Ceramic vs Stainless Steel Sinks: Which is Right for Your Kitchen?

Your kitchen sink may just be the most important fixture in your entire home. It’s the heart of the kitchen (which everyone says is the heart of the home) and it’s such an important functional and design piece.

With that in mind, which material is best for your kitchen sink? To help you decide we’re taking a closer look at two of the most popular materials – ceramic and stainless steel.

Design

Stainless steel is likely the most popular kitchen sink material in the world, and with good reason. Its signature, silvery colour goes with almost anything. It’s also available in a huge variety of styles, from luxurious Lugano double bowls, to simple, minimalist Barazza single bowls.

Fireclay ceramic also looks incredible but it’s more suited to classic, heritage kitchens than modern masterpieces and is available mainly in white. These sinks all look great but our team’s personal favourite is the stunning Chambord LOUIS.

Functionality

Both fireclay ceramic and stainless steel sinks can be equally functional. Both are available in single and double bowls of various sizes and both can be fitted with handy accessories like chopping boards and dish drainers.

With that said, stainless steel sinks are typically available in more configurations and with a wider range of convenient accessories.

Cleaning and durability

Both stainless steel and ceramic sinks are extremely easy to clean, and in fact stainless steel has several anti-microbial properties. A quick wipe with a household cleaner is usually all you’ll need for both.

Durability-wise both sinks also perform very well. However, stainless steel is known for its toughness – and can often last for 10, 20 or even 30 years. Ceramic sinks are long-lasting too but they may be more prone to chipping and staining than their stainless counterparts.

Installation

Ceramic sinks are big, heavy units that need support underneath when they’re mounted and are typically installed in a semi-recessed position. Stainless steel sinks can be mounted in many ways, including inset, undermount or flush mount. This gives you the ability to choose the way your benchtop looks down to the minute details (and means that stainless sinks are generally easier and quicker to install).

Price

Chambord kitchen sinks are handcrafted from superior European fireclay and they look incredible. As a result they can be slightly more expensive than their stainless steel counterparts.

Stainless sinks, on the other hand, are easier to mass produce and are cheaper as a result. The Entry single bowl is a great example of the incredible value of stainless steel sinks.

What’s right for your kitchen?

Stainless steel and ceramic sinks are both excellent choices that perform well and can last for decades. What’s right for you and your kitchen will ultimately come down to personal preference and your kitchen’s design.

To make your decision easier drop into your nearest Abey Selection Gallery and browse a range of ceramic and stainless steel sinks in person.