Types of Kitchen Sink Materials
Kitchen sinks are one of the most used places in the kitchen space. Every other activity in the kitchen either beings in the sink or ends here. Food preparation, cleaning, and other ancillary activities are done only with the help of a sink. So, choosing the right kitchen sink material is equally important as choosing the sink. But selecting the right material for your sink is also equally tedious as it has to go per the entire kitchen style, fit your lifestyle, and be of maximum use to you.
Expert guidance for choosing the best material for kitchen sinks is advisable. Through this article, get to know the different types of sink materials available to choose from and the important points you must keep in mind while choosing a sink material.
Different Types of Kitchen Sink Materials
1.Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks
Stainless steel is one of the best materials for kitchen sinks and the most widely used metal in kitchen fixtures. These variants of sinks not only look attractive but will also offer great value for the money you invest in. Their corrosion-free and stain-resistant properties should make them at the top of your list.
Features
- Stainless steel kitchen sinks weigh less compared to other sink materials. This does not make them less strong. They are durable and can hold weights
- They can withstand extreme temperatures. Be it hot or cold, stainless steel sinks can retain their strength to changes in temperature
- Stainless steel sinks are non-breakable. So, dropping heavy items in the sink space won't cause heavy damage to the sink
- Chromium content in the metal prevents corrosion of the sinks
- Easy maintenance
- Affordable
- Comes in numerous sizes and designs.
2. Enameled Cast Iron & Steel Kitchen Sinks
Enameled and cast iron are some of the most durable kitchen sink materials. Their base is coated with enamel on the inside of the sink. These variants of sinks are heavy which aids a longer life span. These sinks give a glossy finish to the surface. They are also smooth which adds a classic look to the kitchen space.
Features
- Lengthy process of melting iron and molding them makes them highly durable and strong
- Comes in a variety of shapes and sizes
- Enameled cast iron and steel sinks can withstand wear and tear
- Available in various colors
- Easy to clean
- Recyclable
3. Quartz Composite Kitchen Sinks
Quartz composite kitchen sinks can be a great option for your contemporary style of kitchen. The sleek finish makes it look elegant. Their non-porous structure does not make food particles stick to the base. This feature also makes the sink resistant to bacteria and odor which is an added advantage in the kitchen space because food waste can be a concern. You can rely on durable kitchen sink material as it will last longer even after rigorous use.
Features
- Sound-deadening feature of quartz makes it a noise-free product
- Highly durable and they can last for a long time
- Resistant to heat and scratches
- Available in different colors
- Can be customized in shapes and sizes
4. Granite Composite Kitchen Sinks
If you are looking for something gorgeous to be placed in your kitchen space from the list of the best material for kitchen sinks, then granite will serve the purpose. As this granite sink looks indistinguishable from the natural stone, it can be the focal point of the whole space. The matte finish of the sink is impressive and adds beauty to the entire area.
Features
- Granite composite sinks are highly durable and robust. This makes the product long-lasting
- Granite is highly resistant to heat. It can withstand temperature changes
- Maintenance of the sink is easy. Stain resistant feature makes it comfortable for cleaning
- Can be customized in shapes and sizes
- Available in different colors
- Scratch resistant
5. Fireclay Kitchen Sinks
Be it farmhouse or contemporary-style kitchen layouts, fireclay kitchen sinks can elevate the entire look of the kitchen. The vibrant style of the sink makes it stand tall from the rest of its counterparts. Fireclay is entirely handcrafted from scratch to the finish. A lot of expert hands go into the making which makes it look ingenious. The quality of the clay is exceptionally high which makes the sink dense and the most durable kitchen sink material.
Features
- Finish of the sink are smooth as they are completely handcrafted and designed to perfection
- Manufactured after facing a heat temperature of around 2000 degrees which makes them completely resistant to heat
- Not prone to discoloration as their appearance is as new for a long span
- Long-lasting
- Easy to clean
- Sound-proof
6. Solid Surface Kitchen Sinks
Solid surface kitchen sinks are usually termed the younger generation sinks among the different types of sink materials in the market. These are made from solid surface sheets that give a completely modern look to the kitchen. As the name itself explains, these variant sinks are very tough and long-lasting. They look like enamel but are made of different materials.
Features
- Durable and hard
- Can withstand temperature changes
- Resistant to wear and tear as they are hard surfaced
- Available in various colors
- Can be customized according to the style of the kitchen
7. Copper Kitchen Sinks
An eye-catching and best material for kitchen sink option for your kitchen is timeless copper. They add extra power to the overall kitchen room. The perception of copper being unfit for kitchen purposes has become a myth as these sinks have broken it thoroughly. Copper can suit any model of the kitchen, whether traditional or modern. The glow it gives to the kitchen area is charming and rich.
