I am not sure why you can’t just use the same style but adifferent size if this is a huge issue BTW the cube tells you it has a pearl finish so maybe the store you are shopping at has something in that finish for you to see.

@zeynotje did you end up with the pescara? I'm considering the same one (and I love the cube) and wondering how it's treated you.

Yes. I got the pescara. It is great. It does scratch if that is important to you. I think all stainless ones scratch.

@zeynotje thank you! I agree the ss sinks scratch and I'm OK with that. I think we're going to go with the pescara as well. Any chance you have the dish drying rack and a picture of it in use? I'd love to see a non-stock photo with real life people using it!

The easiest way is to put up with small differences in brilliance and stop being nervous about the little things.

Andrea. Here are some pictures with various accessories. I have to admit, the one I use most is the silicone roll up one, which is a generic one (not Franke)

@zeynotje thank you so much it's really nice to see! I was going to grab one of the silicone roll mats as well and I think the Franke one actually is wide enough to go over the sink completely. does it get in the way to wash dishes and also have them drying with the faucet centered? that's something i've been wondering about. i like the symmetry of being center installed but i wonder if off-centered would be better for allowing dual purpose. again, thank you for the help. the sink is most crucial to me to get right as it's where i spent SO much time and it's right on my island which can be seen from the stairs, living and dining room!

I think it would get in the way of washing the dishes. I use it when I am washing some veggies or draining things. I roll it to the side when I need the central space for dishes. If you want to leave it on there all the time and use it to dry dishes or stg off-center faucet might work better.

We have the 31" and the 17". The pictures are the 31".

@zeynotje thank you! you've been extremely helpful, all your responses and photos are more appreciated than you know!

@zeynotje I'm lurking here, and I want to thank you for the pictures. I had been looking at the Peak and (silly me) assumed it was price-y but had no idea just how price-y until I was putting together my shopping list.

The Pescara seems like a great alternative, but I'm guessing the bottom grid doesn't fit on the ledge the way it does on the Peak - I really liked the ide of being able to scrub burned on fry pans without bending into the 10 inch depth of the sink, but not $1,000 more oer sink (I'm getting 2).

Would you tell me, please, exactly what size silicone mat you have? Were you able to get it by googling your Pescara model number?

Thanks in advance.

I did order multiple grids and tried out. Sent back the ones that were just a little different. 16.5” one ended up fitting best. The bottom grid should fit the ledge though. Mine fits both at the bottom and on the ledge

@grannysmith18 if I'm reading your post right you're looking to have the rack sit on the ledge in the middle of the sink? The pescara does that but it's only a half rack. Take a look at the pictures on the HD webpage (https://www.homedepot.com/p/reviews/Franke-Pescara-Undermount-Stainless-Steel-32-5-in-x-18-5-in-Single-Bowl-Kitchen-Sink-PTX110-31/308641650/1). I'm going to end up going with this sink as it has the functionality I want and most others are close enough that at the price point I'm willing to compromise. Good luck!

@Andrea I've also decided to get the Pescara. It's got pretty much everything I want, and that half grid will be fine for me. Have you decided on a faucet? I'm considering the Hansgrohe Metris Select, but not at all certain yet. Please post pictures once you've installed.

I may also try out a few different size grids, as @zeynotje did to see if I can find one that sits on the ledge. The bottom grid of the Pescara in the showroom was too narrow, but maybe I can find a better fit.

@grannysmith18 our project isn't until the fall so I'll post pictures but not sure if they'll help. We're going with the Brizo Odin faucet (or so I'm 99% sure) due to the arc as well as the handle options and that I want nickel. I like the metris though, it's a cool shape, nice and contemporary!

@Andrea - Funny, the Brizo Odin is also high up on my hit parade. All pictures help me, so please do post when you have something to show..

Good luck.

@grannysmith18 I will try to remember! I did see the Odin in person and I fell in love with it. If you haven't seen it in person I highly recommend...the pictures online are really not doing it any favors. Good luck as well! (I also did buy the pescara last night...focal point hardware is an authorized franke retailer and it's $657 right now!

I am looking at the Pescara sink. Came across this thread. How is it holding up after two years? Would love everyone's input on it. Looking to also add the shefl gird for drying dishes on the ledge. Does that function well?

