Elkay - Complete Sink & Water Solutions Guide
Looking for quality sinks? Home Essentials Direct carries the full Elkay line of stainless steel sinks, composite sinks, drinking fountains, and water delivery products. This guide helps you choose the right sink material, style, and configuration.
About Elkay
Founded in 1920 in Chicago by Leopold Katz and his son Louis, Elkay has grown from a small sink manufacturer to America-s largest producer of stainless steel sinks. The name combines the founders- initials: L. Katz = L-K = Elkay. Products are proudly made in the USA.
Elkay By the Numbers
- Founded: 1920 in Chicago, Illinois
- Headquarters: Downers Grove, Illinois
- Market Position: #1 U.S. stainless steel sink manufacturer
- Manufacturing: Made in USA at multiple facilities
- Innovation: Pioneers of bottle filling stations
Kitchen Sink Materials
See our Kitchen Sink Buying Guide for detailed material comparisons.
Stainless Steel
Elkay-s signature material. Benefits include:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Heat resistant
- Affordable across price points
- Matches stainless appliances
Available in multiple gauges (thickness) - see Gauge Guide below.
Quartz Luxe (Granite Composite)
Elkay-s premium composite material. Made from natural quartz and acrylic resins:
- Heat resistant up to 535 degrees F
- Scratch and stain resistant
- Non-porous, hygienic surface
- Rich colors: white, black, gray, brown, bisque
- Matte finish hides water spots
Fireclay
Traditional ceramic material for farmhouse sinks:
- Classic apron-front look
- Fired at extremely high temperatures
- Durable glossy finish
- Heavy - requires reinforced cabinet
Sink Mounting Styles
| Mount Type | Installation | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undermount | Below countertop | Clean look, easy countertop cleanup, no rim to trap debris | Requires solid countertop (granite, quartz) |
| Drop-In (Top Mount) | Sits in cutout | Works with any countertop, easy DIY install | Rim collects debris, dated look |
| Farmhouse (Apron) | Front extends past cabinet | Statement piece, deep basin, timeless style | Requires special cabinet, expensive |
| Flush Mount | Level with countertop | Seamless modern look | Complex installation, limited availability |
Elkay Sink Collections
Crosstown Collection
Modern undermount sinks with zero-radius corners. Contemporary styling for modern kitchens:
- Sharp 90-degree corners
- Thin rim profile
- Single and double bowl options
- Workstation models with accessories
Lustertone Collection
Elkay-s classic stainless steel line. The most popular choice for decades:
- Traditional radius corners
- Lustrous satin finish
- Every size and configuration available
- Excellent value
Quartz Luxe Collection
Premium granite composite sinks in designer colors:
- Dusk Gray, Charcoal, White, Bisque, Greige
- Undermount and dual mount options
- Matching bar sinks available
Fireclay Collection
Traditional farmhouse sinks in crisp white fireclay:
- 30" and 33" apron-front options
- Single bowl designs
- Compatible with farmhouse cabinet bases
EZH2O Bottle Filling Stations
Elkay pioneered touchless water bottle refilling. Features:
- Touchless sensor activation
- Built-in filtration
- Green ticker shows bottles saved
- Ideal for offices, schools, gyms
Stainless Steel Gauge Guide
Gauge measures steel thickness. Lower gauge = thicker steel = better quality.
| Gauge | Thickness | Quality Level | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 gauge | 0.0625" | Commercial grade | Heaviest duty, most dent resistant |
| 18 gauge | 0.0500" | Premium residential | Excellent durability, sound dampening |
| 20 gauge | 0.0375" | Standard residential | Good quality, most common |
| 22 gauge | 0.0312" | Budget | Economy option, can dent more easily |
Our recommendation: 18-gauge for kitchen sinks. The extra thickness provides better sound dampening and dent resistance.
Elkay FAQ
Are Elkay sinks made in the USA?
Yes! Elkay manufactures stainless steel sinks in the United States. Their main manufacturing facilities are located across the country, maintaining American jobs since 1920.
What gauge stainless steel should I choose?
18-gauge is recommended for kitchen sinks. It provides excellent durability, sound dampening, and dent resistance. 20-gauge is acceptable for bar sinks or budget projects. Avoid 22-gauge for primary kitchen use.
What is the Elkay warranty?
Elkay offers a limited lifetime warranty on most residential sinks for the original purchaser. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. Commercial products may have different terms.
Can I use undermount with laminate countertops?
No. Undermount sinks require solid surface countertops like granite, quartz, or solid surface materials. For laminate countertops, choose a drop-in (top mount) sink.
Related Resources
- Kitchen Sink Buying Guide
- Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide
- Hansgrohe Faucets - Pair with your new sink
- Grohe Faucets
- Home Improvement Glossary
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