Features
- Copper has the natural property of acting defensive against bacterial actions. As such, your kitchen sinks will also be guarding against the action of bacteria and other germs
- Heat conductivity of copper sinks is high. Hot vessels and dishes are not going to cause any harm to your kitchen sink
- Anti-dent properties make it free from any damage because of rough handling
- Long-lasting
- Easy to clean
- Anti-microbial
8. Brass Kitchen Sinks
Brass kitchen sinks would be a captivating addition to your kitchen. However, they require more care as are more prone to dents, dings, and scratches. So if you have a heavy sink usage, you can select material as these types of kitchen sinks material are more suitable as a statement piece.
Features
- Can withstand temperature changes. The temperature of the flowing water or hot vessels is not going to affect the surface of the sink
- High anti-microbial resistance that fights hard over any attacks
- Affordable
- Corrosion resistance
- Toughness
9. Acrylic Kitchen Sinks
You can elevate and give a ravishing look to your kitchen by placing the vibrant acrylic kitchen sinks. The artificial plastic gives a glossy finish to the sink which makes them look swank. Acrylic kitchen sinks are worth the value and they can hold for a very long time in midst of other different types of sink materials which makes you stress-free. If you’re looking for an affordable sink and grandeur, then an acrylic sink should be a great choice.
Features
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Natural property of acrylic makes it non-reactive to temperature changes in water
- Anti-microbial property makes them guard against bacteria and other microbes
- Recyclable
- Available in shapes and colors
- Stain-resistant
- Easy to install.
10. Porcelain Kitchen Sinks
Porcelain is one of the best material for kitchen sinks and your kitchen will be completely transformed if you plance a porcelain sink in the layout. The smooth texture of the porcelain will add a spark to your entire cooking space. Be it modern, traditional, or gallery models, porcelain kitchen sinks will perfectly fit them. Also, many of the cookwares used in the modern world are made of porcelain. The sink will be in accordance with the utensils which will make them look homogenous.
Features
- Durable as they are processed using high-quality clay. This makes them heavy, strong, and long-lasting
- Withstands temperature changes as they are shaped after high-heat processes
- Glossy finish and comes with many different color options
- Non-porous material will eliminate deposits and stains which makes it easy to maintain
11. Vitreous China Kitchen Sinks
Vitreous china kitchen sinks are manufactured after treating tough clay which makes them one of the best material for kitchen sinks. The glossy finish of the material makes it look vibrant and shining. Vitreous china kitchen sinks have been gaining popularity in recent times because of their affordability and look.
Features
- Sink is highly durable and tough
- Natural ability to dry quickly
- Anti-corrosive properties make it even more efficient
- Smooth finish of the sink makes them easy to clean
- Proper maintenance of the sinks will leave the shine on for a long time
12. Natural Stone Kitchen Sinks
If you are looking for something versatile and natural, this variant should be your go-to amidst the different types of sink materials. Natural stone kitchen sinks are made from entirely natural stone materials. The sinks are entirely hand-shaped and add a decorative touch to the kitchen. Transform the entire look of your kitchen by placing natural stone sinks.
Features
- Natural stone sinks are highly durable and do not break because of the rough usage
- Entirely resistant to heat and corrosion. The natural stones can withstand temperature changes
- Maintenance of the sinks is comparatively simple
- Sound-deadening features completely remove the clinging noise of the utensils
How to choose the Right Kitchen Sink Material?
Consider the following before you choose your kitchen sink material.
1.Cost
Kitchen sink materials can cost according to the process used for manufacturing them and the quality of materials used. Various sink materials are available for you to choose from. If you are working on a budget to renovate your kitchen, you should consider listing out all the variants along with their cost. Few of the luxury variants can cost really high.
2.Resistance properties
The kitchen sink should be resistant to scratch, stain, corrosion, and microbial actions. A lot of water goes into the surface of the sink each day. This may result in the formation of rust and corrosion. It entirely damages the sink. So, it is highly advisable to look out for a sink material that defends against rust and stain.
3.Maintenance
Ease of care should be considered before choosing the sink material. Few materials need extra maintenance to keep them tarnish and stain-free. Few sink materials act negatively on the acidic liquids used on them. Such sinks drain your energy and time.
4.Variant options
Color options should be taken into consideration before choosing the material. If you are choosing the sink to go with your kitchen patterns, then the sink material should be customizable. Shapes and sizes can also be customized in particular sink materials. A complete customized kitchen will want all the fixtures and fittings to be designed according to the need. So, looking at the options available is a wise choice.
4.Temperature changes
The sink materials should be able to withstand temperature variations. The temperature of flowing water should not affect the sink. Hot utensils should not react negatively on the surface of the sink. Few materials are prone to dent when exposed to heat and cold.
Conclusion
There are numerous options out in the market for kitchen sinks. Ending up in the best kitchen sink material goes hand-in-hand with other factors such as cost, style of kitchen, usage, and also lifestyle patterns. Considering all these factors along with the features of individual kitchen sink materials is recommended as the sink is a product that is not changed often. An investment that lasts long is what we look out for from such fixtures. This article will escort you to the right sink material.
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