Home renovations can be time-consuming, and not having the right fixtures for the house can extend that time.
Being a DIY enthusiast, I usually keep myself occupied with various projects. My love for fully involving myself in maintaining my house has led me to make cabinets, tables, and chairs that suit my style. However, my interest is not clouded by the fact that I cannot take on every project.
It is best to call a professional when repairing or installing certain fixtures in the house, like sinks or electrical equipment. However, I still like to be involved in the process, so I do ample research on top brands to get an idea of what I want.
Hi! My name is Stacy, and if your renovation plans are on hold because you don’t know what sink brand to go with, check out this review. Since the top two brands in the market are Kraus and Kohler, I am going to settle this old-fashioned way- with a battle of the brands.
That being said, may the best sink win!
Kraus Sinks vs. Kohler
In order to help you make an informed decision, I am going to give you some information on each brand first. After that, I shall compare them on various grounds, such as the sink size, weight, and material. Let’s begin by going into detail about Kraus.
Kraus
Brand Overview
This one has been a popular brand for quite some time, and for a good reason. Kraus manufactures high-quality sinks that blend into any home; no wonder this is becoming a go-to brand for homeowners. Plus, they have an entire catalog of pretty affordable products, and irrespective of price, you will always get stylish sinks.
One of the impressive factors about Kraus is that they manufacture sinks with stainless steel that makes them durable and high-quality. Additionally, it has cast iron components, so a bit of rough use does not harm the sink drastically. You will also appreciate that the sink tends to last a long time and won’t deteriorate due to prolonged use.
Now, coming to the design of the sinks. Most of them are 10 inches deep so that you can fit all sorts of pots and pans in them. They also have sinks with a granite or fireclay surface, which is smooth and easy to clean. Furthermore, they are versatile and blend in well with any kitchen interior.
- 100% ITALIAN-MADE A stunning union of time-tested quality and high-end craftsmanship made by Italian artisans with locally quarried HIGH-GRADE FIRECLAY Kraus proprietary blend with ultra-fine material structure prevents cracking and crazing STAIN-RESISTANT HIGH-GLOSS FINISH – Using advanced glazing technology and fired at high temperatures of 2300°F the extra-thick easy-to-maintain enameled finish offers unmatched protection against scratches and stains
- SMART REVERSIBLE FARMHOUSE DESIGN with center-set drain installs with modern flat apron front or traditionally-inspired rounded apron. SPACIOUS SINGLE BOWL – Oversized super-deep sink with straight sidewalls creates an uninterrupted workspace and accommodates large items like stockpots and baking sheets. SOLID COLOR: Colored all the way through to prevent fading and discoloration
- SOLID CORE CONSTRUCTION is incredibly durable unlike hollow-core competitor products that can crack under impact HEAT-RESISTANT UP TO 300°F – Extra-tough surface is impervious to temperature fluctuation and thermal shock NON-POROUS NATURALLY HYGIENIC smooth surface is impervious to bacteria from food preparation and easily wipes clean SUPER SILENT – Naturally sound-dampening fine fireclay eliminates noise and vibration when sink is in use So quiet no exterior soundproofing is needed
- OUTSTANDING QUALITY: A best selling sink with proven quality and dependability; made with heavy duty dent-resistant T304 stainless steel in TRU16 gauge (always 1.5mm thick) for lifelong durability
- WEAR-RESISTANT FINISH: Resilient and easy to clean commercial-grade satin finish resists corrosion and rust, matches most kitchen appliances
- QUIETEST SINK: NoiseDefend soundproofing technology features extra-thick pads covering over 80% of the sink and non-toxic undercoating for added insulation
Kraus
Pros
Cons
Kohler
Brand Overview
In this day and age, who does not know Kohler?
It is a very well-known brand that has been supplying the market with top-quality home fixtures for years. In fact, for a long time, Kohler was a leading brand. And, one of the reasons behind its popularity was the customizations available in their products. With Kohler, it is easy to have fixtures that match your style.
Kohler sinks are known to be durable and resistant to chipping, and sport a modern look. Made with stainless steel, these are just as durable as Kraus sinks. Plus, they have multiple designs such as double and single sinks that you can choose from. And the best part is that they are not too expensive. Although there are some expensive models, they have products to suit every budget.
- Enamel Cast Iron Sink with Tall, Self-Trimming Apron: 35.75-inch Whitehaven Sink is made of acid-resistant enameled cast iron and features a tall apron that overlaps the cabinet face for beautiful results; this sink can be used in new or existing standard cabinetry, DuneWhite
- Single Bowl Kitchen Sinks with Accessories: The 9-inch-depth bowl slopes towards drain to minimize water pooling and has an offset drain to increase workspace in the sink and storage space underneath; includes cutout templates for easy installation
- Single-Mount Sink: Whitehaven Sink can be installed as an undermount sink (installed below your countertop) with no faucet holes; use this versatile Whitehaven Sink as a farmhouse sink for indoor or outdoor kitchen sink
- Fits minimum 36 in. apron sink base cabinet
- Rear drain increases workspace in the sink and storage space underneath
- Self-Trimming apron overlaps the cabinet face for easy installation
Kohler
Pros
Cons
Battle Of The Sinks
Now, it’s time to get to the part you have been waiting for. We have established that both brands are as good as the other. However, to pick one, I drew out a list of factors to judge both brands on.
1. Material Used
When it comes to materials, both the brands aren’t too different from each other. Both use stainless steel that makes the sink more durable and attractive.
However, it is worth noting that Kohler usually uses 18 Gauge steel while Kraus uses 16 gauge. This is important to remember because a high gauge means the sink is thicker and more durable.
2. Varieties
In this aspect, Kraus and Kohler both have multiple sink types to offer. Whether it is a top mount, under mount, different sizes, or one with a workstation, both brands have a similar product range. It all comes down to what looks better to you.
3. User Friendliness
Both the sinks are easy to clean as they have smooth surfaces. One of the good things offered by both brands is a coating on the sink that ensures less noise while washing the dishes.
4. Durability
I have realized that Kraus sinks are a bit easier to maintain as they are resistant to scratches while Kohler sinks aren’t. Moreover, Kohler sinks are best used regularly as they can rust when not used for a long time.
5. Price
The price of both brands depends on what you choose and whether you opt for customization. However, on picking a few, I concluded that while Kohler has many low-cost designs, the higher-end ones can be pretty expensive. This is not the case in Kraus, as some high-end sinks are still more affordable than Kohler.
Final Verdict
And that’s all, folks. As I bring this Kraus sinks vs. Kohler battle to an end, I hope the confusion between the two has cleared, at least a little.
It is clear that both Kohler and Kraus are neck and neck in terms of quality, design, and materials used. Both the brands use the best resources to ensure the sinks last a long time. After all, changing sinks every year is not a smart option, even for the wealthiest people.Â
In my opinion, Kraus is an excellent option for people installing new sinks for the first time. It is affordable and relatively easy to work with. However, if you can extend the budget, no brand compares to the craftsmanship Kohler offers. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal preference.Â
On that note, it is time for me to sign off. See you soon with many more reviews and guides.
Until next time!