Discover how stainless steel sinks stay relevant to kitchen design and the needs of consumers, combining practicality and style

Spectra is a collection of PVD stainless steel sinks, from Rangemaster, available in a choice of Gold, Graphite or Copper, and can be inset or undermount

There’s arguably few kitchen products that can dominate the market, from the entry level to the premium market, quite like the stainless steel sink. Combining practicality with fashion appeal, the stainless steel sink has remained at the forefront of kitchen design.

Product marketing manager at Rangemaster Jennifer Townsend comments: “Stainless steel is the kitchen’s original multitasker – light to fit, hard to beat.

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“Despite the buzz around composites, stainless steel still commands around 74% of UK sink sales.”

And Blanco brand communications manager Tamsin Mills points out why stainless steel has remained at the top for so long: “This dominance is attributed to stainless steel’s durability, affordability and versatility in design.”

Practical material

Indeed, the practicality of the stainless steel cannot be underplayed.

The Franke Mythos stainless steel sink range features eight undermount models and four inset options which can be installed as an inset Slimtop or an undermount

Jennifer Townsend of Rangemaster comments: “Kitchen designers and retailers return to it time and again because one fitter can easily manoeuvre an 18/10 stainless steel bowl, and the materials resists heat, stainless and everyday knocks – qualities that are helping stainless steel gain in the mid and premium segments.”

Alongside this, stainless steel is recyclable, a tick in the box for eco-conscious consumers.

Business development manager for Franke UK Keelea Badham explains: “Material and colour trends are continually evolving but stainless steel it the material that never goes out of fashion because is assures long-lasting style and performance in any kitchen design.

“It also delivers sustainable design, which is increasingly important to consumers.

“Our sinks are made from nearly 80% recycled content, and are recyclable at their end of life, as well as being guaranteed for nearly 50 years and these factors keep stainless steel a very relevant sink choice in a consumer’s mind.”

Design versatility

It is also the sheer variety of options available in stainless steel – from shallow to deep bowls, single to multiple options, inset to undermount, and contemporary Belfast through to multi-level workstation – that sees the material unrivalled for choice.

Infinity Smart apron-front sinks, from Clearwater, come in two single bowl sizes with integrated ledges to accommodate accessories

“Not only is stainless steel naturally strong and hygienic, but it’s ability to also be precision engineered is second to none when it comes to sink design for the contemporary and classic kitchen”, explains product manager at Abode Dan Biddle.

And manufacturers have worked hard to keep pushing the boundaries of stainless steel sink design with a variety of technology, keeping it at the forefront of sales.

It has seen the development of scratch resistance surfaces, introduction of a palette of colours, coating to repel water and dirt, noise reduction for open-plan schemes, and electronic wastes. The list goes on…

Keelea Badham of Franke UK states: “Stainless steel sinks continue to grow market share because they continue to evolve in line with market trends and demands.

“Dynamic product development keeps the product very relevant, for example in just the last two years, we’ve introduced a range of metallic sinks, metallic waste kitchens for customising designs, an oversize bowl and a model with a quiet quilting system to cater for different aesthetic and ergonomic desires.”

Material innovation

Pushing the boundaries of materials and meeting the aesthetics of a rich, luxurious kitchen living space.

The Koto collection of kitchen sinks, from Abode, has been designed for durability, with a hydrophobic surface, and comes in a choice of PVD Brushed Brass or PVD Black finishes

The brilliance of chrome stainless steel has been joined by satin and brushed finishes and PVD finishes offering darker and warmer metallic colours to co-ordinate with taps.

Blanco offers Durinox and Dark Steel offering a matt look and which it reports provides scratch and fingerprint resistance.

Whereas Franke offers PVD gold, copper and anthracite finishes on its premium Masterpiece range, together with F-Inox coating that repels water and oils.

“It makes the sink easier to keep clean and looking spotless, and with a luxury metallic sink at a premium price, that’s what customers want.

“These are the kind of benefits that will help grow the segment as retails and consumers gain confidence in the product”, says Keelea Badham of Franke.

Popular choices

But what is the most popular model? It seems an undermount offered in a variety of bowl options to span consumer needs is the go-to for kitchen designers and retailers. Versatility is key.

The seven-strong New York sink series, from Reginox, comes in four colours – Copper, Gold, Gun Metal and Matt Black. See all the bowl options at www.rdr.link/KBH000

Brand manager of St James England Kevin Currie says: “The Otto undermount is the most popular model in the St James Living Kitchens collections thanks to its traditional styling that makes it perfectly suited to an array of kitchen styles.

“What’s more, it’s available in small and large single bowls, as well as offset bowls in left or right-hand options.”

Dan Biddle, product manager of Abode, also points to the flexibility in a range as sealing its popularity: “Our range of System Sync kitchen sinks allow UK homeowners to select a format that is right for them with three available bowl sizes.

“I believe its popularity stems from its ability to cater to both small and spacious kitchen environments, while providing a customisable user experience in terms of essential food prep, cooking and dishwashing.”

Price ladder

It is reflected by steady sales across the board, with Franke having recently replaced its Ariane with Smart range, featuring larger bowls for the low-mid segment.

Blanco Claron features corner radii of 10mm, comes with concealed overflow and InFino drain, and is shown here in Dark Steel

It is why industry experts say a variety of prices needs to be reflected in the kitchen showroom.

Creating a price ladder encouraging consumers to compare, contrast and potentially trade up is all important for retail environments.

Jennifer Townsend of Rangemaster states: “Versatility seals the deal, and displaying multiple styles is key. For example, a compact single bowl sink, a colourful PVD model and a slim bowl that can be inset or undermounted can illustrate ‘good-better-best’ in a showroom without juggling multiple suppliers.”

Certainly the stainless steel sink market shows no signs of slowing.

Tamsin Mills of Blanco supports this view, offering market insight: “According to a report by DataIntelo, the global stainless steel kitchen sink market was valued at approximately 2.5billion USD in 2023 and is projected to reach around 4.1billion USD by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.5% during this period.”

So ensure you stay ahead offering a variety of stainless steel sink designs and covering a wide choice of budgets.