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Opinions

When I ask for opinions on thinks like sinks or whatever I’m asking about, it’s to get your opinion.  Several have left comments saying things like “Get what YOU want!”  That’s what I’m trying to find out!  I can’t go into another kitchen and use a different type sink for a month and see what it’s like . . how it cleans, how it shines, how it scratches.  I don’t know what I want until I get more info . . that’s why I’m asking!  I don’t trust that everything I read online or everything I hear from a salesman is true, or at least true in my kitchen, where there’s heavy duty cooking, canning, pickling, etc.

How better to find out honest opinions than from users of the various sinks out there?

I was not asking anyone to change my mind . . I wanted opinions and thoughts from those who have used the various sinks.  Most any time I ask for advice or opinions, I’m going to assimilate the info in the comments, combine it with my own research and make my decision based on such information.

With the sinks, the composite granite sinks are fairly new and I’m not one to jump on something just because it’s new and trendy.  I figured if they’re as good as everyone online and the sales folks are saying, maybe I do need that!  Thanks to everyone who left comments about the sink.  For those who have and love your composite sinks, that’s great.   Had I realized that my own sink is composite, I would never have asked and I think after seeing the pictures, you’ve seen why I’m not happy with it.

Someone commented that my sink was probably not top of the line.  Little that I have is. Consumer Report reported on kitchen sinks in June, 2012.  They didn’t include the composite granite sinks in the study because of a failure of both sinks they tried to test.  One was a $200 sink and one was a $290 sink.  A subscription is required to read their entire article but you can read bout the composite granite sinks here.  The sink I currently have sells now for $400+ so while not top of the line, I would expect more from a $400+ sink.  The sink I will get costs a good bit more than $400 but it definitely is not top of the line.

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Comments

  1. I have a porcelain enamel sink so I am pretty sure you don’t want the material my sink is made from.(I am not fond of stainless) But my sink has no divider… one large sink… I can put a large cookie sheet down flat in the sink… set a large skillet with handle down flat in the sink… I love the size of my sink.. easy to set my big canning pressure cooker down in the sink.. my hot water bath cooker … I am in love with the size… I don’t tend to fill the sink with dishwater… I will fill pots and pans with dishwater to have water to clean counter tops etc. I also have a small bucket I have used rather than fill the sink

  2. I didn’t read the comments you received but we installed an enamel sink because my husband didn’t want a stainless one. I should have put my foot down because nothing beats stainless for being, well, stainless! We had a chip in our enamel sink not three months after getting it installed. Stainless steel is time tested so it gets my vote.

  3. I have a stainless steel kitchen sink with no divider. It is easy to clean and will fit my large pot and pans easily. I would not want a divided sink. My two cents.

  4. We renovated our kitchen and bathrooms this summer…had granite counters in the kitchen and one bathroom and quartz in the other two bathrooms. This of course meant new undermounted sinks and I chose the composite granite for the kitchen. I’m totally happy with my choices…I find the counters are easy to clean…the granite guy recommended a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water, which I followed and since I never thought to ask our supplier…I clean the sink with baking soda and vinegar because I was afraid to scratch it. The lack of “shine” doesn’t bother me in the least, I find it nice and calm in the pattern of the granite. Also nice and deep…great during canning season and helpful after those huge holiday dinners…we already celebrated Thanksgiving. Bottom line is whatever works for you!

  5. Hi Judy – I didn’t say anything before because you had said you weren’t crazy about the granite composite. I got one of the granite composite sinks about 5 years ago and I REALLY like it.

    I had stainless sinks for a lot of years (the brushed stainless) and over time they just didn’t look “spiffy” any longer. Because they were the brushed look, they never looked shiny – they were always dull.

    I’ve also had some of the porcelain sinks and don’t care for them (unless the newer ones are better) because they have chipped or scratched and look dirty (in those areas) even when they are clean.

    What I like the most about my granite composite is the size of the sink(s) – what I didn’t like is the LARGE part is on the left (my rinse side) and the smaller part is the one with the garbage disposal.

