Specifications on this page come from Kindred's own Canadian spec sheets and product pages (linked at the end). Where a detail is not in a brand document, we say so.
If you searched "Kindred Steel Queen vs Reginox", you are probably looking at two Kindred stainless steel undermount sinks and wondering which one to buy. Here is the thing to know first: Steel Queen and Reginox are not two competing brands. They are two collections from the same maker. Kindred lists both on its Canadian site, next to Brookmore and Granite. So this is a decision between two product lines, and in the case of the two sinks we compare here, between two very different sinks.
We compared the two Kindred models we are adding to the store: the Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 , a single bowl, and the Reginox NDC1827RU-9 , a double bowl. Every number below is from Kindred's spec sheets.
Quick answer
- They are different sizes, not just different collections. The Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 is a 19-3/4" x 17-3/4" single bowl that fits a 21" cabinet. The Reginox NDC1827RU-9 is a 26-7/8" x 17-3/4" double bowl that needs a 30" cabinet.
- Steel thickness: Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 is 20 gauge. The Reginox NDC1827RU-9 spec sheet says 18 gauge. Lower gauge number means thicker steel.
- Finish: Steel Queen has a satin bowl with a silk-finished rim. This Reginox has a linear-finish bowl with a silk-finished rim.
- Choose the QSUA1820-8 for a small kitchen, a secondary sink or a compact one-bowl setup.
- Choose the NDC1827RU-9 for a main kitchen sink with two bowls and thicker steel, if your cabinet is at least 30".
Jump to: Kindred collections · Side by side · Gauge · Finish and sound · Size and cabinet · Drains and accessories · Care · Who should buy which · FAQ
Steel Queen and Reginox: where they sit in the Kindred range
Kindred (Franke Kindred Canada Limited, in Midland, Ontario) sells its residential kitchen sinks in four collections. Kindred's own pages describe them like this:
| Collection | How Kindred describes it | Gauge on Kindred’s stainless materials page |
|---|---|---|
| Brookmore | Modern design, satin finish, wide range of models | 18 gauge |
| Steel Queen | Trademarked in 1954; "the Kindred Crown promise"; satin bowl finish | 20 gauge |
| Reginox | "Exceptional value" for everyday chores; a variety of bowl sizes, lightly rounded corners, easy-clean; brushed finish | 22–20 gauge on the materials page (18–20 gauge on the Reginox collection page) |
| Granite | Quartz and acrylic resin, not stainless steel | Not applicable |
Two things stand out. First, Kindred's own pages give the Reginox collection a range of gauges, so you cannot assume "Reginox = thinner" or "Reginox = thicker". You have to read the spec sheet for the exact model. The NDC1827RU-9 we compare here is listed at 18 gauge. Second, the gauge on the Kindred materials page is a collection-level guide. The model spec sheet is what you should buy against.
Kindred also says it pioneered stainless steel sinks for the Canadian market and has made sinks in North America for over 70 years. The two spec sheets we used list Canada as the country of origin.
Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 vs Reginox NDC1827RU-9: side by side
| Spec (Kindred spec sheet) | Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 | Reginox NDC1827RU-9 |
|---|---|---|
| Bowls | Single | Double (large and small) |
| Installation | Undermount | Undermount |
| Material / gauge | Stainless steel, 20 gauge | Stainless steel, 18 gauge |
| Overall size (front to back x left to right) | 17-3/4" x 19-3/4" | 17-3/4" x 26-7/8" |
| Bowl size (front to back x left to right x depth) | 16" x 18" x 8" | Large: 16" x 14" x 8-1/2". Small: 16" x 10" x 7" |
| Minimum cabinet size | 21" | 30" |
| Finish | Satin bowl, silk-finished rim | Linear-finish bowl, silk-finished rim |
| Corner radius | 50 mm | 70 mm |
| Drain location | Rear | Rear |
| Sound dampening | Undercoating | Undercoating |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs | 15.6 lbs |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| Country of origin | Canada | Canada |
| Strainer included | 1135 strainer basket | Two 1135 strainer baskets (per our product page) |
Sources: Kindred spec sheets for QSUA1820-8 and NDC1827RU-9 (Franke Kindred Canada Limited). Small differences you may see on other sites (for example 19.685" vs 19-3/4", or a bowl depth of 7.874" vs 8") are the same sink in different units and rounding.
Gauge: 20 vs 18, and what it actually tells you
Gauge is steel thickness, and the scale runs backwards: the lower the number, the thicker the sheet. Kindred's own explanation is that thicker steel bends and dents less and is quieter in use, but if steel is too thin or too thick it becomes hard to form into a sink from a single sheet.
In practice:
- 20 gauge (Steel Queen QSUA1820-8) is the thinner of the two. If you cook heavily and want the most rigid sink, that is a reason to look at the 18-gauge model.
- 18 gauge (Reginox NDC1827RU-9) is thicker on paper. Kindred lists Brookmore as its 18-gauge collection too, so if 18 gauge is a firm requirement, you can also look at Brookmore.
