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Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find some of the questions frequently asked by our customers. If you cannot find the answer to your question, simply contact our Customer Support Team. We look forward to helping you.

Sinks

For more information on our Kindred warranty please click here. 

To enable us to process a guarantee claim, please ensure you provide us with the following information to avoid any unnecessary delay:

  • Full Contact Name, Address and Telephone Number
  • Proof of Purchase (please attach to email)
  • Photographs showing full product and detail shots showing problem

Please complete the relevant form with this information here. 

Kindred uses nothing but the best when it comes to top quality stainless steel. Their sinks vary anywhere from heavy 18 gauge with high nickel content to worry free 22 gauge sinks. 

Stainless steel sinks should be punched prior to purchase. Choose the sink based on your faucet hole requirements. Drilling holes may dent a stainless steel sink and cause a brown discoloration around the hole due to heat caused by friction.

Granite sinks have predrilled "knock-out" holes in the deck. Instructions for the knocking out the holes are as follows:

  • Remove the sink from the packaging. Place the sink face down on a flat disposable surface. Use the provided diamond hole saw to drill the faucet hole in the desired location (already pre-scored on the bottom of the sink). 
  • Never attempt to drill the top side of the sinks. Minimal force is required to drill the hole. When the hole saw is through the sink, remove and discard the center of the hole. Please note the diamond hole saw is sharp and will cut into the surface below the sink. 
  • Always use a piece of scrap below the face of the sink when performing this task. 
  • Always use the proper protective equipment including safety glasses and a dust mask.

WARNING: Failure to follow instructions may result in irreparable damage to the sink ledge!  

  • Do Routine Cleaning : Use soap, warm water and sponge. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
  • To Remove Stubborn Stains:   BonAmi, BarKeeper's Friend or similar products are helpful in removing tough stains. Always rub in the direction of the grain, rinse thoroughly, and wipe dry.
  • To Maintain Luster:  Use a small amount of mineral oil on a soft cloth. Apply evenly to the entire surface of sink and buff to a shiny finish.

Do not ever use steel wool, scouring pads, steel brushes, etc. Their particles may become embedded in the sink surface and cause a rusty discoloration.

No. They trap water causing iron deposits and surface discoloration.

The gauge is the thickness of the stainless steel. An easy rule of thumb is, the lower the number of the gauge, the thicker the stainless steel. 

As with most things, your stainless steel sink WILL scratch with use. However, over time as the sink ages, scratches will become less apparent and in fact blend into the surface.

Stainless steel stands up to high hot or cold temperatures, along with sudden temperature changes. That means you can drain hot boiling pasta in your sink, followed with a rinse of ice cold water, without causing any damage to your sink's surface.

If water is left standing anywhere on your stainless steel sink, it will evaporate and leave a film (spots) on the surface of the steel. This film can be removed with regular dish soap and water and a soft cloth. For removing heavier residue, you may use a mild solution of vinegar and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and towel dry.

Sink tip: Regularly rinse and towel dry your sink after use to keep its surface exposed to oxygen. (Oxygen reacts with chromium in the steel to form a strong, highly protective chrome oxide film on the surface of your sink. It is this film that makes stainless resistant to corrosion and gives it a remarkably long life.)

Stainless steel is a wonderful material that does not rust. However, if given the opportunity, iron particles that do rust will bond to its surface - from metal cooking implements for instance. To remove this surface corrosion, place a small amount of Autosol® on a damp or dry cloth. Rub in the direction of the grain on the bottom or sides of the bowl. You may also use Scotch-Brite® on the bottom or sides of the bowl but NOT on the mirrored surface. If the mirrored finish has dulled, use a metal polish such as Peek® to restore its lustre. Please do not use a silver dip cleaner. Thoroughly rinse and towel dry.

Sink tip: Regularly rinse and towel dry your sink after use to keep its surface exposed to oxygen. (It is the oxygen that reacts with chromium in the steel to form a strong, highly protective chrome oxide film on the surface. It is this film that makes stainless resistant to corrosion and gives it a remarkably long life.)

Kindred believes in having a sink for every style home. For this reason they incorporate color and texture into their line of sinks. Aside from stainless steel, Kindred produces sinks made of Granite in a variety of colors and shapes.

No, Kindred sinks are available in the finest stainless steel and granite. These materials are non-porous.

A topmount sink, also known as drop in,  has a lip that folds over the countertop and is therefore resting on top of the countertop cutout.  This type of sink is a favorite for quick kitchen upgrades due to ease of installation and versatility of placement. 

Undermount sinks allow for smooth, uninterrupted surfaces. Fitted underneath the work surface, it gives an edgeless finish that is easy to clean and is perfectly integrated into the kitchen environment. An undermount sink cutout requires installation labor.

Bowl configuration really is a personal preference. If you tend to use a lot of large platters, roasters or pots, a combination bowl sink might be a good choice. An equal sized double bowl is a good wash and rinse model.