  6. When we redid our countertops to granite , I had a heavy duty stainless sink put in with a larger bowl on one side and I absolutely love it. The stainless will shine and I can put larger containers, pots, whatever on the larger side than I could when both sides were the same size.

  7. I didn’t comment because we haven’t moved in the new house yet and they just turned on the water and we tried out the faucets for the first time at the end of last week 🙂

    I put a raw copper sink( Rachiele) for the main and a granite composite (Silgranit in cinder) for the prep sink. And granite countertops. Hope I love them all because I’m stuck with them lol. It is a huge decision no matter if it’s a new build or a remodel.

    The best thing I can suggest is a message board have been lurking on for years. I found TONS of great information at http://www.thathomesite.com in the kitchen forum. And the people that hang out there are so nice and helpful. That entire site have been so helpful during all of this. Oh and I put a Kraus SS sink in the mudroom. Apron front 36″. It’s gorgeous right now and good quality from what I read.

    Good luck, these are hard decisions!

  8. I’m with you, Judy: Stainless all the way! And deep! You’ve mentioned all the reasons to love stainless; one added reason is that stainless steel is non-porous and does not harbor germs.

    But, I looked up copper sinks (when you shared a picture of one) because I wondered about the functional properties…and copper is even better than stainless steel when it comes to antimicrobial surfaces! Who knew!!!

    Now, I am not going to get one, for, as you said, the cost is rather prohibitive. Plus I would hate to ever come home to a burglar trying to remove my kitchen sink!

  9. 20 years ago I purchased the best stainless steel sink there was and I have not regretted it. Not a scratch on it and it cleans up like new.

  10. stainless steel here…special order from our local plumbing store years ago…double sink with 5 holes…three regular for the faucet, one hole is for the soap dispenser and the fifth hole is for the under counter osmosis water unit faucet….I wouldn’t do without the extra holes!

    • Judy, I’ll trade you. I had one like yours except mine was a large, deep single. It was very expensive. I loved it. It was in my home in Dallas. I decided to go with the heavy duty stainless when I put in granite as I knew I couldn’t replace it unless I got new countertops. Well, that’s not happening. I did a lot of research as I only intend to make that investment once. The sink was pricey because it’s heavy duty. Well you might like shine, but this thing is a mess with scratches. I use the heck out of my sink. Shine yes, but so utilitarian and looks like a commercial sink. I so wish I’d stayed with my sink like yours. I had no problem keeping it clean. I think the reality is we all like different. Your sink is lovely to me. My sink you would probably love. Go with your gut instinct. If shine is a priority , go with stainless. I will say, stay away from the farm sinks. I’ve had one of those, too. I was losing my china and crystal at an alarming rate. I had to put those nasty dish protectors in and I’m sure they were never quite clean. I’d put them in the dishwasher, but you know how hard we use our kitchens. Good luck. Get what makes you happy.

  11. Stainless steel. Get one of the giant ones – I love mine but if I had it to do over again, I’d get one with TWO huge sinks instead of one huge side and one almost regular size. You can wash anything in those big farmhouse sinks – including the racks from my oven. They’re not cheap but they’re worth it. One hint: make sure you get a faucet that is big enough for the sink. They are so large that what looks likes a big faucet isn’t large enough to come to the middle of the farmhouse sink. I’m going to replace mine with what I have over the island sink – which is just a normal one sided sink with a great big faucet. Yeah – I put the wrong one on the wrong sink not knowing about the sheer size of the farmhouse sink. Anyway, stainless will always get my vote.

  12. I have read your blogs and you keep saying Stainless steel. You do a lot of things that might mark a different material (vinegar, canning, etc.)
    Stainless will take a good bleaching and scrubbing and come out shiny. Do you want a surface you have to baby?

