The only negative I have heard about Silgranit II was from a designer who said that he doesn't think it looks very high end and that is why he doesn't use them. He said the darker colors do look richer but still he doesn't put them in his designs. But that is just his opinion. That and the cracks are the only two negatives I have heard about them. I haven't heard anyone on GW say anything about them not looking high end. I am coming to the conclusion that the only way to be safe is with SS even though I don't prefer SS personally it isn't going to crack. But their durability must be why you see them in apartments and medical settings and perhaps why I don't really like them in my own kitchen. Cost to remove and install a new sink even if the replacement is free from the manufacturer can be cost prohibitive. They won't cover labor to put it in and there is risk of damage to the granite and cabinet that could even add more to the cost. The granite would be nearly impossible to fix or find replacement for and match existing. What a nightmare! I've read some older posts about it. One lady paid $600 to have her replacement Silgranite II to be installed because of the labor involved removing the old one that was cracked and another lady had a cast iron that the porcelain cracked. Breezy's gray or truffle Silgranit II is my favorite color in the composite sinks and looks great with the Carrera marble in her kitchen. Sink decision seems to be among the hardest ones!

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!

practigal I presume the "gray spots" you are talking about are "pot marks" left by dragging cookware along the sink surface. All sinks have this problem since a dragged pot will always shed some tiny amount of metal which shows up as a gray streak or spot. Unfortunately the marks show up best in an enamel sink, especially a white sink. The cleanup is easy. Apply a bit of Kohler Cast Iron Cleaner to a cork from last night's wine and buff the scuff. It will come right out. CEFreeman_GW DC/MD Burbs 7b/8a I am still puzzled how you managed to damage a Kohler cast iron sink so seriously. I just spent an hour with my plumber in the warehouse this morning trying to "slice" an old (1930s vintage) Kohler sink. The only thing that would do it was a chisel. There is a company that can refinish your sink using actual baked-on glazing enamel. Here is the link: Custom Ceramic Coatings. I don't know for sure that the exact color can be matched, but we have had very good luck with the company in the past. Talk to John with any technical questions. He is the master enameler.

Everyone..thanks so much for the input! Given the repsonses I am going to look at returning the composite sink and get a stainless. Sooo appreciate you input, as I am sure chipping, hazing, etc as shown above would ultimately bother me. I will also consider the one bowl, although I have had 2 bowls for many years and find they work well for me. I have never had concerns with normal scratching with stainless sinks…it happens:) @Patricia Colwell appreciate the input..due to mobility concerns, the farmers sink allows for a better reach and access. Otherwise, I am with you and would lean towards a normal undermount. My cooktop is in the middle of the island next to the dishwasher..the cooktop is opposite the short end of the island. I have toyed with adding a prep sink so it would be opposite the cooktop, but having trouble deciding if it is worth the extra cost. so roughly if standing at the cooktop and turn to the sink, you have about 4 feet. Curious since you have significant experience, if you think it would be worthwhile or not of signifcant benefit. thanks! @joseph_corlett thanks very much for the pix and info. definitely do not want to deal with chipping, etc. and great to know any heavy scratching can be reasonably repaired with a stainless apron. I am looking at a Blanco vs Kohler stainless Farmer sink. I have always had Kohler and no issues. I prefer the Kohler short apron but see concerns about cleaning the corners due to the 90 degree angles from a number of reviews. Blanco has more rounded corners but I see concerns about it being noisy I have not been able to find any info to compare the sound dampening between Kohler and Blanco. And also if there are particular models of each that have better sound dampening and or finishes I should look at. Right now considering: Kohler Strive Kohler Vault Blanco Quatrus Blanco Precision Ro I an unclear with whether there is a difference in sound dampening or other quality issues outside of the obvious design. also if there are other sinks worth looking at, I would appreciate the info, Any info on the sound issue or the cleaning issue is greatly appreciated!