Different Types of Sinks

Stainless Steel

Sinks made of stainless steel are relatively gentle to dropped dishes, come in many shapes and sizes, are easy to care for (go for brushed rather than shiny finishes), can handle hot pots, and don't seem to go out of style. The best sinks always have an 18% chromium content and a sound-dampening undercoating. Go for 20-gauge or, better, 18-gauge stainless steel (remember, a lower gauge number indicates thicker metal). Stainless-steel sinks are available as self-rimming, flush, or undermount.

Enameled Cast Iron

Sinks made of enameled cast iron (also called porcelain-enamel cast iron) are handsome and extremely durable. They come in many colors and are commonly self-rimming. Undermount sinks are also available but may need a support carriage. Because enameled cast iron is thick, the interior of the bowl won't be quite as big as a stainless-steel sink that could fit in the same space. Enameled cast iron sinks are pricey compared to the average stainless-steel sink. Today's enamel isn't likely to chip, but it may not withstand a dropped cast-iron pan. A dropped wine glass, on the other hand, will itself shatter against an enameled cast-iron sink.

Ceramic

Although similar to enameled cast-iron sinks in heft and hardness, ceramic sinks are not quite as resistant to chipping. A good-looking current model is the aproned farmhouse-style sink.

Solid surface

Solid-surface sinks are most often fabricated to be integral with a solid-surface countertop, making a seamless and watertight assembly. Such sinks must be fabricated and installed by trained and licensed craftspeople. Though expensive, solid-surface sinks are extremely durable, easy to clean, and homogenous, making it easier to repair the rare stain or chip.

Composites

Composite sinks haven't yet established long track records. They are molded from acrylic resins and crushed minerals, such as quartz. Available in more colors than solid surface, composite sinks can take more heat than solid-surface sinks but are also more likely to scratch (don't use abrasive cleanser).

	Stainless Steel Sinks made of stainless steel are relatively gentle to dropped dishes, come in many shapes and sizes, are easy to care for (go for brushed rather than shiny finishes), can handle hot pots, and don't seem to go out of style. The best sinks always have an 18% chromium content and a sound-dampening undercoating. Go for 20-gauge or, better, 18-gauge stainless steel (remember, a lower gauge number indicates thicker metal). Stainless-steel sinks are available as self-rimming, flush, or undermount. Enameled Cast Iron Sinks made of enameled cast iron (also called porcelain-enamel cast iron) are handsome and extremely durable. They come in many colors and are commonly self-rimming. Undermount sinks are also available but may need a support carriage. Because enameled cast iron is thick, the interior of the bowl won't be quite as big as a stainless-steel sink that could fit in the same space. Enameled cast iron sinks are pricey compared to the average stainless-steel sink. Today's enamel isn't likely to chip, but it may not withstand a dropped cast-iron pan. A dropped wine glass, on the other hand, will itself shatter against an enameled cast-iron sink. Ceramic Although similar to enameled cast-iron sinks in heft and hardness, ceramic sinks are not quite as resistant to chipping. A good-looking current model is the aproned farmhouse-style sink. Solid surface Solid-surface sinks are most often fabricated to be integral with a solid-surface countertop, making a seamless and watertight assembly. Such sinks must be fabricated and installed by trained and licensed craftspeople. Though expensive, solid-surface sinks are extremely durable, easy to clean, and homogenous, making it easier to repair the rare stain or chip. Composites Composite sinks haven't yet established long track records. They are molded from acrylic resins and crushed minerals, such as quartz. Available in more colors than solid surface, composite sinks can take more heat than solid-surface sinks but are also more likely to scratch (don't use abrasive cleanser).