Our New Kitchen Products Display

Filed under Kitchens, New in the Showroom by on August 23, 2011 at 11:07 am {no comments}

We are pleased to announce the completion of the first phase of remodel of our kitchen display area. This new space allows us to increase our display of kitchen sinks and faucets so you can see and feel more products.

Today the Internet makes it possible to discover so many products that we might never discover shopping at our local home center. That’s a plus certainly, but what you cannot do online is see things firsthand; we all know that what looks good in a picture may be different in reality.

We now offer the largest selection of kitchen plumbing products in the Napa Valley. Our new kitchen features sinks by Blanco, Elkay, Julien, Lenova, Native Trails, Oliveri and Rohl. We have copper, stainless steel (several grades), fireclay and quartz/granite composite in under-mount, work-top, self-rimming and apron front configurations.

Our faucet displays include Grohe, Hansgrohe, KWC, Elkay, Blanco, Brizo, Harrington Brass, American Standard, Moen and Rohl (plus a few more). Our faucet selection also includes taps for filtration and hot water by Mountain, Franke and ISE.

The following are a few highlights of our kitchen.

Elkay has always been known for their stainless steel products but in the last few years they have added copper, cast bronze and fireclay to their collection. The Explore fireclay group includes a beautiful double bowl under-mount model that would be beautiful in any kitchen. Fireclay is a very hard work surface and this sink features a curved shape and thin line divider for greater bowl capacity. We display the Explore in white but it is also available in “Terra Cotta”.

Elkay Explore Undermount Fireclay Sink

Brizo introduced their “Smart Touch” technology a couple of years ago and it has been a huge hit. “Smart Touch” allows the user to turn the water on and off with a touch anywhere on the faucet. This is a great option for both cooks and for those who may have limits on their ability to grip a handle.

Julien make (mostly) 16g sinks for those who want the best. Made in Quebec Julien designs are made in standard residential designs as well as some products not seen from other vendors. A good example is their worktop group. This unique design integrates a large work bowl with storage for knives and other kitchen tools right at your fingertips; and the raised backsplash protects the wall. You can learn more about Julien sinks here.

Julien Worktop sink

Residential interpretations of restaurant pre-rinse faucets have become very popular lately and I think few companies do it as well as Blanco. The Meridian Semi-Professional offers the high arc spring spray in proportions appropriate to a typical residential kitchen.  It is also ergonomically designed making the spray comfortable to use for anyone.

Blanco Meridian Semi-Professional

Franke is a well known and respected name in kitchen products. The vision model was introduced a few years ago and quickly became a classic. Slightly larger than a typical double bowl this sink features the fine finish that sets Franke apart from the rest.

Franke VNX12037 Vision Undermount

Rohl set an industry standard with the Shaws fireclay farm sink. Rohl’s Allia sinks use the fireclay material for typical double and single bowl counter sinks and this year introduced “matte black” in addition to white and biscuit. We currently feature both Shaws farm sinks and Allis matte black sinks on display.

Rohl Allia Matte Black Double Bowl Under Mount

This is a sampling of our new kitchen but there are many more things to see. We invite you to visit and see for yourself.

Apron Front or Farm Sinks – Firestone, Copper, Stainless and More!

Filed under Kitchens by on August 3, 2011 at 2:44 pm {no comments}

Farm or apron front sinks first started to appear for general residential use in this country in the 1990’s. These sinks began as reproductions of fireclay sinks long common in England. Today these sinks are made of stone, stainless steel, copper, cast iron and even Corian.

Elkay Fireclay Dbl Farm Sink

I think the original appeal of the farm sink was twofold. It had the traditional country look and added a new design element to a kitchen. Farm sinks are also practical, offering a large work-space and solid construction.

London Farm Sink by Porcher

If you are interested in an apron front sink there are some things to know. A classic apron front sink is made of fireclay, not ceramic or china. Fireclay is a much harder, more durable surface that can withstand the wear and tear of kitchen work. A fireclay sink is fired at a very high temperature which fuses the glaze and clay making a rock hard surface. While a ceramic sink may look good new, it will not stand the test of time. Ever seen an old ceramic plate where the glaze is starting to wear out? It will scratch and stain at the wear points. Imagine that on your kitchen sink.

