For 2023, some trending sinks are classic but newly appreciated for minimizing your environmental footprint. Stainless steel sinks are versatile, durable, and easy to clean. And the classic porcelain sink will stick around forever! But more eco-friendly options—like fireclay and copper sinks—are emerging.
Of course, a classic white porcelain sink will never go out of style.
Porcelain sinks remain popular for kitchens due to their durability, non-porous surface, design versatility, easy-to-clean nature, and heat and cold resistance. If you're looking for a kitchen sink, you have several options: porcelain, stainless steel, cast iron, stone, enamel, concrete, and more.
Sinks made of ceramic must be glazed to reduce porosity. Even yet, they do still absorb some water, which lessens their robustness. Ceramic sinks are more porous than porcelain sinks. Therefore, porcelain is the preferable option when comparing the water resistance of sinks compared to ceramic sinks.
Believe it or not, it's actually pretty hard to scratch porcelain (or fireclay) sinks. It's more likely that you'll get grey/black marks on the bottom from pans or stainless steel utensils. These might look like scratches, but they are easily removed with some Soft Scrub, a sponge, and a little elbow grease.
Stainless Steel Sinks
The most popular kitchen sink material, stainless steel is available in a wide variety of styles, including drop-in, farmhouse and undermount.
Avoid mixing lemon juice or vinegar with each other or with hydrogen peroxide (or bleach), as the combination can be toxic. In addition, do not use hydrogen peroxide (or bleach) on a rust stain in a porcelain sink.
Porcelain and stone bathroom sinks, on the other hand, can be prone to cracking. One of the most common reasons that these types of sinks develop cracks is due to thermal stress.
Porcelain Tile Disadvantages
Regular maintenance and cleaning can help to prevent discoloration and mold. Porcelain tiles can feel cold underfoot, especially in cooler weather. Porcelain tiles can be hard and unforgiving, leading to discomfort if standing or walking on them for extended periods of time.
The biggest difference between the two materials is their level of heat-resistance. Porcelain withstands heat well and is unaffected by direct sunlight, while quartz surfaces can warp or become discolored over time.
(You can check out this guide on how to clean your stainless steel sink like a pro.) Incredibly durable and long-lasting: Since stainless steel is a metal, it is resilient and can hold up under sudden impacts, heavy weights, etc. A stainless steel kitchen sink can last long and give you your money's worth.
Timeless: Think farmhouse sinks in porcelain, soapstone sinks (integrated into the counter, or not), and surprisingly, concrete (subtle colors akin to soapstone or slate).
As per 2024, Ceramic sinks are a classic choice that continues to appeal due to their long-lasting durability and effortless charm. With the new trend of integrating waste disposals, ceramic sinks are now more functional than ever and remains so for 2025.
Are Farmhouse Sinks Out of Style? Farmhouse sinks are not out of style; in fact, they remain a popular choice in kitchen design. While trends in home decor can fluctuate, farmhouse sinks have enduring appeal due to their classic, rustic look and practicality.
Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.
If concerned about putting any kind of bleach on an antique porcelain sink, use white vinegar instead. Add undiluted white vinegar to a spray bottle and spray the sink, then use a non-abrasive sponge and circular motions to clean the porcelain. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Use a Magic Eraser to remove stains and soap scum
Clean Magic Eraser to quickly scrub your porcelain sink. This will help get rid of any grime/residue without necessitating the use of harsh chemicals,' says Raquel Kehler, of home blog Room Crush.
Efficiency has reached a pinnacle, making workstation sinks the top trend for 2024. These sinks come pre-filled with built-in accessories that simplify kitchen tasks. For example, most workstation sinks already come with cutting boards, drying racks, and colanders.
Choosing a Sink Material
For example, stainless steel sinks are best for granite countertops and porcelain sinks are easiest to clean. Cast iron sinks are the most durable and most expensive, and have a very unique aesthetic that may not fit in with all styles.
FAQs: Kitchen Sink Trends 2025
A: The top trends include workstation sinks, farmhouse or apron front designs, low divide double bowls, and oversized single bowls. Stainless steel remains popular, but there's growing interest in composite materials and bold finishes.
A disadvantage of cast iron sinks are that they can be susceptible to chipping if something heavy is dropped and scuffs but minor chips can be repaired. Metal pots might also mark the surface of the sink when washed but scratch marks can be rubbed off with cleanser.
The TLDR definition of a farmhouse sink is “a deep sink that has an exposed front-facing side.” Thesaurus may also refer to it as an “apron front” sink – which, in our opinion, is the best description as it literally acts like an apron as you wash.