Hi Dennis,
I purchased Franke too. They hv some models tat hv a coating on the base of the sink to avoid humuity in the cabinet. Meaning when ice stuff is pour into the sink, sometimes the base may leave a layer of vapour, this coating actually prevent tat. actually i think this seldom happen but we choose this model. overall not bad. i realise now sink tends to leave behind water mark compare to the olden days sink. the distributor told me it could be the chlorine(??) as found in the water. from what i know not only franke sink encounter this, i think many also. for my franke, it can be wipe away lor. my solid top contractor told me by using a stainless steel spray, it should helps. i hv not try yet cos i simply wipe it away. anyway overall it is not bad. it is not those very dull looking nor very polish type. i dun like too polish type cos when scratched, it can be very revealing. the one we bought is near to matt but not very matt type (if u know wat i am saying)... btw i bought a double bowl. i got it from a distributor. Cant really rem the pricing, but i think it is below $170. bought a franke chopping board + drainer + tray separately. it fit nicely on top of the sink. hope this helps.