Rohl RC4018 Casement Front Farm Sink

The other thing to look for is that the sink you select is not warped or asymmetric. These are common flaws so look for a quality brand. Years ago a major fixture company introduced some fireclay sinks at a very competitive price point but the sinks came from a B grade factory. The result was almost every sink we ordered was warped or otherwise defective (although serviceable if appearance wasn’t a concern).

Blanco Magnum Apron Front Sink with Towel Bar

One last thing to understand about these sinks is that the bottom is often flat. This is in some ways desirable but be aware that sometimes some water remains on the floor of the sink instead of running into the drain.

Norwich by Sierra Copper

Fireclay apron front sinks are usually available 25”, 30” 36” and sometimes 40”. Most are single bowl although there are a few doubles too. The front is typically smooth and there are some models with a step detail that adds to the traditional look.

Kohler Whitehaven Cast Iron Self Trimming Apron Sink

The information above applies to classic fireclay sinks but today apron front sinks are also available in several other materials.
I believe that Kohler is the only manufacturer making apron front sinks from cast iron (Kohler also uses fireclay). Cast iron has long been a top choice for kitchen sinks but its popularity has decreased over time. This is probably due mostly to changes in the manufacturing requirements that have lead many companies to move away from cast iron. Kohler makes what they call a “self trimming” sink which reduces the need to trim the cabinet. I think it is true to say that when it comes to cast iron, Kohler is king.

Elkay ELUHFS2816 Stainless Apron Sink

Stainless steel is another common choice for apron front sinks. Elkay, Blanco and Kohler all offer such sinks but it is Julien that has brought some new design to the idea. Their “Worktop” group isn’t actually a true apron front but gives the same impression with a thick front edge and function backsplash. They also have step front, bow and square front models some with a front drawer.

Julien Classic Collection with Drawer

If you are looking for an entirely different look you might consider an apron sink made of copper or stone. Copper is actually a good choice for the kitchen because it has natural anti-bacterial properties. Copper is probably not the right choice if you don’t like a rustic look as it is going to be a “living” material that will react to water and other liquids that come into contact with it.

Sierra Copper Apron Design

But if a rustic look appeals to you there are many design options available. Native Trails’ collection focuses on plain front on a standard or bow front design. Sierra Copper has a selection of custom designs that may be added to most aprons. The choices available in copper provide a lot of options.

Native Trails Edna Valley Sink

Stone is the last material I will discuss and it is probably the least often used. There are a few different types of stone used for kitchen sinks. Soapstone is a traditional choice. We do not sell soapstone here so, while I have heard many different things about its suitability for the kitchen I do not have any first-hand information. Granite is another choice. Granite is a hard surface and there are some beautiful products made from it. It does require some care and it is possible to stain granite. My feeling is that if you want the unique look of a granite sink go ahead but be aware that it will require some care to maintain it’s look.

Stone Farm sink with Carved Face - R. A. Magnus

Julien – Excellance in Stainless Steel (and more)

Filed under Kitchens, New in the Showroom by on May 11, 2011 at 5:23 pm {no comments}

Julien began as a supplier of kitchen accessories to restaurants in 1946. Leo Julien’s company struggled a bit in the early years but by the 1960’s it was going strong and was awarded the contract to supply kitchen equipment to “Expo 67” in Montreal. In 1995 the company was purchased by a group of its executives whose vision to grow Julien through excellence continues to succeed. Today Julien is known for kitchen products of high quality and design.

Julien Worktop Sink Classic Collection

Julien is known mostly for its stainless steel kitchen sinks, although they also make sinks of fireclay and granite composite. Most of the SS sinks are 16g (the J18 collection is the exception) and are available as under mount, farmhouse or “Worktop” models.

The 16g handcrafted group includes 5 collections; UrbanEdge, J7, Classic, Vintage, Trapezoid and Apron Front/Worktop.

