Beautiful and practical kitchen sinks, stainless steel and ceramic

May 8th, 2012

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A recent study has found that stainless steel sinks trump ceramic sinks for their durability and modern look.

Kitchen sinks are the most hardworking and often underrated element in a kitchen. Sometimes they’re piled sky high with dirty dishes, or they’re used to wash and peel the spuds, scrub grubby hands…

And it’s true that stainless steel is a virtually indestructible surface, unlikely to stain or scratch badly, which is what makes it such a popular choice in kitchens.

Aesthetically though, the design of a stainless steel sink can also make or break a kitchen. Round edges soften a kitchen’s look, while square edges suggest a more serious, functional tone. It’s no surprise that professional kitchens use stainless steel sinks.

Take the Oliveri Solitaire Sink (pictured above). Its elegant, circular design may belie the fact that it’s made from genuine 18/10, 304 grade stainless steel, for optimum hygiene and durability.

The well designed bowl depth and capacity also makes it is easy on backs while handling almost any pot or pan.

Another example of a good looking, yet practically designed sink is the Franke Planar Sink. This square, modern looking sink inspires functionality. It has a single bowl and a food prep area on the side. It also features a deep bowl, and a basket waste.

Sound deadening pads reduce the clang of cutlery being thrown in too!

Like the Oliveri, the Franke sink is also made from surgical grade stainless steel: at 18 per cent chromium for shine and 10 per cent nickel for rust resistance.

How to look after a stainless steel kitchen sink

Even the most durable of materials require care and consideration.

Here are some substances to avoid on stainless steel:

Ceramic may be less practical, but it's very beautiful

Bleaches with hypochlorite can attack stainless steel and cause pitting and staining

Silver dip cleaners will do the same, and leave a permanent stain

Some foods which are left on for too long may also cause corrosion, such as citric fruit juices, salt, vinegar, mustard and mayo

Keri Algar

Having once had to sit on the washing machine to stop it from bouncing into oblivion, Keri is today delighted with the new (smoother running) technologies that make housework easier every day. A self-confessed lazy-bones, Keri seeks out quirky inventions that ease the human workload, such as the robotic vacuum cleaner (wow). And as soon as someone figures out a Jetsons-like self-cleaning house, she will happily lay her pen to rest and retire from appliance journalism. Until then, her pick is a fridge that will tell her smartphone when it's time to pick up more beer on the way home. Magic.

One response to “Beautiful and practical kitchen sinks, stainless steel and ceramic”

Victor Barney says:

May 9, 2012 at 5:28 am

A stainless steel sink will always be superior to any other sink, price wise and everything.