Choosing a modern kitchen sink - quartz or granite?

It is important for any housewife that washing dishes is as comfortable as possible, and that the sink itself provides visual pleasure. It is impossible to determine which sink is better, quartz or granite, by eye, since both look modern and stylish. We will have to delve a little deeper into the characteristics of this equipment, because it is important for the buyer that the product serves for many years, remaining high quality and attractive in appearance.

Quartz sink

Quartz sinks are becoming increasingly popular today. Externally, such products look like they are made of natural stone. We are also pleased with the variety of colors and shapes of kitchen sinks. This became possible thanks to the emergence of a new material - quartz agglomerate. It is made from crushed quartz and resin, which plays the role of a binding component. For decoration purposes, color pigments are added to the mixture.

Properties of quartz agglomerate

In terms of hardness, quartz agglomerate is comparable to natural stone. The material is wear-resistant and resistant to mechanical damage.The surface of quartz agglomerate does not have microcracks and pores, which is important when it comes to making a kitchen sink.

Such a sink will always remain clean, and bacteria will not have a single chance to settle on it. In addition, the material is environmentally friendly and has acceptable background radiation. Externally, polished agglomerate is indistinguishable from natural stone.

Types and features of quartz sinks

Quartz sinks are not subject to a single classification, as they can have absolutely any size, shape, or color. They are often made to order, taking into account all the customer’s requirements. In production, the sink is produced by casting, so the product is devoid of connecting seams. Sinks with patterns in the form of streaks or inclusions are considered more practical; traces of dirt are less visible on them.

Experts recommend choosing models with greater depth. Water splashes out of small sinks, polluting surrounding surfaces. From a practicality point of view, an oval or round shape will be more convenient. Rectangular and square sinks accumulate dirt in the corners. Modern models can consist of 2-3 bowls.

When caring for your sink, you must follow a few basic rules. For washing use only liquid detergents. Do not place hot dishes that have just been removed from the stove into the sink; due to temperature changes, scorch marks may appear on the material. Compositions based on acids and solvents are not suitable for cleaning. To prevent streaks from appearing on the surface, after use the sink is rinsed and wiped dry.

Granite sink

Granite kitchen sinks combine luxury and rationality. Using them brings genuine pleasure.Manufacturers from different countries create products from granite chips - the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Russia.

Properties of artificial granite

The technology for producing granite sinks involves mixing granite chips with special clay. Then the components are impregnated with a special glue and painted in the desired color. At the final stage, the product undergoes finishing and polishing.

The sink is not only completely waterproof, but also withstands shock loads. Despite the high price, the products are in demand among buyers. The high density of the material allows it to avoid moisture absorption and the penetration of microbes.

Types and features of granite sinks

Such a sink always maintains its pristine cleanliness. The surface of the material does not change its properties over time under the influence of external factors (sunlight, exposure to household chemicals). Granite sinks are characterized by a variety of colors, sizes and shapes, which allows you to choose a product that completely suits your own taste.

Granite does not require special care, but it is still best to avoid using products with abrasive particles. The color of the sink is often matched to match the working surface of the table or furniture façade. At the same time, the sink can also act as an accent spot. The sink may consist of several bowls. Double and triple options are more suitable for a large family. The high price of granite sinks is fully justified, as the products last a very long time.

What is the difference?

The main difference lies in the composition of the artificial stone from which the sink is made. In one case it is quartz, and in the other it is granite.Both composite materials are strong and wear-resistant, but the quartz sink will be more fragile. Products made from quartz are more reminiscent of glass than stone in appearance. Not everyone likes their glassy shine. A granite sink looks more solid and has a characteristic mottled pattern.

The quality of a kitchen sink depends on what technology and raw materials were used in production. The more natural filler present in the composition, the better. If the agglomerate contains a high percentage of resin, the sink will not last long and may burst at the most inopportune moment.

comparison table

The table clearly shows the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of both sinks. As for the cost, the minimum price threshold is indicated. The price of a sink depends on the size, popularity of the model, manufacturer rating and other parameters.

