What’s the Difference Between a Cast Iron Sink vs. Stainless Steel Sink?
It’s a decision more challenging than it may seem
Highlights
Cast iron sinks are more durable and easier to repair.
Both sink types are attractive and available in different styles.
Stainless steel sinks often cost a little less than cast iron sinks.
Building or remodeling your kitchen requires making many purchasing decisions—not the least of which is what type, color, and style of kitchen sink to install. For many, the choice comes down to a cast iron sink or a stainless steel sink. However, both options come with their pros, cons, and differences. Here's what you need to know about the cast iron sink vs. stainless steel debate and how to choose the best kitchen sink material for your needs.
Cast Iron Sink vs. Stainless Steel Sink: Key Differences
While cast iron and stainless steel sinks are indeed both made of metal, there are some key differences between the two materials. Cast iron sinks are, by their nature, heavier and thicker, while stainless steel is a thinner, more flexible material that's more lightweight. Stainless steel sinks are available in very limited color options with few finish choices, while cast iron sinks have a single, glossy finish option but are available in various colors.
What Is a Cast Iron Sink?
Cast iron is often considered the more classic kitchen sink material. Cast iron sinks are heavy and durable, constructed of an underlying heavy-duty iron layer with a protective and glossy enamel visible layer. While older cast iron sinks were available in just a few uninspiring styles, today's versions are as versatile and attractive as any other sink material. It can even be challenging to distinguish fireclay sinks from cast iron ones at first glance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly durable | Pricier |
| Several color options | Prone to staining and chipping |
| Classic or contemporary appearance | Heavy and hard |
Best for:
Those seeking a classic or elegant kitchen design focal point.
Consumers needing a heavy-duty, long-lasting sink option.
Homeowners who want color options for the sink.
Pros of a Cast Iron Sink
Cast iron sinks feature not one but two durable materials that combine to create a heavy-duty, long-lasting, and highly durable kitchen component. For kitchens that undergo heavy use, few options rival the overall durability of a cast iron sink.
Color options for cast iron sinks are another one of their advantages. At one time, only a few enamel colors were popular, including white and shades of off-white. Today, numerous colors are available, from classic white and off-white to blues, reds, greens, browns, and even black.
Once limited to a handful of style options, cast iron sinks now come in as many styles as any other sink material. Choose from drop-in, single, double, farmhouse, and even undermount options.
Cons of a Cast Iron Sink
While cast iron is among the most durable sink materials available, that durability can spell disaster for any dish or glass dropped into it. The metal and enamel materials are simply unforgiving, meaning the potential for easily breaking dishes and glassware is high.
Also, while durable, the enamel finish on cast iron sinks isn't perfect and can chip if not handled with care. Iron-rich water or harsh chemicals can permanently stain the glossy finish. Staining may be unsightly. However, chipped enamel can lead to rust and the ultimate failure of the iron underneath.
Another concern about cast iron sinks is their weight. While not necessarily a problem after installation, installers must often increase the strength of the sink cabinet and use caution when lifting and placing the item.
Cast iron sinks also cost a bit more than stainless steel, coming in at between $600 to $2,000.
What Is a Stainless Steel Sink?
If your kitchen needs a single or double sink that looks good, performs well, and provides contemporary appeal, a stainless steel sink may be the answer. Stainless steel sinks consist of various combinations of steel, chromium, and nickel.
The materials combine to create a durable, metallic surface sink in a huge variety of styles with a few finish options. Stainless steel sinks are available in thicker and thinner varieties, called gauges.
Thicker gauge sinks are generally higher quality, pricier, and quieter than thinner versions. Available thicknesses of stainless steel sinks range from 18 (thicker and more expensive) to 23 (thinner and more budget-friendly).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less expensive than other material types | Prone to scratches and dulling |
| Flexible, forgiving material | Limited color choices |
| Lightweight | Loud |
Best for:
Those seeking a contemporary kitchen focal point.
Households with children who may tend to drop items into the sink.
Kitchen remodeling consumers looking to save money on a kitchen sink.
