NSF, National Sanitation Foundation, is a non-profit organization that presents design criteria for food service equipment that is guided by sanitation and health requirements. NSF approved sinks are required to have a coved corner design. NSF approved sinks with a backsplash are required to have drainboards integrally welded to the sink bowl.
Will the sinks need to be NSF approved? Significant NSF requirements for sinks:
If you expect heavy usage or institutional use, consider purchasing 14 gauge stainless. If your usage is more "typical", 16 gauge will suit your needs. If budget is a consideration (and your honest evaluation is a non-institutional load), 18 gauge might suit you but check on sink depth, weights and potential bracing.
The food waste that is processed by a disposer is 100% biodegradable. Using a disposer helps ease the strain on our country's landfills.
The following chart shows garbage disposer sizes by horsepower and meals served.
| HORSEPOWER | ||||
| Persons Per Meal | At Dish Table | Veg. Prep. | Salad Prep. | Pot Sink |
| Up to 100 | 3/4 | 1/2 | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| 100 - 150 | 1 | 3/4 | 1/2 | 1/2 |
| 150 - 175 | 1¼ | 1 | 3/4 | 1/2 |
| 175 - 200 | 1½ | 1½ | 3/4 | 3/4 |
| 200 - 300 | 2 | 1½ | 3/4 | 3/4 |
| 300 - 750 | 3 | 1½ | 3/4 | 3/4 |
| 750 - 1500 | 5 | 3 | 1½ | 1½ |
| 1500 - 2500 | 5 | 3 | 1½ | 1½ |