16 Gauge Stainless Construction For a Hard-Working Double-Bowl Station
The Karran EL-78R is a 60/40 double-bowl undermount kitchen sink built to Elite Series standards, bringing noticeably heavier 16 gauge construction to a 33 by 22 by 10 inch footprint. The large-and-small bowl layout keeps a dedicated wash side and a prep or disposal side in the same cabinet run, and the -PK1 kit includes stainless steel basket strainers, bottom grids, and Luster Pro oil so the sink arrives ready for install.
Key Features
• 16 gauge stainless steel delivers a thicker, more rigid bowl than standard 18 gauge kitchen sinks.
• 60/40 bowl configuration pairs a larger primary wash bowl on the left with a smaller prep or disposal bowl on the right.
• Undermount installation positions the sink beneath the countertop for a clean, wipe-through counter edge.
• -PK1 kit contents include stainless steel basket strainers, bottom grids, and Luster Pro sink oil in the box.
• 10 inch bowl depth handles large pots and sheet pans without crowding the faucet line above.
Two Bowls, One Efficient Workflow
The 60/40 split gives each side of the sink a defined role. The larger bowl takes on soaking, scrubbing full-size cookware, and handling the volume that builds up during a serious cook. The smaller bowl works alongside it as a rinse station, a disposal bay, or a prep area for rinsing produce and trimming vegetables. For kitchens that see heavy daily use, separating those functions at the sink keeps the work moving without the collisions that happen in a single-bowl layout. The 10 inch depth on both bowls adds clearance for tall stockpots and sheet pans that sit flat on the bottom grid rather than propping awkwardly against the walls.
Elite Series Build Quality
Karran's Elite Series is defined by its 16 gauge stainless steel construction. The extra thickness compared to an 18 gauge bowl translates to less flex, less noise under a running faucet, and a more substantial feel at the rim. The satin brushed interior hides everyday scratches better than a high-gloss finish and coordinates cleanly with most faucet and hardware finishes. As an undermount sink, the EL-78R mounts beneath the countertop so no visible rim interrupts the counter surface, making edge cleanup straightforward. The -PK1 kit's included bottom grids protect the bowl floor from utensil scratches, while the basket strainers and Luster Pro oil round out the package with the day-one essentials.
Right for Kitchens That Mean Business
This sink suits renovations and new builds where the primary kitchen sees daily cooking volume rather than occasional use. Cabinet shops and contractors fitting kitchens for serious home cooks, culinary-forward households, or demanding renovation clients will find the Elite Series build is a straightforward specification at this size. The undermount profile works in stone, quartz, and solid surface countertops where the countertop edge is finished. The 33 by 22 inch overall footprint fits a standard 36 inch sink base cabinet, giving the project team a predictable fit without special-order cabinet work.
What countertop materials work with this undermount sink?
Undermount installation is compatible with stone, quartz, and solid surface countertops where the cut edge can be finished and sealed. Laminate countertops are not suited to standard undermount installation because the exposed cut edge absorbs moisture over time.
Which side is the large bowl on the EL-78R?
The R suffix on the EL-78R designates the model with the small bowl on the right. The large bowl occupies the left position as installed.
Are the bottom grids bowl-specific?
Yes. Grids are sized and shaped to fit a specific bowl, so the grids included in the -PK1 kit are matched to the EL-78R's large and small bowl dimensions. A grid from a different model is unlikely to fit correctly.
Is the faucet included in this kit?
No. The -PK1 kit includes basket strainers, bottom grids, and Luster Pro oil. The faucet is a separate purchase. The EL-78R has no faucet deck, so the faucet and any accessories mount through the countertop behind the sink.
Why does gauge matter when choosing a stainless sink?
Gauge is a measurement of steel thickness — the lower the number, the thicker the material. A 16 gauge bowl has more mass than an 18 gauge bowl of the same size, which reduces flex and dampens sound when water or utensils hit the surface. For a primary kitchen sink that sees daily volume, the added thickness is a meaningful quality difference.
A Sink That Keeps the Kitchen Moving
The EL-78R delivers Elite Series 16 gauge construction in a practical 60/40 layout, with grids, strainers, and care oil already in the box — so the install finishes clean and the kitchen goes straight to work.
