Stainless Steel vs. Porcelain Sinks: Which Is Best for Your Kitchen?

From preparing meals to doing dishes to tending to plants, your kitchen sink gets a lot of use every day. Kitchen sinks come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, including popular options like stainless steel and porcelain. Both are great additions to your home, although they differ in a few ways. Let’s compare stainless steel vs. porcelain sinks to determine which type is best suited for your space.

Appearance

Stainless steel sinks are made of steel that is either folded, welded, or pressed into the shape of a sink. They offer a modern look with their clean lines and edges. You can choose from several thicknesses, as well as either a polished or wire-brushed finish. Porcelain sinks, or ceramic sinks, are made from cast iron coated in ceramic. They have a more substantial look than stainless steel, which gives them an old-world appeal. Ceramic sinks are most commonly a white or cream color with a glossy appearance that brightens up any space. They can be customized to fit the style of your kitchen as well.

Cleaning

One big advantage of stainless steel is that it is easy to clean and maintain. Cleaning these sinks is as simple as wiping them down with a wet sponge and any cleaning product you wish. The material also does not rust and never needs to be reglazed. Porcelain sinks are a bit more high maintenance than stainless steel. Avoid cleaning them with bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can break down the enamel over time. To help keep them clean, you should also limit their exposure to foods and beverages that can stain, such as coffee, berries, and wine.

Durability

Stainless steel is a very durable material for a kitchen sink. Since it is resistant to germs and bacteria, it can last anywhere between 15 and 30 years. Stainless steel sinks with a lower gauge, or thicker surface, tend to last longer than those with a thinner surface. They are susceptible to scratches, however, which are more noticeable with a polished finish. Porcelain kitchen sinks are also very durable. A well-maintained porcelain sink can last up to 30 years. However, over time, the glaze that is applied to add protection can begin to wear away. This exposes the porous material underneath, which can result in chipping or cracking. Refinishing your porcelain sink when you notice it wearing away will make it last longer.

Noise

Since stainless steel sinks are thinner than porcelain, they vibrate when other objects, such as water or heavy pots, come into contact with the bottom. Manufacturers combat this noise with a pad or coating to muffle the sound, but they will still make some noise regardless. Due to their thick ceramic material, porcelain sinks do not vibrate and muffle sound more than stainless steel.

Cost

One of the benefits of stainless steel sinks is that they are affordable. Not only are they inexpensive to install, but they are also easier to manufacture, package, and transport. Porcelain sinks tend to be more expensive than stainless steel. The price increases if you choose an undermount installation and increases even further for more popular styles like apron and farmhouse.

Shop Kitchen Sinks With The Window Depot

No matter what type of sink you go with, The Window Depot has you covered. Our stores are stocked with a wide range of shapes and sizes of both stainless steel and porcelain sinks to fit any style of kitchen. Our friendly and knowledgeable associates can help you choose a sink that will transform your space. To purchase a new sink or to inquire about a custom order, contact us today.