When I wrote about Joe and his project to replace his timeworn porcelain drainboard sink with a similar, new Elkay stainless steel model, I had the darnedest time finding the Elkay examples on their website. As in: I could not find them at all. Elkay’s communications team was very helpful, though. So, here for your reference — shown above — are the eight models and model-numbers of Elkay Lustertone stainless steel drainboard sinks you may want to consider for your retro kitchen renovation. They start at 48″ wide, one drainboard, one bowl… and go all the way up to 84″ wide, two drainboards, two bowls.
I love these drainboard sinks, because (1) they are original vintage authentic — the same as they ever was… And, because a stainless steel drainboard is about as durable as you can get. I have Never heard of a stainless steel sink wearing out. DH really wanted one for our kitchen, but our salvaged Geneva cabinets came with four porcelain drainboard sinks, so I used one of those.
As you can see from my screen shots of the eight Lustertone drainboard sinks from Elkay’s website, these puppies are not inexpensive. Note, however: The prices shown are Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs). I typed one model number — S5419 (circled in the lead photo, above) — into google and, but quick, pulled up all kinds of online retailers discounting the MSRP by 1/3 or so. Maybe you can do even better with some deeper dive research once it’s clear what you need. Also, you should check if you can get similar discounts locally, through a brick-and-mortar store. For example, I checked online, and Lowes, Home Depot and Menards all carry Elkay (although these drainboards are not shown). It’s always nice to order something expensive like this from a “real” store — so that if there is a problem you may have better recourse. That said: Check the return policies on special orders wherever you buy.
Finally, if you want to aim for a super-deal, stalk your Re-Store and craigslist. These sinks are out there…. and like I said, they never drr, wear out. So with time and patience, you may be able to score a used sink at a phenomenal price compared to new-.
Link –> To find the Elkay stainless steel drainboard sink of your choice – type the model number — these are circled in my lead photo above — into the search box on Elkay’s homepage here.
CaraZ says
Just found this site and will spend the weekend here!
Thanks for this page. We put a vintage 60″ drainboard sink into our remodeled kitchen 9 yrs ago. It is dull, however – the refinish lasted a week, maybe – and I didn’t know of any alternatives. We need another 60″ sink, and an Elkay would be perfect. I see that this article is 2 yrs old; hope they still make ’em! (I am pretty sure I searched elkay.com; well, glad you found them.
Aileen Garoutte says
Where can we buy light blue paint to cover the sink and stove in a retro camper?
Thank you.
1952Lex says
Just moved into a house near Boston which is bursting at the seams with vintage, mint condition midcentury decor and appliances; NOTHING has been updated but has all been kept in perfect condition, it’s like a museum! Your site has been so refreshing! I now know we have a Lustertone Elkay sink (S4819), I was amazed to see this post and look forward to more discoveries!
Eva says
Does anyone know how much a vintage stainless steel sink like this goes for? I have one that I stored away when I remodeled my kitchen.
pam kueber says
We see them occasionally. I’m thinking $45-$100….
lynda davis says
I have had my Elkay Lustretone sink with a drainboard since 1977 when we built our house. We have maple butcher block counters that have Waterlox finish on them. I think the sink and the counters still look wonderful with the original white cabinets and Elon tile floor. The sink shines up with Gel Gloss or Mass metal cleaner. If I were doing a new house, I would use a sink with a drainboard again. The gauge of the stainless Elkay sink is heavier than the sinks at Ikea.
Melissa says
Just a question for readers. Do you prefer stainless steel or porcelain sinks?? I have a stainless steel one now and get so frustrated with the water spots that accumulate. It never looks clean to me. I used to have white porcelain and felt like it always looked cleaner. But from reading comments I see that they can get stained. What is your preference?
Peggy says
Stainless – no doubt about it. I’ve had white and stainless and I’ll take water spots any day over scratches and yellowing and chips that cannot be removed. The brushed finish doesn’t show spots as much as the polished finish.
pam kueber says
try cleaning it with club soda. learned this from the joan river video posted today! https://retrorenovation.com/2011/09/03/joan-rivers-june-havoc-and-sally-adams-talk-1969-kitchen-design-trends-on-that-show/
MCM is Grand says
On this Labor Day weekend, I would like to thank Pam for her year-round LABOR and research that results in making all of our projects a little easier. Your sink research has saved us lots of time and hassle. THANK YOU!!
pam kueber says
Why, thank you, MCM! It’s a labor of love! Be safe this weekend, everyone!!!!
Heather S says
Hmmm.. the house I’m buying has original red linen laminate countertops, but there is a large burn mark near the sink. Putting in a wider drainboard sink might be a way to cut out the burned area but keep the rest of my counter… the old porcelain sink is pretty stained, even after cleaning, so it wouldn’t be a total loss to see it go.. especially if it fixes the problem with the counter. These look great…
pam kueber says
Depending on the location of the burn mark, you might also find a larger drop in porcelain sink with hudee ring? See all my countertop solutions researched so far in Kitchens / Countertops category: https://retrorenovation.com/category/kitchen/countertops/
Amanda says
Thanks for that info. I spoke to several stores in my town about these sinks, having seen them mentioned here. I could find them all over the internet but none of my local stores would order one. They all looked on the Elkay website and said, “nope, doesn’t exist”. I’m finding it really hard to find the materials necessary for my vintage kitchen reno. I’m hearing a lot of “nope, it doesn’t exist”. Linoleum? Nope, doesn’t exist. Drainboard sinks? Nope, doesn’t exist. Boomerang linoleum? Nope, doesn’t exist.
Thanks for providing such comprehensive information. Next time I go to a store I will go armed with details and hopefully get a little further 🙂
Lynn-O-Matic says
Where do you live, Amanda? I’m surprised you’re having trouble finding linoleum. Pretty much every flooring store here in Missoula, MT carries Forbo’s Marmoleum, and several carry other brands like Armstrong. Good luck with the remodel!
sherree says
As much as I love them, not sure if everyone can afford them. IKEA sells similar sinks for less than $300, complete with drainboard.
pam kueber says
Yes, Sherree, thanks for reminding me about Ikea. See this post here: https://retrorenovation.com/2010/02/10/ikea-kitchen-sinks-with-retro-style/ … Note, I am not sure if the gauges are the same.