Stainless steel sink or composite?

[RigidBoard]

I'm looking at a new kitchen in January and trying to work out what sink to go for. We currently have a full size sink but I want to go compact as the kitchen is small. The previous owners had a black composite one put in and it looks ok but has discoloured. I personally don't want a black sink so thought either a grey or white composite. But do they stain? Particularly white? Would I be better off with a trusty stainless steel one?

Stainless steel. White composite is a PITA to keep looking clean. I’m all for having a modern kitchen but some things just don’t work.

After 20 years in the kitchen industry I can safely say that it's mainly about buying from a decent manufacturer and looking after your sink properly.

People tend to ignore the manufacturers info and clean them with bleaches, harsh spray chemicals and the like and that can damage any sink quite easily.

I personally love composite / granite sinks (not resin!) as I feel they're easier to maintain and less prone to visual wear-and-tear but stainless steel can look great too as long as you don't leave sitting water on it (discolours the finish), scrub it with harsh pads (scratches it) and rinse it thoroughly, especially if you use cast iron pans as microscopic particles of metal can remain in/on the sink and oxidise, giving it the appearance of rusting.

Maybe a grey one would look ok then if I read into how to look after it properly.

@mtjtd do you have any recommendations for sink manufacturers? I was going to go to Wren kitchens but not necessarily for the sink etc.

First recommendation is to never go to Wrens

If you want a good sink but don't want to pay through the nose, Franke have a range of sinks made from their proprietary material "Fragranite", and Caple offer Geotech granite.

There's also Carron Phoenix that do a range of branded granite sinks and Abode if you're looking for something a little unusual.

As always, ignore RRP and never buy direct (you'll get overcharged). Once you find a sink that you like, check local retailers via the manufacturer website and ask the nearest couple for their best price.

And again, never go to never go to Wrens

I went through years of hating my stained Fragranite sink. I’m a drinker of strong tea and Vim, bleach, Barkeeper’s Friend wouldn’t shift the stains.
Then I tried Lidl’s version of Cillit Bang and now my sink is stain free! You could try it on your existing sink’s stains, OP.

After that experience I’d go back to Franke Satin finish stainless steel which I loved. In a limited space I’d recommend a 1.5 sink so you always have somewhere to drain into.