The answer to the question is…. How they are made
The Sink Grate is the
most misunderstood accessory included in the Eclipse Stainless Total Eclipse package. Even the name is confusing. Some people call them grids others call them grates.
The Grates are the wire mesh made for the bottom of a stainless steel sink . They protect the sink and reduce scratching that is inevitable with a stainless steel sink over time.
Grates are made specifically to the individual sink model and manufacturer. An Eclipse sink grate will not fit correctly into a sink from another manufacturers.
Eclipse Stainless Grates are made from solid 304 stainless steel wire, no coatings and no chrome plating so there is nothing to crack, peel off or rust. They match our sinks and are made to last a life time.
A grate needs to fit into the sink properly so it does not damage it. The grate should have rubber side protectors and plastic caps on the legs to prevent scratching. On Eclipse grates both the plastic caps and side protectors can be removed so grates can be run through a dishwasher periodically.
I have a collection of sinks grates that customers have provided to me over the years.
Grates made from cheaper steel have coatings or chrome plating to protect them. The coatings and chrome plating does not hold up against multipurpose soa
ps and cleaning chemicals. Once the coating or chrome plating cracks and peels the steel is exposed and it will rust.
I have others made of thinner wire with larger grate spacing and they bend or sag. Many have very poor welding at the junction of the wires causing them to crack and separate.
Eclipse stainless grates are made of solid 304 stainless steel wire specifically for each sink model and will last as long as your sink and stone top.