Enameled cast iron has a few drawbacks. It is heavy, and you may need to reinforce your countertops and cabinets to safely support the weight. While it's also very durable, it is also susceptible to chipping or scratching if you drop something heavy into the sink. You need to also be careful when cleaning.
Advantages: When it comes to durability and attractiveness, a Cast Iron sink certainly fits the bill. A heavy foundation means these sinks can take a lifetime of use. The material retains heat well, which is a benefit when washing a lot of dishes by hand.
Expensive Upfront Cost
With proper care, cast iron sinks can last a lifetime, so many homeowners see it as an upfront investment. It's up to homeowners to decide how to spend their kitchen renovation budget. But keep in mind that the sink and faucet do take up a good chunk.
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.
Compared to cast iron, which will eventually start to show its age, quartz sinks stay looking new longer. Thanks to a range of UV-stable color options, the material won't begin to fade over time. Quartz is also a non-porous material which means there's no need to worry about staining or scratching your new sink.
Best for: Affordability, durability, and low maintenance. 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.
'The easiest kitchen sink material to maintain is going to be one made of stainless steel, copper, cast iron or enamel because they will not support microbial growth as they are not cellulose material,' says Darren Hudema, director of training and technical services at PuroClean.
2. Fill the Sink. My new method of cleaning a cast-iron sink consists of placing the stopper in the sink, turning the hot water to where it's at its maximum for heat, and filling it about halfway with very hot water. From there, I add a small splash of bleach.
At an inexpensive price, a good cast iron pan can last you decades with proper maintenance—and American brand names such as Lodge may also come with a lifetime warranty, meaning you'll receive a new pan if the old one cracks. A fully-clad stainless steel pan, on the other hand, is much pricier, but still durable.
Cast iron is totally recyclable. Since iron is the main component of steel, you should refrain from throwing it away. Your used cast iron appliances can be melted down and crafted into something brand new, and you can even get money for it!
Sink refinishing can still be be a good option for reglazing cultured marble sinks, cast iron sinks, porcelain sinks and steel sinks where the sink is unique or difficult to remove. Surface Specialists also refinishes several pedestal sinks to match refinished bathtubs and tile.
If a crack appears in your cast iron pan, it's time to ditch it. Even a hairline crack will expand and contract when heated and cooled, and ultimately the pan will split—a potentially dangerous situation if it happens during cooking! Plus, cracks are difficult to clean and may harbor bacteria and rust.
While stainless steel is lightweight and better for acidic foods, cast iron is more durable and better for long, slow cooks and searing.
Cast Iron Kitchen Sinks
When the iron is cast, it's covered in a durable enamel coating. At first, this coating is bright white, and shiny. However, it can be difficult to keep it that way. Over time, the enamel can wear off or chip, which could lead to rust.
Cast iron sinks are made of the same durable iron alloy but add a porcelain enamel coating, fired at a very high temperature, which gives the sink that signature smooth, glossy surface.
Food and moisture will deteriorate the seasoned surface and cause it to rust. Never put cast iron pans in the dishwasher or let them soak in a sink of water. Never put cold liquid into a very hot cast iron pan. The pan could easily crack or warp.
Typically, simple baking soda solutions will do the trick when it comes to removing rust from metal. But for cast iron rust stains, you will need something a little stronger. An oxalic acid cleaner and a soft sponge are all you need, both of which can be found online or at your nearest grocery store.
Advantages: When it comes to durability and attractiveness, a cast iron sink certainly fits the bill. A heavy foundation means these sinks can take a lifetime of use. Despite their durability, these sinks also boast an attractive finish. The thick enamel top layer has a beautiful glossy sheen.
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.
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.
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.