@maria we have had our in place for the better part of the year and are NOT gentle with it... it looks great. It may not be as bright and shiny as the day it was installed but i don't see or notice any scratches, it's easy to clean and it's a good size/shape to be able to fully fit a cookie sheet even with the drying rack installed and in use. I couldn't be happier. As for the accessories, I will say that the drying rack that comes with it is sort of annoying. I definitely use it heavily; however, because the slots are wide a lot of smaller things do fall through. I had to buy a little canister for the corner for utensils as well. It is still a great feature but just beware that you need to be mindful how you place smaller items or how you angle things on it as they do have a tendancy to fall and slip through otherwise. Also, if you set the faucet centered to the sink you'll likely splash on some of the dishes closer to the faucet when rinsing others so you'll want to be sure to put away the dishes once they dry vs. piling on top OR change the placement of the faucet. The best part, aside from it's functionality when washing dishes, is definitely that you don't notice the dishes drying as much as you do when they're on the counter - they almost disappear from your view and therefore they're out of mind. In the end I wouldn't change my decision and I'm 99% happy with it all (-1% for the rack's slot width) so I'd say I highly recommend it. Actually, I just recommended it to a family member as well.

@Andrea thank you so much for sharing details on this sink. I was thinking the drying rack could have pros and cons like anything else. Was thinking of trying to find a roll up rack to fit the sink as well but that may be hard to find the exact size. Someone else mentioned that the rack can fall with something heavy on it such as a pot. Has that happened to you?

@maria we had it happen once but with a hot pan filled with hot water we had just used to cook, it's never been an issue. I hate the dishwasher so I am notorious for piling multiple pans and dishes on the rack and I've never had an issue with it other than that one time. My suspicion is that something with the heat of the pan may cause a reaction in the metal that causes it to happen; however, I'm no scientist so I'm not sure what happens. But, rest assured it can handle the weight of clean pans and dishes without any issue (For example right now I have a milk frother, LARGE pan, about 5 travel mugs and 2 other normal size saucepans on the rack plus the utensil holder which also is filled with utensils and a few other little pieces from today. It isn't even stressed... I am but the rack is not ;)

@Andrea wow that sounds like it holds a lot! I put everything in dishwasher expecpt my pots and pans. So glad to hear this rack can hold all the pots and pans . Where is your utensil holder? Is it on the rack?

@maria it is on the rack, nothing fancy, just bought off of amazon to hold the straws and utensils. sorry for the "in use" pic of the sink but you can see it here. keeps smaller stuff from falling through. as a side note, the rack comes in handy for letting things like freshly washed fruit etc drain w/o making a mess on my counter. it's just a very functional sink and if it matters the pitch seems perfect as well, i have no problem using the sprayer to move food down to the disposal (I know other people have asked about this).

@Andreathanks for the picture. That is very helpful and I love that idea. Can I ask what size sink you have? i can only fit the 29 1/2 size sink. I’m hoping it doesn’t seem small. My sink place said it’s a good size and pretty standard

@maria I have the 32" and it's honestly pretty darn big. My ex loved my sink so much he got the same at 29". He hasn't used it much as it just got installed but the size seems good to me, I don't know how the split with the rack is but I cannot imagine that 3" makes a huge difference.

@zeynotje I know I'm super late to the game here, but I'm hoping you're still around :). I'm making the same decision you were, and I'm leaning toward the Pescara of all the "workstation" sinks I've seen, because I really like that middle lip and the idea of hiding the drying dishes down there instead of at counter level. Does that work for you? Did you have a hard time finding a roller mat that fit well, and does it ever fall down? It's hard to tell how big that lip is and if it is really secure up there. On the other hand, one of the things I like about that sink is that the lip ISN'T that pronounced, unlike the Kohler Prolific which has those lips that look really big...

I'm also having a hard time understanding the installation options - it seems like some people install it flush with the countertop like you did, and some install it so the sink top forms a little ledge for accessories. I'm not sure I see the advantage of that, since I think the same accessories would work either way, but I'm curious if that's the case and if you are happy with your installation and still happy with the sink :). Thanks!!!

@natylite10 I know your comments were toward another user but I'll give my feedback on your questions as I've had mine installed for about a year at this point. The drying rack is good, it doesn't fall and it's sturdy for a full load of dishes. It fails for utensils/travel mug lids but that's an easy fix with a little strainer cup on it. I've had it fall once and it was justified as it was a drastic temperature change and weight. The dishes are 85% visible when sitting at my counter; however, your eye doesn't draw to them as much as with a counter level strainer.

For the lip. I installed flush mount and don't regret it. The workstation sinks with the lip are generally to accommodate the accessories, which isn't the case here. You could still do it, but it would detract from the low profile look of this sink and it likely isn't pitched to drain water from it's ledge as it's not the intended install. I do have the roller mat but I haven't used it yet and wish I didn't buy it.

