Best Kitchen Sink Materials

Date: December 30, 2020
Author: Jon Smith
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When choosing the best kitchen sink material you have to decide what you like above all. This is important. Take a look at several kitchen sink materials and rule what you don't want out.

I say this to everyone who asks me what the best kitchen sink material is. They all get the same answer. I do however realize that there are sinks made from materials that don't scratch easily or stain easily. This is important to consider too.

In this article, you will get a crash course on sink materials and our top pick for each kitchen sink material available. Are you ready to be educated?

Best Kitchen Sink Material

The truth is that any of the popular materials are great and could be the best for you and your home. Some sinks could be used in an area that isn't heavily used so that you can get that stylish sink you want and protect it.

First decide the type of sink you want. Undermount sink or Drop-in sink?

Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Material
Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Material

Stainless steel is a great choice and the most popular choice. With the addition of stainless steel appliances, your kitchen design will be magazine-worthy.

Stainless steel sinks are easy to clean and very durable. They will last for a very long time.

Stainless steel sinks do have some drawbacks. They can be quite noisy and do have the potential to stain. Be sure to use a premium grade T304 stainless steel sink to prevent corrosion and heat damage.

They also can easily scratch with pots, pans, or any other hard metals so it is important to keep that in mind when looking for a stainless steel sink. Go for the thicker material 16 gage sinks.

Cost$50 to $300 or more.
Durability7 out of 10

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Fireclay Sinks

Fireclay Kitchen Sink Material

Fireclay sinks are made from clay that is heated and formed at extremely high temperatures. They are very durable, heat resistant, and offer a stylish look for any kitchen.

They can be pretty expensive. I have seen many brands with some decently priced in the $1,000 range but they are worth the investment if you want a style that really makes your kitchen say wow.

If you go with a fire clay sink then be sure to have your cabinet company cut the face frame of your cabinets and build a solid foundation in your sink base cabinet as these sinks are quite heavy.

Cost$1,000 or more
Durability10 of 10

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Granite Composite Sinks

Granite Composite Sink Material

Granite composite sinks have really blown up over the last few years. They are very stylish from modern to even farmhouse style.

This sink material is great because it is very durable and almost 100% stainproof. This sink lives up to its name. It is made of quartz and resin so one drawback is that it can only withstand a certain temperature range. Be sure to check with your sink manufacturer to know your limits.

Cost$100 to $600
Durability7 of 10

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Composite Vs Stainless Steel

I have been getting a lot of emails lately asking me to choose between composite or stainless steel. Here are my thoughts on the two materials.

They are both great materials. If I were to be forced to choose one over the other I would probably go with a composite sink because they look better with granite, marble, and quartz countertops for my own personal style.

That doesn't mean I would totally discount a stainless steel sink. My household isn't very busy and my sinks are used much less. If I needed durability over everything I would choose a stainless steel sink no questions asked.

Are Composite Sinks Better Than Stainless Steel

I have torn out a bunch of kitchen sinks and the one that stands out to me as being the best looking after years of abuse are the granite composite sinks. Kraus makes a great sink so click the product link above and check out their other sink options.

Next in line are stainless steel sinks. They may get a beating but they won't break, chip, or crack. That says a lot about a sink. Obviously metal doesn't break in these ways (normally) but the point here is if you want long-lasting then I recommend stainless steel.

Stainless steel sinks are bad about looking dirty as time progresses. That is another reason I prefer the granite composite sink vs stainless steel.

Are Stainless Steel Sinks Out Of Style

No way! Stainless steel will likely never go out of style. It is too readily available and the most popular sink choice in the world.

If you are worried about it not being in style then know this. A sink can be replaced for something new at any time in the future. They aren't permanent and you can often transform a kitchen just by replacing a sink. It is the most cost-effective transformation too.

It is best to go with standard sink sizing and cut out options so that you will have better luck in the future finding another sink for the hole in your stone countertops.

Conclusion

By now you have seen my top three recommendations for the best kitchen sink materials. Check out the products linked under each sink to explore even more options and styles. Your sink is the heart of your kitchen. Don't stress too much on durability over the design as a design can be replaced later. Go with your best judgement on the best kitchen sink material for your home and style. If you want to see even more sinks I have tested out then check out my best kitchen sinks and best bathroom sinks articles here.

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Top Pages:
Best Granite SealerBest Kitchen SinksBest Kitchen FaucetsBest Bathroom Faucets
About Jon - Website Owner

Jon Smith

Hi, my name is Jonathan Smith. I have been in the granite business for many years and have worked my way up from an installer helper to an installer and then a countertop business owner. 

I started my countertop company with very little and grew extremely fast because of my knowledge and helpfulness. I started this countertop resource for 1 main reason. That reason is that there are no countertop websites with all the correct information and none of them are from an industry expert like myself. 

I am still in the trade every single day installing countertops, educating people on the type of material they are using for their homes, and making people's dream kitchens a reality.
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