What You Need To Know About Sinks And Faucets

Consumer Reports

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• Materials matter over brand or price: Tests have found that stainless steel is the toughest sink material and the more expensive thicker gauge stainless steel sinks aren't necessarily better than thinner less expensive sinks. When looking at sound absorption, pads on the bottom of the sink's exterior worked better than spray-on coatings. As far as scratches go, matte finishes do a better job at hiding the damage than polished surfaces do.
• Go with an undermount sink: These are only appropriate for waterproof countertops; they create a clean look and also make for easy cleanup since spills and crumbs can be wiped right into the sink.
• Don't spend a lot on a faucet: Pick the style that you like since most faucets (except for the absolute cheapest) come with a lifetime warranty against leaks and stains. Ensure the faucet you choose is proportionate to the size of your sink.