Product Spotlight: Kohler Prolific

Every so often a new product comes onto market and I pause to think, "Now this is amazing". The Kohler Prolific sink is one of those products. It is often imitated by solid surface fabricators, but it is still the original, and extremely unique to any sink out there. This sink is the multimtaskers best friend. It is also an exceptional solution for anyone with limited counter space. So what makes it so special? Check out the video to see this revolutionary sink in action.

The Accessory Ledge
Franke was the first to come out with the accessory ledge, but Kohler perfected it. The Prolific kitchen sink features three accessory ledges, not just one, like many Franke options. The Prolific also comes with several accessories to make the most of the sink.

The Accessories

Two drying racks, a rinse bowl, colander, and a wooden cutting board. Franke sinks often have these accessories availability to those who want them, at a premium. Kohler did it right. The Prolific comes WITH the accessories in the box. The Prolific has a reasonable price tag without the surprise costs of the accessories.  I love the two drying racks. When placed on the top accessory ledge, they can expand your usable counter space.  Also, all accessories can be purchased alone, so if you want more, or misplace one, have no worries.

The Construction
The Prolific comes with 18guage 304 Stainless Steel. It has a folded construction, not punched. It features sound deadening pads on the underside. The only draw back to the Prolific sink is the 0 radius corners, which some find difficult to clean, and the lack of spray insulation.

Another construction feature of the Prolific I like, is the recessed disposal flange. This is a unique design that allowed for proper drainage and helps keep the disposal from getting blocked by pots and pans.

So that is the Kohler Prolific sink. One of my favorite sinks due to its versatility and many uses. This is one fun sink. It has an amazing price point, and packs a punch for getting things done with ease. I hope my readers like it as much as I do!!

Product Spotlight: Robern AiO Cabinet

How does technology into the bathroom? There are lots of ways to incorporate technology into the modern bathroom, and one of my favorite ways as with the Roeburn AiO cabinet. Both the medicine cabinet and light source in one, this dual function product is sure to wow.

Lighting
The Robert AiO cabinet features two LED light strips down either side of the cabinet. These light strips are the perfect task light for the bathroom. They equally light up either side of the users face for use when shaving and applying make up. Think of back stage lighting. Those light bulbs lined up along either side of a mirror. This is the LED solution from Robern. The AiO cabinet features an easy to use touch pad under the right light strip which can adjust brightness and turn the light on and off. There is also a small light bar on the interior of the cabinet that lights up when the door is open. Making it easy to find the SleepQuil when your insomnia is keeping you up.

Power
The Rober AiO cabinet also features a few outlets on the interior of the cabinet. Two USB and a 110 outlet means you can charge what you need to. If you a lucky enough to have a Kohler Moxie, you can charge it and your phone right from your medicine cabinet. It also features the one standard outlet, which is perfect for an electric toothbrush, razor, or anything else you want plugged in.

Options
The AiO cabinet has a ton of options. First, you can select from a single door cabinet or a double door cabinet. Here are also several width and height options. The AiO cabinet only comes in four inch depth, but it can be recessed into the wall or surface mounted, with an additional kit.

The AiO also features a handy magnetic doc which is perfect for those smaller items, such as tweezers and nail clippers. When paired with adjustable glass shelves, and interior mirrors and a magnifying mirror, this is definitely a go-to for any medicine cabinet. These cabinets can be banked together for smaller bathrooms, maximizing space and functionality.

6 Things to Know About Stainless Sinks

Stainless steel is one of the most popular sink materials across the U.S. So what do you need to know when purchasing your next kitchen sink? With so many different price points, how do you know your getting a good product and a good deal?

I have said in several previous posts, be sure to not cut corners on your sink, and I definitely stand by my previous posts. When getting a new sink, you are getting the hardest working product in your kitchen. Do not try to save on your sink. Why put a $200 sink under a $20,000 quartzite? I have seen it done. Once your under mount sink is cut in your new stone, there is no going back. 

So when you start shopping, how do you know what your getting? Why is a $2000 stainless sink any better than a $200 sink? They have the same guage, the same radius corners, they look the same. Well, I will tell you, they are different. When it comes to sinks, and ESPECIALLY stainless steel, you are definitely getting what you paid for. 

There are lots of things to consider. Gauge is definitely important, as well as grade of stainless. However none of that matters without a proper and quality construction. Then, once the sink is made, how is the underside? Does it have the proper insulation and sound pads? These are the things to look for, and I will teach you how to find them. 

Gauge

Stainless comes in several thicknesses, which is called gauge. The gauge of stainless steel usually ranges from 22 gauge to 16 gauge. Gauge is also numbered opposite what most people think. With stainless steel, the smaller the number, the thicker the steel. 22 and 20 gauge is typically cheap sinks at the big box stores, that usually range from $100-$250.

18 gauge is the minimum recommended thickness for kitchen use, but 16 gauge is preferred. Typically, the thicker the steel, the less noise, vibration, and less likely for dents. Now, don't get me wrong, all stainless will scratch, so don't let someone tell you that 16 gauge steel is less likely to scratch, because that just isn't true.

Grade
Stainless sinks get their strength and rust resistant qualities from the chromium and nickel content. This ratio is often 18/8, which is 18% chromium and 8% nickel. 304 is the most common stainless, and is 18/8. This is the recommended stainless for use in kitchen sinks, and available in all the different gauges of steel.

Sound Pads
Sounds pads are, well, sound pads. They reduce vibration and absorb sound on Stainless sinks. Each manufacturer is different. Some have pads on the bottom, some the sides, and some a combination of bottom and sides. Most brands include sound pads, including Kohler, Blanco, and Elkay

Insulation
Insulation is very important to me. Two of the biggest names in Stainless Sinks don't do insulation, and I have no clue why. Insulation is great for people who fill up a sink for hand washing. It does exactly what it says, insulated for temperature retention. Keep that hot soapy water hot. It also does something else. It insulates against noise and vibration also. It's not marketed for this, but after selling stainless for over 10 years, and banging around on more sinks than I dare to admit to. I can definitely tell the difference between a sink with only sound pads, and a sink with sound pads and insulation. If you don't believe me, then go bang on a few sinks and listen for yourself.

Construction 
Gauge, insulation,and sound pads don't mean anything without proper construction. Most stainless steel sinks are pulled onto a machine in sheet form and punched. It may start out at 18 or 16 gauge, but because of this construction method, there are thinner spots, and inconsistencies. The other construction method is welding. This is where they take a sheet Andy fold it like a box and weld the corners and edges. A 16 gauge punched sink may cost you $500,but the same sink welded will be over twice the price. Some examples of welded sinks are Julien and Franke. Some examples of punched sinks include Dayton and Franke USA. Most manufacturers won't tell you their construction method, this is where price really tells you the full story.

Corners
How can corners be important? Well, they are something to consider. Stainless sinks have a wide variety of corner radius sizes. The smaller the radius, the more contemporary the look. The other proble, with this, is difficulty to clean. I never recommend a 0 radius sink. This ,exams the corners are a perfect right angle, and will be difficult to clean. A 10mm radius is still a very contemporary look, but just enough of a radius for ease of cleaning. It's about the same size as a finger.

So this is the skinny on Stainless. These sinks are great sinks, when you accept the, for their flaws. (And by flaws I mean scratching). They look great and when you do your research and invest properly, your Stainless sink will last you decades.