The constant wear-and-tear in kitchen spaces means the materials we select for them are key. Durability, cost and design aesthetic can all help determine the best countertops, tiles and kitchen sink choices for your home. In today’s post, the experts at Cosmos SurfacesTM discuss installing a composite sink vs stainless steel sink in your kitchen. Let’s dive in.
Composite Kitchen Sink
When comparing a composite sink vs stainless steel sink, both options are durable and aesthetically pleasing. However, differences in their composition set them apart. As an example, a sink’s hardness may affect noise levels and whether fragile dishes chip or shatter when dropped. Composite sinks are made from a combination of materials like acrylic resins and crushed minerals like quartz and granite. Materials are then molded into the sink shape and can be integrated or matched closely with a countertop color.
The Pros of Composite Sinks
Composite sinks can truly elevate the look of a space, but they bring far more than that to the table. Here are just a few of the pros of installing a composite sink in your home:
- Durable — Owing to its mineral content, composite sinks are very hard and durable. As a result, they are unlikely to chip, dent or scratch and generally handle everyday wear-and-tear well.
- Stain-Resistance — Composite sinks are nonporous, which makes them highly stain-resistant. It’s always a good idea to wipe down, rinse and dry a sink frequently.
- Heat-Resistance — Minerals like granite and quartz are highly heat-resistant, though one should never place extremely hot pots and pans directly onto the sink.
- Easy to Clean — Typically, a mild dish soap, warm water and non-abrasive sponge or cloth will do the trick to keep your composite sink looking fresh and clean.
- Aesthetics — Composite sinks like our black Vortex single sink and double-bowl sinks can blend in or match more closely with countertop material colors.
The Cons of Composite Sinks
Alas, all materials have a downside. Depending on your needs and goals, some of these factors may carry more weight than others. Let’s take a look:
- Affordability — The average composite sink has a higher price point than a stainless steel sink.
- Installation — Composite sinks tend to be heavy and may require additional support.
- Hardness — A hard sink may be durable, but it does mean that dishes can shatter more easily when dropped.
- Not Heat Proof — Owing to the acrylic resin components often present in composite sinks, they may be heat-resistant, but they are not heat proof.
- Cleaning Products — Certain chemicals, abrasive sponges,
- scrub pads and harsh drain cleaners can damage a composite sink. Always check in with a manufacturer to ensure products are safe to use on your sink.
Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
Stainless steel is the most popular material choice for kitchen sinks. Lightweight, durable and hygienic, a stainless steel sink is a kitchen all-star.
The Pros of Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel sinks check all the right boxes when it comes to everyday kitchen use. These are just a few of the pros of installing a stainless steel kitchen sink in your home:
- Affordability — Stainless steel sinks provide excellent benefits at an affordable price point.
- Dish-Friendly — Since they aren’t as hard as composite sinks and have some “give,” dishes are less likely to break when dropped in a stainless steel sink.
- Durability — Stainless steel sinks are incredibly durable, heat proof for kitchen uses and have a “self-healing” quality when it comes to scratches.
- Ease of Installation — As stainless steel is lightweight, it does not require additional installation of supports.
- Aesthetics — Sinks can blend in with other stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, creating a coherent look throughout.
The Cons of Stainless Steel Sinks
It’s always wise to study up on the cons of a material you are considering, as many potential pain points are preventable with upfront knowledge. Here are a few possible downsides to stainless steel sinks:
- Noise Level — As stainless steel is a thinner material, clattering dishes can get noisy. Sound-deadening coatings and noise-reducing pads can help manage this issue.
- Varying Quality — Thin, low-quality stainless steel sinks can dent when items are dropped into them. Opting for a thicker gauge makes this issue less likely.
- Limited Color Options — Despite slight variations, stainless steel sinks essentially only come in one color.
- Cleaning Products — Avoid using harsh metal scrub pads, as these can scratch stainless steel surfaces or leave behind rust-prone particles.
Composite Sink Vs. Stainless Steel Sink From Cosmos SurfacesTM
The best sink option for your space depends entirely on your needs, design goals and budget. Working with a professional manufacturer or provider will help ensure that you’re making the right decision.
Cosmos SurfacesTM is a second-generation family-owned business and a proud provider of high-quality home surfacing materials.
Browse our kitchen sinks here or reach out to our team with any questions, comments or concerns.
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