Porcelain, ceramic and fireclay kitchen sinks have extremely low water absorption characteristics (making them easy to keep clean on a regular basis).
'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.
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.
Porcelain is easy to clean and maintain and is stain, scratch, and heat resistant. However, porcelain is susceptible to cracking or chipping from dropping hard or heavy objects so we recommend using a protective grid or silicone pad in your kitchen sink to prevent damage.
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 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.
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.
Quartz kitchen sinks are fairly low-maintenance. Clean it regularly with a mild detergent, and deep-clean as necessary with a nylon brush and a cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend.
While white farmhouse sinks are stunning, there are more durable kitchen sink materials out there. If you're concerned about cracks and stains, a stainless steel kitchen sink may be a better choice for your household. Stainless steel sinks are also one of the easiest sinks to keep clean.
Unlike the common stainless steel sinks, much care is needed on matte black sinks and this includes regular cleaning. Simple regular cleaning goes a long way in reducing the amount of effort in combating soap buildup and calcium deposits.
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.
Stainless steel sinks also resist chipping and cracking, however, are likely to be scratched through everyday use and often show water spots. Although they are easy to clean, they require regular maintenance to look their best. If you don't wipe them out regularly, they can quickly look dingy.
Stainless Steel Sinks
The most popular kitchen sink material, stainless steel is available in a wide variety of styles, including drop-in, farmhouse and undermount.
Undermount sinks also remain popular, with Beesley sharing that they're “a popular choice for customers as they are installed under the level of the worktop creating a seamless design. These types of sinks save space, and create a clean and sleek look which is great for minimalist-style kitchens.”
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. Additionally, quartz sinks can be hard on dropped dishes, so be careful when you wash your fragile glasses or china!
Yes, composite sinks can withstand boiling water. There is no issue with pouring hot water down a granite, quartz, or solid surface sink.
Composite Granite Sink Disadvantages
Hardness: While some sink materials are more forgiving, composite granite is hard enough to break glassware when dropped onto the surface. This granite composite sink problem is something to consider if you frequently wash breakable dishes in the sink.
Strongest kitchen sink
Stainless steel is by far the most popular material for kitchen sinks, stainless steel sinks are heat and stain resistant and come in a variety of types, styles and sizes.
The best color for a sink could be traditional white, multi-colored through to a statement black, including metallic finishes in silver, gold, and bronze.
Starches. Pasta, potatoes, beans, and rice are four common culprits of clogged kitchen sinks.
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.
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.
Quartz is one of the most durable materials available. It can withstand the highest temperatures and is resistant to stains, scratches, dents and chips.