Review on 30-Inch Stainless Steel Kraus KHU100-30 Kitchen Sink by Tony Battaglia

For those of you who are unsure about purchasing a sink with little to no feedback, I've done a lot of research on sinks in this price range and narrowed my options down to the Kraus and Vigo Zero Radius VG3219C (also with sieve and lower grid). Both were very close in price, I couldn't decide on one just by looking online and reading a few reviews, so I ordered both (so I could really touch their shells). Both sinks arrived the same day (Vigo ordered from Home Cheapo). I don't usually feel compelled to write a review. Here's a comparison: Company: Kraus: You may have read in a review of the 32 inch version of this sink that Kraus sinks are made in China and have gone to great lengths to hide this. It's true, it's made in China with a fake German name. So if you're only interested in buying something made in North America or in countries known for their quality products (like Germany), then don't buy this sink. Vigo: Made in China, sold from New Jersey (Note: I don't know why, but everything I've ever bought in New Jersey, or any online tailor I've bought in New Jersey, has always been a scam or fake .weird) Packaging: Kraus (11 out of 10): The best packaging I have ever received. The box is airtight and made from incredibly strong, thick cardboard, everything inside is stuffed like crazy with foam, and the sink itself is packed in a canvas bag. Please note that this is actually a Kraus package, not Revain. Vigo (3 out of 10): Weak cardboard. Badly glued. Thin foam layer on top and bottom. The elements could well invade. I can't say if Revain will reinforce the packaging, Home Cheapo definitely won't. to the drain, I know you are drawn to this style. Looks fantastic - just like the manufacturer's photos. Vigo (10 out of 10): The sink looks really nice. As shown in the manufacturer's photos. Finish: Both are 16 gauge stainless steel. I know you're wondering if it feels as smooth as that $1,000+ sink you drooled over at the kitchen and bathroom store, or if it feels rough. Here's the opinion: Kraus (8 out of 10): Very similar to those expensive shells. I'm really surprised how smooth it is. I think I could only tell the difference if I had two next to each other. One note: the corners of this sink are machined (unlike expensive zero-radius sinks that are hand-soldered together), and the premium smooth finish of the rest of the sink doesn't seem to feel the same around the corners. . Actually, it doesn't bother me at all. The difference is not big, but noticeable. I didn't want to try and scratch my new sink to see how it would hold up. I am sorry. They weren't there, so that's a good sign. I plan to use the bottom grille for extra protection. Let me reiterate that the finish on this sink far exceeded my expectations. Vigo (3 out of 10): Feels terrible. Like sandpaper. It arrived with many scratches on the inside of the shell. It turned out someone had already opened it (I blame Home Cheapo for passing it off as a new product, I doubt they sent it back to Vigo to be repackaged). The quality of the Vigo was below average, and the zero-radius corners (factory brewed in China!) didn't even go all the way up in one corner, so there was literally a hole in the sink (their quality control says). Sound Absorbing Material: Kraus (10 out of 10): Most if not all stainless steel sinks I've seen have the entire underside covered in hardened foam. It was applied thicker on the Kraus than on most other stainless steel sinks I've seen (in all price ranges). That made me happy. There are also sound deadening patches in strategic places (see photos). The location of the patches is excellent. These patches are also good and thick. Vigo (5 out of 10): The foam wasn't as thick as Kraus's. The sound deadening pads were also very thin and poorly placed. But hey, they were there. Conclusion: Kraus: The quality of this sink never fails to impress me. Looks and feels like a very expensive sink. You can't do better in this price range. Vigo: Shipped from ever-dark New Jersey. Scratched and hole in one corner. Not smooth at all. It looked beautiful, but didn't fool anyone. I sent it back quickly. UPDATE: I've been using this sink for a while now and my wife and I keep telling ourselves how much we love it. We used the bottom grid and the sink still looks as good as the day we bought it. We use this sink with a Moen Lindley faucet and they go really well together. Finally, small radius corners are very easy to clean and I'm very glad we didn't go for a zero radius corner. I would buy this sink again (if circumstances ever arise).