Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

For those of you that are unsure about buying a sink with barely any reviews: I did a lot of research on a sink in this price range and narrowed down my options to this Kraus and a zero-radius Vigo VG3219C (with the strainer and bottom grid as well). Both were very close in price I couldn't pick one from only looking online and reading the handful of reviews, so I ordered both (so I could touch them sinks for reals). Both sinks arrived the same day (Vigo ordered from Home Cheapo). I don't usually feel this compelled to write a review. Here is a comparison: Company: Kraus: You may have read on one review for the 32 inch version of this sink that Kraus sinks are made in China and try very hard to hide it. It's true, it is made in China with a faux-German name - so if you are only interested in buying something made in North America or countries that are known for quality products (like Germany), then do not purchase this sink. Vigo: Made in China, sold from New Jersey (side note: I don't know why, but everything I've ever bought from New Jersey, or any e-tailor I have purchased from that is based out of New Jersey has always ended up being a scam or knockoff....weird). Packaging: Kraus (11 out of 10): Best packaging I have ever received anything in....ever. The box is air tight and made of that incredibly durable, thick cardboard, and everything is padded like crazy inside with styrofoam and the sink itself comes in a canvas bag. Note that this is actually a packaging job by Kraus and not Amazon. Vigo (3 out of 10): Flimsy cardboard box. Poorly taped together. Thin layer of styrofoam on the top and bottom. The elements could certainly make their way in. I can't say if Amazon would beef up the packaging, Home Cheapo sure didn't. Looks: Kraus (10 out of 10): This sink has small radius corners and those grooves that go towards the drain, I know you are attracted to that style. It looks awesome - exactly like the manufacturer photos. Vigo (10 out of 10): The sink actually looks very nice. Just like the manufacturer photos. Finish: Both were 16 gauge stainless steel. I know you are wondering if it feels as smooth as the 1000+ dollar sink you were drooling over at the kitchen and bath store, or if it feels rough. Here's the deets: Kraus (8 out of 10): It feels very close to those expensive sinks. I am actually very surprised how smooth it is. I think I would only be able to tell the difference if I had the two side by side. One note is that the corners of this sink are machined (unlike expensive zero-radius sinks which are soldered together by hand) and the high-quality smooth finish that is on the rest of the sink does not seem to feel the same in the corners. This actually doesn't not bug me at all. The difference isn't big, but it is noticeable. I didn't want to try to scratch my brand new sink to see how it holds up to scratches. Sorry. There weren't any on there, so that is a good sign. I will plan on using the bottom grid for added protection. Let me re-iterate that the Finish of this sink is way above my expectations. Vigo (3 out of 10): Feels horrible....like sandpaper. It arrived with plenty of scratches on the inside of the sink. It appeared that someone had already opened it up (I blame this on Home Cheapo for passing it off as a new item, I doubt they sent it back to Vigo to repackage). The quality of the Vigo was sub-par and the zero-radius corners (factory welded in China!) didn't even go all the way up to the top in one corner, so there was literally a hole in the sink (speaks to their quality control). Sound-deadening material: Kraus (10 out of 10): Most, if not all, of the stainless steel sinks I have seen, have the entire underside coated with a hardened foam. This was applied thicker on the Kraus compared to most other stainless steel sinks I have seen (at all price points). This made me happy. There are also sound-deadening patches strategically located (look at the pictures). Location of patches is excellent. These patches are nice and thick, too. Vigo (5 out of 10): Foam was not as thick as Kraus. Sound-deadening patches were also very thin and poorly placed. But hey, they were there. Recap: Kraus: The quality of this sink continues to impress me. It looks and feels like a very expensive sink. You can't do better for this price point. Vigo: Shipped from the ever shady New Jersey. Scratched and had a hole in one corner. Not smooth at all. It looked nice, but wouldn't fool anyone. I returned it promptly. UPDATE: I have used this sink for a while now and my wife and I keep telling each other how much we love it. We have been using the bottom grate and the sink still looks as good as the day we bought it. We are using this sink with a Moen Lindley faucet and they go great together. Lastly, the small-radius corners have been extremely easy to clean and I am so happy we didn't go with a zero-radius corner. I would purchase this sink again (if the circumstance ever arose).