EcoGranit vs Stainless Steel: Which is the Right Sink for Your Kitchen? (Comparison and Review)
EcoGranit vs Stainless Steel: Which is the Right Sink for Your Kitchen? (Comparison and Review)
If you’ve seen social media posts recently, you’ve likely noticed some gorgeous photos of Archant’s stylish EcoGranit sinks featured in high-end kitchens. These are certainly head turners with their sleek design and modern matt finish. You may be wondering then if these would be a great addition to your home.
On the flip side of that, is a long line of well-trusted and durable stainless-steel bowls. These have been around for decades. In fact, they’ve become quite the norm in many designs.
Some say, if it’s not broken, why change it? Well, in this article, we thought it would be valuable to explain the differences between EcoGranit bowls and their stainless-steel counterparts.
By the end, we believe you’ll agree that both are excellent products. Yet, in reviewing the pros and cons of each, you will have a better sense of what would be the appropriate solution for your home.
Pros of Stainless Steel Sinks
Long-Lasting Value - These remain one of the most popular options for homeowners due to their value, longevity and quality. Our stainless steel sinks are hand-made from the finest .304 grade stainless steel ensuring a durable and strong sink.
Low Maintenance - Stainless steel won’t fade, crack, chip or stain, making them easy to maintain for years to come. The stainless steel is composed of 18% chromium preventing rust and corrosion and 10% nickel adding a lustre to the surface.
Highly Customisable - Stainless steel sinks offer a variety of different configurations to choose from. Think about how you and your family use the sink and the space in the kitchen. Some popular options include:
Single Bowl – These are great for those who want to maximise bench space and only need small washing space. Single bowls are available in a variety of sizes and materials making them a great versatile option.
Double Bowl - One of the most popular types of kitchen sinks is the double bowl sink arrangement allowing for ultimate flexibility. The double bowl is a truly multi-purpose sink allowing for rinsing, washing, draining or food prep simultaneously.
Sink with Drainer – A great choice for galley kitchens or those with limited space. These are great for those who wash dishes by hand but if you use a dishwasher you may not have much use for the drainer.
Double Bowl with Reversible Drain - For the ultimate in design flexibility and function, consider a double bowl with reversible drain options. They increase the efficiency of your workspace with the unique ability to customize your sink layout. The drain can be arranged on the left or right for your convenience.
Cons of Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel sinks that are not earthed are prone to rust spots and discolouring. No matter how often you clean it, the problem will persist. Under the NZ electrical code of practice, it is a requirement that sink benchtops are earthed. Electrical contractors should satisfy themselves that the sink installation conforms to the relevant sections under this code.
Since water is a good electrical conductor, any electrical leakage (from a faulty circuit) will use any moisture to travel to earth. Therefore, earthing the sink will prevent electrocution. For more details on earthing, check out the New Zealand code of practice here.
Pros of EcoGranit Sinks
Show-Stopping Design - EcoGranit sinks bring a wow factor to any design and feature prominently as the centre of your kitchen due to their silky-smooth finish and stylish appeal. They pair beautifully with a variety of benchtops making them a popular choice.
Hygienic and Durable - These granite composite sinks are created from 85% quartz and 15% acrylic. One of the reasons these sinks have become so well-liked is their incredible durability and hygienic properties. EcoGranit is scratch, stain and heat resistant which makes it a workhorse in busy kitchens.
This material does come at a higher price point but also comes with more colour options than the stainless steel models. Due to the nature of the material, these sinks are only available in a matte finish which can be a great design feature in a kitchen with matte tap and handle ware.
The bowls are non-porous so any stains remain at surface level and can be removed without much fuss. This level of stain resistance is an added convenience for high-traffic kitchens.
Versatile Configurations
We understand how important the sink is for your kitchen. EcoGranit models offer similar configurations to stainless steel models. They are available in a variety of layouts including a single bowl design, single bowl with drainer, double bowl, and double bowl with drainer.
Cons of EcoGranit Sinks
While there’s no doubt they are stunning, many homeowners want to understand how involved the maintenance process is. EcoGranit sinks require daily cleaning as they can attract white lime from everyday water use.
This consists of giving the bowl a light scrub with some dishwashing liquid, a light scrub with one of our magic sponges, a thorough rinse with fresh water and a dry-out with a lint-free cloth. This will help stop any lime residue from building up over time which can be quite noticeable in the black bowls. Without the daily clean is not performed, the lime/salt is left behind and can be very difficult to remove.
Although they are super durable, they can still chip. Take care not to drop sharp knives or heavy pans at the bottom of the bowl.
We also recommend being mindful of boiling water and your EcoGranit sink, especially the black models. While the manufacturer notes that you can pour hot water directly into it, we would advise running the cold tap first as a precaution. This can help prevent any thermal shock that could potentially lead to a crack in the bowl.
The Bottom Line
Stainless Steel Sinks – Dependable and Stylish Value
With New Zealand families in mind, the above-mentioned sinks are designed to withstand the demands of everyday use. Their unique blend of useful features and modern design make them perennial best sellers. Long-lasting and elegant enough to add a splash of style to your kitchen, they have earned our customer’s trust, and are worthy of yours.
EcoGranit Sinks – Unparalleled Beauty when Maintained Properly
These are a wise investment if you’re looking for a stylish bowl that will last for many years. They offer robust durability while also adding unparalleled beauty to a space. Of course, the trade-off is the need to maintain them more frequently than their stainless steel counterparts.
Next Steps
Check out our full line of sinks here. If you’re still not sure which model is the right fit for your household and family, stop into a showroom to see them in person. We have design specialists who are happy to answer any questions as it relates to your specific project.
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