A farmhouse sink is a popular choice for many modern and rustic kitchen designs. Often large and deep, with an exposed front apron, the farmhouse sink provides stylish functionality perfect for a busy kitchen.
Stainless steel is one of the best materials for farmhouse sinks. It is durable, easy to clean, resists staining and scratching, and pairs nicely with most kitchen decors from traditional to industrial. With so many sizes, styles and brands to consider, choosing the right stainless steel farmhouse sink for your kitchen can be challenging.
This in-depth guide will overview the benefits of stainless steel farmhouse sinks, the key factors to consider when shopping, and provide detailed reviews of the top 5 best stainless steel farmhouse sinks on the market. Read on for expert tips to pick the perfect sink for your space and budget.
Stainless steel has long been a popular material for kitchen sinks, prized for its shiny, modern look, durability and easy maintenance. For today’s farmhouse sink, stainless steel provides the same great benefits:
Durability – Stainless steel is extremely durable and dent-resistant, able to withstand heavy day-to-day use and last for years. Good quality stainless steel will not easily scratch, chip or crack.
Easy Maintenance – The smooth, non-porous surface of stainless steel repels water, food particles, and germs, making it very easy to clean. It resists stains, rust and mineral deposits.
Noise Reduction – Stainless steel muffles noise from running water and washing dishes better than other sink materials like porcelain or ceramic. This helps create a quieter kitchen environment.
Affordability – Stainless steel sinks are available at many different price points to suit any kitchen remodeling budget, from value to luxury.
Style – With stainless, you can achieve a modern, industrial look or soften it with warm accents. The material pairs well with most kitchen designs and color palettes.
When researching the perfect stainless farmhouse sink, keep the following factors in mind:
Sink Gauge – Stainless steel gauge (thickness) ranges from thin 16 gauge up to extra durable 10 gauge. In general, thicker gauge sinks are more expensive but resist dents and scratches better. Most experts recommend 18-20 gauge as ideal balance of durability and value.
Sink Size – Farmhouse sinks are available in many single and double bowl configurations, designed to fit standard or custom width cabinets. Take measurements of your base cabinet space before choosing. Standard sink depths are 8-10 inches.
Sink Style – Look for the apron front farmhouse style if you want that traditional exposed front look. Work well with solid surface countertops in Undermount sinks.
Features – Consider convenient accessories like bottom grids, racks, strainers, cutting boards, colanders and more. Availability varies by brand.
Brand Reputation – Established brands generally offer better quality. Look for good warranties and customer service. Top brands for farrmhouse sinks: Kraus, Ruvati, Lordear, Houzer and Kohler.
Budget – Stainless steel farmhouse sinks are available at price points from around $150 up to $700 or more. Set a comfortable budget and look for value at that price.
Here are reviews of 5 of the best-rated and most popular stainless steel farmhouse sinks across a range of styles, sizes, features and budgets.
For exceptional quality backed by excellent customer service, the Kraus Standart PRO 33-Inch farmhouse sink is a really solid choice. The commercial grade 16 gauge stainless steel construction ensures great durability and makes this sink practically dent-proof.
The extra deep 10-inch basin easily handles the biggest cookware along with piles of dishes. The gently sloped bottom allows good drainage while the standard 60/40 double bowl design offers flexibility. This versatile sink works equally well in modern and traditional kitchens and has great sound deadening.
Kraus covers this sink with a limited lifetime warranty. It comes with a stainless steel bottom grid and drain assembly. Optional accessories like a bamboo cutting board, colander set, and rack can further extend utility. For the price, you would be hard pressed to find a better stainless farmhouse sink.
Availability: $$$ Available on Amazon, Home Depot, Overstock, Build.com
For those shopping on a budget, the value-priced Lordear 36″ fireclay farmhouse sink delivers a beautiful, vintage apron front look at a fraction of the cost of comparable enameled cast iron sinks.
Constructed from thick, durable fireclay rather than metal, this Lordear sink boasts a glossy, non-porous finish resistant to chips, cracks, and stains. The lightly textured surface hides scratches and is easy to keep clean. Included accessories like a drain strainer, cutting board, and apron front towel bar provide added functionality.
Attention to detail like the gently curved front and slopes interior make this sink pleasing to the eye as well as highly functional. Just take care to avoid dropping heavy objects which can cause chipping. For the price, you would be hard pressed to find a better looking, more versatile fireclay apron front sink.
