In the kitchen, the stage where delicious food is born, there is a silently dedicated “invisible hero”. Although it is not as hot and dazzling as the stove, nor does it occupy a large space like the refrigerator, it plays an indispensable role in every cooking and every cleaning. It is the kitchen sink. From washing vegetables in the early morning to start a vibrant day, to washing dishes at night to put an end to the wonderful dining time, the sink witnesses the daily life of the kitchen and carries the warmth and happiness of the family. Among the many types of sinks, the stainless steel handmade sink has gradually become the favorite of many families pursuing quality life with its unique charm. What is its uniqueness, and what unexpected surprises can it bring to our kitchen life? Next, let us explore the mystery of the stainless steel handmade sink together.
What is a stainless steel handmade sink?
(I) Unique manufacturing process
The name of the stainless steel handmade sink shows that it is very different from ordinary sinks in terms of manufacturing process. It is a work of art carefully crafted by craftsmen, and every process is poured with the craftsmen’s efforts and wisdom. During the production process, experienced craftsmen will first place a whole piece of high-quality stainless steel plate on the workbench, and with precise eyesight and skilled skills, use professional cutting tools to cut the plate into the approximate shape required for the sink. This first step of cutting is crucial. A slight error can lead to a great error. Accurate cutting is the basis for ensuring the smooth subsequent production of the sink.
Then, the cut plate is shaped. Craftsmen will use molds and tools of various shapes, and through pure manual operations such as hammering and stretching, they will shape the plate into the shape of a sink little by little. This process requires great patience and physical strength. Each hammering must be just right. Too much or too little force may affect the shape and quality of the sink. Unlike the monotony of mechanical production, hand-made shaping gives the sink a unique vitality. Each hand-made sink has subtle differences and is unique.
In the splicing process, the hand-made sink also shows exquisite craftsmanship. Craftsmen will use advanced laser welding technology to accurately weld the various parts together. This welding method not only ensures the firmness of the weld, but also makes the weld look smoother, more beautiful, and almost imperceptible. Although the machine-made sink has high production efficiency, it often leaves obvious marks at the welding point, affecting the overall appearance of the sink. In addition, after the hand-made sink is welded, the craftsmen will also finely grind and polish the weld to make it integrated with the other parts of the sink, further improving the quality of the sink.
(II) Material Secrets
The reason why stainless steel handmade sinks stand out from many sinks is that in addition to the unique manufacturing process, high-quality materials are also a key factor. Common stainless steel materials on the market include 201, 304, 316, etc., and 304 stainless steel is the preferred material for making handmade sinks.
304 stainless steel belongs to austenitic stainless steel, also known as 18/8 stainless steel in the industry, containing about 18% chromium and 8% nickel. The addition of these alloy elements gives 304 stainless steel many excellent properties. First of all, it has good corrosion resistance. Whether it is clean water, detergent in daily use, or occasional contact with acidic or alkaline substances, it is difficult to corrode it. This allows 304 stainless steel handmade sinks to remain bright and new for a long time, without rust, spots and other problems, greatly extending the service life of the sink. Secondly, 304 stainless steel is also very good at resisting intergranular corrosion. Even in high temperature environments, it can effectively prevent the occurrence of intergranular corrosion and ensure the structural stability of the sink.
In terms of mechanical properties, 304 stainless steel also performs well. It has high strength and good toughness, can withstand a certain degree of impact and pressure, and is not easy to deform or break. This is very important in daily use. For example, when we accidentally drop heavy objects into the sink, the 304 stainless steel handmade sink can easily cope with it without being damaged. In addition, 304 stainless steel also has good processing properties, which enables craftsmen to cut, shape, weld and other operations more easily, thereby making a variety of exquisite handmade sinks.
Compared with sinks made of other materials, 304 stainless steel handmade sinks also have the advantages of environmental protection and hygiene. It will not release harmful substances like some inferior sinks, which will harm human health. Moreover, the surface of 304 stainless steel is smooth, not easy to breed bacteria and dirt, and it is very convenient to clean. Just wipe it gently with a damp cloth to make the sink look brand new, providing a healthy and clean environment for our kitchen life.
