The Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel has achieved the reputation of being a high-end material in kitchen appliances.  Many remodels involve adding a stainless steel sink as part of the new look.  As elegant and stylish as it may appear, stainless steel is not for everyone.  Here are the pros and cons of upgrading your sink.

The Good

One of the best features of a stainless steel sink is that it goes with any décor or color of appliances.  You don’t have to upgrade everything in your kitchen when you change out the sink.  It is also easy to clean and affordable.  Other benefits:

  • Doesn’t chip
  • Heat resistant
  • Doesn’t stain
  • Doesn’t tarnish

The Bad

While it sounds almost perfect, stainless steel is not right for everyone.  Here are a few reasons you might not want to get one.

  • It scratches
  • It can look dull over time
  • It can be noisy when you wash dishes
  • The finish can wear off
  • Can dent, especially the thinner choices
  • Seams can be difficult to clean

First, weigh these qualities to decide if a stainless steel sink is the right choice for you.  Then ask yourself a few questions to help you select the right one.  You’ll have to determine if you want a single or double bowl, what kind of mount you want, or if you want one that is built into your countertop.  You will also have to select the depth that suits your needs.  Then you can contact your plumber to have handle the kitchen sink installation so you can begin to enjoy the new addition to your kitchen.

Kitchen Sink Choices

If you are in the market to replace that old kitchen sink with a modern new design, the good news is that there is a wide array of styles, colors and materials to choose from.  The downside is that you may be overwhelmed by the vast selection of sinks to choose from. Your plumber can help narrow your choices and handle the installation.

The most popular material for kitchen sinks is stainless steel.  These sinks look great in most modern kitchens and go well with most appliances and motifs.  They are durable, chip-proof, and resistant to scratches and dents.  When buying a stainless steel sink, look for a heavier gauge steel for maximum dent resistance.  Some stainless steel sinks also have some soundproofing to minimize noise.

Cast iron sinks were typically installed in houses built  more than 20 to 30 years ago.  Traditionally, they were made of cast iron with a white enamel finish  but modern cast iron sinks are available in a wide array of colors.  The main disadvantage of a cast iron sink is that the enamel surface can chip.  Otherwise, they are stain resistant and durable sinks with a “retro” look.

Composite sinks are growing in popularity and are manufactured using several different materials, each with its own advantages.  Granite based composite sinks are extremely durable, stain and scratch resistant.  They add an elegant look to any kitchen.  Quartz composite sinks are not quite as durable as granite, but they are available in a wider array of attractive colors.

Polyester or Acrylic composite sinks are less expensive than granite or quartz sinks and are available with a shiny surface and in an endless array of colors.  However, they are softer than granite and quartz so they are less resistant to scratches, nicks, cuts, and stains.