Undermount stainless steel sinks are a popular choice for kitchens and have been for some time. The pros of this type of sink are that they are durable, lightweight and affordable. The cons are that they can be noisy, can take on some damage and might limit your design options. There are also different types of undermount stainless steel sinks and some of these may affect how significant certain pros or cons are for that particular choice.
Durability and resistance to dents and chips make undermount stainless steel sinks a good choice for many consumers. For those consumers who use heavy cookware or are simply a little rougher on their sinks, this feature might be very important. These sinks are also nonporous and easy to keep clean and sanitary. They are resistant to heat, which is an important feature for people who want to be able to quickly transfer hot pots and pans from the stove to the sink.
Stainless steel itself provides some advantages to these sinks. The steel is comparatively lightweight but still quite strong, which allows the sinks to be bigger and deeper than sinks made with heavier materials. It is also relatively inexpensive to use and is often the most affordable option for consumers. Many people also enjoy the timeless look of stainless steel and enjoy the way a stainless steel sink looks with other stainless steel appliances.
Despite the pros of undermount stainless steel sinks, there are still a few cons that should be considered when buying one. One of the most common complaints about these kitchen sinks is that the steel can make them quite noisy when washing dishes. They can also look quite worn as they get scratched and become dull over time. While they don't require any special cleaners for maintenance, they appear spotty and filmy from mineral deposits if not wiped clean often. Also, they come in only one color and might not fit into some styles of kitchen decor.
Undermount stainless steel sinks are available in a variety of options and styles. Some of these styles may make certain pros or cons more significant. For example, a sink with a satin finish will conceal scratches while on a mirror finish version, scratches will be much more obvious. Also the noise complaint can be combated by choosing a sink that has an insulating lining underneath it.