I wouldn't assume stainless steel sink. You don't like the cast iron cause of chipping and staining, but how do you feel about water marks, scratching and dull haze which are par-for-the-course for stainless. Have you considered Blanco Silgranit? IMHO, Silgranit is the greatest thing (as far as sinks are concerned) since sliced bread. No chipping, scratching or staining, can stand temps up to 536 degrees, They come in undermount or drop-in styles, and some of the sinks Blanco categorizes as undermount can also be installed as a drop-in (you have to check the website specs). What size sink are you looking for? If you want the "cool contemporary" look, get a single-bowl rectangular Silgranit sink in the anthracite (black) color. Not only does it not show any stains or grime, but the black is way-cool. Silgranit is also offered in White and Biscuit and several other colors if you don't want black. We chose the Silgranit Super Single in anthracite, and sometimes I have to remind myself to clean it, cause it always looks great. The sink will also fit just about anything.

I think you'll be fine with a stainless prep sink. It'll be an undermount, so it's not as if you'll have a big stainless apron front sink which might (depending on placement) look out of place with your Shaw's. If you really do want a stainless then you must get it. It's going to be your workhorse sink and the last thing you want to have to do is baby it or worry about it.

Hi I love my Blanco sink. The GC forgot to do the spray on undercoating but without being asked the plumber put on several stick on pads....in the end I don't find it noisy or poorly insulated.I'm extremely happy with the sink overall,. I think it's a supreme I have ...the "small " sink is the size of one of my old standard double sinks . The only drawback is that it seems to be scratching up very quickly but I'm telling myself that that needs to be thought of a spatina..this is a working kitchen.

I love, love, love my sink. Probably one of my top 2 favorite things in our new kitchen. The finish is great, not brushed but not super high shine and it has been very easy to keep clean. We've had it installed since last June and no scratches yet...probably helps that we keep the grid in all the time and I only use the sponge side of the scrubbie to clean it...usually just clean it with dish soap or 409 but maybe once a month I use the liquid Bar Keeper's Friend and it has stayed looking brand new. I was a little worried about the soundproofing only because of it being deeper than our previous sink but it hasn't been an issue at all.