Kitchen sinks have been manufactured in a wide variety of materials, from wood up to the latest composites.
The most popular material for kitchen sinks today is stainless steel.
Note, however, that not all stainless steel sinks are the same, and we are not only talking about the external apearance. The first thing to look at is the chrome and nickel ratio. Chrome increases hardness and wear resistance, and provides the stainless steel with lustre and durability. Nickel increases strength and improves shock resistance.
18% chrome and 10% nickel (18/10) is the preferred ratio for high-end stainless steel sinks. Usually referred to as 'surgical', it is non-porous, superbly hygienic, rust-free, heat resistant and extremely durable. Only well-known brands use this premium quality stainless steel as standard in their production process, giving a lifetime guarantee that your 18/10 stainless steel sink will not chip, flake or, of course, crack or break.
The chrome-nickel grade is not only important for durability. Some stainless steel sinks look bright and shiny at first, but soon rust and corrode because the combination of chrome and nickel is not exactly right.
Stainless Steel Thickness.
The thickness of the stainless steel is probably the main point to check when buying a sink. The thicker the steel, the less susceptible it is to denting, bowing, noise, temperature changes and the hard knocks of pots and pans.
Stainless Steel Technology.
As a leading stainless steel sink manufacturer, Teka uses the latest technology to offer the best finish.
For instance, most Teka sinks incorporate pressed installation rails or pressed bowls to eliminate the welding and sanding operations that can damage the appearance of sinks and push up their price.
Stainless Steel Finishes.
Most Teka stainless steel sinks have what is called a satin polished finish. This elegant finish creates an enduring, easy-to-clean lustre that is impervious to water stains and calcium deposits. The satin polished finish requires numerous hand and machine buffing operations which produce a beautiful lustre design.
For those who prefer a brushed appearance, another option is the normal satin finish. Abrasive grinding produces a uniform pattern of satin finish lines on the metal surface.
Teka stainless steel sinks are also available in linen and microtextured finish, which offers an attractive high relief pattern on the sink's surface. These exclusive finishes are also made from 'surgical' stainless steel, i.e. with all the characteristics of 18/10 stainless steel.