Comparison On Important Factors Between Stainless Steel Sink And Cast Iron
Cast iron, as well as stainless steel, are both metals, but as the sink materials, they couldn't be more different. The comparison based on the certain important factors are mentioned below that can help the user to make the right decision:
Durability And Stain Resistance
When it comes to the impact resistance as well as longevity, the stainless sink material is considered the best option than cast iron. However, all the cast iron sinks are coated using the porcelain enamel, which can easily chip. If the heavy pot is kept on the cast iron sink then it can leave the sink with an unsightly blemish that needs the professional repair. The other point is that the cast iron is so hard that the dropped dishes are almost very sure to break down. The porcelain-coated cast iron is not vulnerable to chloride stains, but the stains from hard water can discolor it. Stains on the porcelain enamel look more visible than on the stainless steel, especially the brownish iron stains. Stainless steel, on the other hand, doesn't chip, and it has the heavier-gauge sinks that are nearly impossible to dent and are yet very much flexible to spare the dishes if they are dropped. The stainless steel sink can stain, and some of the stains are permanent. The stainless steel sinks also vulnerable to chlorine bleach as well as to the chloride solutions, for instance, the salty water. They will cause corrosion that is known as pitting, which can make the shiny metal look permanently dull.
Weight And Mounting Styles
A typical cast iron sink usually weights more than a stainless steel sink that may be of the same size. Both the cast iron as well as the stainless steel are used for the drop-in, under-mount as well as farmhouse type of the sinks, but among their styles, the drop-in styles are the most practical as well as very easy to install. The under-mount sinks usually receive their support from the posts or the brackets which are fastened to the underside of the countertop. The cast iron is not heavy for such type of mounting option, the cast iron undermounts are common. The Farmhouse type of sinks are easily available in both stainless steel as well as cast-iron types. The extra weight of the cast iron sink can be a big challenge during the installation process. A large cast-iron sink is too heavy for a person to lift, so a helper is needed to lift up the sink into place. On the other hand, a stainless steel sink is so light in weight that anyone can lift it even a large one.
Color
Due to the fact that the cast iron sinks are coated using the enamel, so there is a choice of colors. White is regarded as the most common, but others are also available, depending on the manufacturer. In the stainless steel option, the user can have any color, as long as it is metallic silver. It is a neutral color that can match with almost everything, as well as a freshly polished steel sink will also enhance any decor. If in case the silver won't work, then the user can't stain or color the stainless steel sink, but it can be painted.
Care And Maintenance
Both the porcelain-coated cast iron as well as the stainless steel sinks have smooth and shiny finishes which can get dull with the use of abrasives during the cleaning process. The nylon sponges, microfiber cloths, or the plastic scrubbing brushes are safe to use, but avoid rubbing the sinks using the steel wool or the metallic pot cleaners, which can easily scratch the surface. In particular, using the steel wool to clean the stainless steel sink can damage the protective layer of the chromium oxide that is on the surface and result in rusting the stains.