When it comes to durability, stainless steel is an excellent choice since it resists corrosion and rusting. Porcelain is also very durable, but it can chip or crack if it's not handled carefully.
'I've found that stainless steel kitchen sinks are the easiest to maintain,' says professional cleaner Sara San Angelo, The Cleaning Lady. 'They are durable and easy to clean. Usually, you only need soap and water to clean them. '
Porcelain steel provides a glossy finish that is easy to clean while still offering excellent protection from high temperatures; however, it is not as resistant as stainless steel when exposed to extreme temperatures over long periods of time.
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.
Porcelain sinks are both beautiful and easy to clean. 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.
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.
Thermal Stress
Considering porcelain is usually layered on metal (which conducts heat), the sink loses heat rapidly and can become very cold—even when the room isn't cold. Therefore, hot water getting into contact with cold porcelain creates temperature stress that can cause cracks on the sink's surface.
If you opt for a classic white porcelain farmhouse sink, it's very likely to get stained, and it will require regular cleaning to keep it sparkling. Scrubbing the sink with baking soda will help remove sauce stains, yet this mild abrasive won't scratch the surface.
The most common option for a kitchen sink material is stainless steel. This material is well-known for its water-resistance, durability, and scratch-resistance, and is also often recognized for superior rust-resistance and antimicrobial properties. Stainless steel is an excellent choice for just about any kitchen.
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.
Carbon steel, on the other hand, has a matte finish and has a higher tensile strength and is harder than stainless steel. This material is used for knives and other bladed instruments that must maintain their cutting edge longer.
Stainless steel's strength, resistance to corrosion and low maintenance make it the ideal material for a wide range of applications. It also has a long life cycle and is 100% recyclable.
This finish will not rust or scratch like plain painted steel. Porcelain Enamel has no pores or scratches to provide bacteria with a place to grow. And it will wipe clean in seconds. It will not scorch, burn or discolor in a sustained high-temperature environment.
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.
Porcelain kitchen sinks are durable
While porcelain is incredibly durable, it can chip or stain under certain conditions. If you drop a heavy item in your porcelain sink, such as a cast iron pan, it may chip and require resurfacing.
Ans. Stainless steel kitchen sinks are considered the most durable because they are easy to clean, use and maintain.
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.
As consumers learned how to keep the surfaces of stainless steel appliances free of smudges and streaks by using the right cleaners and techniques, they discovered that stainless steel surfaces do get scratches over time from other metals hitting the surface, minerals in hard water, or over-abrasive cleaning.
Both top-mount and undermount models are available; undermount models ease cleanup because there is no lip to catch food and debris, but are usually more expensive. Stainless steel sinks also resist chipping and cracking, however, are likely to be scratched through everyday use and often show water spots.
While stainless steel sinks are durable, they do tend to scratch if abrasive cleansers are used. You might notice tiny scratches on an older stainless steel sink if you look closely. Most stainless steel varieties have a grain or pattern to them.
Cons to consider:
Although porcelain tile is extremely durable, it does occasionally chip, particularly around the edges. This may not be noticeable with through-body composition, but it is a concern. Porcelain tile is typically more expensive than ceramic and other popular flooring materials.
If the item is cold to the touch, perhaps try pre-heating it with warm/hot tap water. Pouring boiling water directly into a cold porcelain or stoneware cup, bowl or mug may cause the item / glaze to crack (thermal shock).
The absorption and build up of water minerals over time will dull their finish and leave unsightly rings. Cleaning will require harsh chemicals and abrasives that will further damage the surface and eventually be ineffective. Porcelain must be sealed for the same reasons you seal shower glass doors.
Drastic temperature shifts
Like a lot of household objects or fittings, drastic temperature changes cause damage to bathroom sinks. Repeated temperature shock can lead to swelling and cracking of your porcelain and enamel.