How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink (Stainless Steel vs Granite vs Fireclay)
- John Matthews
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Compare stainless steel, granite, and fireclay sinks to find the perfect fit for your kitchen style, durability needs, and daily functionality.
A kitchen sink is a staple of the kitchen, and without it, it wouldn’t be a kitchen! The sink is where you wash and clean your crockery, fruits, and other items that you use every day. Kitchen sinks come in a wide variety of styles and materials, making it hard to find one that will last for years.
If the decision is complicated for you and you need help in choosing the right kitchen sink, then this article is for you.
It demonstrates critical points that you must remember before purchasing a kitchen sink. So, are you ready to learn? If so, stick till the end!
Types of Kitchen Sinks
Before you choose to buy the kitchen sink, learn about its types. This will help you understand which one would perfectly suit your needs.
Workstation Sink
A workstation sink is a type of sink that has movable ledges, which enable you to move accessories across the basin. It is a very popular kitchen sink with a sleek and unique design that you can install in any type of kitchen. With a workstation sink, you can easily keep your things in the ledge and move it to any side and wash your other items. However, remember that the sizes of a workstation sink vary, so you should choose the one that perfectly fits in a certain area.
Where to Buy?
To find the best workstation sinks, brands like Ruvati and Elkay provide high-quality sinks at affordable prices.
Double Basin Sink
As the name indicates, this kitchen sink consists of two separate basins that can be utilized to wash dishes and fruits separately (or for any other purpose). It has a movable faucet that you can direct towards any basin. Whether you have fruits in one basin or unwashed crockery on the other side, this specific kitchen sink will give you the ability to wash them separately.
Where to Buy?
A variety of brands like Swanstone and Nantucket Sinks USA offer a premium selection of double basin sinks with sleek designs.
Farmhouse Sink
Another type of kitchen sink that you can consider is a farmhouse sink. It adds luxury and gives you a wide sink space to wash multiple dishes and tableware at a time. With wide water pipes, there won’t be any water blockage when washing too many crockery items. The material used in farmhouse sinks is usually fireclay due to its sturdy design, poreless surface, and stain resistance.
Where to Buy?
There are a number of brands that offer affordable, yet aesthetic farmhouse sinks like Ruvati (the one mentioned above) and Ferguson Home.
Undermount Sink
An undermount kitchen sink is installed within a countertop surface that won’t require any additional space. You can hire a kitchen remodeling team to make an undermount sink for you. They will handle the entire installation process, such as water connection, and make the necessary adjustments. Besides, you can also add removable ledges to the undermount sink and turn it into a workstation sink.
Where to Buy?
To purchase an undermount sink for your kitchen, the recommended options are Houzer Sink and MOEN.
Corner Sink
If your kitchen is small and you are thinking about adding a big sink, then a corner sink is the best choice. You don’t have to make a new space since you can add it to any corner of your kitchen (where countertops are). Corner sinks are available in single basin and double basin, depending on your needs and preferences. One thing to remember is the size of your kitchen sink. You must take measurements of the area and purchase a corner sink that fits perfectly. The only hard work you would have to do is install that kitchen sink, or hire a remodeling team to do it, since it could take hours.
Where to Buy?
For corner sinks that can make your kitchen appealing, TheBathOutlet and Kohler are two of the recommended brands.
Things to Look for Before Choosing a Kitchen Sink
Let’s talk about specific things that you must take care of before purchasing a kitchen sink. You will be able to make a good decision by choosing a unique and marvelous sink for your kitchen:
Size
The first thing is to take measurements of the area where you want to install the kitchen sink. Take notes of the area, and then you will be able to choose the size and type of sink to buy. For instance, let’s say you want to install a workstation sink in your kitchen and you only have a space of 32 inches. Then, you can choose a sink size of 30-in or 32-in that fits perfectly in the specific area.
Material Type
The most important thing you mustn’t ignore is the material type. Stainless steel, fireclay, and granite are among the most common yet strongest materials used in the manufacture of kitchen sinks. A sink made from robust material can be used for years without any issues; however, a sink made from ordinary or weak material may have issues. In the discussion below, we will also compare certain material types used in the production of kitchen sinks.
Sink Depth
Measuring the kitchen sink depth is critical, as it affects comfort, efficiency, and how you wash and clean large items. Along with the size of the width, you must also check the depth of the kitchen sink. An ideal sink depth is around 8-10 inches, allowing you to easily clean your crockery without splashing water on yourself. You can even look for deeper kitchen sinks if you want more spacing. Besides, with a deep sink, you can also connect the ledges and make it work like a workstation sink for you.
