Franke Reno 90 1.0 Bowl Stainless Steel Inset Kitchen Sink

In-Depth Look

Stainless steel is a common kitchen sink material in the UK, and Franke is a well-known name in the category.

Material and Construction

The 18/10 designation refers to the chromium and nickel content of the stainless steel (18% chromium, 10% nickel). This composition gives a bright, easy-to-clean surface.

Practical Design

The reversible drainer is a simple but valuable feature. During kitchen design, the sink orientation can be decided late in the process without affecting the product order. The single large bowl provides a generous washing area that accommodates items that would not fit in a divided bowl sink, making it the practical choice for households that regularly cook with large pots and baking trays.

Verdict

The Franke Reno 90 is a stainless steel sink for kitchens where a single large bowl and reversible drainer suit the layout. Check the cut-out size and minimum cabinet width on the Franke installation sheet before you buy.

How It Compares

The Franke Reno 90 (model RNX611) is a reversible inset stainless steel sink with one bowl, a drainer and a single pre-punched tap hole. The product information gives an overall size of 860mm x 500mm and a bowl of 440mm x 420mm x 180mm deep. It is made from 18/10 stainless steel and comes with a 3.5 inch basket strainer waste with integral overflow.

Within Franke’s own catalogue, Mythos and Kubus are other ranges with different shapes and styles, and Reginox is another stainless steel sink maker. Blanco is covered elsewhere on this site. Ranges and names change, so use the maker’s current data for the exact model. The main alternatives are different materials.

Check the sizes before you fall for a layout. A sink with a drainer is wider than its bowl, and the worktop cut-out is a different measurement again from the overall size of the sink and from the width of the cabinet below. Always use the manufacturer’s installation sheet or template to confirm the cut-out size, the minimum cabinet width and the space beneath, rather than relying on a short headline figure in a listing.

An inset sink leaves a visible rim around the edge. That suits most kitchens, but if you want a flush finish you will need a different type of sink.

If you are replacing an old sink, measure the existing cut-out and the base unit and compare them with the manufacturer’s template. A mismatch is far easier to catch before the new sink arrives.

Common Questions

How do I check a sink fits my base unit and worktop cut-out? Find the cut-out template or dimensions on the manufacturer’s installation sheet. Measure your worktop opening, the base unit’s internal width and the clear space under the rim. Allow for the worktop’s front and back edge distances. If the new cut-out is bigger than the old, check there is enough worktop left around it. If unsure, ask a kitchen fitter.

How do I fit a reversible drainer for left or right? The sink is reversible, which means you can turn it so the drainer sits on the left or right. You decide before cutting the worktop and fitting the tap. Check the tap hole position against your layout and the wall, and see the instructions for how to place it.

What waste, tap and sealant do I need to buy separately? The product information says the sink includes a strainer waste with overflow. You will need a tap suitable for one hole, plus any trap, pipework, fixing clips and sealant required. Buy a tap with a single-hole mixer fitting and check the details with the tap maker. Use a sealant suited to kitchen work.

How do I keep stainless steel looking good and remove scratches and limescale? Rinse and wipe dry after use to cut water marks. Clean with mild washing-up liquid and a soft cloth, and avoid wire wool and harsh scourers, which scratch. For limescale, use a cleaner made for stainless steel or a mild descaler as the manufacturer recommends, then rinse well.