Stainless Steel versus Ceramic Sinks – What are the key differences?
The kitchen sink is one of the intensely used and functional areas of a kitchen. Finding the perfect kitchen sink option is one that needs careful consideration particularly due to the different types of sink materials now used to manufacture them. Two of the most popular choices within our range are Stainless Steel and Ceramic. Let us take you through the pros and cons of both materials.
Installation
Stainless steel kitchen sinks have the advantage of being able to be mounted in many ways. Within our Abey Australia kitchen sink collection, the option of inset, undermount or flush mount is available. This gives you a greater choice when it comes to how your want your benchtop to look as well as how you need your sink to function.
As ceramic kitchen sinks need support underneath due to their weight, they tend to be mounted on an apron cabinet in a semi-recessed position. They can also be wider and deeper than standard kitchen sink so the countertops need to be adjusted to ensure there is plenty of room.
Styles Available
Stainless steel is the easiest product to produce a sink from. This enables plenty of scope when it comes to the shape, configuration and design of a sink. At Abey, we have the most diverse range of stainless steel sinks in Australia. Our styles include square bowls (like our Lucia Collection) or round shaped bowls (like our popular NuQueen Collection, kitchen sinks with drainers (such as our Lugano Collection) as well as those with one or two bowls.
Our Chambord Ceramic kitchen sink range are restricted to one or two bowl designs without a drainer. Although there are a variety of sizes, the bowl shape are all round but are larger than many of the stainless steel models we produce.
Price
The price of the sink does differ depending upon the material you choose. As stainless steel kitchen sinks tend to be mass produced, they can be purchased cheaper than most other types. However, it is important to ensure the sink is made from a quality and thick stainless steel. This will ensure a quieter wash up time and that any sharp objects (like knives) will not pierce through.
As our Chambord kitchen sinks are hand crafted from superior European fireclay, they tend to be more expensive. However, you are getting a product with a high-end prestige aesthetic that are a piece of art that will last for years to come.
Aesthetic
The overall aesthetic of the kitchen look and feel is another important factor. For a Hampton or farmhouse design, a ceramic kitchen sink, like our Chambord Clotaire Collection, will enhance the overall look further and set the scene for the entire kitchen. If it is a modern design, a stainless steel sink like our Barazza R15 kitchen sink collection will fit in perfectly with the other modern appliances chosen.
Durability and Cleaning
Both stainless steel and ceramic sinks are easy to clean. However, ceramic sinks need to be handled more gently than their stainless counterparts. Ceramic sinks could chip if undue force is applied to them, so it is important to be gentle with any heavy items.
Overall, choosing the right material for your kitchen sink really depends upon your priorities. To make your decision easier, Abey Australia has several Selection Galleries throughout Australia where you can view our extensive range of kitchen sinks and speak to one of our consultants further.