Installation
Before you purchase the kitchen sink, ask the retailer about the installation procedure. The installation process of some kitchen sinks is quite complicated compared to the simple ones. Sometimes you are bound to hire an experienced team to install the kitchen sink. For instance, installing a farmhouse kitchen sink requires professional help, but a drop-in sink doesn’t. You can easily put it in a certain area, connect the water pipe, and start using it.
With these certain things, you will be able to purchase a perfect kitchen sink.
Comparison Between Sink Materials (Stainless Steel vs Granite vs Fireclay)
As aforementioned, there are different types of material used for kitchen sinks, but the most used and recommended ones are: stainless steel, granite, and fireclay. So, let’s explore these three materials and see which one is best.
Features | Stainless Steel | Granite | Fireclay |
Heat Resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Scratch Resistant | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Lightweight | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
Easy to Clean | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Affordable | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
Soundproof | ✓ (with coating) | ✓ | ✓ |
Requires Sealing | ✗ | Sometimes | ✗ |
Multiple Finish Options | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Stainless Steel
In kitchen sinks, stainless steel is one of the best materials available. In addition to their sleek appearance, strength, and reliability, they are made from high-grade steel that resists rust, stains, and corrosion. Many stainless-steel kitchen sinks come with soundproof undercoating and rubber padding to reduce noise and condensation.
Best Kitchen Sinks in Stainless Steel Material
Some of the best stainless steel kitchen sinks are:
Kraus Standart PRO Undermount Single Bowl 16 Sink
Ruvati RVH8310 30-Inch Workstation Ledge Undermount
Dual Tier 33-inch Workstation Two-Tiered Ledge Kitchen Sink
Pros:
Stainless steel sinks are durable and resistant to heat.
Light in weight and simple installation process.
Simple to clean and maintain.
Available in different styles: undermount, workstation, farmhouse, etc.
With brushed finishes, it easily hides normal scratches.
Available in different colors and styles.
Cons:
It might show water spots or fingerprints if not cleaned properly.
Create noise when washing metal cookware.
Granite
Granite sinks combine natural beauty with durability. They are made with a blend of crushed stone and acrylic resins. Not only that, but granite kitchen sinks also have a smooth, stone-like texture that is non-porous and resistant to stains. They come in several color options and styles, making them a striking focal point in modern kitchens.
Best Kitchen Sinks in Granite Material
Some of the best kitchen sinks manufactured in granite material are:
Epigranite 32-inch Undermount Workstation Granite
KOHLER Lassen 33 in. Drop-in Double Bowl Granite
KRAUS Quarza 33” Dual Mount 60/40 Double Bowl Granite Kitchen Sink
Pros:
Offers a tough and resistant material to chips, heat, and scratches.
Available in unique shades, colors, and finishes.
Comes with a non-porous surface.
Doesn’t sound too much when washing metal crockery.
Cons:
A little heavier than stainless steel.
Price is often higher than that of other types of sink materials.
Fireclay
Fireclay sinks are handcrafted from natural clay and glaze, then fired at extremely high temperatures for superior strength. This process creates a smooth, glossy surface that resists chipping, cracking, and discoloration. Fireclay sinks often feature a deep, wide basin that is suitable for heavy-duty use.
Best Kitchen Sinks in Fireclay Material
Discover the best-in-class fireclay kitchen sinks:
Ruvati 33-inch Fireclay Workstation Kitchen Sink
DeerValley Glen White Rectangular Fireclay 27 in. Single Bowl
HOROW Fireclay 32 Inch Single Bowl Undermount/Drop-In
Pros
Surface is non-porous and resists scratches, stains, and acids.
Highly heat-resistant and can withstand boiling water.
It’s easy to clean and offers timeless appeal.
Proper installation could give you a long lifespan.
Cons
It is quite heavy.
Installation would require a professional team.
The cost of fireclay kitchen sinks is much higher than that of others.
Final Thoughts
With that, this article comes to an end!
In summary, a kitchen sink is just a washing area, but it plays a critical part in the kitchen design and uniqueness. Some people can’t decide which kitchen sink would be great. Kitchen sinks are made from different materials and come in various designs that suit your needs and usage. Materials like stainless steel, granite, or fireclay are the sturdiest material that offers long lifespan and high quality. We have also covered key factors such as size, depth, installation, and material to help you decide which kitchen sink is best.