@Andrea Thank you SO much! I meant to say that I'd love to hear thoughts from anybody, as I'm so overwhelmed by all the choices! I really appreciate it! I see your little strainer cup above now...very clever idea :). I notice that you don't have the bottom grid, which I think I am also leaning toward not getting. I feel like it would just get in the way, and I'm OK with a little scratching to avoid that annoyance.

I'm also confused about the square drain cover. Does water still drain down it OK? I think we're going to get one of the two bowl sinks - so one side will have the disposal (which I would think you'd never want the cap on) but the other side will just be for rinsing, so maybe we'd use it over there? It looks nice, just wondering how functional it is. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts!

Does anybody have any recommendations for a nice pull down faucet? I get really annoyed by these if they don't go back in smoothly. We are looking at some of the narrower ones, like the Franke Pescara, but I wonder if the narrow nozzle means they don't spray very well? I also know my husband hates the spray feature in general and would love one that automatically goes back to non-spray once it is turned off (in case I leave it in spray mode it won't "surprise" him :).

@natylite10 I personally dislike the bottom strainer. We had one in our last sink and I tried to like it but I cannot get past the food getting in it and cleaning it. As for scratches, I have been abusing this sink for a year and they are not really noticeable. The square drain cover...If you're going to always use the cover then that's the only time I can see it being useful as you won't see the round drain, so that could be nice, but if you use your drain or disposal you'll always see the round and the square is wasted. As for single vs double sink I debated this a LOT. I liked the appeal of a double sink as I could put the strainer in the smaller sink at the bottom and really hide the dishes drying; however, we stayed somewhere with a double sink during renovations and I hated it. I found the working side of the sink never to be big enough and oddly I felt like I did more turning to use it, which bothered my back. Lastly, we have the Brizo faucet and it has a great spray but doesn't return to a stream and we have had an issue w/it already so I don't know that I would recommend it. With the Franke, I've used one that has a narrow gooseneck and it sprayed a little too powerful for me and also doesn't go back automatically. I'm with you though, that's one of my pet peeves!

I just decided against the Cube for the Professional 2.0 (quieter). I have been using the roll top/silicone drying roll and I LOVE it! I just found out they discontinued the cutting board for the sink I'm getting so i'm super bummed. I agree with @Andrea, the bottom strainer is a gross nightmare. I had it for my old Elkay and I'd have to occasionally wash it in the tub bc it got grimy. Plus, nothing is better than a clean sink bottom.

@Andrea which Brizo do you have? I am doing the Odin and hoping it doesn't spray to hard and splash.

@earthlyepicure it's the odin. So, here's my long review on it... It looks beautiful and the handle options are fun. I bought the wood one and I'm actually impressed by the wood being so nice and don't have any fear it will be damaged with wet hands on it constantly. The finish (I purchased the nickel) is also really nice, it pulls together my brass and stainless in the kitchen and does not have a cheap yellow tone to it. Back to the handle...I do need to make an adjustment to the handle because it keeps falling off, but I believe this is just a screw adjustment. The spray is not TOO hard but it's got good power to it so if I use it high up sometimes it will splash on the counter. I realize this does depend on your water pressure but our is "average". I do wish that it reverted to the stream when it was turned off; however, it doesn't. The problem I am having is that the sprayer is held in by this little black round piece but it keeps pulling out of the gooseneck because the magnet is so strong and it's really annoying to always have this black plastic piece visible and have to push it back into the gooseneck after each use. I'm not sure if it's just a fluke with the one I received or what, but it's annoying. The length of the hose though is fabulous with my 32" sink and it helps really push the scraps from under the drying rack into the drain without much effort at all. Overall, I'm happy with the odin, but will be thrilled if they can fix the hose magnet and then maybe I would recommend it!

@Andrea definitely call/ask Brizo/Delta. I think our current Delta has the same sort of thing, that seems weird! The magnet IS super strong!

I've been researching sinks at a much lower price point and just started looking at Frankes because I've heard good things. I'm trying to figure out whether they are worth the price and I found this discussion. I have several questions. Hopefully someone will see this! Also I want to give a shoutout sunshyne for her detailed and informative posts. Very helpful.

1. There's no mention of sound dampening material, which even most low price sinks have. How noisy is this when running water or dropping utensils into the sink?

2. If the bottom is flat, how does the water get to the drain? Do you have to push water to the drain every time you wash your hands or rinse plates?

3. I probably won't use the drain cover, as sunshyne said....does it look odd to have a round drain in a square border?

The sinks that I've been looking at are 16 gauge and a couple 14s. This sink - 2-3/x the cost of the others i'm looking at - is 18 gauge, which is odd. I think i like the Pescara, but i have to convince myself that it's worth almost a thousand bucks. PLUS accessories!!! Then i have to convince my husband. I appreciate any info and experience you can share. Thanks!

