Whether you’re doing a simple sink swap or designing a brand new kitchen, sink selection matters. This will make a big difference in your daily use and how the sink looks over time. In this guide, we’ll compare stainless steel sinks versus porcelain sinks to help you select one for your home.
Porcelain Is Prone to Staining and Chipping
The biggest drawback to white porcelain sinks is that they’re prone to staining. They may look great for a few years, but the sink basins can become dull and dingy over time. Frequent cleaning can reduce the risk of staining, but it is still something to be mindful of.
Chipping is also common when it comes to heavy pots and pans in the sink. The sink basins can also scratch when dishes rub against them, especially after years of use. Just note that your beautiful crisp white sink isn’t always going to look like that.
Stainless Steel Is Prone to Scratching
Stainless steel sinks may not stain, but they can scratch. In fact, you’ve probably seen a few kitchen sinks before that have scribble marks all over from dishes. You could chalk this up to general wear and tear, or it may be something that drives you crazy. Think about that before making your selection.
Colored Porcelain and Stainless Steel Show Water Spots
Stainless steel and some forms of porcelain are known for showing water spots. This is mostly the case with darker colored porcelain or sinks coated in crushed granite. Of course, you can clean the water spots to eliminate this issue. You’ll just find yourself doing that every day. White porcelain typically does not show water spots, but the staining over time could be a concern.
There Are More Style Options with Porcelain Sinks
You can usually find more style options with porcelain than you can with stainless steel. Both styles are available as apron-front sinks, single basin and double basin, but there is a wider variety of options with porcelain. You can also choose from a range of colors with porcelain. Stainless steel comes in varying shades of the same color. Look at both options to see which one best fits the design of your kitchen.
Stainless Steel Sinks Are Easier to Install
Because porcelain is heavier than stainless steel, porcelain sinks are usually harder to install. They require strong support and mounting hardware, and they take a little longer to put in place. With that said, the extra labor and mounting doesn’t affect the cost that much. This will likely have minimal influence on your decision.
Both Options Cost about the Same, Depending on Size and Style
A basic stainless steel or porcelain sink is going to cost about $300. Where the price goes from there depends on the size, the style, the intricacy of installation, and more. Farmhouse sinks tend to be large, deep and expensive – closer to $1,000 to $2,000. Specialty colors may contribute to the cost as well. On average, stainless steel may be slightly more affordable based on installation costs, but there are low- and high-end options for both materials.
How to Choose the Right Sink for Your Kitchen
To choose the right sink for your kitchen, you first need to identify your needs. Do you want a deep sink with a lot of room? A double basin sink that serves several purposes? An apron-front sink to complement your farmhouse kitchen design?
Figure out what purpose you need your sink to serve. Then you can compare a stainless steel sink vs. a porcelain sink in the style that fits your needs. Beyond that, consider how the color and shape of the sink is going to impact the look of your kitchen. Our professional kitchen designers would be happy to guide you through your remodel. Give O’Hanlon Kitchens a call at 443-285-0558 to schedule an in-person kitchen design consultation.