Pros of a Stainless Steel Sink
Stainless steel sinks are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles, finishes, and thicknesses. While some are anything but inexpensive, most models and styles are cost-effective or even budget-friendly. In fireclay vs. stainless steel or composite sink vs. stainless steel matchups, stainless steel almost always wins when it comes to price. Stainless steel sinks are available for under $100 to $1,500, on average.
Because stainless steel sinks consist of formed sheet steel material, the sinks are somewhat flexible. Even thicker gauge versions still have some give to them—meaning that sometimes glasses or dishes dropped into them may live to serve another meal and not shatter on impact.
Also, because the stainless steel material is thin, it's also lightweight, so extra reinforcement of the base cabinet isn't typically necessary. The lightweight material also eases installation by being less difficult to handle than heavier material.
Cons of a Stainless Steel Sink
Stainless steel sinks are durable and long-lasting. However, they're prone to scratching and pitting, which can lead to an old, dull appearance. Glossier finishes will show scratches more readily. However, even brushed or satin finishes will reveal wear over time.
Because they're stainless, these sinks won't accept many color options. While some black stainless steel sinks exist, most are simply metal-colored in glossy, brushed, or satin finishes.
Because stainless steel sinks consist of thin metal sheet material, they can be noisy. Many manufacturers include sound-dampening pads on the underside of high-end models. However, there's little getting around the fact that stainless steel sinks can be loud.
Cast Iron Sink vs. Stainless Steel Sink
Putting cast iron and stainless steel sinks head to head reveals their many similarities as well as their stark differences.
Appearance: Tie
Appearance was once a strong argument for choosing stainless steel over cast iron. However, cast iron sinks are now available in numerous colors and just as many styles as stainless steel. In fact, cast iron sinks are now available in many more color options than stainless steel sinks.
Yet, many prefer the more modern appearance of stainless steel. When it comes to appearance, choosing between the two comes down to preference, so this category is a tie.
Durability: Cast Iron
Both cast iron and stainless steel sinks are durable and will last for a long time when properly cared for. However, cast iron takes the prize for durability, if only because having two strong materials is better than having just one. While the enamel on a cast iron sink is vulnerable to chipping and staining, homeowners aren't likely to dent a cast iron sink, as is possible with stainless steel. Additionally, in some cases, the enamel is repairable.
Cleaning: Cast Iron
Cast iron and stainless steel sinks are both easy to clean. Cast iron narrowly edges out stainless steel, however, due to its glossy enamel finish, which is less likely to hold onto hard water deposits. Remember to avoid using harsh and scratchy cleaners when cleaning either material to avoid permanently damaging the surface.
Price: Stainless Steel
The cost of installing a new sink can be significant regardless of the material type you choose. However, if price is a crucial determining factor, stainless steel sinks offer a wide price range and more budget-friendly options and win this category easily. Some low-cost cast iron models exist, but far more stainless steel options are readily available.
Ease of Installation/DIYability: Stainless Steel
Because of their low weight, installing a stainless steel sink as a DIY project requires no extra cabinet reinforcements or heavy lifting, making them the better option for ease of installation. While DIY installation of a heavy cast iron sink is possible, hiring a professional sink installer near you is typically the wise choice. The same is true of particularly large or specialty kitchen sinks of any material.
Ease of Repair: Cast Iron
The enamel on cast iron sinks can be brittle and chip when misused, leading to rust damage. However, a professional or skilled DIYer can often repair the finish on a cast iron sink if caught early. On the other hand, dents and deep scratches in stainless steel sinks are permanent additions. The only way to get rid of them is to replace the sink.
Maintenance: Tie
Neither cast iron nor stainless steel sinks require any special maintenance other than keeping them clean and avoiding harsh cleansers and abrasive scrub brushes.
Length of Life: Tie
Both cast iron and stainless steel sinks have reasonably long lifespans if they don't suffer damage and are used with care.
Eco-Friendliness/Sustainability: Tie
Many manufacturers use up to 80% recycled materials in both cast iron and stainless steel sink varieties.
ROI and/or Resale Value: Cast Iron
Cast iron sinks stand as the victor by a narrow margin when it comes to ROI. While cast iron sinks are more expensive than stainless steel ones, many home buyers appreciate the higher perceived value of cast iron, often making the home more appealing for purchase even though the monetary ROI is minimal for either material.