Julien UrbanEdge

You may be familiar with the modern look that many commercial stainless steel sinks have. This is the result of the tight “zero radius” inside corners characteristic of these sinks. The Julien UrbanEdge collection brings this modern look to the residential kitchen with under-mount models in single and double bowl configurations.

Julien J7 Sink

The Julien J7 series builds on the zero radius concept but improves it for home use by opening those tight corners ever so slightly to 7mm. This keeps the crisp look but allows for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Julien Classic Collection with Accessory Drawer

The Julien Classic Collection has rounded corners which are welded and polished by hand. This collection has a softer, more traditional look while still displaying the large interior so typical of Julien. The Classic Collection also includes Julien’s entire stainless Farm House and Worktop sink group.

Julien Vintage Series Sink

The Julien Vintage Collection is a hybrid; the crisp geometry of the UrbanEdge softened with curves for a transitional style. The Vintage Collections uses zero radius corners.

Julien Trapezoid Series

The Julien Trapezoid Collection takes the zero radius and creates a unique shape for a striking design that maximizes cabinet space. Currently available is six configurations for under mounting.

Julien J18 Collection Sink

All the Julien collections discussed above are made in Canada using 16 gauge American steel (type 304). Julien also offers a collection of 18 gauge sinks, the J18 collection. These are also made in Canada from American steel and feature an 18mm inside radius (slightly smaller than the 23mm of the Classic Collection). To my eye this is a perfect balance and makes a sink with a generous bowl. This is a solid product.

Julien Fireclay Farm Sink and Undermount

Julien excels at working with stainless steel but it is not all they offer. Fireclay has become increasingly popular and Julien has entered the fray with several Farm House models and two under mount models, all hand-crafted in England. Julien “Granix” series are manufactured in Germany and are comprised of 80-85% granite. Bound with a high quality acrylic resin these sinks are highly resistant to scratching or chips. In addition the material includes natural silver ions which impart an anti-microbial quality to the product. Perfect for the kitchen! “Granix” sinks are available in both top and under mount models.

Julien Granix Sinks

Julien offers a full line of accessories for their sinks including bottom grids, colanders and cutting boards. All cutting boards are 100% hard rock maple, 1-1/2” thick and safe for food preparation.

You can see Julien J18, Granix and worktop models in our showroom today!

Is value priced stainless for real? (Part Two)

Filed under Kitchens by on May 7, 2010 at 4:29 pm {no comments}

As I discussed in my previous post, we have discovered that some of the stainless sinks being sold today may not be all they are advertised to be. We tested one and found that it didn’t really measure up to the typical standards that we use to judge quality stainless: sound quality, finish, bowl dimensions, gauge and steel type.

 These characteristics are useful as shorthand to describe quality but really don’t tell the whole story. They say a little about materials and less about fabrication, the most important part of making a sink.

 For example, steel type and gauge describe the sheet of steel prior to fabrication. Most sinks are described as being type 304 steel meaning it must have a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel and no more than .08% carbon. But that alone does not tell you what other components are used or how the steel was mixed. If contaminants (called inclusions) are allowed to get into the steel they can cause defects after the sink is in use.

Better manufacturers use steel that is ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) or CSA certified.  Such certification indicates that the steel maker is complying with specific standards for the manufacturing process.

 Gauge is another measurement that can be deceptive because again it refers to the sheet of steel before fabrication. When steel is drawn into a sink the sheet is stretched and if not done properly the result can be walls that are thin and uneven. (I think this was the case in the sink we tested). Weak spots will be prone to dents or other damage.

 Sound quality, finish and bowl dimensions should be easier to judge but unless you know what to look for you can miss important details. Finish can be especially difficult; all brushed finishes are not created equal. To be effective the finish must be worked into the sink, a surface brushing will do little more than look nice when new but will scratch easily and may be difficult to clean. When looking at bowl dimension you want to consider wall to wall but also corner radius and slope of the sides and floor. Sloping the sides and bottom allow for cheaper manufacturing but reduces interior bowl space. Effective sound proofing requires more than a coat of paint.

