The matte finish of the siligranite sinks really make a difference.

I went to a sink store and was told by the store clerk that the white silgranit would show food stains and look bad ( before talking with her I was all set on getting a silgranit sink). What do you think?

Our water is considered to be hard (on the low end of hard, I think) and we have a SS sink in our new kitchen. I don't find it difficult to keep looking nice at all. I do make a point of rinsing it out with the sprayer head (on our faucet) after use--cuts down on any soap film build-up, and rinses out any missed bits of food.

A few times a week (sometimes a few times, sometimes just once or twice--depends on my mood, how busy I am, or how much washing up we've been doing at the sink ), I'll give the sink a once over with a powdered SS cleaner and a sponge (Zud, Cameo, or BKF--right now I happen to have all three, but will cut down to one or two as we use stuff up!). Then, I'll often let the sink dry out (or wipe dry with a paper towel or micro fiber cloth), and follow-up by spraying the sink sides and bottom with 3M SS Cleaner/Polish spray and wipe it off--the oil in the spray helps the water bead up a little for a few days, and prevents water spotting.

We have hard water, too. I got a fireclay sink when we remodeled two years ago and have no regrets. It's the easiest sink we've had to keep clean and looking nice. Good luck on your decision.