A kitchen sink is a long term investment in your home. And just like any investment, you want something that gives you value for money. Many things will determine if you will get value for your money, including the durability of the product, functionality, maintenance and cleaning, and so on.
Your kitchen sink will be used daily, most of the time, even if it is to store dirty dishes till the next day. It is where you wash your dishes, prepare meals, and even wash up when you are done with your kitchen chores. Some people also use their sinks to wash their babies, puppies, soak items, or tend to their potted plants.
There is a wide range of materials used to make kitchen sinks, but the most common ones are stainless steel and porcelain. Any of these materials are perfect for a sink, but they have different properties that you should consider before making a decision. So, today I am going to take you through a comparison between stainless steel and the porcelain sink.
Stainless steel vs porcelain
Table of Contents
Cost
While both stainless steel and porcelain sinks are standard, the former is much more popular than the latter because it is usually less expensive. A standard stainless steel kitchen sink can cost you less than $200.
One the other hand, porcelain kitchen sinks can cost a fortune, probably due to the process involved in making them. A simple porcelain sink can cost you between $300 and $400, but if you decide to go for an under-mount version, you will have to pay more. Farmhouse sinks and apron sinks are two of the fashionable porcelain sinks styles today, but you will pay an extra $150 to $200 to get them.
So in terms of bargain kitchen sinks, stainless steel sinks are a great option, but if you are after trend and cost is not a consideration, then you will never go wrong with porcelain kitchen sinks.
Strength
This is one area where both stainless steel and porcelain kitchen sinks thrive compared to other materials. Both of them as strong and sturdy and can last up to 20 years when taken care of properly.
When it comes to stainless steel sink, its strength will vary significantly, but mostly influenced by the gauge of the steel used. Experts recommend going for a stainless steel sink with a little bit low gauge, which gives it a thicker surface. Also, because they are not scratch-free, make sure you choose a stainless steel sink with a polished finish for added durability and to hide the scratches.
Porcelain kitchen sinks are typically made of durable porcelain and sometimes cast over iron or steel. If presented with a chance, always choose casted porcelain kitchen sinks over non-casted. Either way, porcelain sinks are usually susceptible to chippings. Over time, it will start to show the damage on their surface, particularly if they are exposed to certain substances such as acidic and bleach, for a long.
Installation
Stainless steel sinks are usually lighter compared to porcelain sinks, and as a result, relatively easy to install. A self-rimming sink made of stainless steel can be installed easily by a general contractor or plumber. But for an under-mount kitchen sink, you may need specific hardware due to the mount style.
In comparison, the installation of a porcelain sink will require a wide range of skills and requirements. First, porcelain is typically denser compared to other materials, and because of that, you will need a professional. Additionally, the cabinet supporting the sink must be more durable.
Maintenance
Stainless steel sinks are low-maintenance compared to porcelain sinks. All you need is a cleaner of your choice and a cloth. Sometimes you don’t even need a cleaner solution, but clean running water and your ordinary dish soap or lemon juice. However, it would help if you were careful with some types of substances such as steel wool, chloride, and abrasive cleaners, which can damage the surface of your stainless steel kitchen sink. Avoiding abrasive cleaners can help keep your sink scratch-free.
Porcelain sinks are not that demanding either, but caution should be observed as leaving dried-on substances such as food, can damage your pan by causing stains and discoloration. One thing that porcelain sinks have over their stainless steel counterparts is that they can be resurfaced if they develop scratches, stains, or chipping.
The secret is to clean and maintain your sink properly, and it will give you years of service.
Noise
Since stainless steel kitchen sinks are thinner in comparison to porcelain sinks, they tend to produce a lot of noise when using or even when you run your tap. But this can be prevented by placing a coating or pad on the bottom to help soften the sound.
Porcelain sinks, on the other hand, are thicker and don’t produce sound when in use.
Final thoughts
Both stainless steel kitchen sinks are porcelain kitchen sinks that have their pros and cons, but in terms of offering value for money, you will not go wrong with either of them. It will all come down to your needs and preferences. We also have a post on the 5 things nobody tell you about farmhouse sinks that is a great read.