Sinks
What gauge of stainless steel does Franke use for their sinks?
How do I punch extra holes in my stainless steel sink?
Can you offer tips to insure long-lasting beauty for my stainless steel sink?
Is there anything I should avoid while cleaning my sink?
Can I use a rubber mat inside my sink?
What does the gauge of the stainless steel mean?
Will my new stainless steel sink scratch?
Will stainless steel sinks withstand extreme temperature?
Why is water spotting my sink?
I have rust in my sink - how can this be?!
What other materials does Franke use for their sinks other than stainless steel?
Are any of the Franke sinks porous?
What's the difference between an undermount and topmount (or 'self-rimming') sink?
Which bowl configuration is better - double or combination?
What is the difference between the Franke Prestige PCX & PRX sinks?
How do I choose my kitchen sink?
Are there different types of stainless steel for sinks?
How important is the steel's thickness?
What should I look for in the finish of the steel?
How do you determine the capacity of the sink?
Franke uses nothing but the best when it comes to top quality stainless steel. Their sinks vary anywhere from 16 gauge, which is commercial gauge, to 20 gauge sinks. Franke has a line of Professional Series sinks at 16 gauge giving you the highest quality stainless steel used in commercial kitchens.
Stainless steel sinks should be punched prior to purchase. Order the sink requesting the extra hole. Drilling holes may dent a stainless steel sink and cause a brown discoloration around the hole due to heat caused by friction. Granite sinks have predrilled "knock-out" holes in the deck. Instructions for the knocking out the holes are as follows:
- Carefully set sink into the cutout countertop. This will provide proper support.
- Place a small flat punch on the center of the selected knockout sticker located on top of the deck. DO NOT PUNCH FROM THE BOTTOM.
- Strike firmly with hammer.
- Remove to install clips, faucet or other accessories.
- Follow instructions provided with sink for installation.
- Do Routine Cleaning
- Use soap, warm water and sponge. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
- To Remove Stubborn Stains BonAmi, BarKeeper's Friend or similar products are helpful in removing tough stains. Always rub in the direction of the grain, rinse thoroughly, and wipe dry.
- To Maintain Luster
Use a small amount of mineral oil on a soft cloth. Apply evenly to the entire surface of sink and buff to a shiny finish.
Stainless steel stands up to high hot or cold temperatures, along with sudden temperature changes. That means you can drain hot boiling pasta in your sink, followed with a rinse of ice cold water, without causing any damage to your sink's surface.
If water is left standing anywhere on your stainless steel sink, it will evaporate and leave a film (spots) on the surface of the steel. This film can be removed with regular dish soap and water and a soft cloth. For removing heavier residue, you may use a mild solution of vinegar and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and towel dry.
Sink tip: Regularly rinse and towel dry your sink after use to keep its surface exposed to oxygen. (Oxygen reacts with chromium in the steel to form a strong, highly protective chrome oxide film on the surface of your sink. It is this film that makes stainless resistant to corrosion and gives it a remarkably long life.)
Stainless steel is a wonderful material that does not rust. However, if given the opportunity, iron particles that do rust will bond to its surface - from metal cooking implements for instance. To remove this surface corrosion, place a small amount of Autosol® on a damp or dry cloth. Rub in the direction of the grain on the bottom or sides of the bowl. You may also use Scotch-Brite® on the bottom or sides of the bowl but NOT on the mirrored surface. If the mirrored finish has dulled, use a metal polish such as Peek® to restore its lustre. Please do not use a silver dip cleaner. Thoroughly rinse and towel dry.
Sink tip: Regularly rinse and towel dry your sink after use to keep its surface exposed to oxygen. (It is the oxygen that reacts with chromium in the steel to form a strong, highly protective chrome oxide film on the surface. It is this film that makes stainless resistant to corrosion and gives it a remarkably long life.)
Franke believes in having a sink for every style home. For this reason they incorporate color and texture into their line of sinks. Aside from stainless steel, Franke produces sinks made of Granite, Titanium, Fireclay and Polished Brass.
A topmount sink has a lip that folds over the countertop and is therefore resting on top of the countertop cutout. Fasteners securely mount an undermount sink underneath the countertop so that a polished edge of granite, marble, etc. is exposed above the sink. An undermount sink cutout requires more polishing and installation labor than a topmount sink cutout and is therefore a more expensive option.
Food preparation, cooking, and cleanup all involve the kitchen sink undoubtedly making it the most used appliance in the kitchen. Watch this short video clip to help you...Choose the Perfect Franke Sink for Your Home! (2.67MB ~58sec)
When deciding on a new sink, focus on the following key points:
- Size of kitchen cabinet and sink to be used
- Download pdf for Franke's cabinet size overview
- Construction material that best suites your kitchen and taste
Stainless Steel
Solid Surface
Granite
Fireclay
Titanium - Installation options
- Bowl configuration & sink bowl depth
- Number of faucet holes
- Sink accessories
Yes. In fact, some stainless steel sinks look bright and shiny at first, but rust or corrode in time. All stainless steel sinks are not equal in quality and material content. Look for the best combination of chromium and nickel for superior corrosion resistance and durability.
Very. The thicker the steel, the less susceptible it is to denting, bowing and noise transmission from pots and pans hitting the metal surface.
The thickness, called "gauge", can be determined by its number. The lower the number, the thicker the steel. Most sinks come in 18 or 20 gauge steel. The 18 gauge is the thicker of the two and more than ample thickness for residential sinks.
Look for a rich, deep, satin-smooth finish rather than a surface gloss. The luster comes from machine and hand-finishing operations, which enable the sink to keep its beauty for years - without cracks, chips, rust or stains. Many feel that the look actually improves with age, taking on a soft patina glow.
The 3 basic measurements for comparing sink sizes are:
- depth – distance from the top of the rim to the bottom of the sink next to the drain
- taper – inward slope of each side of the sink from rim to bottom
- radius – measure of the bowl’s corners & bottoms where the sides and bottom meet
The deeper the bowl, the straighter the slope and the tighter (smaller) the radius, the more capacity there is in the sink.
