I just purchased the Franke Orca sink three weeks ago. I paid $594.00. I checked around online and found Luxury Home Outlet had the best price. I then called Faucet Direct and asked if they would match the price if I bought it from them. The gentleman on the phone stated they would sell it to me for that price along with free shipping. It came within 5 days. Prices are going up. Had I bought the Orca two weeks prior I would have paid $564.00. I ordered the bottom shelf and right hand shelf from Sink Pros.The bottom shelf was $115.00 and the little shelf was $70.00. That was the best price I could find for the Stainless Steel grids. I did not want Chrome because they are coated and the coating will get destroyed with hot pots etc. ( just a little tip). Good luck with your search.

I bought all my Franke items on ebay from 2 different companies at the end of 2006. No issues. After I purchased the Orca sink from one vendor (which was a great price), I found a company that was discontinuing their Franke line. I made out like a bandit buying my faucet and sink accessories from them.

valinsv, sorry I somehow missed your post when I reread this initially. My base cabinet is a standard 24" depth that is just pulled forward 3" (actually 2 1/4", to make the turn posts line up with raised panel door, I guess) . Anyway, I have a window sill that will be 4 1/2" above the counter that comes out 2 1/4" from the wall and takes up any extra space I would have gained to put faucets and things. I just measured and the sink is actually 20" front to back including the lip at the widest point of the sink. The opening is 18 3/4" front to back with 1/2" lip all the way around. If they require 3" of counter in front of the sink opening, there will 1 1/2" overhang, plus the opening will have to be set back another 1 1/2" into the sink base. I am confusing myself here but I believe it goes like this: The actual cabinet opening is 22 7/8" wide, because the 24" depth includes the thickness of the plywood used to construct it, not the opening size. Assuming 3" in front of the sink opening, requiring the sink to be set back 1 1/2 inches into the cabinet opening, the back of sink cutout would be 20 1/4 inches from the front of the cabinet, leaving only 2 3/8" from the the back of the sink opening to the back of the cabinet opining. In that space is the 1/2" back lip to the sink. That only leaves 1 7/8" to fit the SD in, and I can't believe that would be enough room. Oh, bother as Winnie the Pooh would say. I think I just proved that it won't fit there. The GD switch is an air switch. Placement was general not exact. I would actually like a little more space between it and the faucet to make cleaning easier. I just like it near the faucet because you are already reaching back to turn the water on before starting the GD so it seemed to make sense to keep the two together. Assuming now that the SD won't fit where I wanted it, this is probably what I will have to go with: The SD bottle likely won't be in use much because I ordered a neverMT and I don't think you install the bottle part with those. But it is a consideration. However, I think that issue is resolved by moving it to the left side. If I made any errors in math or wrong assumptions here, anyone, please tell me. The template is Tuesday and the kitchen installer won't be involved to help me because I went outside him in order to get the quartz (he only does granite). He is OK with it, just not responsible for the outcome. Now, does anyone know how much space is required between the sink opening and the faucet hole? Sue

I guess am the lone Blanco Super Single person on this thread. I love its symmetrical rectangular shape. I know the Orca is very popular; it's just not me. I have the Blanco Diamond Super Single, and I love its corner drain - now I could never go back to a drain in the center! I do not have an issue with room for the faucet behind the sink, and I really like that my faucet is perfectly centered. That's just my taste to prefer it over the Orca. I have the Silgranit Blanco Diamond. I couldn't stand the scratches and watermarks of previous stainless steel sinks I've had. I am actually on my third kitchen reno, and therefore will be getting my third Silgranit Super Single. So that's a clear sign I've been happy with them! Bookworm - If you like the Orca, it comes in Fireclay also, which you might prefer so that you don't have the issues with stainless steel that your salesperson mentioned (and that I too dislike). What the salesperson said about the Orca scratching - all stainless steel scratches. You can get a grid to protect it and prevent scratches, but don't believe anyone who says one stainless steel sink scratches less than another. The brushed finish he mentioned will show scratches less glaringly, but believe me, you will see the scratches with a brushed finish too. Several mentions of a colander in this thread. I use two: RSVP Endurance Colander fits over sink - I use for washing fruits and vegetables - I just pull out my faucet's sprayer and rinse; this colander drains really well RSVP Precision 5 qt- Colander - I use for larger jobs, and due to my large single-bowl sink, there is plenty of room for it in the sink. I pour boiling pasta into it, rinse rice, wash a chicken, etc; it drains great, and the little ring-stand at the bottom allows for better drainage than other colanders I've had This post was edited by Mrs_Nyefnyef on Sat, Aug 3, 13 at 21:58