Elkay
Full display & large inventory of Elkay products in stock at Consumers
Elkay Sinks & Faucets — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Elkay kitchen sinks and faucets in Chicago
Q
Where can I buy Elkay sinks and faucets in Chicago?
Consumers Supply Company at 1110 W. Lake St. in Chicago is an authorized Elkay dealer carrying kitchen sinks, faucets, and related products. Elkay is a Chicago-founded brand with deep roots in the city, and Consumers Supply has carried the brand for many years. The store is open to the public — homeowners and contractors are welcome to walk in, no contractor account required. Call (312) 666-6080 or browse the online catalog for current availability.
Q
What is Elkay and where is it from?
Elkay is an American sink and plumbing products manufacturer founded in Chicago in 1920. The company is still headquartered in the Chicago area and remains family-owned — one of the largest family-owned manufacturers in the United States. Elkay is best known for its stainless steel kitchen sinks, which are among the most widely specified in residential and commercial kitchens across North America. The brand also produces kitchen faucets, drinking water products, and commercial sinks and fountains. For Chicago homeowners, buying Elkay means supporting a brand that was born and built in this city.
Q
What Elkay products does Consumers Supply carry?
Consumers Supply carries Elkay kitchen sinks in stainless steel and other materials, in single bowl and double bowl configurations, and in undermount and drop-in installation styles. Elkay kitchen faucets are also available through the store. Call (312) 666-6080 or stop by at 1110 W. Lake St. to discuss which Elkay products are currently in stock or available to order.
Q
Is Elkay a good sink brand?
Elkay is consistently regarded as one of the best kitchen sink brands in the United States. The company has been manufacturing stainless steel sinks for over a century and is known for precise forming, high-quality steel grades, and durable finishes. Elkay sinks are specified on residential renovation projects from modest kitchens to high-end builds, and the brand’s commercial-grade products are found in restaurant kitchens and institutional settings throughout Chicago. For homeowners looking for a reliable, well-made kitchen sink from a brand with a long track record, Elkay is an excellent choice.
Q
What gauge stainless steel are Elkay sinks?
Elkay produces kitchen sinks in multiple steel gauges across its product lines. The gauge number refers to the thickness of the steel — a lower gauge number means thicker, more rigid steel. Elkay’s entry-level residential sinks are typically 22 gauge, while mid-range models use 18 gauge, and premium models may use 16 gauge steel. Thicker steel (lower gauge) is more resistant to denting, produces less noise during use, and generally feels more substantial. For a kitchen renovation where the sink will see heavy daily use, 18 gauge or better is worth the investment. Call Consumers Supply at (312) 666-6080 to discuss which Elkay models and gauges are currently available.
Q
What is the difference between an undermount and a drop-in kitchen sink?
A drop-in sink (also called a top-mount or self-rimming sink) rests in a cutout in the countertop with its rim sitting on top of the counter surface. It is the simpler and less expensive installation — the rim covers the edge of the cutout and no special adhesive or mounting clips under the counter are required. An undermount sink mounts below the countertop surface, with the countertop edge exposed above the sink bowl. Undermount sinks create a cleaner, more seamless look and make counter cleanup easier since crumbs and water can be wiped directly into the sink without catching on a rim. Undermount installation requires a solid surface countertop — granite, quartz, or similar — as laminate counters cannot support an undermount sink. Elkay produces both styles across its lineup.
Q
What size kitchen sink do I need?
Kitchen sink sizing depends on your cabinet width and your cooking and cleaning habits. A 33-inch single or double bowl sink is the most common configuration for standard 36-inch base cabinets. Larger 36-inch sinks work with wider cabinet runs. For a kitchen where large pots and pans are washed regularly, a deep single bowl with generous dimensions is often the most practical choice. For households that prefer to keep one side free while washing in the other, a double bowl layout makes sense. Bring your cabinet dimensions when you call or visit Consumers Supply — the team can help identify which Elkay sink sizes will fit your kitchen.
Q
What is Elkay’s Lustertone finish?
Lustertone is Elkay’s proprietary brushed stainless steel finish, applied consistently across their residential sink lineup. The finish uses a uniform brush pattern that minimizes the appearance of scratches and water spots — practical considerations for a surface that sees daily use. Lustertone has become synonymous with Elkay and is one of the most recognized sink finishes in the American kitchen market. It is a satin, non-reflective finish that complements both contemporary and traditional kitchen designs and pairs well with stainless steel appliances.
Q
Does Elkay make farmhouse or apron-front sinks?
Yes. Elkay produces apron-front sinks — commonly called farmhouse sinks — in stainless steel and fireclay across several of its collections. Stainless apron sinks offer the durability and easy maintenance of stainless with the distinctive exposed-front look of a farmhouse sink. Fireclay apron sinks have a more traditional, porcelain-like appearance and are a popular choice in transitional and traditional kitchen designs. Apron sinks require specific base cabinet modifications and a countertop cutout sized for the exposed front — confirm cabinet compatibility before purchasing. Call Consumers Supply at (312) 666-6080 to discuss which Elkay apron sink models are available.
Q
Does Consumers Supply sell Elkay sinks to homeowners directly?
Yes. Consumers Supply is open to the public — homeowners can walk in and purchase Elkay kitchen sinks and faucets directly, no contractor required. Many customers purchase the sink themselves and have their plumber or contractor handle installation, which gives them control over product selection. As a Chicago-area authorized Elkay dealer, Consumers Supply carries the brand with the full backing of manufacturer warranty support. Stop by at 1110 W. Lake St. or call (312) 666-6080 to discuss which Elkay products are right for your kitchen.