- Undercoating matters as much as gauge for noise. Both spec sheets list an undercoating for sound dampening, so neither sink is bare steel underneath.
The honest summary: an 18-gauge double bowl and a 20-gauge single bowl are different sinks for different kitchens. If you buy the Steel Queen because it fits a small cabinet, gauge shouldn't stop you. If you have room for a 30" sink and want the thicker steel, the Reginox model in this comparison gives you that.
Finish and sound
Finish. Kindred describes the Steel Queen finish as a satin bowl with a silk-finished rim, and the Reginox collection as a brushed look. The NDC1827RU-9 spec sheet calls its bowl finish "linear". Kindred says minor scratches can add a matte look over time and can be blended with a fine Scotch-Brite pad, wiping with the grain.
Corners. The Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 has a 50 mm corner radius; the NDC1827RU-9 has 70 mm. Kindred describes Reginox corners as "lightly rounded" and easy to clean.
Sound. Both list an undercoating. We cannot compare decibels because Kindred does not publish sound measurements for these models.
Size, cabinet and countertop
This is where most buyers should decide, before finish or gauge.
| Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 | Reginox NDC1827RU-9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum base cabinet | 21" | 30" |
| Overall width (left to right) | 19-3/4" | 26-7/8" |
| Overall depth (front to back) | 17-3/4" | 17-3/4" |
| Usable bowl | One bowl, 18" wide x 16" front to back x 8" deep | Large bowl 14" wide + small bowl 10" wide, both 16" front to back; depths 8-1/2" and 7" |
| Sits under | Solid-surface counters, per Kindred’s undermount description | Solid-surface counters, per Kindred’s undermount description |
- Measure the cabinet, not the old sink. The "minimum cabinet size" is the interior width of the base cabinet the sink needs. A 30" sink in a 30" cabinet leaves very little margin, so confirm your actual interior width.
- Single bowl width. The QSUA1820-8 has an 18" wide bowl. That fits a large frying pan or a baking sheet on a diagonal, but not a full-size roasting pan laid flat. The dimensions are all you need to check this against your own cookware.
- Double bowl split. The NDC1827RU-9's large bowl is 14" wide, which is narrower than the QSUA's single bowl. You get two bowls, but each is narrower than the QSUA bowl.
- The -9 vs -9N trap. The NDC1827RU-9 lists a 30" minimum cabinet. The NDC1827RU-9N spec sheet, with the same overall size, lists 33". If you are shopping across retailers, check the letter.
Drains, grids and accessories
Kindred spec sheets list the 1135 strainer basket as included with both sinks. Optional accessories listed by Kindred:
| Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 | Reginox NDC1827RU-9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Included | Strainer basket 1135 | Strainer basket 1135 |
| Bottom grid | BG11S | BG10S or BG13S |
| Drainer basket | DBR10S | DBR10S |
Bottom grids protect the sink floor from pots and let water pass underneath. Confirm the grid code against your model before ordering. Browse the kitchen sink accessories collection for sink accessories.
Care and what to avoid
Kindred's care guidance for stainless steel is simple. Wipe with a soft, soapy cloth, rinse and dry after every use. Drying matters because it stops the film that hard water deposits leave behind.
Avoid these, per Kindred:
- Steel wool pads. They leave tiny iron particles that can rust. Use a Scotch-Brite pad instead.
- Bleaches containing hypochlorite, which can pit and stain stainless steel.
- Drain cleaners containing sulphuric or hydrochloric acid, and silver dip cleaners.
- Leaving citrus juice, salt, vinegar, mustard, pickles or mayonnaise on the surface for a long time.
- Leaving rubber dish mats, wet sponges or cleaning pads in the sink overnight.
Who should buy which
| If this describes you | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You have a 21" to 29" base cabinet | Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 | The NDC1827RU-9 needs a 30" cabinet; the QSUA needs 21". |
| You want one big bowl for pots and pans | Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 | Single 18" x 16" bowl, 8" deep. |
| You want two bowls (wash and rinse, or prep and clean) | Reginox NDC1827RU-9 | Large 14" bowl and small 10" bowl. |
| You want thicker steel | Reginox NDC1827RU-9 | Listed at 18 gauge vs 20 gauge. |
| You are furnishing a bar, laundry or secondary sink | Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 | Smaller footprint, lower weight (9.3 lbs). |
| You have a 30" cabinet and want the most sink for it | Reginox NDC1827RU-9 | 26-7/8" overall width. |
| You want a brushed, linear look | Reginox NDC1827RU-9 | Linear-finish bowl. |
| You want a satin bowl | Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 | Satin bowl, silk-finished rim. |
| Gauge is your top priority and you want a single bowl | Check an 18-gauge model | The NDC1827RU-9 is 18 gauge (double bowl). Kindred lists its Brookmore collection as 18 gauge; read the spec sheet of any model you consider. |
Buying Kindred sinks from Plumbing Market
We ship across Canada. Call 289-236-2378 or email sales@plumbingmarket.ca with your cabinet width and countertop type, and we will check the fit against the spec sheet before you order.
