Over the years, when we are decorating or renovating the kitchen, we often encounter many different situations, such as what tiles should be used on the floor and walls, and what color should be used for the kitchen cabinets? What style and material are used for the kitchen sink, etc..
After all, the kitchen is one of the place that is frequently used in daily life and is considered the hub of your home. The United States, as one of the world’s largest consumers of kitchen sink, a new survey by reportlinker in 2020 shows that 98% of Americans prefer to cook at home, while more than 73% spend every meal at the time of cooking, more than 30 minutes. After a meal, it will be too troublesome if still takes a long time to clean the kitchen sink. Therefore, anti-stain and easy cleaning are the most important requirements when choosing a kitchen sink.
Below we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ceramic sinks and stainless steel sinks to help you make the right decision.
Ceramic kitchen sink ( Vitreous China VS Fine Fireclay, Which is better ? )
Vitreous China and Fine Fireclay are the most commonly used material in the ceramic kitchen sink. So when choosing ceramic kitchen sink, knowing the difference between these two materials can make us easier to choose a suitable kitchen sink for your home.
What’s the different between Vitreous China and Fine Fireclay?
The biggest difference between between Vitreous China and fire clay is the water absorption. The water absorption of Vitreous China is less than 0.5%, while fire clay is 6-8%. In most situations, the ceramics sanitary ware with a water absorption less than 0.5%, are regarded as Vitreous China. Because the Vitreous China is a material manufactured on the base of fireclay through improved the technology. Meanwhile, due to low density and high water absorption of the fine fire clay, it need a layer of glaze on the surface to have a water proof effect. That’s why you will notice that all the glazing surface of the fine fireclay products which the areas exposed to water are relatively thicker.
What is vitreous china? What’s the pros and cons of vitreous china kitchen sink?
When it comes to the surface treatment, vitreous China is a materials there is a layer of glass powder coating directly apply on the ceramics. When this glass powder coating meet a large amount of heat, a liquid called vitreous enamel is created. This kind of enamel surface is harder, higher density and shinier. Due to this high-density, non-porous and hard surface, vitreous china kitchen sink are particularly resistant to stain, sanitary, highly durable and scratch resistance. In addition to these qualities, vitreous china is also resistant to acids and alkalis, as well as chips and ding. If you want to keep your vitreous china sink clean is very easy, all you need to do is a simple wipe after using it every day, you can also use a mild detergent as needed.
In addition to kitchen sinks, vitreous china can be found in water closets, washbasins and pedestal basins, it can be said it’s wildly used in the field of sanitary ware everywhere. This illustrates the superior practicality and excellent reliability of the material when it encounters water or in a relatively humid environment.
Overall, vitreous china kitchen sink is an excellent choice for most homeowner. They are durable, sturdy and have been good partner in your home for many years. Yet, they aren’t without their slight drawbacks.
First, depending on your countertop, you may need to reinforce the weight of supporting of sinks, while they are not as heavy as you think, but it’s important to make sure they are fully supported. In addition, while these ceramics kitchen sinks are available in commonly used sizes and styles, you don’t have too many choices if compared to other materials ( such as stainless steel ). Whereas, this does not mean you are limited. Instead, you can concentrate more on choosing the ceramics kitchen sink that suits you.
Overall, vitreous china is one of the most durable materials in the world. It can give you more sanitary and less hassle in daily life. No matter you sprinkle 100 degree hot oil on the kitchen sink accidentally, or the romantic time of washing dishes together after a Valentine’s Day dinner, it’s your best helper.
Stainless steel kitchen sink (what’s the pros and cons)
Stainless steel sinks used to be the most popular choice among all the kitchen sinks, and are usually the cheapest of all materials. If you don’t want to spend to much budget on the kitchen sink, or choosing for a rental property, they are the best choice. Most stainless steel sinks have a long-term guarantees.
However, now the raw material of stainless steel sink has been rising wildly since 2021, please see as show in the following figure:
As a result, the cost of stainless steel raw material changes frequently, and the prices of kitchen sink products imported or produced by many suppliers have increased to a certain extent.
Low maintenance, durable and rust resistant is always the advantage of stainless steel sinks.
However, stainless steel sinks also have its disadvantages. Since stainless steel kitchen basins are usually made of thinner stainless steel, they are more prone to dents, scratches, and also make them more easy to make the noise. The thicker of the stainless steel, the quieter it is when something hit the sink, but the price also more expensive correspondingly. Some of the more expensive kitchen sinks have special sound-absorbing pads under the sink, which can further reduce noise. It can get dented easily if something heavy is dropped in it. The best stainless steel sinks cost more than other materials.
Now we know the pros and cons of stainless steel kitchen sink materials. There are no bad materials, it all depends on your needs and your style. Even the cheapest stainless steel sink is suitable for you, as long as it is properly taken care of.
If you are looking for suitable ceramic kitchen sink for your home, please feel free to contact us. In the same way, Your needs are our pursuit.
