Cast Iron Vs. Granite Kitchen Sinks

When picking out your next kitchen sink, remember how durable it really needs to be. Kitchen sinks have to deal with dishes clanging against them, constant moisture and plenty of heat. Both cast iron and granite are effective materials when it comes to serving as a sink. While there are different advantages that come with either, both are very strong and offer a unique look for you kitchen.

Both granite and cast iron are very tough and are not likely to incur any damage from dropped dishes, extreme heat or kitchen moisture. Granite sinks will not even scratch if you cut up a vegetable directly on the surface. Granite sometimes chips around the edges, though this is fairly rare. In the event of any damage, granite can be resealed. Cast iron sinks are covered in an enamel surface that chips every now and then, but the structure of the sink will not damage easily.

The enamel surface of a cast iron sink allows for a lot of versatility in terms of appearance. You can choose a cast iron sink in just about any color or design. Granite is a bit more limited, as it looks exactly like the natural stone it came from. Granite and cast iron are both naturally cool to the touch, though cast iron sinks keep in the heat from hot water. Both are hard, so it's likely that a dish will crack or break if dropped directly on the material.

Standard white cast iron sinks are much less expensive than granite sinks, though the price goes up if you want a custom color or design. Both granite and cast iron lend more value to a home than other sinks, such as stainless steel. Since these materials are thick and heavy, installation is not a one-person job. You might also need to reinforce the counter beneath them so that their weight does not cause the counter to collapse.

Stay away from strong or abrasive cleaning agents, because they can scratch and damage both cast iron and granite. Tea, juice and other deeply colored liquids can stain the enamel coating of cast iron, so they must be rinsed off promptly. The best way to clean granite and cast iron sinks is to use a smooth cloth and water. A rubber sink protector is a good insurance policy for either type of sink.