A Comparison of Kitchen Sinks: Fire Clay Vs. Stainless Steel for Durability & Maintenance

Stainless steel sinks offer a sleek look.

When choosing a kitchen sink, homeowners must consider how well it will hold up to the constant use kitchens usually generate. Stainless steel and fire clay sinks both have advantages and disadvantages.

Strength

Stainless steel sinks generally are stronger than fire clay sinks, which are made of ceramic materials. Upon impact with dishes and other hard objects, fire clay sinks sometimes will chip or dent. Stainless steel sinks can be cleaned with more abrasive substances and utensils than fire clay sinks.

Age

As fire clay sinks get older, their makeup sometimes allows age cracks. On the other hand, stainless steel sinks often appear the same as they did upon purchase. The exception is thin gauge stainless steel, which sometimes accumulates damage that thicker gauges do not. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel.

Heat

Stainless steel sinks have no problem dealing with the heat of pots and pans fresh off oven burners. Fire clay sinks, on the other hand, sometimes are left with permanent marks if exposed to overly hot containers or utensils.

References

• The Short and Long of It: Kitchen Sinks
• Bath and Kitchen Studio: Fireclay Ceramic Sinks Care and Maintenance