When purchasing a product, you should definitely read the certificate of conformity, which will serve as a guarantee of the quality of the wash. You can save on your purchase by purchasing items on sale. Discounts often occur during the summer holiday season and on New Year's Eve.

Pros and cons of quartz sink

Buyers are primarily attracted by the appearance of a quartz sink. It looks as if it was made of natural stone. Like any other product, a quartz kitchen sink has its pros and cons. Among its advantages:

• high level of strength (additional protection is provided by a special coating - gelcoat);
• a smooth surface that prevents bacteria and moisture from entering, which is often the “sin” of natural stone;
• environmental safety (namely, low background radiation);
• attractive design;
• easier care;
• possibility of restoration by grinding or gluing the broken piece with acrylic glue.

Those who have already purchased such a sink have discovered some disadvantages during operation. If you put a frying pan that has just been removed from the heat into the sink, it leaves a mark on the surface that cannot be removed.Quartz sinks are sensitive to shock loads. If you accidentally drop a heavy frying pan into the sink from a height of 40-50 cm, the composite may crack. That is why it is important to choose a high-quality sink from a reliable manufacturer.

As a result of cleaning such a sink with a powder containing abrasive particles, scratches may appear on it. However, it is difficult to allow severe contamination to occur; regular maintenance of a quartz sink only takes a couple of minutes. For buyers whose budget is limited, the high price of quartz products may be a disadvantage.

According to customer reviews, quartz sinks look expensive, do not make noise when in contact with a stream of water, and can be easily washed off grease and dirt with a soft cloth and liquid detergent. An accidental fall of plates, forks and spoons does not cause harm to the sink, but the impact of a frying pan falling out of your hands may cause a crack and subsequently a leak. The owners of such sinks emphasize the need for delicate handling of their favorite sink.

Pros and cons of granite sink

Sinks made from composite granite are not inferior in quality to products made from natural stone, and in some ways even surpass them. The advantages of such a sink:

• product strength;
• resistance to shock loads;
• unlimited service life with careful handling;
• elegant appearance;
• variety of shapes and colors;
• quick and easy care;
• ability to hold a significant load (the sink can easily withstand the weight of dishes filled with water);
• resistance to aggressive agents;
• maintaining the original color for many years;
• resistance to high temperatures.

The disadvantages include the considerable weight of the product and the need to use the services of a specialist during installation. Due to the hardness of the stone, working with it is only possible with the use of special tools. Such sinks are expensive, which is also a disadvantage for many.

Buyers have almost no complaints about granite sinks, unless there is a manufacturing defect. Before purchasing, you need to carefully inspect the product for chips or scratches and check for curvature. High-quality sinks last for many years after installation without losing their original attractiveness. It is better not to use harsh abrasives for cleaning, but ordinary baking soda is quite suitable for removing grease and dirt. Limescale deposits can be easily washed off with a solution of citric acid.

Which is better to choose?

Among sinks made from artificial stone, quartz and granite products are considered the best. You just need to take into account that the composition must contain at least 80% natural raw materials.

If sophisticated design and a variety of color choices are important to buyers, it’s worth taking a closer look at quartz sinks. They are available in a wider range of colors and often have an original shape to suit every taste.

Granite sinks are closer in appearance to natural stone and have a restrained palette. They are mainly produced in white, grey, black, brown. Since quartz products are more fragile, they require delicate handling. Having purchased a granite sink, you don’t have to worry that it will crack from an accidental impact with a massive frying pan.

In terms of cost, both sinks are approximately in the same price range, so this factor is not decisive when choosing.The price of a kitchen sink depends more on its size, design and manufacturer's brand.

Experts see the future in sinks made of quartz and granite, because these products are not only convenient to use and easy to maintain. Sinks made of artificial stone are more modern and aesthetically pleasing compared to traditional stainless steel; they can be matched to any design. It is up to the buyer to decide which sink to choose, quartz or granite. Both options have positive reviews.