Stainless steel sinks are good for heavy duty use, as they are durable, heat- and stain-resistant, and easy to maintain. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as being noisy, showing water spots and scratches, and being prone to denting if made of thin gauges. Therefore, if you are looking for a stainless steel sink for heavy duty use, you may want to consider the following factors:

The gauge of the steel. The gauge refers to the thickness of the metal, and it ranges from 14 to 22 for most sinks. The lower the gauge, the thicker and heavier the steel, and the more resistant it is to denting and noise. However, thicker steel also means higher cost and more difficulty in installation. A good compromise is to choose a sink with a gauge between 16 and 18.

The finish of the steel. The finish refers to the surface texture of the metal, and it affects how easily it shows scratches and water marks. There are three main types of finishes: satin, brushed, and polished. Satin finish has a smooth and shiny surface that reflects light well, but it also shows fingerprints and smudges more easily. Brushed finish has a matte and slightly rough surface that hides scratches and water marks better, but it also dulls the shine of the metal. Polished finish has a mirror-like surface that is very glossy and attractive, but it also shows every imperfection and requires frequent polishing.

The sound-absorbing features of the sink. As mentioned earlier, stainless steel sinks can be noisy when water or utensils hit the surface. To reduce this noise, some sinks have sound-absorbing pads or spray on the exterior sides and bottom of the sink. These features can help dampen the sound and make the sink quieter. According to Consumer Reports, sound-absorbing pads perform better than sound-absorbing spray or a thicker gauge of steel in reducing noise.