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A Comprehensive Guide to Commercial Stainless Steel Sinks

Commercial stainless steel sink benches are a staple of countless industries, including hospitality, pharmaceuticals, health care, and many more. They are extremely durable and are able to withstand constant rigorous use without incurring any damage, which makes them perfect for bustling kitchens and other high-traffic areas. Stainless steel benches are also extremely hygienic, owing to their non-porous surface which prevents bacteria accumulation and facilitates easy cleaning and disinfection, making them ideal for sterile environments. You can browse Stainless Express’ commercial kitchen sinks and commercial benches here, or scroll down to learn how stainless steel commercial sinks can benefit your business.

Difference Between Home Kitchen Sinks and Commercial Sinks

  Commercial Kitchen Sink Domestic Kitchen Sink
Home vs. Commercial Sinks Commercial sinks are typically connected to a stainless steel workbench, optimising high-traffic food preparation or washing. Typically features a workbench made of stone or laminate, designed for aesthetic appeal and to suit home decor.
Materials Used Commercial sinks are predominantly built from stainless steel, as are their connecting workbenches and splashbacks. Home sinks may use a variety of materials more focused on visual appeal, such as stone or laminate.
Additional Features Commercial sinks often come with integrated stainless steel splashbacks to simplify cleaning and prevent mess from spreading. Home sinks come with aesthetic fittings that complement the home’s theme.
Cleaning Stainless steel surfaces are optimised for ease of cleaning. Cleaning depends on the material; unless made from stainless steel, kitchen benches may be less focused on easy cleaning compared to commercial setups.
Aesthetic Design Stainless steel offers a sleek and professional look, but does not come in a range of varying aesthetics. Kitchen sinks built from varying materials may offer more versatility when offering designs that blend in with a home’s overall aesthetic.

The Best Sink Material for a Commercial Sinks

You will find that the best material for commercial kitchen sinks is, invariably, stainless steel. While cast iron and fireclay kitchen sinks remain popular options, ultimately, these materials are not ideal for commercial kitchen settings. Cast iron sinks are susceptible to chipping, whereas fireclay sinks are prone to scratches and cracks. So if you’re after a commercial kitchen sink that can maintain both its structural integrity and cosmetic sheen, stainless steel is more than likely the best option for you.

But it’s also important to ensure that your commercial kitchen sink is constructed from a high-quality grade of stainless steel. For a commercial kitchen, you want to be assessing materials such as Grades 304 Stainless Steel — a commercial-grade metal that includes chromium and nickel, providing superb corrosion resistance — or Grade 316, which is also made of chromium and nickel, in addition to molybdenum, a chemical element that corrosion resistance, particularly against chlorides and industrial cleaning solvents.

Commercial Kitchen Sink Size & Depth

When selecting a commercial-style commercial kitchen benches sink, size and depth are key factors that need to be considered to meet your specific requirements. Various options such as double bowl, single bowl, and sinks with drainboards are available, and the ideal choice will depend on your particular needs.

You should first assess the volume of items the sink will need to handle. The size of the kitchen also matters; smaller establishments might be well-served with a single bowl, whereas larger kitchens may require a double bowl for increased capacity. You should also consider the shape of the sink bowl in relation to its use; square bowls might be better for large cookware, while rectangular bowls could be better for accommodating bigger items or adding extra workspace.

For businesses with limited kitchen space, a sink with a drainboard can be especially beneficial, offering extra space for food preparation or stacking dishes, thus keeping your counters free of clutter. It’s advised that you don't overlook sink depth—a deeper sink provides greater water capacity and can handle larger items more easily.

Keep the following dimensions in mind when shopping around for commercial sinks:

  • Litres: 40L+

  • Width: 450MM+

  • Depth: 250MM+

Type of Sinks Required in Commercial Kitchen

Commercial sinks come in all shapes and sizes, with some versions built for very specific purposes. It’s not at all uncommon for a commercial sink to cover varying functions, but broadly speaking, commercial sinks can be grouped under the following categories:

  • Hand Wash Sinks: Designed specifically for handwashing, hand basin sinks are typically small but durable, with many constructed from stainless steel.
    Hand Wash Sinks

  • Food Preparation Sinks: Many food preparation sinks are designed specifically for food prepping tasks such as washing vegetables and fruits, or rinsing grains. Some such sinks often feature deeper basins and smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces to ensure sanitary conditions and streamline culinary processes.

  • Dishwash Sinks: Dishwashing sinks provide you with the space and depth that’s specifically required for washing the dishes. Some come with an undermount or drop-in options.

  • Multipurpose Versatile Sinks: A multi-purpose sink is any sink might be a commercial double sink, a triple-sink wash station, or some similar configuration. Such versatile models offer the convenience of designating different sections of the sink for specific tasks, enhancing functionality and efficiency.

Common Applications of Stainless Steel Commercial Sink Benches

Commercial sink benches cover a wide range of applications across an equally vast range of industries, including:

  • Commercial Kitchens: Within restaurants, cafeterias, and various other foodservice settings, commercial sink benches serve as essential workstations for food preparation.

  • Science Labs or Laboratories: Due to their durability, their hygienic properties, and their resistance across both corrosion and harsh chemicals, stainless steel commercial sinks are very commonly used in research and testing labs.

  • Healthcare Facilities: Owing to their ease of use and their hygienic properties, stainless steel benches are also commonplace in a range of healthcare facilities such as medical exam rooms, surgical suites, and hospitals.

  • Industrial Workspace: Due to their immense structural strength, stainless steel sink benches are frequently used in manufacturing and production environments for assembly, packaging, and quality control tasks.

  • Residential Use: Stainless steel sink benches are sturdy and a breeze to maintain, making them ideal for residential kitchens and outdoor cooking spaces.

Key Features of the Stainless Express Commercial Sinks

A Stainless Express commercial sink is guaranteed to provide your kitchen with the following benefits:

  • Ample Workspace: Stainless steel benches provide ample surface area to accommodate multiple tasks simultaneously.

  • Heavy Duty Construction: Built for longevity, stainless steel benches feature robust construction that withstands rigorous use for years to come.

  • Efficient Workflow: Enhance your kitchen's efficiency with cleverly designed features that will streamline your kitchen duties, such as multiple compartments, pre-drilled faucet holes, and built-in drainboards.

  • Variety of Configurations: Your kitchen sink may come with single or double sink benches, with or without drainboards, and custom options to suit the unique needs of your commercial kitchen. The world’s your oyster.

  • Material Quality: Stainless steel is renowned for its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ease of cleaning, ensuring high-quality performance.

Conclusion

Commercial stainless steel sink benches can provide you with the strength and space that any thriving kitchen needs. You can browse our commercial kitchen sinks, or head over to the Stainless Express home page to check out a wide range of other quality stainless steel products.

Stainless Express is globally acknowledged as a leading innovator and fabricator of stainless steel products, commercial-grade plumbing fixtures, and architectural fittings. Our pioneering product designs, which were the first of their kind, have now become standard features in stainless steel fixtures worldwide. If you have any inquiries, don’t be afraid to get in touch with us directly via the Stainless Express contact us page.