A well maintained ceramic sink can last a lifetime, and thanks to them being easy to clean as well as heat resistant, it can look just as good as the day you bought it.
The disadvantages of ceramic sinks are much smaller, but they should also be considered before buying. First, sinks made of this material are quite heavy and difficult to install them yourself. Secondly, the ceramic surface is not resistant to strong shocks. If you drop something very heavy into the sink, it may crack.
Is ceramic durable? Ceramic sinks have an extremely strong surface that is resistant to scratching, chipping, and impacts, which makes them able to withstand the rigors of everyday use. These features make ceramic ideal for items that will be used repeatedly. Ceramic is particularly hard, smooth, and completely sealed.
A stainless steel sink is the most durable and low-maintenance kitchen sink as they are resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. What's more, they are also some of the most versatile sinks coming in a variety of styles and sizes meaning they fit in most kitchens easily no matter the size or style.
Your sink's lifespan will depend a lot on its material. Stainless steel sinks last 15 to 30 years. Porcelain sinks last 25 to 30 years before they'll need to be refinished, after which they can last longer. Enamel steel sinks only last about 5 to 10 years if used frequently.
Porcelain sinks have an average lifespan of 20–25 years. While all materials take on wear and tear over time, porcelain sinks can be refinished to keep them looking brand new and gorgeous for decades.
Clean your ceramic sink regularly with a mix of hot water and washing up liquid along with a soft cloth to keep on top of small stains. Removing small marks will ensure you won't have to deep clean your sink as frequently. You can also remove use our Cramer ceramic polish to brighten up your sink.
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.
1. Stainless Steel. When choosing your kitchen sink, you pretty much can't go wrong with stainless steel. This top kitchen sink material is extremely durable and able to withstand heavy drops from pots and pans while also resisting scratches from sharp knives and utensils.
Porcelain is considered the hardest clay available today and it starts out as... ceramic. It is heated in a kiln at an extremely high temperature (higher than ceramic), so it is less porous and dense. Porcelain is very strong with a smooth finish.
Cracks in ceramic sink: Assess the situation and the sink
On the down side, it's a brittle material and easily cracked. One drop of a heavy object can leave you staring at a major chip in your porcelain.
Durability: The durability of ceramic sinks and their heavy frames, make them sturdy and reliable kitchen centerpieces. Heavy duty glazing and layered clay composition makes this sink chip proof as well as resistant to many household chemicals.
Once your ceramic sink is completely clean and free of any dirt, you should seal it to protect it from stains and discoloration.
Try to avoid placing extremely hot or cold substances into your ceramic sink, or these can cause it to crack. If you do need to pour boiling water in your sink, make sure the cold tap is turned on first.
Quartz Composite
Best for: High durability, heat-resistance, and sound dampening. If the vulnerabilities of solid surface acrylic resin or enameled kitchen sinks are concerning, then a quartz composite kitchen sink is a great option.
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.
Composite sinks hold up well under heavy use. They resist staining and scratching, withstand acids, and don't show water spots. They are also non-porous, which means they never need sealing.
Many homeowners ask if Magic Erasers® can be used on porcelain or if they will damage ceramic tile. The good news is that they can be safely used on ceramic tiles and porcelain, so you have nothing to worry about if you plan on using them this way.
› You must not pour strong chemicals down the sink such as bleach, ammonia, caustic soda, white sprit and sterilising solutions. If this should accidentally happen, quickly wipe the spill away and rinse with plenty of water.
These mineral deposits are known for causing stains by settling on the surface of the ceramic. Elimination of these stain spots are simple by using a non- abrasive cleaner such as soft-scrub.
Abrasive tools: Abrasive tools like scouring pads and steel wool could cause unsightly scratches to form on porcelain sinks. Abrasive cleaners: Abrasive cleaners that contain harsh chemicals can stain, scratch, or damage the finish on porcelain sinks.
To tell the difference between a ceramic and a porcelain sink, try placing a magnet near it. Most porcelain sinks are metal with a porcelain finish. As a result, magnets usually stick to their surfaces. Ceramic sinks are usually entirely ceramic and not magnetic.
But their porous porcelain material means that forgetting to clean them regularly, or not well enough, could cause permanent damage. Neglecting to clean bathroom sinks or kitchen sinks often causes them to dull, lose their shine, and stain.