Gunmetal Kitchen Sinks Buying Guide
A gunmetal kitchen sink is a stainless steel sink with a dark metallic finish, darker than plain stainless and softer than matte black. This collection includes gunmetal sinks from Meir, Phoenix, Fienza, Caroma and Oliveri, from a 272mm mini sink to a 1160mm double bowl with drainer. It suits modern kitchens with dark, grey or timber tones, where polished steel feels too bright.
What colour is a gunmetal sink?
Gunmetal is a deep metallic grey that sits between stainless steel and black. Makers use different names for it. Meir uses Gunmetal Black and Brushed Gunmetal, Phoenix uses Brushed Carbon, Fienza uses Gun Metal and Carbon Metal, and Caroma and Oliveri use Gunmetal. The tones differ slightly, so if you are matching a sink and a mixer, compare them under your own kitchen lighting.
How is the gunmetal colour applied?
Most gunmetal sinks use PVD, or physical vapour deposition, which bonds a thin, hard coloured layer to the stainless steel in a vacuum chamber. PVD is more durable than paint or powder coating. The Fienza Hana Gun Metal sinks add an anti-scratch finish. Even so, every coating can be marked by sharp objects and harsh cleaners.
Do gunmetal sinks scratch?
They can, like any sink. A brushed finish, such as Meir Brushed Gunmetal or Phoenix Brushed Carbon, hides fine marks better than a smooth one. Use a sink grid in the base to protect the finish from pots and cutlery. Some Fienza Hana Carbon Metal sinks include a sink protector. Avoid dragging cast iron pans across the bowl.
What thickness of stainless steel is best?
Thicker steel is quieter and resists dents better. The Phoenix 4000 Series and Fienza Hana sinks are made from 1.2mm 304 stainless steel, which is a common benchmark for quality kitchen sinks. Meir's PVD sinks are made from 1.5mm 304 stainless steel. Grade 304 resists rust and corrosion in everyday kitchen use.
What size gunmetal sink do I need?
Choose by cabinet width and how you cook. The Meir 272mm mini sink suits a bar or butler's pantry. Single bowls from 440mm to 760mm suit most kitchens. The Meir 1.5 bowl 670mm and Phoenix 1-3/4 bowl give a main bowl plus a prep bowl. Double bowls, such as the Caroma Urbane II double and Meir 860mm, separate washing from rinsing. The Oliveri Spectra sinks have no tap hole, so the mixer mounts on the bench.
How do I clean a gunmetal sink?
Wipe it with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, then dry it to prevent water spots and mineral build-up. Do not use bleach, chlorine, acidic cleaners, steel wool or abrasive creams. Rinse away food acids such as lemon juice and vinegar quickly.
Completing the room
Compare other dark options in black kitchen sinks, or carry the tone through the home with gunmetal showers and gun metal door handles and hardware at The Blue Space.
