Appearance

While many porcelain sinks have a stainless steel interior, the two types of sinks couldn’t look more different from one another. True stainless steel sinks are made of steel that is either pressed into the shape of a sink or folded and welded into the shape of a sink. They can be very contemporary with clean lines and edges or they may have a more transitional appearance with rounded edges and a slightly rounded bottom. They come in several thicknesses, with thicker sinks having a more substantial look than thinner sinks. The steel may have a very bright, polished finish or they may have a wired brushed finish that can help hide scratches and water spots.

Porcelain sinks are much heavier and more substantial looking, because they’re made of either thick gauge cast iron or steel that has been coated in a baked-on porcelain enamel. This enamel can be very smooth or it may have a slightly undulating appearance to it. Porcelain sinks are most commonly white or cream in color, but you can special order them in a range of other colors as well to complement your home.

Both types of sinks come in several shapes and sizes, as well as in different configurations. Both can be drop in or undermounted, and both can be found in farmhouse or apron front styles as well. Overall, porcelain sinks have a more traditional appearance while stainless steel sinks have a more modern look, and work best in contemporary settings. Porcelain sinks can work in some modern settings, while they work best in traditional looks.

Costs

Both types of sinks have a range of associated costs based on size, configuration, and style.&

Stainless steel sinks start around $200 - $300 for a single bowl, undermount sink. Apron front sinks, sinks with multiple bowls, or contemporary styles can be more expensive, starting at $500 and going as high as $2,000 in some cases.

Enameled porcelain sinks also start around $200 - $300 for a single bowl sink in white. Prices begin to increase if you opt for another color, with some specialty colors costing considerably more - around $500 to $600 for the same sink. Costs may also increase for double bowl or apron front sinks, with some oversized cast iron enameled porcelain sinks cost around $1,000 - $1,500.

Installation costs for both types of sinks start around $50 for a drop-in sink. For undermount sinks, expect to pay around $150 for a stainless steel sink and $200 for a porcelain sink, for totals of $250 - $450 for a stainless steel sink installed and $250 - $500 for a porcelain sink installed.

Durability

For the most durable stainless steel sink, manufacturers usually recommend that the homeowner choose one with a lower gauge, meaning a thicker surface. However, a recent Consumer Reports guide differed from that opinion. In their findings, the specific gauge of the 18- to 23-gauge sinks that they tested had no effect on durability.  Any of these are highly durable under many conditions. You would have to go to a 14- to 16-gauge sink to see a remarkable difference. It is wise, however, to choose a satin or brushed finish to avoid the inevitable small scratches that normal use will cause. A stainless steel sink is very unlikely to stain, but acids, bleach, and salt can cause pitting if left on the surface for a long period of time. Stainless steel is resistant to heat and most chemicals, which is why they are also the choice of most laboratory sinks.

A porcelain sink’s durability is due to its construction. Some sinks are solid porcelain, but the most durable have a steel or cast iron core covered with a baked-on porcelain finish. The key to maintaining that finish is to avoid scratches and chips in the porcelain that might expose the softer porcelain or even the metal beneath. Heavy or sharp objects dropped into the sink can cause this type of damage. Many homeowners use silicon pads or stainless steel racks inside the sink to protect the surface. You must also avoid allowing acidic substances to sit on the porcelain for an extended time since the porcelain stains easily. The nonporous porcelain finish also is resistant to heat. Over time, it may be necessary to have the sink refinished after the sink sustains serious staining, scratching, or chipping.

Both types of sinks have a long lifespan. A stainless steel sink will last 15 to 30 years, while a porcelain one will last 25 to 30 years or much longer, with the cast iron core sinks lasting longer than the steel ones. Porcelain sinks can be refinished to last the lifetime of the home itself. Also, the better each sink is maintained and cared for, the longer it will last.

Noise

Stainless steel sinks are thinner than porcelain enameled sinks, and they do vibrate when water or other items come in contact with the bottom. This vibration can mean that the sink tends to be noisy. To reduce this, most stainless steel sink manufacturers will put a pad or coating on the bottom of the sink to help muffle sound. Sinks without this pad, however, will be loud.

Porcelain enamel sinks are thicker and do not vibrate, so they tend to muffle sounds naturally and are overall a more quiet sink.

Resale Value

Whether a sink is stainless steel or porcelain enameled, the most important element to consider on the resale value of a home is the condition of the sink. A stainless steel sink should be clean and free of scratches or water spots. Porcelain enamel sinks should have a glossy finish with no visible scratches or chips. Since stainless steel sinks do not chip or require refinishing, it may be the best choice for future resale value. However, because the porcelain enameled sink can be refinished, it is possible to help it maintain its value as well.