NyefNyef By "called Blanco", I meant I telephoned Blanco's US HQ and asked them to find me their sink within a 200 mile radius of my home. They pointed me to their regional sales teams, who could not locate it readily available, or in their nat'l warehouse. They said most of the time, nobody really stocks them and they're all custom ordered. No matter. Amazon & FedEx came thru. cal Ditto! I'd love to FedEx them too. breezyThanks for answering my original question. My suspicion was that they weren't as good, just based on how often I see Blanco mentioned and never hear the other makers. And compared to what we've spent already on things, you're right that $100 is a small price to get exactly what we wanted exactly when we need it.

One fact: 16 gauge is a better quality sink than 18 gauge and likely to be quieter. That accounts for some price difference. As long as the size, depth and drain placement are what's required, 16-gauge stainless sinks are a fixture where money can be saved. The x factor is whether the grid or any accessory needed is included or not. I've used a top of the line Julien sink and an 18-gauge Elkay. The maintenance is the same, they will both give a lifetime of service and they are both cleaned in the same way. The difference can be the surface finish (mirror, brushed, satin etc) and how that choice works vs expectations of how the sink should look both during use and after cleaning. Ditto on ditch the dish drainer.

Joseph, we are doing a new build. I like this sink. You mentioned its your second best selling sink. Wondering what your best seller is? Do you have experience with the silvermist color (staining/watermarks)? Do you have any installation tips I could pass on to my builder? I really appreciate all your very helpful adviice...thanks.

I am close to starting a kitchen renovation that includes an Elkay Quartz Luxe in Silvermist. My son bought a home that has an Elkay classic quartz in black. He already has a white cloudy stain in the faint shape of a circle-like a bowl- that sat in the sink. They have no idea what could have caused this to happen and have tried everything to remove it but it seems to be permanent. So now I am worried and wonder I should switch to stainless. Is it not ok to leave dishes sit in a quartz sink when you are rushing out the door to work or having a midnight snack?