When deciding on whether to install a stainless steel farm sink or another type of sink, a few pros and cons should be considered. A stainless steel farm sink is useful for its extra space and depth, ease of cleaning, durability, heat resistance, and affordability. The cons of installing a stainless steel farm sink include the need for counters that accommodate the exposed front, potential noisiness and possible scratching and denting over time.
Many people find the size of a farm sink to be a great benefit over other sinks. A farm sink, or “apron” sink, is known for being substantially deeper than a regular sink because the bowl is formed with the front exposed. Most sinks are situated beneath the countertop, which reduces the overall space available inside the bowl. While this makes the stainless steel farm sink an attractive choice for those with large-capacity needs, it does introduce the complication of custom cutting countertops to fit around the bowl.
Stainless steel is one of the most popular choices for sinks mainly because of its relatively low cost. As the name indicates, stainless steel does not stain and can be easily maintained without special cleansers. Pots and pans can be loaded into a stainless steel farm sink directly while hot without causing damage to the sink, a feature that solid surface sinks lack. These factors create great durability and the ability to use a stainless steel sink for many years without replacing it. Glasses and fragile dishware are also less likely to break upon contact with a stainless steel sink as opposed to a ceramic or granite sink.
There are several different finishes that can be applied to a stainless steel farm sink, including a “frosted” duller finish or a “mirror” polished finish. Some people may find that stainless steel is a material that works well aesthetically with any type of décor. Others, however, may find the single color of the steel to be limiting in terms of decorative style and flexibility.
The gauge of steel used to construct the sink can also can be an issue, as not all steel is created equal. Thicker gauge steel will have a lower gauge number and will be more durable, though the surface will become duller over time with scratches and dings. Thinner gauges have higher numbers, tend to show scratches and dents fairly easily, and may be vulnerable to rust when the finish wears off. Noise can also be a factor in choosing a stainless steel farm sink, and a thicker, lower gauged steel will make less noise while in use than a thinner steel, which often requires the installation of sound-absorbing material.