Benefits of a Kitchen Sink Grid
What is a sink grid/rack & why do I need it?
The bottom grid/rack is perhaps the best-known sink accessory. It sits on the bottom of the sink on non-skid protective feet, allowing water to drain below dishes. It keeps the bottom of the sink from scratching, but many people rinse produce on it as well.
90% of kitchen sinks now have durable grids/racks that are custom designed to fit your exact sink and it's unique shape. A bottom sink grid can also be mistakenly referred to as a sink tray, strainer, shelf, drainer, mat, and even sink protector. But, no matter what you call it, it comes with a whole host of benefits, including:
- reducing the amount of wear and tear to your sink's surface
- reducing sound while in use
- improved draining
- aids in vegetable cleaning
- and it adds a custom look to your sink.
When shopping for a sink, it's important to understand all of the available components. Now, today many manufacturer's are now 'packaging' their sinks. Meaning, when you purchase the sink the bottom grid, basket strainer and sometimes even more is included with the sink. While other manufacturers still require you to purchase the available components separately. It is important to know what components ARE available. Because there are sink models out there they do not even have corresponding grids available AT ALL! So, it if IS important to you to have a bottom sink grid (which we here at DirectSinks believe it is), you will most likely want to find a different sink to purchase.
What should you look for in a sink grid?
- You should have a sink grid that is made of the same high quality stainless steel as your sink. Most residential use stainless steel is 304 stainless.
- If you're going to be investing in a stainless steel grid, make sure that it fits your sink! Now if you know your sink model, chances are the manufacturer has a corresponding bottom grid for it. However, if you do not know your sink model or a grid is not made for it, you'll want to find one that leaves an even space around the edge of the grid and the sink. And the drain opening should line up with your drain hole (this way you can easily remove your basket strainer to clean it).
- Check out the welds on the grid, especially where they intersect. If the weld is rough, it may trap particles of food, bacterial or dirt.
- Notate the use of rubber/plastic legs and bumpers on the grid. These are often black (but can be clear or white, depending on the manufacturer) that act as a rubbing barrier between the sink and the grid. DirectSinks TIP: clear plastic feet show black and discolored build up after a while. If this is a highly used sink, you may want to opt for black legs & bumpers, if you can!
- Avoid grids that have plastic coatings on them. This may not be obvious in images, because it is a clear coating. This coating will NOT hold up, especially against boiling water and hot pots and pans.
Another DirectSinks TIP: If your bottom grid is stainless steel, and relatively small, you may even be able to pop it into the dishwasher for a good cleaning! But remember to remove the rubber/plastic feet and bumpers before doing so. They will melt :(
Frequently Asked Questions About Kraus
Kraus has been, and continues to be, one of our most recommended brands for several reasons. The Kraus product quality is consistently high. On par and often exceeding the finish, features, and styles of brands priced a lot higher. Speaking of which, the brand is priced extremely well. Kraus’ popularity has grown exponentially and demand for their sinks and faucets is not slowing down. This leads us here: Questions and Answers about Kraus that, we at DirectSinks, are asked quite often. If you have other questions not mentioned below, please call, email, or stop in!
Kraus was founded in 2007. They are headquartered in Port Washington, NY.
Really good actually! The majority of Kraus Kitchen Sinks are made of 16-gauge stainless steel, which is more than adequate regarding thickness of the metal. The sinks have a generous amount of undercoating and padding which results in a very quiet sink. The faucets are very well made and easy to install. We recommend their products to our own friends and family, and we also have their sinks, faucets, and accessories in our own homes.
Kraus' Full Warranty can be seen here
We Summarized the Kitchen Sink and Faucet Info Below
Faucet Warranty - Lifetime Limited Warranty
Kraus USA Plumbing, LLC (“Kraus”) extends this warranty to the original purchaser for personal household use of the Faucet when purchased from an authorized Kraus dealer and in the location of original installation. This warranty is non-transferable.Kraus warrants the structure and finish of the Faucet to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal usage for as long as the original purchaser resides in the residence in which the Faucet was first installed.
