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.
Use a sink grid to protect the bottom to prevent any scratches from heavy pots & pans. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and microfiber cloth to buff out any small nicks in the sink. Clean the sink regularly with mild soap to prevent any stains and discoloration.
Fireclay Sinks
These sinks are extremely popular these days and understandably so. Fireclay is made when clay and glaze are fused together at extremely high temperatures. This creates a highly durable material that is hard and resistant to chips and cracks.
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 Soft Scrub, a sponge, and a little elbow grease.
Porcelain may look similar to fireclay (and almost always comes at a lower price), but it's less durable as the simpler clay is heated at a lower temperature during the manufacturing process; it's more prone to chips, scratches, and discoloration than fireclay.
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.
The two top contenders are either a enamel-coated cast iron or a fireclay apron sink. Both are very strong materials, and both have been used for hundreds of years to make not only sinks but also structural building materials and tools for extreme temperatures.
The Porcelain Will Get Stained (and Potentially Chipped)
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.
Both types of sinks are huge, large, and quite deep. However, the apron sink's front area is exposed and visible- which is why they are called apron sinks. These are versatile and modern houses prefer apron sinks. But on the other side, farmhouse sinks look adjacent as well as covered by the kitchen cabinets.
One of the drawbacks of choosing a farmhouse sink is the installation process. Depending on how your kitchen is set up, you may have to alter the size and design of your countertops before the farmhouse sink installation. Farmhouse sinks are much deeper and wider than classic kitchen sinks.
Fireclay sinks are known for their durability and resistance to scratches and chips. The heavy-duty material can withstand heavy use, making it a great choice for families with young children or busy households. Quartz sinks are also durable, but they are not as scratch-resistant as fireclay sinks.
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.
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.
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.
In conclusion, if you would like a cost effective coloured sink you might want to look into the granite sink ranges. If you are looking for an easy to clean, premium material you would want to look into a fine fireclay sink. We hope that gives you an insight into the features and benefits of each type of material.
Since it's fireclay, which is a blend of clay and glaze, it's scratch, stain and heat resistant. It also resists cracks and it doesn't chip.
Pros: Non-porous and resistant to acid, alkali, and scratches; relatively chip-resistant; durable, especially compared to other sink materials. Cons: Limited sizes and colors; not “friendly” on dropped dishes; susceptible to stains without proper care; can crack or chip over time; expensive.
Scratchable. Compared to other ceramic-style sinks, fireclay is incredibly durable and resistant. It's hard to break or nick a fireclay sink. The downside is that the fireclay material can show surface scratches, especially if an object creates a hard impact.
It's no surprise that due to its functional design and timeless and elegant appeal that the fireclay farmhouse sink has made a resurgence among homeowners in America too. Thanks to Joanna Gaines, the fireclay farmhouse sink has gained added popularity and has become a favorite feature in new home kitchens today.
Pros and Cons of Fireclay
Just because your dishes won't likely hurt your sink doesn't mean that your fireclay sink can't hurt your dishes. Be aware that if you should drop your dishes in the sink, they may be more likely to break as a result of the sink's hard fireclay surface.
Porcelain is susceptible to scratches and chips that might expose the surface beneath, which makes it vital to avoid dropping heavy metal objects in it or using sharp metal around it. It's recommended that people use silicone pads or a stainless steel rack to help protect it.
When first in use your sink may appear to show up scratches easily. This is because the steel is protected during its manufacture by a layer of plastic film. However, rather like the bodywork of your car, stainless steel can scratch easily. Care must be taken therefore when cleaning or indeed during every day use.
Durable and long-lasting – With proper care, a ceramic sink can last for many years. The ceramic material is resistant to scratches, chips, and stains. Easy to care for – They can be cleaned with mild soap and water and do not require any special cleaners or sealants.