Advantages of stainless steel handmade sinks
(I) Sturdy and durable, long life
The durability of stainless steel handmade sinks is one of the important reasons why they are so popular, and this is mainly due to its thickness and high-quality materials. Generally speaking, the thickness of stainless steel handmade sinks is between 1mm and 1.5mm, which is significantly thicker than some ordinary mechanical stretching sinks. This thick plate gives the sink stronger pressure resistance and impact resistance.
In daily life, some unexpected situations are inevitable, such as accidentally dropping heavy pots into the sink. If it is an ordinary thin sink, it is likely to be deformed or even cracked under the instantaneous impact force, while stainless steel handmade sinks can easily cope with it with its sturdy material. Just like a user who accidentally dropped a cast iron pot full of water into his own stainless steel handmade sink while cooking. Originally thought that the sink would suffer a heavy blow, but surprisingly, the sink only made a muffled sound, and there was no dent or crack on the surface, and it was still intact. This allows users to have a deeper understanding of the sturdiness of stainless steel handmade sinks, and they can use it with more confidence.
In addition to strong impact resistance, the material of stainless steel handmade sinks also has excellent corrosion resistance. The kitchen is an environment full of various chemical substances, such as detergent, white vinegar, and salt, which may corrode the surface of the sink. The chromium element in the 304 stainless steel material forms a dense oxide film on the surface of the sink, which effectively prevents the erosion of external substances. Even if it is in contact with these chemicals for a long time, the stainless steel handmade sink will not rust, discolor, and other problems. Some users have reported that the stainless steel handmade sink they have used at home has been used for more than ten years. It is frequently used every day and is often exposed to various detergents and food residues, but the sink is still bright and new, without any signs of corrosion, just like new. This long-term durability not only saves users the cost and trouble of frequently replacing the sink, but also reduces the waste of resources. It is a very environmentally friendly and economical choice.
(II) Beauty and practicality coexist
The stainless steel handmade sink is unique in its appearance design, perfectly integrating beauty and practicality. Its surface is usually treated with a brushed process, which makes the surface of the sink present a delicate and uniform texture, which not only increases the texture of the sink, but also gives it a low-key and luxurious beauty. Under the irradiation of light, the brushed texture will reflect a soft luster, adding a sense of fashion and sophistication to the kitchen.
In addition to beauty, the brushed process also has very practical advantages. Its surface is relatively rough, which can effectively reduce the adhesion of fingerprints and oil stains. Even if it is used for a long time, it is not easy to leave obvious marks on the surface of the sink. Moreover, when cleaning the sink, just wipe it gently with a damp cloth to easily remove the stains on the surface, so that the sink is always clean and tidy. This is undoubtedly a very considerate design for those who pursue a tidy kitchen.
In terms of space design, the stainless steel handmade sink also takes practicality into full consideration. It usually has a large space capacity and can meet the various needs of daily family use. Whether it is washing large pots and tableware, or processing a large amount of food, it can be easily dealt with. When some families hold parties, they need to wash a lot of dishes and ingredients. Ordinary sinks may seem stretched, but the large space of stainless steel handmade sinks can come in handy, making cleaning more efficient and convenient.
In addition, the corner design of stainless steel handmade sinks is also very reasonable. Its inner corners are usually close to 90 degrees. This design maximizes the use of the space inside the sink, which looks larger visually and increases the volume of the basin accordingly. In contrast, some ordinary sinks have larger inner corners, which will take up part of the space, resulting in a reduction in the actual use area. The right-angle design of the stainless steel handmade sink avoids this problem, allowing users to make more full use of every inch of the sink when using it.
(III) Environmentally friendly and healthy, lead-free and odor-free
In today’s society, people are paying more and more attention to health and environmental issues, especially household items that are closely related to daily life. The stainless steel handmade sink performs well in this regard. The 304 stainless steel material it uses is an environmentally friendly and healthy material. It does not contain harmful substances such as lead and will not cause any harm to human health.
