What kind of sink? Stainless steel or composite?

[TerrysNo2]

We're having a quartz worktop in white. Our appliances are black glass, what kind of sink would you go for?

Do you have any recommendations based on the durability of either? thanks!

[PigletJohn]

composite sinks are much harder to keep clean and stain-free. They will eventually crack, though this should take many years.

Stainless steel is supremely durable and hygenic. Unfortunately, because it is the ideal material for a kitchen sink, some people look down on it as being unoriginal.

[CointreauVersial]

What PigletJohn said (of course )

We had a black composite one, and even that got stained with tea etc. DM "helpfully" bleached it, which removed the stains, but also the colour, so we ended up with a grey sink. Which stained even more.

We've gone back to stainless steel. It's bombproof.

[SacreBlue]

Stainless steel or if I could a Belfast sink

[Zippyzoppy]

Hi Terry

We too are thinking of having white quartz. Am also thinking of black gloss units - do you have any pictures of your kitchen I could peruse? The only thing I have already bought is a Franke stainless steel sink (via ebay) to go under the worktop - so it's a vote for stainless steel from me!

[greyvix]

We have black composite, which I regret. Stainless steel is classic, plus you can bleach it.

[TerrysNo2]

seems fairly unanimous here!! can anyone recommend a good stainless steel sink (full single bowl to fit 600mm unit) as the last one I had scratched really easily and looked patchy in places.

thanks!

[PigletJohn]

To make scratches less prominent, get a brushed or satin finish, not mirror-polished.

[TerrysNo2]

pigletjohn I'm having trouble finding any that day brushed or satin finish, I can find silk finish?? If you can link to any that would be great! thanks

[whoneedssleepanyway]

I was going to make the comment about scratches, we have a new stainless steel sink less than 2 months old and it already has quite a few scratches, wish I had known about going for a brushed or satin finish.

[killedanotherthread]

I have a new Franke Ascona which has a "silk" finish (which I assume is the same as "satin"), seems very good, huge bowl but would have liked the drainer section to be longer. The kitchen fitter said he thought it was a nice one.

[IHeartKingThistle]

We have this modern ceramic sink (it didn't come with the leeks). I love it.

[IHeartKingThistle]

Eek not in the black, in the white!

[Choccybaby]

Ceramic and Belfast sinks can chip and some get grey scratches from metal cutlery etc.
It's another vote for brushed steel from me I'm afraid.

[PigletJohn]

The Astracast Bistro is available in brushed steel, I have two (chosen because they sit on the unit, and are the depth of a worktop, so run right back to the wall and have no worktop underneath. Very suitable for wooden worktops). I didn't think it was rare, it's a good finish for pans and kettles too. You can clean it with a nylon scourer, but only rub to and fro in the direction of the brushing, NEVER in circles which will always show.

[timidviper]

I got a brushed steel sink as the house I grew up in still has its original 1964 sink in which has been scrubbed with Vim and still looks great. Sadly mine, despite not being cheap, scratched horribly.

We replaced it with a black Astracast one which is great so far

[PigletJohn]

p.s. I see they have a number of stainless sinks with brushed finish, especially the more expensive, thicker, fabricated ones. I don't know why. Some of the simpler sinks have a "linen" finish which is a sort of applied pattern.

The ones in my commercial premises also have a dull, non-mirror finish. Catering sinks are bigger and deeper but not especially expensive considering they are very solid and usually supplied with stands.

[Betty5313]

stainless steel all the way our new house has the horrendous combination of very hard water and black composite... the thing is forever covered in water marks. cheap Franke stainless steel one I had in the old house every day. I could scrub and bleach it! me the fairly

[Betty5313]

watch,dodgy broadband scrambled my message. you get the jist

[kmdesign]

Stainless steel every time. It scratches but these can be buffed out. It will never permanently stain. Just pour bleach. Limescale build up is easy to manage.

Composite sinks are a pain to keep clean if you dont have a water softener. Cracking is not so much a problem unless subjected to impacts.

[mamapants]

Oh frick, I clearly should have done some research! Just had composite sink fitted in my new house because it looks pretty
Anyone with any tips?

[PigletJohn]

Buy some "Barkeepers Friend."

[kmdesign]

Or fill up with warm water and crumble dishwasher tablet in it. Leave for an hour and drain/rinse

[TerrysNo2]

thanks for all your comments, I think I'm going for http://www.tapsuk.com/kitchen-sinks-c2/stainless-steel-kitchen-sinks-c46/undermount-sinks-c54/franke-peak-1-0-bowl-silk-stainless-steel-undermount-kitchen-sink-pkx-110-55-p9609 this one

[SidmouthDad]

Installed a composite in our new kitchen 8 years ago. Never again!
Mould, stains, cracked and had to be replaced under warranty. It needs to be treated with kid gloves. Whereas the SS sink in our utility room is an absolute delight. If you value practicality over style, stick to steel.

[wowfudge]

Out of interest - which composite was it!