  13. Judy what are your feelings of one bigger sink versus two? My next sink will likely be stainless steel and absolutely one large sink. I have a composite sink now (not sure if it is granite or not). It’s ugly, it’s stained and the second half sink is all but useless. It also has a built-in 18 inch drainboard that is even uglier but more importantly sucks up precious countertop which I am I am already short on! The commenter above me is a two sink person. It’s really interesting to read everyone’s preferences and their lifestyle needs and how it affects something as benign as a sink purchase.

  14. All this talk about sinks is interesting; I’ve never had anything but porcelain and had never heard of a composite granite sink, even though I love my granite countertops.

  15. I have a double stainless sink, because I like to use one side to rinse my dishes. The bowls are deep and large enough to hold my largest pots. I have a large one bowl sink in the laundry room that I can use for really large items. With all the canning and pickling you do, I think you would like a double sink. You can be using one side to wash vegetables and have the other side available for another use, even if it’s just to dump some water or fill a pot. When freezing vegetables, it’s nice to have two sinks of cold water after blanching. Stainless can stand up to heavy use and cleans up nicely.

  16. Judy, I have a pretty expensive Corian Sink that I would NOT recomend. While I love the size and shape (big deep D with a smaller veggie sink) the Corian is not practical. This kitchen had a large porcelain sink…loved that one but the Corian folkes said I wanted an undermount Corian. I don’t think I did. Stainless was in the last house, when we updated I used the same sink. It was in great shape and a pretty heavy gauge metal. I did get a new faucet, though. So, I’ve had several kinds of sinks and I would go with stainless. It is the shape of the sink that makes it a joy to work in, and easy clean up is important, too. Since you do a lot of sink work and like the stainless that seems to be a good choice. I do not envy you doing a kitchen update, hopefully your contractor will be in and out in a few days.

  17. I have a Kraus stainless sink….not a double a single sink and I love it….I just got rid of a porcelain double sink…..we ordered it on line and it originally it was $800.00 for $300.00 and worth every penny……

  18. I’d like to hear from someone with a copper sink! In the stainless vs. porcelain debate, stainless sure gets my vote. A: it’s what I grew up with, and B: the old porcelain sink here chipped, then rusted (which went under the un-chipped part and lifted more).
    I hadn’t even thought about a single sink, but it sure would be nice to have the greater room! Again, growing up, that is what we had, and used a dishpan.
    They put the disposal on the wrong side here for keeping the wastebasket under the sink. The open side is by the dishwasher, so I have to close the dishwasher to open the door to the wastebasket. I think you have that worked out, though.

  19. Was watching one of the home remodel shows and a comment was made that granite surfaces are affected by things like oils and acidic substances as the pores allow the oils to sink into the stone and the acidic things will destroy the finish. Don’t know if this is true or not but thought you just might want to do some double checking with all the cooking and canning you do.

    BTW, I have a stainless sink in my kitchen that has been in use since 1980. Had a few new faucets, but the sink still shines like new when I clean it with Bar Keepers Friend.

  20. I have a Stainless Sink and love it. one side is small and the other is big like in a bar. I’d prefer to have one side DEEP like a farmhouse sink. This one was here when I moved her 9 years ago. I have a long necked faucet with a pull out spout on it and LOVE that! Have fun choosing for your new kitchen

  21. We are just completing our new house, and we chose the composite granite sink because many of the kitchen and bath magazines from this year recommended it. The Lowe’s price was about $300 for the Franke kidney shaped. Have not used it yet, but the people we talked to who have them like them… and the reviews we read online were positive.
    I think all have pros and cons, and if maintained as instructed will serve you well.

  22. I am finding the sink discussion very interesting as we are in the planning stages of s totally new kitchen. Had a corner sink before which limited what I could do when we put the corian in about 10 years ago. But I am also getting a utility sink in the laundry room so that would take care of grill grates, big pots and pans. Decisions, decisions!

  23. I have a double bowl white porcelain sink, and I HATE IT!!!! It is 17 years old scratched up and never looks clean. I have to bleach it several times a week to remove stains. Every other sink I’ve ever had has been stainless. I didn’t realize how well I liked them until we bought a house with this awful white porcelain sink.