@fatcatz

Sound dampening - there actually is sound dampening pads on the bottom of this sink (I'll attach a picture). The sides I don't think have it, they are a little noisier but not what I would consider noisy and you don't typically bang things into the side anyway, but it's never once bothered me and I am very sensitive to the sound of stainless sinks and something I did look at and compare when I was shopping for them. This is one of the better/quieter ones w/o that awful sound. I also have never had any buckling like some stainless sinks have when you pour a pot of hot liquid into it (ie. straining pasta), which was a huge relief to me.

Bottom - it's slightly pitched but not enough that it's visible when looking at the sink. I do find I have to push food with either the sprayer or my hand, but water I do NOT. The water drains into the drain without any issue at all and the sink dries evenly, no puddles leftover.

Drain - it's round. I have a garbage disposal installed but here's a picture. Without the garbage disposal it's the same exact round shape but just doesn't have the garbage disposal.

Gauge - I did a lot of comparison and drove myself crazy about the gauge then decided to let it go and put some trust in the brand. As you can see I have little scratches but in the picture I have NOT cleaned my sink to buff anything out in a while and they aren't "in your face" when looking at the sink. In full disclaimer, I throw things in there, drop them, put huge baking sheets and scrape them when trying to really scrub them. I also had an issue w/the garbage disposal which resulted in standing water mixed with food including things like acidic tomato sauce and while this went on for about a week until they could fix it, there's no sign of any mis-treatment to this sink. Stainless sinks will scratch though, but it should add to it's patina. If you don't want to see scratches then stainless isn't for you. But with that said, even after a year I don't have any huge scratches that your eye is drawn too, even those you see here are enhanced with the flash, they're not really that noticeable in real life.

FYI - I did order several sinks and compared them side by side (I started my narrowing in the showroom, then ordered by favorites online) and the Franke won for sound dampening and feeling of quality. I didn't like that it was a little darker than some of the others, but in the end I went with what I felt would perform better and I'm really glad I chose it. I at home compared mainly Franke, Kohler and Kraus in the end. The other choice I really liked were Blanco but they didn't have my configuration. We had one of those previously and it too was great on sound dampening but I did notice scratches more so than w/the Franke.

PS - sorry I didn't clean my sink or underneath for you but this is real life not a sales pitch :)

@fatcatz My Franke sink has been installed for a week now, as we are coming to the end of our kitchen remolding. I LOVE IT! I have the 30 inch Pescara. I did buy the bottom grid accessory and also the dish drain accessory. Love them all. The dish drain accessory holds way more than I expected it too! @Andrea was extremely helpful in making my decision on which sink to buy. I took her advice and also purchased a utensil holder on Amazon as small items do fall through. I did not purchase the square drain cover, but apparently it came with the sink. I have not used it yet. I clean my drain basket out every day so I feel the square top would make it harder to do that. The look of the round drain in the square doesn't bother me. Water runs to the drain basket with no problem. When food gets stuck in the corners, I just have to spray it out and it goes to the center without any issues. When researching I was told to not get a sink with squared corners because food is hard to get it out easily. This sink is slightly rounded in the corners for ease of cleaning. In doing research I was also worried about gauge. I don't think this sink is loud at all. I decided to go with Frankie for the better quality and I feel it was worth the money. A sink is not something you will replace easily if you hate it. When my plumber was installing my faucet and drain he even commented on what good sinks they are. Hope this helps you and good luck.

Sunshyne and Maria, thank you both for your detailed comments. Big help. My husband and I are going today to a store so he can see some of the sinks I've found in person (and decide for himself if the Franke is worth twice as much as the other sinks). I should have the sinks i ordered online tomorrow and Sat. Ugh. I had no idea a sink would be this hard!

I showed my husband a few sinks I was considering, and likes the Franke Pescara. Yay! We ordered it today.

Almost forgot - People have mentioned on this forum about wide the spacing on the drying rack so I asked. It turns out that it's for plates! You slide them in vertically. I never would have thought of that! Mystery solved. :)

@fatcatz FWIW, my mom has the Franke Professional 2.0 (and its predecessor). They are MUCH quieter than the standard stainless (Elkay) I had in my old house. The flatter bottom is slightly annoying when say, washing coffee grinds, but I can easily wipe down with the sprayer.... We are putting a Franke Professional 2.0 in our new kitchen, the 16 gauge is much better than the 18 gauge - and worth it - in my opinion. Good luck!

@fatcatz you won't be disappointed in the Franke. The bigger slats on the dish rack also is great for drying cutting boards! You can also lay your dishes flat too. I have to say I was very worried about how the dish rack would work, but it's great! No issues.