Lead is a heavy metal that is harmful to the human body. If you come into contact with lead-containing items for a long time, it may cause lead poisoning and affect the human nervous system, blood system and digestive system. Some inferior sinks may contain a certain amount of lead due to the use of low-quality materials. In daily use, lead will gradually be released, polluting water sources and food, posing a potential threat to the health of the family. There is no need to worry about this problem with the stainless steel handmade sink. Its material is pure, lead-free and odor-free, so users can use it with confidence.
In addition, the surface of the stainless steel handmade sink is smooth and not easy to breed bacteria and dirt. In a humid and warm environment like the kitchen, bacteria and dirt are easy to breed. If the sink is not cleaned in time, it will become a breeding ground for bacteria and affect the health of the family. The easy-to-clean feature of the stainless steel handmade sink makes it easy to keep clean and sanitary, reduce the growth of bacteria, and create a healthy kitchen environment for your family. Whether you are washing vegetables, fruits, or tableware, you don’t have to worry about being contaminated by bacteria and harmful substances, making every cleaning more secure and assured.
How to choose high-quality stainless steel handmade sinks
(I) Look at the material
The material is the key factor that determines the quality of stainless steel handmade sinks. Among the many stainless steel materials, 304 stainless steel has become the ideal choice for making handmade sinks due to its excellent performance. So, how can we tell whether the sink we bought is really made of 304 stainless steel? Here are some simple and practical methods for you.
First, you can make a preliminary judgment by observing the color of the sink surface. 304 stainless steel contains a high amount of chromium and nickel, and the surface presents a relatively uniform, bright and shiny silver-white color, similar to the texture of a mirror, which looks very textured. However, 201 stainless steel has a low nickel content, a darker color, mostly grayish white, and its gloss is not as good as 304 stainless steel. Just like in the sun, 304 stainless steel sinks will reflect dazzling light, while the gloss of 201 stainless steel sinks appears to be relatively dim.
Second, magnetic testing is also a commonly used identification method. Most stainless steel contains iron, and some are magnetic. However, austenitic stainless steel (such as 304, 316, etc.) is non-magnetic or weakly magnetic at room temperature, while martensitic and ferritic stainless steel (such as 430, 410, etc.) have obvious magnetism. We can use an ordinary magnet and place it close to the stainless steel sink. If there is a strong adsorption force between the magnet and the sink, it means that the sink may not be 304 stainless steel; if the adsorption force is weak or even imperceptible, it is likely to be 304 stainless steel. However, it should be noted that after cold processing, part of the crystal structure of 304 stainless steel will change, and it may also have a certain degree of magnetism, so the magnetic test cannot be used as the only basis for judgment.
In addition, the chemical reagent test method can more accurately identify the stainless steel material. For example, the copper sulfate reagent test method, drop copper sulfate solution on the surface of the stainless steel sink and wipe it with sandpaper or cloth. If red copper precipitates on the surface, it means that the sink has a low nickel content and may not be high-quality stainless steel such as 304. Because nickel can enhance the corrosion resistance of stainless steel, 304 stainless steel with a high nickel content is not easy to undergo a replacement reaction with copper sulfate. There is also a nitric acid spot test method, which is to drop a drop of nitric acid on the surface of the sink and observe the reaction. 304 stainless steel reacts relatively slowly under the action of nitric acid, and the surface color change is not obvious; while some stainless steels with high carbon content or different alloy elements may react quickly, producing bubbles, discoloration, etc. However, this method is somewhat corrosive, so you need to be extra cautious when operating it, and clean it in time after the test.
In addition to the above methods, you can also determine the material of the sink by checking the material certification documents. Regular stainless steel handmade sink products will have product labels on their surfaces or packaging, marking material models, implementation standards and other information. If the product is marked as “304 stainless steel” and meets relevant national standards (such as GB/T 3280-2015 “Stainless Steel Cold-rolled Steel Plate and Steel Strip”), the material can be preliminarily identified. At the same time, it is also a good idea to ask the supplier for a product quality inspection report. The report will list in detail the various performance indicators and element content test data of stainless steel. By comparing with the corresponding standards, it can accurately determine whether the stainless steel material meets the requirements.