  24. I have lived in my 1970’s house for 12 years. I’m fairly sure the stainless double sink is original to the house. We installed a new faucet the first year here and the sink still looks good with just a little scrubbing. The only thing I might want different would be one side larger or deeper for stock pots and canners. Mine will fit in the sink, but barely, with no room to spare.

  25. I’ll gladly give you my two cents. We’re military and have moved a lot in the last 13 years so I’ve had lots of different sinks. I like stainless steel over other materials because you can get it super shiny clean. I like double sided because I put our dish drying rack in the non-garbage disposal side so it’s not on the counter. I also like it to be deep so that larger pots & pans will fit. I like a faucet that can be pulled out to be a sprayer. Good luck!

  26. I’ve always had stainless steel sinks and I’ve been very happy with them. Our current house has a white sink which I HATE!!! I can’t keep it clean – it stains quickly and is really hard to get white again – I can’t get my cast iron pans anywhere near it without getting black marks on it – you name it and I hate it about this sink!!! My husband has promised to change it to a stainless steel one before next year. I’ll be a happy girl then!

  27. Judy, I have always had a stainless sink and they are alway scratched after using for a time. I am getting ready to upgrade my kitchen counters and sink and taps and was considering composite of some sort. Just my opinion on stainless.
    Marge

  28. To me the sink is more about function…..shape of the bowls and how the faucets interact with the bowls. I will say, and this is just me and how I am…..but when going to someone else’s home, I can say I’ve never looked at the kitchen sink!!!! I love my stainless steel, with a really large bowl on the left and a nice sized bowl on the right.

  29. I am not sure what is a granite composite sink. Is it the same as a soapstone sink? Because I think soapstone sink looks cool. But I am not willing to spend that kind of money for one. So stainless steel is what I have. I prefer a single large sink. Makes cleaning the refrigerator’s shelves and drawers.
    Trina

  30. After you mentioned the copper sink, I went over to the Home Depot website looking at sinks. Wow, I could truly love one of those Farmhouse Hammered Copper Kitchen sinks!

  31. When we moved here (NE) this house was going on 20 years old. Things had been cared for but … My husband finally convinced me to get granite counters and i”m glad we did. The sink that I chose, however, I would probably not choose again. Not for what it’s made of (cast iron/china coated but that I got a 2 bowl instead of one large bowl. The bowls are different sizes and depths but that center divider is a pain. I would recommend however an online vendor, faucets.com , as a good place to do your buying. I got fantastic prices and great service. Hope that’s some help.

  33. Judy here is my thought. Go with the stainless steel. Get one that has one small side then one very deep big side.Being you cook, can and do loads of hot stuff you will never have to worry. Get a very good made even a commercial grade SS. I’m afraid with all the hot and I do mean hot stuff you do that the composites will not hold up in the long run. Just think do you see them use that in a restarunts? Yes looks are good but what are looks when it cracks . Now this is just my idea. I’ve never regretted having a SSS in my entire life. Think back when you had yours at one of your other houses in the past. Were you happy with it? Did you like it? Now do you like this one you have now the same way? Cost difference well I don’t think that is an issue durability is the question I think from your stand point isn’t it?

  34. I have a composite corian sink and I don’t recommend it. It’s hard to keep clean and I don’t do a third of the cooking you do. It’s large and deep which I love – I’ve had double sinks before and I don’t like them – I like being able to get large pieces into the sink. My last sink was stainless and I wish I had it back.

  35. I had a porcelain sink which I hated. When a metal pan rubbed against it, it was marked so you scrub to remove the mark. I did get a stainless steel sink and love it. It is divided, Both side are deeper than normal, the rinse side is about 15 inches deep, the side with the disposal is about 9 inches deep. I had also replaced my counter tops with Quartz, love it as all I have to do is wash it off. There is no maintenance to it. Unlike Granite where you have to seal it at least once a year, With excessive usage it may be twice a year. Have not rregretted my choices.

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