Ceramic vs stainless steel sinks: Which is better?

One of the most important decisions to make during any kitchen renovation is whether to go with a ceramic or stainless steel sink. And fair enough, it’s a tough choice – both options can be fantastic.

To make your renovation smoother and help you make an informed choice, we’ve looked at the pros and cons of each

Ceramic sinks – pros and cons

+ Look amazing

Imagine this Chambord HENRI sink in a beautifully renovated kitchen, with marble benchtops and high quality fittings. There’s no denying that ceramic looks incredible, and if you’re going for a premium, timeless look there’s no better material. 

+ Easy to clean

Ceramic, especially fireclay, is incredibly smooth and easy to clean. It’s not porous, so it won’t stain – just a quick wipe with a household cleaner and you’re done. 

+ Heat resistant  

Fireclay ceramic is fired at extremely high temperatures when it’s created and molded, which makes it very heat resistant. That means, like stainless, there’s no need to worry about pouring boiling water (or even hotter materials) into your sink. 

– They’re heavy so installation may be more difficult

Because of its robust, solid nature, fireclay ceramic is a little heavy. This isn’t a problem during use, but it can make installation a little more costly and difficult as they may require adjustments to the countertop and extra support. 

Stainless sinks – pros and cons

+ Durable

Stainless steel sinks can last and last for decades. There’s next to no maintenance required, just regular cleaning and perhaps a quick check of any sealant used during installation (if any). This can obviously save you money – but also reduce the hassle of needing to find and install a new sink.

+ Affordable

Stainless steel sinks are extremely affordable. In fact, you can buy an excellent no-frills sink for just over $100. Spend a little more and you’ll get more modern designs with extra features and size, like the stunning Abey Montego range. 

+ Easy installation

Tradies install hundreds of stainless steel sinks every day – they’re the chosen sink of the vast majority of Australians. They’re also extremely lightweight, which means they’re incredibly easy to install and you won’t run into any surprises or cost overruns. 

– Can scratch

Stainless sinks can scratch over time with heavy use. Over the years this scratch turns into an attractive patina, but if you’d rather your sink remain perfect for as long as possible – this may not be the best option for you. 

– Noisier

Stainless sinks, especially cheap ones, can tend to be a little noisier when doing the dishes. That said, if you’ve got a dishwasher and noise doesn’t bother you, this shouldn’t be a problem at all. 

Not sure which option is for you?

It can be really difficult to choose between two finishes without seeing them in person. The best way to compare ceramic and stainless steel sinks is to drop into your nearest Abey showroom, where you can browse a huge range of kitchen fixtures and fittings and talk to a kitchen design expert.