 There are a number of things to look at when selecting a stainless sink. Top quality stainless is expensive so don’t be fooled into thinking you are getting something “just as good for half the price”. Look for certifications from ASME, CSA, IAPMO and UPC which are good indicators that manufacturers are meeting certain standards. The less information a vendor provides about a product the more likely it is that you are getting less than you deserve. There are variables that can make a big difference in price; a knowledgeable showroom associate can explain these differences clearly so you can make the best decision.

Is value priced stainless for real? (Part One)

Filed under Kitchens by on May 5, 2010 at 9:17 am {2 comments}

A few years ago a number of new stainless steel sink lines began appearing on the market claiming to be of the same quality as the major brands but for half the price. It was an amazing claim and I wondered if it could really be true. I recently ordered one of these low priced sinks so we could have a first hand look at it.

The sink I ordered was described as being 18 gauge, premium type 304 stainless with scratch resistant finish and sound baffling. It was an under mount 1-3/4 style bowl configuration, 9” deep.

The sink arrived and when I opened the box the first thing I noticed was a strong chemical smell. The smell remained for several days so I contacted the local rep and arranged to have a second sink sent. When that arrived a few days later I opened it and found the exact same smell wafting from the contents. I contacted the company again and a third sink was sent, this time a 16g model. It had the same smell. I decided perhaps the smell would go away in time so I placed the sink into our kitchen display to air out.

My idea in getting this sink was to evaluate it based on sound quality, finish, interior bowl dimensions, gauge (or thickness) of construction and steel type to see how it stacked up against the other stainless sinks. Here is what we found:

  • To test sound quality we simply knocked on the side of the sink with our knuckles. This test elicited a hollow tinny sound from the new sink instead of the solid thump that our other sinks had.
  • The finish was brushed but it was a light abrasion of the surface and not the deep working of the steel that produces a really corrosion resistant finish.
  • The interior revealed 3” radius corners. This means the corners are open curves (rather than tight corners) resulting in a smaller interior bowl space.
  • To test the gauge we tried pushing on the walls of the sink and found that we could flex the sides, especially at the divider. We could not do this with major brand name sinks.
  • I wasn’t sure how we could test to see if the sink was type 304 until someone suggested we try using a magnet. We did and it stuck solidly to the side of the sink. Type 304 steel is not magnetic.

What’s going on here? Is this sink being advertised to be something that it is not? Or is it a careful use of marketing? In fact I believe the description used for this sink is mostly true but missing some important facts which I will detail in part two of this post.

Stainless Steel Basics

Filed under Kitchens by on April 10, 2010 at 7:20 am {no comments}

About Stainless Steel Sinks

Gauge – There are a few terms that you will hear over and over when you are shopping for stainless. The first is “gauge” and refers to the thickness of the steel used. For residential use you will typically see gauges ranging from 22g to 20g, 18g and 16g. The number is derived from counting how many sheet of steel it takes to make a stack to a pre determined height. The thicker the sheet the few sheets it takes thus 16g is thicker than 18g.

Type – Before I started in plumbing I thought all stainless steel was the same. Not so, not at all. Stainless steel is an alloy, a mixture of metals that must include a minimum of 10.5% chromium. Different ratios of the various metals give each type of stainless steel different characteristics and qualities. For residential sinks type 304 or 302 is most common although some manufacturers have introduced type 316 for outdoor use as it is more corrosion resistant.

18/8 and 18/10 – This refers to the chromium/nickel content and is sometime confused with the gauge. Sinks with higher nickel content may have a more “brushed” finish than those with more chromium.

Finish – Very generally speaking stainless sinks have brushed, satin or polished finishes produced through machine and hand polishing. The finish is important both for the look of the new sink and for how it wears over time (that is, how resists scratches and surface damage).

Radius – By radius I am referring to the interior of the bowls. If corners and the transition from wall to floor are not drawn to a tight radius you will lose interior bowl space. This makes a big difference in functionality.

Finally I just want to say a brief note on stainless. There is sometimes an assumption that stainless indestructible but like any good tool it needs proper care and maintenance. Harsh chemicals may discolor or stain the finish (this includes bleach). Using steel wool on a stainless sink may cause rust as minute fibers from the steel wool become embedded in the sink surface and later rust. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning.

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