Sinks are permanent fixtures in your kitchen, so a little bit of caution before the purchase brings fruition. Both granite and stainless steel make a home complete. However, both of them couldn’t have been more different.
Of course, deciding on the suitable kitchen sink from the dozens of choices accessible can get overwhelming. Therefore, we chose the best two options with high heat resistance and resilience.
And for your convenience, we have listed the drawbacks associated with the materials, as shortcomings are unavoidable.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Granite Composite and Stainless Steel Sinks
| Sink Type | Granite Composite | Stainless Steel |
| Heat Resistance | Effortlessly endure a temperature of 530°F and capability can goes as high as 1200℉ | Stainless steel accounts for high heat tolerance up to 1700℉ |
| Weight | Bulky and heavy | Lightweight |
| Durability | Moderately durable | Highly durable |
| Stain & Scratch Resistant | Remarkable ability to resist stain and scratch | Prone to nicks and scratches if overused |
| Chip and Crack | Can chipped and cracked in extreme temperature | Chip and crack resistant |
| Maintenance | Requires low-maintenance | Requires minimum maintenance |
| Color Options | Available in different colors | Only one color |
| Budget | Expensive | Budget-friendly |
| Average Price | $250 – $800 | $120 – $450 |
Composite Sink vs Stainless Steel With Pros and Cons
You see, like all other material in the world, each of these has benefits and weaknesses. Now, if that piqued your interest, let’s jump to the in-depth specifications of stainless steel and granite composite kitchen sink.
Granite Composite Sink
Granite sink exhibits remarkable endurance to damage. Hence, hardwearing ability runs within the engineered material. This industrial-grade composite offers a stone-like framework that meets your daily demands.
And to top it all off, the material deadens the clanging noise kitchen basins make. In simple terms, this high-tech composite is just the right choice for modern and contemporary households.
Pros
Heat Resistance
So many times in the kitchen, we place our extremely hot utensils and pans on the basin. It is a common phenomenon; therefore, you must make sure the sink’s material can withstand high temperatures.
As a matter of fact, granite composite can effortlessly endure a temperature of 530°F. In addition to this, under dire circumstances, the heat resistance capability goes as high as 1200℉.
Although, we highly doubt your appliances will be exposed to such a high temperature. Nevertheless, to retain the aesthetic value, high heat exposure will never contribute to the kitchen sink’s discoloration.
Hygienic
The blend of materials in the composite showcases a highly non-porous and smooth surface, which resists moisture damage. And as sinks are for cleaning kitchenware with leftover food, it is crucial to maintain hygiene.
Otherwise, food-borne diseases or just food poisoning can get lethal.
If you decide on purchasing a granite composite sink, rest assured, that no bacteria or germs will contaminate or accumulate in the basin.
Low Maintenance
With most kitchen sinks, it isn’t easy to preserve the original appeal. Over time, exposure to water damage and stain susceptibility destroys the semblance. Cleanliness is next to godliness; hence, a straightforward and uncomplicated cleanup routine is enough to maintain the sink’s appearance.
However, make sure to clean a little more roughly when you had a particularly acidic meal. There is no harm in ensuring the prevention of potential stains.
Versatility
Unlike other options, granite composite offers versatility like no other. The hybrid between granite and composites provides you with a range of choices regarding patterns, shapes, and sizes.
In fact, this highly resistive component presents you with plenty of matte color choices. As for a contemporary apartment, the rare and exceptional brown matte color is popular among many users.
Stain & Scratch Resistant
If you purchase a granite composite sink, we can guarantee no scratch and scuff marks will arise from utensils; you will notice the remarkable ability to resist chipping and abrasion.
For that reason, this material is a premium choice for users, as washing dishes deteriorates the sink eventually.
On the other hand, with unmatched resiliency, the composite fixture withstands stains from daily household activities. Consequently, since the composite material is formed under high pressure, it resists virtually all types of damage.
Durability
With enhanced hardness, strength, and rigidity, likely, you will not glance over any other kitchen sink material. If anything, along with the appeal of natural stone, the synthetic solid and heavy-duty structure stands firm against abrasion and dents at all costs.
Cons
Heavy
The biggest downfall of the granite basin is its bulky and heavy framework. As a result, you will require the assistance of a professional to finish the installation process.
No Shiny Glow
Unless you are not into matte designs, then the granite composite will disappoint you. As it happens, this material’s limit is within the matte finish. Anything beyond that is, unfortunately, not possible due to the assembly elements.
Pricey
We all know why we do not prefer granite; it is expensive and less durable than composite granite sink. However, the composite material is significantly cheaper than natural granite.
That said, if you compare this specific choice with a steel alloy, you will figure out that the budget difference is quite substantial.