(II) Observe the craftsmanship
The craftsmanship is an important factor affecting the quality and service life of stainless steel handmade sinks. It covers welding, grinding, surface treatment and other links. Each link is related to the performance and appearance of the sink. Let’s take a detailed look at how to select high-quality stainless steel handmade sinks by observing the craftsmanship.
Welding is one of the key processes in the production of handmade sinks. It is directly related to the sealing and firmness of the sink. High-quality handmade sinks are tightly welded, without false welds, and the welds are flat and even, almost imperceptible. When selecting a sink, you can carefully observe the welds and touch them with your hands to feel whether they are smooth and whether there are any bulges or depressions. If there are obvious gaps, bubbles or unevenness in the welds, then the sink will easily leak, rust and other problems during use, affecting its service life.
The grinding process should not be ignored either. It determines the flatness and smoothness of the sink surface. A good grinding process can make the sink surface delicate and smooth, comfortable to touch, not only beautiful, but also not easy to get dirty, and easier to clean. When observing the polishing process, you can pay attention to the corners of the sink to see if it is round and smooth, without burrs and edges. If the corners are rough, it will not only easily scratch your hands, but also affect the overall quality of the sink.
The surface treatment process is also an important criterion for judging the quality of the sink process. Common surface treatment processes for stainless steel handmade sinks include brushed, matte, mirror, etc. The brushed process makes the surface of the sink present a delicate texture, which not only increases the texture of the sink, but also has a certain anti-fingerprint and anti-oil ability; the matte-treated sink surface has a soft gloss, giving people a low-key and elegant feeling, and is also more scratch-resistant; the mirror process makes the sink surface as bright as a mirror, and the visual effect is very good, but it is relatively easy to leave fingerprints and scratches. When choosing a surface treatment process, you can decide according to your preferences and usage habits.
In addition, the molding process of the sink is also particular. At present, there are two main types of stainless steel handmade sinks on the market: one-piece molding and welding molding. The one-piece sink is pressed from a whole piece of sheet material, without welding gaps, and is more durable and beautiful in appearance, but it has high requirements for processing equipment and molds, and the cost is relatively high. The welded sink is formed by stamping the groove surface and the groove body separately, and then connecting the two by welding. Although the price is relatively low, if the welding process is not up to standard, it is easy to cause problems such as leakage. When selecting, you can choose the appropriate molding process according to your budget and the requirements for the performance of the sink.
(III) Check accessories
When choosing a stainless steel handmade sink, many people tend to only focus on the material and craftsmanship of the sink itself, while ignoring the importance of accessories. In fact, although accessories are small, they play a vital role in the use of the sink, and they directly affect the use experience and life of the sink. Let’s take a look at the main accessories of the sink and how to choose high-quality accessories.
The drain is the core component of the sink drainage system. Its quality is directly related to whether the sink drains smoothly and whether there will be problems such as leakage and odor. High-quality drains are usually made of stainless steel or copper, with a smooth surface, corrosion resistance, and not easy to rust. When choosing a drain, pay attention to check its sealing, see if the cage is tight when closed, and whether there is any leakage. At the same time, pay attention to the drainage speed of the drain. Drains with larger drainage holes and smooth drainage will be more convenient to use. In addition, some high-end drains also have anti-odor functions, such as using an S-shaped design or adding a deodorizing seal, which can effectively prevent the odor from the sewer from returning and keep the kitchen air fresh.
The faucet is one of the most frequently used accessories of the sink. Its quality and comfort directly affect the user experience. Kitchen sink faucets are generally taller and longer, and the water outlet should be aimed at the top of the sink drain as much as possible, which will be more convenient to use. In terms of material, faucets are generally brass, which is the most common pure copper faucet on the market. Pure copper faucets are electroplated on the outermost layer, and the role of electroplating is to prevent internal corrosion and rust. When choosing a faucet, you can judge its quality by the following methods: First, look at the appearance, check whether there are sand holes, damage, burrs, uneven plating, missing plating, etc. on the surface of the faucet, and whether the mirror effect is good; second, listen to the sound. When knocking on a brass faucet, the sound is relatively low. If the sound is crisp and pleasant, it may be made of other alloys; third, touch the corners to see if there are burrs, sharp edges, etc. on the corners of the faucet accessories, and whether the contact is tight; fourth, feel it by hand. The main body of the sink faucet is made of brass, so it feels heavy. If it is light in the palm of your hand, it may be that some accessories use plastic or alloy; fifth, check the valve core. The valve core is the most easily damaged part of the faucet. Choose a valve core that is unobstructed, light and uniform.
