Kraus vs Elkay Sinks: Which Sink is the Best for Your Kitchen?

When it comes to choosing a kitchen sink, there are many factors to consider, from size and style to durability and price. Two popular brands that offer a wide range of options are Kraus and Elkay. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two brands, comparing their features, pros and cons, customer service, and more.

Kraus vs Elkay – Which is Right for You?

Pros and Cons of Kraus Sinks

Pros:

• Lifetime warranty: Kraus provides a limited lifetime warranty on its sinks, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance.
• Versatile designs: Kraus offers a wide range of designs, colors, coatings, and bowl styles to suit various kitchen styles and preferences.
• Budget-friendly options: Kraus sinks cater to different budgets, from mid-range to premium.
• High-quality materials: Kraus uses quality materials like TRU16 or T304 stainless steel construction, ensuring durability and resistance to rust and corrosion.
• Excellent usability: Many Kraus sinks come with additional accessories and features to enhance functionality and ease of use.

Cons:

• Maintenance: The large size of some Kraus sinks can make them challenging to maintain, and their box-like structure can make edges difficult to clean.
• Coating upkeep: Some coatings on Kraus sinks may require more maintenance.
• Premium models can be pricey: While Kraus offers budget-friendly options, some of their premium models can be expensive.
• Not overly luxurious: Kraus sinks may not be the most luxurious option for those with expensive tastes.

Pros and Cons of Elkay Sinks

Pros:

• Quartz sinks are strong, non-porous, stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant.
• Stainless steel sinks are lustrous, scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and compatible with most countertops.
• Fireclay sinks are timeless, durable, impact-resistant, and heat-resistant.
• Antimicrobial copper sinks have natural properties that kill harmful bacteria and viruses on contact.

Cons:

• Quartz sinks can be heavy and expensive.
• Stainless steel sinks can be noisy and prone to water spots.
• Fireclay sinks can be costly and require special cabinets.
• Antimicrobial copper sinks can be pricey and tarnish over time.

Related: Kraus vs Glacier Bay Sinks

Sink Structure Type

Kraus provides an array of sink structures that cater to different requirements and preferences. Their website lists undermount sinks, drop-in/top mount sinks, farmhouse sinks, and bar/prep sinks as some of their offerings.

Most Kraus sinks have a traditional box structure build and are spacious, with an average width of around 30 inches for their top-rated sinks. Kraus also offers single and double bowl options, which can cater to various user preferences and kitchen sizes.

Elkay’s website provides a Sink Selector tool that enables users to filter sinks by installation type, such as undermount, drop-in, farmhouse, and wall-mount options. This feature allows users to find the sink that best suits their kitchen needs and preferences.

In addition, Elkay offers scullery sinks that are specifically designed for commercial kitchens. These sinks come in three types: Dependabilt, Rigidbilt, and Weldbilt.

The scullery sinks are designed to withstand the rigorous demands of a commercial kitchen and are a durable option for those looking for a sturdy sink.

Durability

The durability of a kitchen sink is crucial for its daily usability and longevity.

Kraus kitchen sinks are known to be highly durable and can withstand daily use without showing any signs of scratches or spots for up to two years, provided they are well-maintained.

However, some Kraus sinks may have slow water drainage, which can lead to dampness and rust formation over time.

On the other hand, Elkay kitchen sinks are designed to be inherently durable with self-mitigating features. The fireclay and quartz sinks have a scratch-resistant and heat-resistant surface, making them ideal for rough use.

Additionally, Elkay sinks generally do not have issues with water drainage, ensuring a hassle-free experience for the user.

Material

When it comes to material, Kraus sinks are mainly made of T304 stainless steel, which is known for its toughness and resistance to rust and corrosion. Kraus sinks also have a TRU16 construction, with a real 16 gauge that is almost 1.5mm thick, making them highly durable and long-lasting.

In contrast, Elkay sinks are made of a variety of materials, including quartz, stainless steel, fireclay, and antimicrobial copper. While Elkay offers more diverse material options, Kraus’ focus on high-quality stainless steel provides a reliable and sturdy option for those looking for a durable sink.

Price Range

When it comes to price range, Kraus offers value for money kitchen sinks in all its price categories. With prices ranging from $250 to $500 USD for its top-rated sinks, Kraus provides reliable and durable options that are well-equipped for daily kitchen use.

On the other hand, Elkay’s budget options for kitchen sinks may not offer all the essential features and accessories that users need, which could be disappointing for some.

However, Elkay’s high-end sinks offer a wider range of options and do not lack in important features. These sinks are priced around $200 to $600 USD, providing a good range of options for those looking for a higher-end sink.

Ultimately, both brands offer different price ranges and options to suit various budgets and needs.

Customer Service

Having cooperative customer service can make the entire process of acquiring, setting up, and maintaining your kitchen sink much more manageable and stress-free.

Kraus has consistently received positive reviews from customers regarding their customer service. Users have praised the friendly and responsive attitude of the support staff, making their experience a positive one.

Likewise, ELKAY also provides helpful and efficient customer service. Users have reported a positive experience when dealing with their support staff.

Overall, having reliable and supportive customer service is an essential aspect to consider when purchasing a kitchen sink, and both Kraus and ELKAY seem to provide satisfactory service in this regard.

Conclusion

This article compared and contrasted Kraus and Elkay kitchen sinks in terms of their features, materials, designs, prices, and customer service. Both brands offer a variety of sink types, materials, and prices to suit different preferences and budgets.

Kraus sinks are known for their durability, versatility, and value for money, while Elkay sinks offer unique materials like quartz and antimicrobial copper.

Final thoughts and recommendations: Ultimately, the choice between Kraus and Elkay sinks depends on your individual needs and preferences.

If you prioritize durability, functionality, and affordability, then Kraus sinks might be a better fit for you.

However, if you’re looking for unique materials and high-end designs, Elkay sinks may be a better choice.

FAQs

 Are Kraus sinks easy to maintain?

While the box-like structure of some Kraus sinks can make them challenging to clean, their stainless steel construction is resistant to rust and corrosion, making them relatively easy to maintain.

 How do Elkay sinks compare in price to Kraus sinks?

Both brands offer sinks at a variety of price points, but Kraus generally provides better value for money in their mid-range to premium options, while Elkay offers more unique materials and designs at a higher price point.

 Do Kraus and Elkay sinks come with warranties?

Yes, both brands offer warranties on their sinks, with Kraus providing a limited lifetime warranty and Elkay offering various warranties depending on the sink type and materials.

What is the customer service like for Kraus and Elkay sinks?

Both brands have received positive feedback for their customer service, with friendly and responsive support staff.