Sinks serve a practical function and possess aesthetic value too. In Chicago, porcelain and stainless-steel sinks are popular among homeowners. Both have their pros and cons, and because they differ in look, durability, and maintenance, it can be difficult to decide which one best suits your needs. Underrated workhorses of the home, sinks are hard-wearing investments that require consideration. Let’s look at porcelain vs. stainless sinks in terms of characteristics and features to help you decide.
Also known as ceramic of Vitreous China, colorful and white porcelain sink enamel is either smooth or undulating in appearance. Are porcelain sinks outdated? Not at all. Although typically white or cream with classic appeal, porcelain sinks can be manufactured in any color or pattern of colors to complement a home’s decor style. Homeowners tend to love their glossy appearance that brightens spaces.
Manufactured from china clay that’s kiln-heated at extreme temperatures, porcelain is an incredibly durable material, despite its soft-looking appearance. The heavyweight of these sinks can be attributed to their thick gauge cast iron or steel coated in baked-on porcelain enamel.
The age-old question: “Are stainless steel sinks out of style? Absolutely not; it just depends on whether you want a colder, metal aesthetic. These sinks are made of steel that’s either pressed, folded, or welded into the shape of a sink. Stainless steel sinks can be modern with clean lines and edges or have a transitional appearance with rounded edges and a rounded bottom.
Many clients ask, “what is the best gauge for a stainless steel sink?” The lower the number, the thicker the steel. The best gauge is usually 16 or 18. Regardless of thickness, stainless steel sinks can have a bright, polished, polished, or wired-brushed finish that’s more effective at hiding scratches and water spots.
Because porcelain sinks are heavy, they require additional mounting hardware and take longer to install. They’re available in drop-in or self-rimming varieties and can be installed by running a bead of adhesive around the edge of the countertop’s edging by dropping it in. The only downside to installation is their weight when it comes to the pros and cons of porcelain sinks.
Stainless steel sinks have fewer mounting clips than porcelain sinks and take less time to install. Drop-in kitchen sinks, also called top-mount or self-rimming, are the easiest types to install. While both porcelain and stainless steel sinks can be installed in under-mount style, this is more common for stainless steel, mainly due to their weight and size.
Almost any material can be used to clean porcelain sinks, except bleach or harsh detergents, as this can break down the enamel. If surface scratches or stains occur occasionally, you can use a mild abrasive cleanser to remove the damage. Otherwise, warm water, liquid soap, and a sponge will suffice for everyday cleaning.
Stainless steel sinks can scratch, so it’s best to use non-abrasive detergents. While normal liquid soap and water will do the trick, you can also use specialized stainless-steel cleaners. Any lingering stains can be removed using a combination of washing up liquid and baking soda. Sinks with a brushed finish are less likely to show scratches and water spots, while those with mirror finishes should be dried afterward to prevent water stains from showing.
Some sinks are solid porcelain, but most have steel or cast iron core covered with a baked-on porcelain finish. Heavy or sharp objects dropped into a porcelain sink can chip or scratch its surface. To preserve the finish, homeowners use silicon pads or stainless-steel racks inside the sink as additional safeguards. These sinks have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years.
While thickness determines durability, stainless steel sinks don’t chip, crack, or peel. They’re stain-resistant and can withstand the most strenuous scrubs. Although stainless steel resists corrosion, prolonged contact with bleach, muriatic acid, and harsh cleaners can damage its finish, making it vulnerable to rust. If well looked after, these sinks can last between 15 and 30 years.
Porcelain enamel sinks are thicker than stainless steel sinks and naturally muffle sounds because they don’t vibrate. Stainless steel sinks are thinner and vibrate when water or items come into contact with the bottom. Much of the loudness comes from streams of water splashing against the bottom and walls of a sink. Premium stainless steel sinks are typically installed with sound-absorbing pads underneath to lessen noise, but when comparing the two, stainless-steel sinks are somewhat noisier.
Porcelain sinks are usually much cheaper and can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, whereas stainless steel costs anywhere from $100 to $800. Both sinks have a range of associated costs based on their size, configuration, and style. Colored porcelain sinks fetch a higher price than stainless steel sinks with multiple bowls or contemporary styles.
If you’re considering a stainless sink, then be sure to check out our range. Granite Selection is running a special on premium under-mount stainless steel sinks, including single and double sinks that can be used in commercial or residential exterior and outdoor areas.
So, what is better, a stainless steel sink or porcelain? As expert countertop fabricators and sink installers, we believe it depends on the sink’s application, your budget, and your aesthetic preference. If you’re swayed to choosing a stainless steel sink, why not check out the latest special offers?
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