Kraus warrants the Faucet's sprayhead assembly (including the engine, aerators, structure, restrictors, back flow preventers, sprayer hoses, braided supply line hoses which encompasses nylon, silicon and stainless steel) of the product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal usage for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase.
Kraus warrants the Faucet's cartridge to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal usage for a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase.
Any product reported to the authorized dealer or to Kraus as being defective within the warranty period will be repaired or replaced with a product of equal value at the option of Kraus.
Kitchen Sink Warranty - Lifetime Limited Warranty
Kraus USA Plumbing, LLC (“Kraus”) extends this warranty to the original purchaser for personal household use of the Kitchen Sink when purchased from a Kraus authorized dealer and in the location of original installation. This warranty is non-transferable.Kraus warrants the structure and finish of the Kitchen Sink to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal usage for as long as the original purchaser resides in the residence in which the sink was Kitchen Sink was first installed.
Any product reported to the authorized dealer or to Kraus as being defective within the warranty period will be repaired or replaced with a product of equal value at the option of Kraus.
Absolutely. If you call their offices, they actually pick up. If you write in, they respond.
Business Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 8:00pm (EST)Address: 12 Harbor Park Drive Port Washington, NY 11050
Call: (Kraus Customer Service): 1-800-775-0703
Text Kraus At: (631) 212-0703 (Message and data rates may apply.)
Email Kraus Directly:Info@KrausUSA.com
Not normally. First, if you dig into the internet deep enough, you will find a complaint about every sink brand and rust.
Kraus is often mentioned simply because of the popularity of the brand.
Most frequently, something that looks like rust shows up in the first few weeks after the sink is installed.
Why? During the countertop fabrication process a very fine dust is created (like sawdust from wood, but very fine). If this dust is on the sink after installation and gets wet, it may show oxidation on the surface of the sink.We see this as the most common cause. Typically after the sink is thoroughly cleaned after installation, no stains will show up. Another situation that can cause a stain or mark is if something is left in the sink and it's wet, especially flatware, pots and pans, and steel wool. The composition of your water can also contribute to this. Water with high iron content will leave stains frequently.
Really great information about this can be found here, at Bar Keepers Friend
Kraus typically has the items shipped in 2-3 days. Most items will ship with UPS from their New Jersey warehouse. Some small items, such as faucets or accessories may ship out of their N.Y. location.
No, unfortunately our clients can not pick up from Kraus
DirectSinks will often have various faucets and sinks at our location. Generally, these items are stocked for our local clients such Kitchen and Bath Designers, Builders, and Countertop fabricators. If you are on Long Island and want to pick up something from us, please call first. We do not keep stock of everything. Please call and ask before making the trip!
Normally, you won't find Kraus on display. However, exceptions are out there. We have several Kraus faucets and sinks on display in our Cabinet Showroom. Some of our local Kitchen and Bath clients also show some various Kraus items.
Observations and Opinions
| Kraus | Ruvati | Advantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Both Great |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Both Great |
| Availability |
|
|
✓ Kraus |
| Customer Service | Consistently Excellent with Great Communication | Inconsistent & lack communication | ✓ Kraus |
| Style & Design | Vast Selection of Kitchen Sinks and Faucets Decent, but more common bathroom sink designs |
Vast Selection of Kitchen Sinks, No Faucets Large Varity of Bathroom Sink Options with many unique options, including stainless steel. No Bathroom Faucets |
✓ Kraus if you need a Kitchen Sink & Faucet ✓ Ruvati if you are looking for a Bathroom Sink |
| Value and Price | 30" Small Radius Undermount Sink KHU100-30, Standard Online Price $329.95 Often has Sales. In this exact example, the Kraus sink has been on sale for less than the Ruvati |
30" Small Radius Undermount Sink RVH7300, Standard Online Price $299.00 Infrequently has Sales |
Can go either way. Kraus often has sales that bring this example to their advantage Check the current pricing with the links below: Kraus KHU100-30 Ruvati RVH7300 |