In choosing a material you should keep in mind that the kitchen sink is a heavy-duty utensil. It will show signs of wear after a time, but should be able to withstand the rigors of daily use for a very long time. Different materials will wear in different ways. BLANCO uses only premium materials and offers a lifetime limited warranty on all its kitchen sinks, regardless of the material. Accessories such as sink grids are ideal to protect the bottom surface of the sink. Owners should observe care instructions and use only recommended cleaning products.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel continues to be the most common material for kitchen sinks, but not all stainless steel sinks are created equal. Chromenickel content is an important consideration. Chrome increases hardness and wear resistance. Nickel increases strength and improves shock resistance. Most BLANCO sinks are 18% chrome and 10% nickel (18/10), which is the preferred content for high-end stainless steel sinks. 18/10 stainless steel is completely hygienic, will not rust and will maintain its appearance much longer than lesser grade steel.

The gauge (thickness) of the steel is also an important feature. Note: Gauge is an inverse measurement - 20 gauge is thinner than 18 gauge. A thicker gauge stainless steel sink will maintain water temperature longer and has more sound deadening qualities. Thicker gauge stainless steel sinks are generally more expensive.

SILGRANIT®

There are a wide range of coloured sinks available today, however not all share the heat and scratch resistance of SILGRANIT®. There are also both soft composites and hard composites available. These come in a variety of finishes, some having only surface colour, some coloured all the way through. Many soft composites have a dull finish. These soft composites are usually more porous and have a low heat rating (a hot pot could burn the surface). Soft composites are usually less expensive but also tend to show signs of wear soon after being installed. BLANCO SILGRANIT® is a rock-hard composite material, formed using 80% pure granite. Coloured all the way through, SILGRANIT® is extremely scratch and chip resistant and has a heat rating of up to 280° Celsius. Most BLANCO SILGRANIT® sinks are equipped with additional knock-out holes. These holes are marked on the sink deck with removable stickers and must be punched prior to installing the sink.