We were all set to buy a Blanco granite sink until we saw one in an appliance shop which is also used for kitchen demonstrations. It was discolored with what looks like water stains and/or hard water marks. The SS sink we have has certainly seen better days. I don't much like the hollow sound of the SS sink. Then we saw the Kohler cast iron with that 'crakled' emamel finish and we both decided that was the one. We ordered one which arrived Friday but has some damage... so maybe the moral of the story is there is no perfect sink, they are all a compromise of some sort. I still like the cast iron, but it weighes 125 pounds!

We had planned on replacing our 21 yr old white Kohler cast iron sink with a Metallic Gray Silgranit sink when we remodeled last year but then we fell in love with Kohler's Riverby sink in Sea Salt when we saw it in our contractor's kitchen (he invited us to his home to see his recently remodeled kitchen). I'm so happy that we changed our plans. The Sea Salt looks great with our honed Steel Gray counters. Silgranit's Metallic Gray would have been too much gray for us when combined with the counters. We've had Kohler cast iron sinks for 26+ yrs (2 houses). When we remodeled, our 21 yr old sink had a few very small chips but otherwise was in very good condition. Contrary to what suzanne wrote, I don't recall any problems with pans leaving gray streaks in any of our 3 cast iron sinks, certainly nothing that required more than normal cleaning to remove. We use a sink grate in our current sink, which helps protect the sink bottom, but we never had one with our previous sinks. Maybe it depends on your pans. Here's my sink. Whatever you decide, opt for an offset drain so that you can make the most of the cab storage below the sink. Whatever you choose, be sure to open the box, haul the sink out and check it over very carefully for flaws and damage before they install it. I didn't do this with the first one they delivered so I didn't realize that they had delivered the wrong color (Biscuit) until the counter installers were setting it in place. We had to put a stop on the work, order the right color and arrange for the installers to come back. All I did with the 2nd sink was check to make sure it was the right color. That sink developed a crack near the drain within a couple of months. Kohler gave us a new sink but the labor cost to remove the damaged sink and install the new one was on us. That's not right, IMO, but that's standard practice. I really should have known better since several GWers have posted that they spotted flaws in their sinks (all makes included) upon delivery but I was overwhelmed by the process and didn't do that. And I paid the price for my inattention.

Sounds like you've studied each option. Composite sinks can stain, and heat can affect their appearance. Fireclay sinks crack if you have a disposal, and sometimes even if you don't. Enameled cast iron can stain, chip, and rust, although people who have them claim they never do - which is more anecdotal than factual. So there are reasons to avoid all three options, especially if you plan to use an undermount sink and put a counter over it. You don't want to find yourself needing to replace your sink. I chose a stainless steel work station form Rachiele, and that's what I would recommend to anyone - quality stainless is a lifetime sink. The best of these have a brushed finish that hides scratches and soundproofing that makes them quiet. Buy stainless - good stainless.

I am close to starting a kitchen renovation that includes an Elkay Quartz Luxe in Silvermist. My son bought a home that has an Elkay classic quartz in black. He already has a white cloudy stain in the faint shape of a circle-like a bowl- that sat in the sink. They have no idea what could have caused this to happen and have tried everything to remove it but it seems to be permanent. So now I am worried and wonder I should switch to stainless. Is it not ok to leave dishes sit in a quartz sink when you are rushing out the door to work or having a midnight snack?