In addition to the drain and faucet, other accessories of the sink, such as the downspout and downspout, should not be ignored. A high-quality downspout requires a thick wall, smooth processing, no water leakage when the cage is closed, and a durable and comfortable touch bead. The downpipe is required to be made of environmentally friendly disposable materials, with the functions of easy installation, odor resistance, heat resistance, aging resistance, etc., and durable. When choosing a sink, carefully check the quality of these accessories to ensure that they match the overall quality of the sink.
Tips for use and maintenance
(I) Precautions for daily use
When using a stainless steel handmade sink in daily life, some seemingly insignificant details can have a significant impact on the service life and appearance of the sink. First, avoid using sharp objects to scratch the surface of the sink, such as steel wool, sharp knives, etc. These sharp objects can easily leave scratches on the surface of the sink, which not only affects the appearance, but also may damage the protective film on the surface of the sink and increase the risk of rust. Just like our skin, once scratched, it is vulnerable to external bacteria. When cleaning the sink, a user used a steel wool to wipe it hard in order to remove stubborn stains. As a result, the surface of the sink was covered with tiny scratches, and the originally smooth and bright sink became dull, which made him regret it.
Secondly, be careful to avoid the sink from long-term contact with acidic or alkaline substances. Some common items in the kitchen, such as lemon juice, white vinegar, baking soda, etc., have a certain acidity and alkalinity. If these substances stay in the sink for a long time, they will react chemically with the stainless steel, causing the sink surface to discolor and corrode. For example, after placing lemon slices in the sink for a period of time, white spots may appear on the surface of the sink. This is the corrosion caused by acidic substances on the sink. Therefore, after using these items, clean the sink in time to avoid residue.
In addition, when using the sink, you should also pay attention to avoid the impact of heavy objects. Although stainless steel handmade sinks have strong impact resistance, too violent impacts may still cause the sink to deform or damage. For example, throwing heavy pots directly into the sink from a high place is likely to cause irreversible damage to the sink. Therefore, when placing heavy objects such as pots, be careful to handle them with care to avoid unnecessary damage to the sink.
(II) Simple and effective maintenance methods
Maintaining stainless steel handmade sinks is actually not complicated. As long as you master some simple methods, you can keep the sink in good condition at all times. First of all, regular cleaning is the key to keeping the sink clean and tidy. Use dishwashing liquid or neutral detergent every day, add water to gently wipe the sink, and then rinse it with clean water. This can effectively remove oil and dirt on the surface of the sink. It should be noted that chlorine or acidic cleaners should be avoided, as these cleaners may damage stainless steel.
Keeping the sink dry is also a very important maintenance measure. After using the sink, wipe the water inside and outside the sink with a clean rag to avoid long-term retention of water, which may cause oxidation and corrosion. Especially in humid environments, such as the rainy season in the south, pay more attention to drying the sink in time. If there are water stains on the surface of the sink, you can wipe it with a low-concentration vinegar solution and then rinse it with clean water. This can effectively remove water stains and prevent the formation of scale.
In addition to regular cleaning and keeping it dry, you can also check the sink regularly to check for scratches, deformations, or water leaks. If problems are found, take timely measures to repair them to prevent the problem from further deteriorating. For example, if you find slight scratches on the surface of the sink, you can apply toothpaste to the scratches and then wipe them gently with a soft cloth. This can reduce the traces of scratches to a certain extent.
Correct use and maintenance of stainless steel handmade sinks can not only extend the service life of the sink, but also keep the sink beautiful and clean at all times, adding comfort and convenience to our kitchen life. I hope everyone can pay attention to the use and maintenance of the sink, so that this “invisible hero” of the kitchen can serve us better.