Kitchen Sinks: Easy-Clean, Surprisingly Affordable Ceramic
You get a lot for the price with ceramic sinks, and they're available everywhere. See the pros and cons here
Rachel Grace
June 17, 2013
Houzz Contributor
It's easy to see why ceramic sinks shine in kitchens. Their high-end appearance, dazzling finish and easy maintenance make the price tag surprising. Plus, they're incredibly accessible — since ceramic sinks are available virtually wherever sinks are sold, you can often arrange a ceramic sink installation on the same day you purchase it.
Could ceramic work for your kitchen sink? Find out here.
More kitchen sink materials
Could ceramic work for your kitchen sink? Find out here.
More kitchen sink materials
The basics: Ceramic sinks are made with a raw material that contains clay, glass and metal. This mixture has been used as a sink material for decades. With a smooth, impervious surface and extremely low moisture absorbency, it’s a great material choice for sinks.
Cost: $100 to $800 on average.
Schedule a sink installation
Cost: $100 to $800 on average.
Schedule a sink installation
Advantages: Ceramic sinks are easy to maintain. Their impenetrable surface is stain resistant, so you can easily clean it with basic all-purpose cleaning products.
Disadvantages: Most ceramic sinks are made of raw materials, which means that many of them differ slightly in finish and color. Prone to chipping, cracking and scratching, ceramic sinks often need replacing if damaged.
Ceramic sinks are also more sensitive to heat than other sink materials, although most should be able to handle normal kitchen temperatures.
Disadvantages: Most ceramic sinks are made of raw materials, which means that many of them differ slightly in finish and color. Prone to chipping, cracking and scratching, ceramic sinks often need replacing if damaged.
Ceramic sinks are also more sensitive to heat than other sink materials, although most should be able to handle normal kitchen temperatures.
Sustainability: Unless you're searching specifically for an ecofriendly ceramic sink, this material isn't a particularly green choice. Ceramic production uses a lot of energy, and many of the ingredients are mined from the earth.
While ceramic can't be recycled, it can be downcycled. Downcycled ceramic sinks are ground up into a powder that's used to create other, new ceramics.
While ceramic can't be recycled, it can be downcycled. Downcycled ceramic sinks are ground up into a powder that's used to create other, new ceramics.
Maintenance: Most companies recommend that ceramic kitchen sinks simply be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild dish detergent. For a deeper clean, consider using a diluted solution of bleach or vinegar.
Are you a fan of ceramic kitchen sinks? Let's discuss! Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
More: Learn about more types of kitchen sinks
More: Learn about more types of kitchen sinks
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Love our Blanco e-granite sinks. Have the medium gray color, doesn't show scratches, each to clean, deep enough to hide dirty dishes, and always looks nice. I clean it with the dishwashing soap, like Dawn after using, and if need a deeper clean something a little stronger. Been in use for 2 years, looks as good as new. I have a friend with a lighter color one, and it does show the pots and pans mark, but comes clean when cleaned. I'd go for Blanco. See my review above from June 19, 2013.
Thank you for your comment. That really helps reassure me that a Blanco e-granite sink will be perfect for my constantly used kitchen!