Zero Radius Kitchen Sinks; Are they actually harder to clean?
Zero Radius Sinks, sometimes known as 90 degree corner sinks, or R0 sinks, have a unique style. For our clients looking for a modern or commercial style, the zero radius is often the first suggestion.
Often, our clients will directly ask or request a zero radius sink, but connected to the request is the question: "Are zero radius sinks harder to clean?"
We frequently are asked this question. Before we get into the analysis of this first let me clarify what "Corner radius" means in this context; The corner radius is the curve of the corner of the sink. The corners are where the walls meet the sink bottom, where the walls meet each other, and where two walls and the bottom come together. The four main Corner Radius Options are:
1. Standard Radius: An open corner sink with a curve that is approximately 3-4" in diameter
2. Reduced Radius: This corner is the bridging transition of style from "Traditional to Modern". This is a smaller corner, but still not bold ascetically speaking.
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Kraus KBU12,This is a sink with a Standard Radius Corner
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Kraus 25" Dex is a great example of a Reduced Radius Corner
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3. Micro Radius Corner: This corner is typically 10-15 millimeters in radius, or about the thickness of your pinky finger. Typically this style sink will also have drain grooves on the bottom to direct water the drain. These grooves are what will make the sink have a commercial or "Chef" style. 4. Zero Radius Corner: This corner is without a curve. Imagine a cardboard box.. The lack of a curve in the corners is what a zero radius sink's corners look like as well. |
Dawn SRU201609 with a Micro Radius Corner 
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Kraus KHU23 Zero Radius Corner
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Now that you can visualize the differences side by side, lets cover another aspect about the sink corner radius' and what they mean to you.
Working Volume: Mathematically speaking, the smaller the radius corners the more interior space a sink has. We aren't speak a massive difference, but it is there.
Depth: Typically, a standard radius sink will be 9" deep, and in contrast, often the micro and zero radius sinks will be 10" deep.
So, lets get to the subject at hand, shall we?
Are zero radius sinks harder to clean or keep clean? Yes.. but not always...
What is it about the zero radius that can keep it from "staying clean"
1. Tricks your eye. Depending on how your sink is lit up- (Overhead light or natural light) will allow a zero radius sink to have more shadow in the corner. An open corner has more light reflection. Often we class a less shiny sink with one with grime.
2. Surface area. Picture this: You just finished cleaning up after a lovely meal. However, a pesky piece of onion that was on your plate when you rinsed it off decided to sit in the corner of the sink. In an open radius sink, the onion would be possibly held in place on one small area. On the zero radius sink, it is more likely that same pesky onion is stuck on two surfaces; the sink bottom, and wall. Worse yet, the corner itself, keeping the onion in its place on three sides. More surfaces area equates to more cohesion. Gasp! What if you forget to rinse the sink out at the end of the evening, that onion may require some assertive elbow grease to get it loose.
What to do? If you are literally thinking about this "too much" or "all the time", you are not alone! We have clients who have taken weeks and months to make a decision on a kitchen sink. We get it. I get it. I have a kitchen with nice counter tops. The sink is fairly permanent in my counter top. It is a big decision.
Do you like the look of the zero radius? Yes? Then go for it! Just rinse the sink out when your are done cleaning up dinner. I suggest a pull out faucet. It will make your cleaning life easier. We suggest cleaning a sink with a soft sponge and dish soap. Don't use steel wool, it's too abrasive.
Still torn? Talk to me on the live chat. If you like the look of zero radius, but are nervous about the possibility of the stuck gunk, then I would point you to the micro, or small radius sinks. Small radius sinks typically will have the modern look you want.
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 |
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✓ 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 |