other number the percentage of nickel. They're equally corrosion-resistant (the chromium is what gives it its resistance). The amount of nickel mainly affects the working properties of the metal (and also its appearance as noted above).

I absolutely agree with you, Wayne.

On Mon 25 Aug 2008 01:12:10a, Dave Bugg told us...

Thanks, Dave.

Why, what's the percentage on it? Is it 18/8 or 18/10 or something else? I like el-cheapo sale products. Just bought a nice sink and vanity for $49.00

Stainless shows fingerprints, someone I know with a complete kitchen hates having to everyday wipe down doors from handprints

When I did my kitchen I bought a Blanco "D" shaped SS 10" deep sink at Home Expo ( design center for Home Depot). It was pricey ( I think $450) but it is well constructed. I can't remember the specs offhand.

I would be more concerned about the depth of the sink (generally deeper is better) and its thickness. Heavier will be better. It will be quieter. Also consider a sound reduction coating. It goes on the outside and many sinks come with it. It looks like and works much like an automobile undercoating.

Franke is 18/10.

But for both sink and vanity for $49, you did well. Enjoy it. I hope they gave you a free faucet too.

On Mon 25 Aug 2008 06:26:22a, Mikepier told us...

Most Blanco sinks are 18/10 stainless steel, except for the "economy" line which is 18/8. All are of good quality.

On Mon 25 Aug 2008 06:36:37a, told us...

Yes, as long as the composition is either 18/8 or 18/10 there's no problem with the quality of the steel. 16 or 18 guage should be adequate for most sinks. Better ones do have a sound reduction coating, but not always. If you find a sink you like without the coating, you can apply a coating yourself.

for that application its all samo samo...for industrial process applications alloy composition is critical. but for sinks they will all be pretty much the same... cheapest, non staining alloy.

Phil scott

No free faucet but I had a brand new bathroom faucet I bought a bought

Thanks to all who responded. Paul MR

But some folks might appreciate that steel-drum island sound.

In this case it's more the guage, or thickness, of the steel, not the content. A lot of cheap SS sinks will be 22 guage, or even thinner. You want

Also, get a can of Bar Keepers Friend at you local grocery store and it will stay sharp.

Ignore the alloy. Buy the heaviest gage you can find. Kohler is exceptionally good in that respect (at a price). Cheaper sinks allow the faucet set to wobble on the base when installed because the metal isn't stiff enough. HTH

Jpe,