Availability: $ Amazon Prime
Boasting a modern-rustic design, the Ruvati RVM4350 is a single bowl farmhouse sink handcrafted from premium grade 16 gauge T304 stainless steel. The gently curved apron front looks great with modern, transitional, or country kitchen decors.
While extra deep sinks can be tough on the back, this Ruvati sink offers a comfortable middle depth of 10 inches; deep enough for washing large pots but minimizing back strain. The sound guard padding and heavy duty undercoating significantly reduce noise and condensation.
All hardware is included for a smooth installation. Ruvati stands behind the quality with a limited lifetime warranty. For a mid-range price, you get a premium stainless steel apron front sink perfect for busy families. Optional accessories like a caddy, rack, and cutting board add bonus utility.
Availability: $$ Amazon, Home Depot, Overstock
Maximize flexibility with the versatile Kraus KGD-433B, engineered for either top mount or undermount installation. The industrial style dual mount design makes this sink an ideal option for remodeling projects.
Constructed from dent-resistant 16 gauge stainless steel with a resilient finish, this Kraus sink looks great and performs superbly under heavy usage. The gently sloped bottom and tight-radius corners allow for easy cleaning and promote good drainage.
At only 9 inches deep, the dual mount Kraus is shallower than many farmhouse sinks. This makes it perfect to replace an existing undermount sink without having to alter the countertop. It can also handle a top mount install. For durability, longevity, and installation flexibility, the Kraus KGD-433B is hard to beat.
Availability: $$ Amazon, Home Depot
Get the best of form and function with the Houzer Pacenta Series sink combining lustrous stainless steel and rugged cast iron. The gorgeous porcelain enamel finish protects a durable fireclay construction.
The white sink bottom conceals daily grime. A gently rounded front and offset drain create a vintage apron front look perfect for farmhouse style kitchens. The non-porous surface resists stains, while the included bottom rinse grid keeps dishes elevated.
At an affordable price point, the Houzer Pacenta brings a touch of nostalgia that pairs nicely with painted cabinets and butcher block counters. The fireclay material is less prone to condensation and muffling compared to metal. If your farmhouse kitchen deserves a unique sink that’s as sturdy as it is stylish, the Houzer Pacenta delivers.
Availability: $ Home Depot, Wayfair, Overstock
With an overview of some top-rated stainless steel farmhouse sink options, let’s look at the key factors to weigh when choosing your dream sink:
The material and thickness (gauge) impact durability, dent resistance, and price:
Quality and customer service vary widely between kitchen sink brands. Look for these industry leaders:
Farmhouse style sinks are available at widely varying price points. Here are averages:
To complete your dream farmhouse kitchen, pair your sink with complementary fixtures and surfaces:
The classic farmhouse sink remains beloved in today’s kitchens for both its aesthetic appeal and rugged functionality. Stainless steel is arguably the best material option to deliver durability, easy maintenance, and value.
When reviewing the many great farmhouse sink choices, pay special attention to the material gauge, size, bowl configuration, depth, and features that best suit your particular space and needs. Any of the highly-rated sinks above would make an excellent addition to both traditional and modern kitchen decors. They provide the generous workspace, stain resistance, and stylish focal point farmhouse sinks are so popular for.
For a non-scratching farmhouse sink, opt for heavier gauge stainless steel (18 gauge minimum), enameled cast iron, or composite sinks. Avoid thinner stainless steel. Composite sinks made from natural stone dust and acrylic resin resist scratches well.
304 and 316 stainless steel are the highest grades for sinks. Type 304 is the most common – it resists rust and corrosion. 316 is more expensive but has extra resistance to salt water corrosion. Most quality sinks are 18 gauge and up.
Stainless steel sinks are very unlikely to crack when properly installed. Enameled cast iron can chip but high-quality vitreous china enamel is durable and resists cracking. Fireclay sinks absorb shock better but require gentler handling.
Butcher block, granite, quartz, and laminate pair well with farmhouse sinks. Make sure to seal natural stone and butcher block surfaces to prevent water damage, warping, and bacterial growth. Ceramic tile adds vintage charm but grout requires diligent sealing.
For non-scratching and non-staining, stainless steel is best. Good grade stainless resists scratches and stains when properly cleaned. Enameled cast iron also performs well. Composite sinks made of natural stone and acrylic are extremely durable.
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