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Stainless Steel Sink Grids: What They Do and What to Check

A sink grid is a metal rack on the floor of the bowl that keeps pans off the steel. KRAUS says to use one to protect the finish. Most of our picks include one, so check the box before you buy another.

by the editorial teamupdated November 3, 20262 min read

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AI-generated image: a stockpot and roasting pan in a stainless steel sink with water running. — Image: AI-generated (OpenAI)

In short

A sink grid sits on the bottom of the bowl and keeps pots, pans and cutlery off the steel, protecting the finish. KRAUS tells you to use one. Most of our picks include a grid, among them the KRAUS KHU100-32 and the Ruvati RVM4350. If you need one separately, buy the grid made for your model, because bowl sizes and drain positions differ.

On this page

It's a simple part, and its only job is to stop metal touching metal.

Which sinks come with one

Sink	Grid in the box?
KRAUS KHU100-32	Yes, a bottom grid
KRAUS KHF200-33	Yes, a bottom grid
Ruvati RVH8300	Yes, a rinse grid
Ruvati RVM4350	Yes, two rinse grids
Ruvati RVM4136	Yes, a rinse grid
Delta Lorelai 33	Yes, a bottom grid
Ruvati RVL2300WH	Yes, a rinse grid
BOCCHI Classico 30	Yes, per the retailer listing
Kohler Whitehaven K-6489	Sold separately: K-6639 racks

So check before you order an extra one. The Kohler Task page lists a silicone mat, a different kind of protection.

What it does

KRAUS tells you to use the grid to protect the bowl's finish. It keeps heavy pans and cutlery from sliding around on the floor of the bowl, which is where scratches tend to come from. It doesn't help with what lands on the sides.

Choosing one

We don't recommend a separate grid here, because we haven't found one we could match to all these bowls from a sheet. Here's what to check:

The maker's own part number. Start here. Kohler's sheet names K-6639 for the Whitehaven.
The bowl's inside measurements. Compare the grid with the bowl floor, not with the sink's outside size.
The drain position. A rear or offset drain needs a grid with its gap in the right place.

Keep it clean

Lift it out when you clean the sink. If water sits under it, marks can form, as rust spots explains. Dry the bowl first when you can.

Buying a sink anyway? The KRAUS KHU100-32^* includes a grid, along with most undermount picks. For the cast iron Kohler and its racks, see Kohler.

Asked before buying

Do you need a sink grid?

You don't have to have one, but KRAUS recommends using the bottom grid to protect the bowl's finish. If you use heavy pans or don't want the fine lines that come with daily use, it's a cheap and easy habit. It won't prevent every mark.

Will any sink grid fit?

Don't assume so. Bowl sizes and drain positions vary. The KRAUS has a rear center drain, and the Kohler Whitehaven has an offset one, with its own K-6639 racks. Buy the grid the maker lists for your model, or compare the measurements closely.

How do you clean a sink grid?

Take it out when you clean the sink, and wash it with mild soap. Dry the bowl before putting it back. Franke warns about plastic pads left on the surface for long, because dirt and moisture collect underneath. It's the same reasoning for anything that sits in the bowl.