Once you have identified the style of kitchen which you are looking for, the next decision will be the kitchen sinks, and making sure that you make the right decision for the space. Unlike a bathroom sink, kitchen sinks have to go through much more on a daily basis and that will dictate much of the decision.
A kitchen sink should be aesthetically pleasing but most importantly should meet your needs regarding functionality. The two most common choices here are stainless steel sinks and a ceramic sink, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.
Ceramic Sinks
Ceramic sinks, or porcelain sinks, are made from cast iron which is then coated in ceramic, this is a very traditional choice and one which has been used for decades. These sinks offer distinctive old-world appeal and they fit in perfectly with traditional kitchen like farmhouse-style themes. In terms of aesthetics, ceramic sinks are beautiful sinks, and they can come in a range of colors to suit your space.
As beautiful as this kitchen sink option may be however, there are some downsides which are worth considering. The durability is certainly a concern which many have. Over time the glaze of the sink —added for protection —can begin to wear away and expose the porous layers underneath. This results in chipping and cracking of the surface, as well as staining of the upper layer. Another negative for some when it comes to this sink is the cost, which is almost double that of a stainless steel sink.
Stainless Steel Sinks
Unlike their ceramic counterparts, a stainless steel sink is not as visually impressive in the kitchen. With this being said it offers a great number of benefits which people enjoy. For example, these kitchen sinks are low cost and they are incredibly durable. Beyond this these sinks are very easy to keep clean and in good shape, and they never rust or receive damage beyond the odd scratch.
Realistically the only drawback to this particular style of kitchen sink is that they are not overly nice to look at. This style can often conjure up images of restaurants or school kitchens, such is the simplicity of the metal. If therefore you are spending big money on the kitchen to make it super stylish, stainless steel sinks may not be the best option for you.
Deciding Between The Two Sinks
Your ultimate decision is going to come down to how much money you are looking to spend and what sort of style you are going for in the kitchen. You should certainly factor in the level of upkeep and maintenance which you will have to give to the porcelain sink over the stainless steel option. In the short term the best choice would be the ceramic option, but if you are looking for a sink which will last you for a good period of time, the stainless steel sink will be the smartest choice.