Durability: This is a necessity in any kitchen sink. A quartz sink is long-lasting and strong, and it holds up well against scratches and chipping. It is also heat and stain-resistant.
Cons of a quartz sink
Because quartz composite sinks are not the same as solid quartz stone sinks, they don't deliver the same variation in pattern, shine (available in matte finish only), and color as natural stone sinks.
Quality composite granite sinks are formed under high pressure, making them nonporous, hygienic, and resistant to heat, stains, scratches, and chips. However, cleaning and removing stains from a granite composite sink can be tricky.
Heat Resistance
The acrylic resin in the mix of a granite composite sink could warp or melt. To avoid any possible damage, it is advised to ensure a hot pan is allowed to cool or to place the pan into a sink full of cold water.
To prevent staining of your Quartz sink, do not leave standing water in your sink, especially if the water contains anything that could stain the sink (i.e. coffee or tea). Rinse anything that could stain the sink down the drain with running water and any splashes off.
Yes, composite sinks can withstand boiling water. There is no issue with pouring hot water down a granite, quartz, or solid surface sink.
If you prioritize style, sound absorption, and a luxurious look, a quartz sink might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you value durability, versatility, and a more affordable price point, a stainless steel sink could be the way to go.
Use soft or micro fibre cloths (eg. E-cloth). A 50% mix of water and white vinegar can be used to remove limescale deposits, ensure to rinse thoroughly after use, do not leave the vinegar in contact with the surface. A nylon scratch pad or toothbrush can be used on difficult areas.
Quartz tends to be more affordable, and it comes in a vast array of color choices because it's basically a manmade product. Granite composite, on the other hand, although a little pricier, is indestructible as a countertop or sink because a large percent of the product is actual stone from the earth's crust.
It is essential you avoid extreme variations in temperatures coming into contact with your sink – such as pouring out a pan of boiling water followed by ice cold water. This can cause thermal shock in composite sinks and will result in hairline cracks appearing.
Stainless steel sinks are very low maintenance; they are corrosion and rust resistant, and as long as they are cared for properly and wiped down after every use, they should not stain. Find out more about how to clean a stainless steel sink by reading our guide with handy tips and tricks from our experts.
If you are concerned about water marks being left on the surface, which are more likely to appear on composite sinks of a darker colour, then wiping your sink with a lint-free cloth to dry it off should do the trick. Drying your sink after each rinse will help prevent the build-up of water stains and limescale.
Stainless steel has long been a material of choice for its hygienic properties, resistance to stains, rust, and corrosion, and affordability. But it is not the only metal on the market; copper and brass sinks can be used to make a design statement.
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.
To perform this test, buyers can scratch the quartz sink's surface with a coin or any other sharp object. If no scratches appear on the sink, then the quality of the quartz composite sink is premium.
Hard Water Mineral Deposits (Calcium, Magnesium, Lime)
Unless you wipe your sink dry after every use, water left behind will eventually evaporate. When water evaporates, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and lime are left behind, bonding to the surface. These spots are called mineral deposits.
While quartz kitchen sinks look just as stunning as natural stone, they are lower maintenance than granite or marble. Quartz composite sinks are made from a mixture of quartz and acrylic resin, which means they have a natural look with a man-made surface finish.
The most stain-resistant sink is a stainless steel sink. A stainless steel sink is the most durable and low-maintenance kitchen sink as they are resistant to heat, stains, and scratches.
Fireclay
Manufactured from clay fired at an extremely high temperature, fireclay sinks are highly resistant to scratches, staining and chipping. Cleanup is easy — just dish soap on a sponge, or use a mild abrasive cleanser for tougher marks. These are the sinks I often recommend for those who want a white kitchen sink.
If your composite sink has limescale staining or hard water stains, these can show up clearly against a dark-coloured sink. For these, you do need to use a diluted vinegar to help remove them. The key is not to use straight vinegar on the sink, but to make a mixture that is 50% water and 50% vinegar.
Mineral deposits can lead to discolouration, which you can remove with proper care and attention. It is important to note the following when cleaning your granite composite sink: Do not use full strength bleach or cleaners with ammonia. Do not use chemical drain openers.
Durability - It's nearly impossible to scratch or chip fireclay, and they're much less likely to crack or scratch compared to cast iron. Because of the finish, fireclay sinks are unlikely to discolor, rust, or fade over time.
Quartz sinks are built to endure a lifetime. These sinks are extremely long-lasting and resistant to heat (up to 280 degrees Celsius), scratches, and stains, ensuring that they maintain their appearance for many years. Sinks with higher performance often come with warranties.
Quartz is incredibly durable and is heat, scratch and stain resistant — ensuring it looks good for many years. Given the higher performance of these sinks, they generally also come with longer warranties. For example, the new range of quartz sinks from Hafele come with a 20-year warranty on manufacturing defects.