Choosing the right kitchen sink is absolutely important, as it’s not something that you replace every year . But with such a wide variety of kitchen sink materials out there, and an even wider range of prices,which one is right for your kitchen? Hope this article helps.
Stainless Steel Sinks
More people buy stainless-steel kitchen sinks than any other type of sink. Stainless steel is a low-carbon steel which contains chromium at 10.5% or more by weight. The addition of this chromium gives the steel its unique stainless, corrosion-resisting and enhanced mechanical properties.
Pros:
- Very durable – corrosion and rust resistant and normally come with lengthy guarantees
- Usually the cheapest of all the materials
- Top mount, flush mount and undermount options available
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Noisy – the thinner the steel the noisier the sink
- water spots can become an issue
- Sinks with thin stainless steel are more likely to scratch
- Can get dented easily if something heavy is dropped in it
- The best stainless sinks can cost more than other materials
Composite Sinks
When people talk about composite kitchen sinks, they’re usually talking about a granite or quartz composite. Composite sinks are made by combining crushed granite or quartz with a resin filler. The mixture varies depending on the product and manufacturer, but it’s usually around 80% stone and 20% resin.
Pros:
- Extremely durable – most composite sinks are heat, stain and scratch resistant
- Prices are coming down all the time
- Anti-bacterial surface, resistant to scratches, chips and water stains which is also easy to clean
- Lengthy guarantees
- Huge range of colours, sizes and styles available
Cons:
- Very hard surface that can damage things that are dropped on it
- Require careful maintenance
- Heavier than stainless steel so need a more sturdy worktop
Fireclay Ceramic Sink
Fireclay sinks are made of clay and minerals and then fired at extreme temperatures, being made by molding a ceramic clay into the shape of the sink and allowing it to dry at a high temperature for a period of up to 40 hours. Once the clay has dried, the porcelain enamel is applied and the sink is places in a tunnel kiln at an extremely high temperature (in some cases higher than 2000⁰F) for a period of around 20 hours.
Pros:
- Easiest to maintain and keep clean
- Extremely durable – heat and stain resistant
- Effortlessly stylish
- Withstands most household chemicals
Cons:
- The most expensive option
- Can chip (although can be repaired)
- Very heavy and less choice available
- Very hard surface that can damage things that are dropped on it