Yes. In fact, some stainless steel sinks look bright and shiny at first, but corrode in time. All stainless steel sinks are not equal in quality and material content. Look for the best combination of chromium and nickel for superior corrosion resistance and durability.

Kindred uses nothing but the best when it comes to top quality stainless steel. Their sinks vary anywhere from heavy 18 gauge with high nickel content to worry free 22 gauge sinks. 

The thickness, called "gauge", can be determined by its number. The lower the number, the thicker the steel. Most sinks come in 18 or 20 gauge steel. The 18 gauge is the thicker of the two and more than ample thickness for residential sinks.

Look for a rich, deep, satin-smooth finish rather than a surface gloss. The luster comes from machine and hand-finishing operations, which enable the sink to keep its beauty for years - without cracks, chips, or stains. Many feel that the look actually improves with age, taking on a soft patina glow.

The 3 basic measurements for comparing sink sizes are:

  • depth – distance from the top of the rim to the bottom of the sink next to the drain
  • taper – inward slope of each side of the sink from rim to bottom
  • radius – measure of the bowl’s corners & bottoms where the sides and bottom meet

The deeper the bowl, the straighter the slope and the tighter (smaller) the radius, the more capacity there is in the sink.

The undercoating on your sink absorbs sound, protects against condensation and helps maintain sink water temperature.

Yes - Kindred has a selection of sinks that are compliant with the American Disabilities Act when properly installed.   Click here to see collection. 

Accessories

Kindred accessories can help keep your kitchen and prep area clean and organized, adding to the enjoyment of the food preparation. Greater efficiency in your efforts is the result of the custom cutting boards and grids to each unique sink design.

All of the holes for Kindred faucets and soap dispensers are 1 3/8" in diameter.

Yes. Kindred sink grids are dishwasher safe. 

We recommend that you clean your Kindred accessories with Bon Ami or Bar Keepers Friend.

Please contact your Kindred Customer Service team to get replacement feet.

For information on our Kindred warranty, please see our Warranty page. 

To enable us to process a guarantee claim, please ensure you provide us with the following information to avoid any unnecessary delay:

  • Full Contact Name, Address and Telephone Number
  • Proof of Purchase (please attach to email)
  • Photographs showing full product and detail shots showing problem

Please complete this FORM to begin a warranty claim.

Care Instructions: Your new cutting board requires some initial care to ensure its longevity. Before using your board, oil both sides and all of the edges of the cutting board with vegetable oil. Continue to oil the board once a month for the first six months and yearly thereafter. Clean the board after each use with a mild detergent and water. Wipe the board dry with a clean cloth and store the washed board vertically to prevent excess moisture from penetrating the board. Avoid subjecting the board to excessive heat or moisture. Please do not soak the board in water or wash in an automatic dishwasher. Do not place the board on a stove or grill, or in the oven or microwave. Be sure not to store your cutting board near a radiator or in direct sunlight

Care Instructions: Wash your Kindred sink roller mat with soap and water then rinse. You may place the roll mat directly in the dishwasher for a deep cleaning. The roller mat is made from high quality stainless steel and silicone. It may be used as a trivet for hot pots. When not in use, it can be rolled up and stored. Do not place the roller mat directly on stove elements or in the oven or microwave.

Care Instructions:   Kindred stainless steel bottom grid can be cleaned with soap and water. If size permits, the grid may be placed in the dishwasher. When not in use, the grid may remain in the sink or stored below the counter. 

Waste Disposers

The answer is definitely YES. A properly sized septic tank can easily accommodate the use of a disposer. Septic systems designed to accommodate a dishwasher or clothes washer can also accommodate a disposer. On a daily basis, and on average, a household food waste disposer uses an amount of water equal to one flush of a toilet.

Just the opposite, in fact. Decades of independent international research has shown that using a disposer is the safest, easiest and most environmentally responsible way to dispose of biodegradable food waste. Disposers significantly help reduce landfills and, in fact, disposer food waste has been recycled to form fertilizer in some parts of the country.

A Batch Feed model is activated by loading the chamber and rotating the waste disposer plug. Continous Feed models are operated by an Air Switch (or alternative) and waste is fed through the open neck of the unit. In both cases, a continuous supply of water is necessary whilst the waste disposer is in use. 

For information on our Kindred waste disposer warranty, please see our Warranty page. 

To enable us to process a guarantee claim, please ensure you provide us with the following information to avoid any unnecessary delay:

  • Full Contact Name, Address and Telephone Number
  • Proof of Purchase (please attach to email)
  • Photographs showing full product and detail shots showing problem

Please complete this FORM to begin a warranty claim. 

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Need additional assistance?

Franke Kindred Canada 1000 Franke Kindred Road Midland, Ontario L4R 4K9

1-866-687-7465 Get in touch