2019 has been the year for home updates. We have spent the last month upgrading our backyard with an extended patio and vinyl privacy fence. Last week, we moved on to our open layout kitchen. When we purchased the house in 2016, one of the major eye sores and inefficiencies was the kitchen sink. It was only 7 inches deep with a double handled low arc faucet. When our garbage disposal died a few weeks ago, we decided it was high time to upgrade our kitchen sink!
When making a home update, the major consideration is cost vs return on investment. We had five goals with this small kitchen upgrade and each one was fulfilled with the stainless steel Kraus 33 x 22 Inch Topmount Double Bowl Sink.
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1. sink depth
Our previous sink could barely hold a small pan. As the bowl was shallow, each time the faucet was turned on, water would spray everywhere.
The Kraus Drop-In Topmount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink is quite functional with its 50/50 double bowls measuring 9 inches in depth each. A large stock pot now fits in my sink easily. Tip: Our plumbing did need to be completely reconfigured due to the sink depth, but it was well worth it. As the sink holes are toward the back of the sink, all plumbing was configured closer to the back of my cabinet. I actually have more storage now than I had before!
2. Low Divide
We don’t know about you, but the full sized sink divide would always catch pan handles or cookie pans. It was in the way and took up much needed space.
The Kraus Drop-In Double Bowl Sink has a low divide. It comes halfway up the full depth of the sink. It’s also super thin, leaving us all that extra room we were missing out on before. The low divide gives the illusion of a single bowl sink with its low profile. As you can see from the photo above, you can’t even see the divide!
3. Modern Design
Our home is decorated in a traditional design. It was built in 2003 and has never been upgraded. We wanted our sink to be a modern refresh but keep with a timeless design.
The Kraus KP1TD33S-2 Pax Kitchen Sink with its rectangular basins and hard lines, give it a clean, modern design. Its zero-radius corners mean not a single inch of space is wasted.
4. Quiet
Our last kitchen sink was constructed of 20-gauge stainless steel. This meant every time silverware was dropped in the basin or the garbage disposal was activated, the noise was just too much.
The Kraus Double Bowl Two Hole Sink is not only insulated but is made of 16-gauge stainless steel. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel. This means greater durability and longer wear and tear.
Our new garbage disposal, the InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP, is so quiet when paired with this amazing sink. It can grind fruits, vegetables and peels without any trouble. We can now continue our conversations when the garbage disposal is running. This upgrade was a bonus for our relationship. ha ha!
5. Durable and affordable
Stainless steel is not only a neutral color, it is durable, non-porous and cost-effective. It is resistant to heat, rust, corrosion and stains. While it does show water spots and an occasional scratch, we feel it was the best investment choice for our kitchen.
The Kraus Double Bowl Stainless Steel Sink came with two wire racks that set inside each bowl to protect the surface from scratching.
If you are looking for a double bowl, high gauge stainless steel sink for under $500, this is it. We are so happy with our purchase.
Bonus information
faucet
If you purchased the Kraus KP1TD33S-2 Pax Kitchen Sink Double Bowl, we recommend the Kraus KPF-1680SFS Sellette Kitchen Faucet in spot free stainless steel. It is a high arc faucet with pull down sprayer. This comes in handy when directing food to the garbage disposal. It’s also great for cleaning my large pots and pans! It is traditional in style and easy to clean (spot free).
soap dispenser
As the Kraus Topmount Double Sink has two holes, we chose to have a soap dispenser for the first time. We no longer have an additional soap bottle hanging around the sink. Organization makes me so happy! The Kraus KSD-41SS Modern Soap Dispenser fit perfectly with this sink model. It is also stainless steel and matches the finish of the kitchen faucet.
In sink dish drainer
It took me quite a long time to find the perfect in-sink dish drainer for my 33 x 22 inch topmount double bowl Kraus sink. I am not a fan of dish racks sitting on the counter. If I have dishes, I want them out of sight. Plus, I am quite jealous of my counter-space.
Kraus has discontinued their rinse baskets. However, I found an amazing alternative! This beautiful stainless steel dish rack by Elkay. It comes with pads on the feet so your sink doesn’t get scratched. I added a few bumpers on the side just in case. It also comes with a removable dish rack for air drying dishes!
This Elkay drying rack is the perfect addition to my new sink. It’s gorgeous and functional!
Cleaning Stainless Steel Sinks
We highly recommend Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser for keeping your stainless steel sink free of water spots. The photos I’ve included in this blog show my sink freshly cleaned with this polish.
moscow mule/coffee mug Rack
We found this farmhouse chic, rustic mug holder while traveling in Indiana. If you ever visit Newburgh, you must stop at The Barefoot Cottage. They not only have the greatest clothing selection, half the store is dedicated to home decor. While this tabletop mug holder isn’t for sale on their website, I did find an exact match on Amazon. Link to coffee bar mug holder.
