The good, the bad and the shiny: Pros and cons of stainless steel kitchen sinks
You’ll find a stainless steel kitchen sink in the majority of Australian homes, and with good reason. They look great, they’re affordable and they’ll last for decades if they’re well taken care of.
That’s why if you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen or updating your kitchen sink you’ve got to consider stainless steel. To help with your decision we’ve taken a closer look at these sinks and explored the pros and cons of stainless steel.
Pros
Tough and durable
Stainless steel kitchen sinks are used in most commercial kitchens because they’re incredibly tough. they’ll never rust, will rarely stain, are hard to scratch and won’t warp over time. Unlike porcelain sinks, stainless steel won’t chip or crack and if you go with a thick, quality sink they’re incredibly hard to dent when you’re doing the dishes.
These qualities make stainless steel kitchen sinks perfect for heavy use, whether you’re doing the dishes for a big family or hosting dinner parties.
Long lasting
After you replace your sink or renovate your kitchen, chances are you won’t be keen to do it again in a few years time. Luckily, stainless steel kitchen sinks can last for up to 15-30 years if they’re properly cared for.
In fact, we’ve seen stainless steel kitchen sinks that are decades old and are still shining like new.
Suits any kitchen
Stainless steel may be the most versatile sink material. It’s available in several finishes including the standard glossy look, brushed stainless, and coloured stainless in shades like rose gold, black and more.
Since they don’t rust or stain they’re also suitable for outdoor kitchens (check out the Abey Al Fresco range if you’re building an outdoor kitchen).
Incredible value
With stainless steel you get a near invincible sink that could last a lifetime and will suit almost any kitchen. And you’ll generally get it for less than a granite or porcelain sink.
In fact, stainless steel sinks may be the best value kitchen sinks on the market – they’re a premium product for a mid-range price.
Cons
May scratch
Stainless steel is nearly invincible, but not quite. If you wash it with a rough steel wool or scrape it with metal tools or cooking utensils there’s a small chance that you may leave shallow scratches on its surface. Over time these can build up to reduce the sink’s shine.
The solution? Simply clean using a hard bristled brush and spray & wipe, and take care when cleaning sharp metal utensils. Easy.
Can be loud
Some stainless steel sinks use only a thin layer of steel, which can cause loud bangs and clangs when bumped by pots, pans and dishes.
On the other hand, Abey’s stainless steel kitchen sinks use only thick, durable stainless steel so they’re much quieter than your average stainless steel sink.
Ready to start searching for your new stainless steel sink? Check out Abey’s full range of kitchen sinks online now, or drop into one of our Selection Galleries to test them out in person.