Light-colored Sink Stains
Due to the resin’s inclusion within the granite composition, the acidic substance seeps into the surface. As a consequence, the light-colored kitchen basin is prone to permanent damage.
In such conditions, it’s vital to efficiently and quickly clean the area after an acidic meal.
Recommended reading: Different Types of Kitchen Sinks
Stainless Steel Sink
Stainless steel offers a very distinct set of advantages for user contentment. As it happens, compared to granite, the steel alloy is considerably cost-effective. Moreover, the low maintenance attribute is by far the most convenient aspect for users like us.
Pros
Corrosion Resistant
With the industrial strength composition, undoubtedly, stainless steel sinks have attributes, unlike the conventional options. Among other things, users indeed rely on the metal alloy consisting of chromium.
As it turns out, chromium reacts with the oxygen in the air to formulate a layer of chromium-oxide. This phenomenon is the protective defense against rust, which maintains the sleek and glossy appeal over the years.
Heat Tolerant
Regarding the temperature, most users look for an incredible potential to resist heat. Where else are you going to place that hot pan if not the kitchen basin? Along with lower thermal conductivity, stainless steel accounts for high heat tolerance up to 1700℉.
Non-porous Surface
When we say non-porous surface, we mean the steel alloy’s ability to retain water, air, and other liquid forms. The fixed cell structure inhibits ease of flow, thereby ensuring comfort in cleaning. You can wipe the basin clean using a rug without any trouble.
Meanwhile, this feature of stainless steel establishes a mechanism to prevent bacterial buildup. What is more crucial than a contamination-free environment, after all?
Shapes & Sizes
Some people have large countertops; others have small; there is no precise measurement for kitchen sinks. Therefore, it is essential to find a basin that suits your kitchen. And as for stainless steel, the malleable attribute of this alloy accounts for limitless framework designs.
Perhaps no other option will offer as much versatility as stainless steel. Concerning sink ware, you will find a desirable option that helps you while dishwashing with different sizing and shapes.
Related Topic: Standard Sink Drain Size
Resilient & Lightweight
How can a material be durable despite being lightweight? Well, stainless steel proved to be just that. It turns out; that the tremendous strength-to-weight ratio holds out against abrasion damage and assures long-term value.
If you pit granite kitchen sink vs stainless steel, you will notice the vast difference in the weight. This attribute results in an easy mounting process.
Sustainable
Stainless steel abides by the 3R of waste management, reduce, reuse, and recycle. Environmentally speaking, along with its prolonged lifespan, the sustainable approach of the steel alloy sink makes it an ideal choice.
Cost-effective & Sleek
Appearance-wise, stainless steel never goes out of style. The grey finish of the kitchen sink is particularly favorable to all.
On the other hand, for those looking for high-quality features at a budget-friendly option, the steel alloy kitchen sink is a must-have.
Related reading: Ruvati Vs Kraus Vs Kohler Kitchen Sink
Cons
One Color Option
You may have a particular theme for the kitchen. In that case, stainless steel offers you only one color choice, which is silver. This drawback is unquestionably a bummer since the alloy fails to provide the versatility most seek out.
Too Lightweight
One of those features that turn an advantage into a disadvantage is stainless steel’s incredibly lightweight quality. You will never notice a top-grade steel alloy structural dent; however, some cheaper versions are prone to nicks and scratches if overused.
Moreover, the thin composition makes the sink impervious to noise. Even the water falling on the basin will create sound.
NB. Want to know more about the difference between top-grade and low-grade stainless steel sinks, click here.
FAQs
- Can you use bleach on granite composite sinks?
Those who are planning on purchasing a light-colored composite sink; will need the assistance of bleach, as the basin will be prone to stains. Using a solution of half water and half bleach, you can clear the spots away.
- What is the easiest kitchen sink to keep clean?
This specific question puts all the attention on stainless steel. As it happens, no option offers such a straightforward cleaning approach other than the steel alloy.
- Are black composite sinks good?
Absolutely! Granite composite sinks can provide you with the color black. With high durability and scratch-resistant property, you can attain a sleek, dark, and modern kitchen sink.
- Which is the better option, double or single sink?
It all comes down to space and budget in the end. If you think you can accommodate a double sink, then we recommend getting a stainless-steel sink for affordability.
[ NB. To know more about this topic in detail, click here ]
- What is the lifespan of stainless steel?
For approximately 15 to 30 years, stainless steel provides relentless performance for generations to come.
To Sum-up
With a focus on both affordability and durability, we brought out the two most reliable options for kitchen sink material. In this battle of granite composite sink vs stainless steel, there is no winner or loser.
We aim to open your eyes to the demands of your kitchen. And perhaps, throughout the journey, you decided on your brand-new sink’s composition.
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