Are granite sinks truly made of granite? What about their price compared to stainless steel sinks? Are aesthetics the sole advantage of granite sinks over traditional stainless steel ones? How do you properly maintain granite composite sinks?
Over the past decade, so-called granite or composite sinks have surged in popularity. More and more people are opting for these products when renovating their kitchens. Undoubtedly, the most apparent advantage of granite or composite sinks is their drastically different appearance compared to conventional stainless steel sinks made from stainless steel sheets.
Granite sinks are available in various colors, lending kitchens an attractive look reminiscent of those beautiful catalog photos.
Advantages of Granite Sinks:
- Unique appearance compared to traditional stainless steel sinks
- Available in various colors, enhancing kitchen aesthetics
- Highly resistant to chemicals, making maintenance easy
Granite sinks are offered in a myriad of colors, elevating the kitchen’s visual appeal akin to those stunning catalog images. Hence, despite the noticeable price difference, many individuals opt for composite sinks, as the additional cost isn’t significant considering their long-term utility.
Are Granite Sinks Truly Made of Granite?
However, is aesthetics the sole advantage of granite sinks, and is price the only drawback compared to stainless steel sinks? First, let’s clarify how composite or granite sinks are produced. Sellers often refer to these sinks as granite, but that doesn’t mean they are made of granite.
They are, in fact, a composite material, consisting of a blend of quartz, the toughest component of granite, and high-quality resins. Approximately 80% quartz powder is mixed with about 20% resin, creating a material that visually resembles natural stone.
The fact that granite sinks aren’t actually made of granite isn’t a disadvantage but rather an advantage. “Real” granite sinks do exist, but they aren’t overly practical as natural stone tends to absorb chemicals, resulting in stains. Composite sinks, on the other hand, combine the best properties of quartz and resin, making them highly resistant to chemicals and thus easy to maintain.
Durability and Maintenance:
- Thicker and more solid than stainless steel sinks
- Resistant to damage, though susceptible to breakage from heavy impacts
- Minimal noise from dripping faucets due to massiveness
Granite sinks are considerably thicker and more solid than stainless steel sinks. While this may slightly complicate installation, when installed correctly, they are highly durable and resistant to damage. However, it’s worth noting that a glass dropped into a stainless steel sink might withstand the impact better due to the metal’s damping effect.
The same drop onto a granite sink would likely result in the glass breaking. Nonetheless, the sink itself would remain undamaged.
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It’s also worth highlighting that most composite sinks are certified to withstand temperatures of up to 280 degrees Celsius (aprox. 530 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing for pouring hot cooking water into them and placing hot pans and trays on their surface.
Maintenance Tips for Granite Sinks
Maintenance of granite sinks is straightforward. Similar to traditional stainless steel sinks, after each use, washing them with detergent and rinsing with warm water is sufficient. For those meticulous about cleanliness, wiping darker-colored granite sinks after washing can prevent limescale stains.
If limescale stains do appear, they can be easily removed with vinegar. A practical cleaning tip for stubborn stains is to fill the sink with hot water, add a dishwasher tablet, let it soak overnight, and thoroughly clean it the next day.
If you notice silver lines on the sink’s surface, they are likely from contact with spoons and forks. This is actually a thin layer of metal rubbed off from these utensils, forming lines on the sink’s surface. These stains can be removed with detergent and a coarse sponge.