Browse the Kindred collection, the Franke collection or all kitchen sinks.
Related guides: Kitchen sink materials buying guide for Canada · Single bowl or double bowl? · Quartz sink vs stainless steel · How to select a kitchen sink for your space · Franke Maris Fragranite vs stainless vs fireclay
Our honest recommendation
Don't pick between these two on collection name. Pick on your cabinet.
If your base cabinet is under 30", the Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 is the one that fits. It is a compact, no-frills 20-gauge single bowl, and a good match for a small kitchen or a secondary sink. If your cabinet is 30" or wider and you want two bowls and thicker steel, the Reginox NDC1827RU-9 is the better fit of the two. If you want a single bowl in 18 gauge, neither of these is it. Kindred lists its Brookmore collection as 18 gauge, so check the spec sheet of any model you consider.
Both are stainless steel undermount sinks with an undercoating for sound dampening and a limited lifetime warranty, and Kindred itself describes both lines in terms of value. If you want a different material altogether, our guide to Franke Fragranite vs stainless vs fireclay covers the alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Are Kindred sinks good quality?
Kindred says its stainless sinks are made from chrome-nickel stainless steel, certified to CSA and cUPC standards and backed by a limited warranty. The two spec sheets used in this guide list a limited lifetime warranty and Canada as the country of origin. Steel Queen is a 20-gauge collection and the NDC1827RU-9 is listed at 18 gauge, so gauge and finish are the things to compare. Both are in the tables above.
Is Reginox part of Kindred?
On Kindred's own Canadian website, Reginox is listed as one of Kindred's sink collections, alongside Brookmore, Steel Queen and Granite. Kindred Canada is part of Franke (the spec sheets are issued by Franke Kindred Canada Limited). This guide is about the Kindred Reginox collection, specifically model NDC1827RU-9.
Is a 20-gauge stainless steel sink good enough?
Kindred says the lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel, and that thicker steel bends and dents less and is quieter in use. Steel Queen is a 20-gauge collection and the NDC1827RU-9 spec sheet lists 18 gauge. Both of these sinks also have an undercoating for sound dampening. Many buyers are happy with 20 gauge in a normal household. If you want the thicker steel, choose on gauge first.
What is the difference between NDC1827RU-9 and NDC1827RU-9N?
Kindred publishes both. The overall size, gauge and finish on the two spec sheets match, but the -9 lists a 30-inch minimum cabinet and the -9N lists a 33-inch minimum cabinet. Check the exact model letters on the sink you order, then check them against your cabinet. We list the -9.
What cabinet size do I need for the Steel Queen QSUA1820-8?
Kindred lists a 21-inch minimum cabinet size. The sink is 19-3/4 inches left to right and 17-3/4 inches front to back overall.
Do these sinks come with a drain?
Both spec sheets list the 1135 strainer basket as included. Kindred lists other accessories separately: for the QSUA1820-8, a BG11S bottom grid and DBR10S drainer basket; for the NDC1827RU-9, BG10S and BG13S bottom grids and the DBR10S drainer basket.
Do they have faucet holes?
No. Kindred lists the Steel Queen QSUA1820-8 with no faucet holes, and the NDC1827RU-9 is an undermount model designed to be paired with a counter-mounted faucet. Plan for the faucet holes in your countertop.
Which is better for a small kitchen or a bar?
The QSUA1820-8 is the smaller sink: 19-3/4 inches wide overall with a 21-inch minimum cabinet. The NDC1827RU-9 needs a cabinet of at least 30 inches. If your base cabinet is narrower than 30 inches, the NDC1827RU-9 will not fit.
How do I clean and care for a Kindred stainless sink?
Kindred recommends wiping with a soft, soapy cloth, rinsing and drying after every use, because drying helps prevent film from hard water. Avoid steel wool, bleaches containing hypochlorite, and drain cleaners containing sulphuric or hydrochloric acid. Do not leave wet sponges, rubber mats, or foods such as citrus juice, vinegar, mustard or pickles sitting in the sink. Minor scratches are normal on stainless steel; Kindred describes blending deeper ones with a fine Scotch-Brite pad and liquid detergent, wiping with the grain.
Sources
- Kindred Canada: home and collections
- Kindred spec sheet: Steel Queen QSUA1820-8
- Kindred spec sheet: Reginox NDC1827RU-9
- Kindred spec sheet: Reginox NDC1827RU-9N (for the cabinet-size difference)
- Kindred product page: Steel Queen QSUA1820-8
- Kindred: Reginox collection
- Kindred: stainless steel sink materials and gauge
- Kindred: how to clean and protect your sink
- Franke Canada
By Plumbing Market. Specifications and warranty are the manufacturer's; check the current Kindred spec sheet and your local building requirements before ordering.
