Good news for you if you are looking to find out more about granite composite sinks. There’s been a huge surge in demand for these products over the last few years and they are popular in kitchens and bathrooms in the UK and beyond.
But, what is a granite composite sink?
They are a combination of two materials: stainless steel and granite.
Stainless steel sinks are renowned for being extremely durable, but being a little bit less attractive than their more expensive alternatives like stainless steel or stone/marble composite sinks.
Granite composite sinks, on the other hand, are made with a combination of stainless steel and granite.
Granite is beautiful, of course. But, it’s probably a tad overkill to have it installed in your kitchen sink area, and frankly it is very prone to staining and scratches.
So, adding in a little bit of stainless steel can solve all of these problems.
By combining these two materials together, you get a durable sink that is far more resistant to staining and scratching and looks and feels absolutely beautiful too.
Have a read of the buyer’s guide and reviews below to learn a little more about granite composite sinks and which ones we liked the best.
1. BLANCO, White 440195 DIAMOND SILGRANIT Super Single Drop-In or Undermount Kitchen Sink
Pros:
- White on white
- Highly durable
- Cooks evenly
- Large bowl
- Deep basin
- No fingerprints left behind
- Water-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Newer technology makes it resistant to scratches and stains
- No problem with hot pans and pots
Cons:
- Expensive
- Does not have drainage holes
- Large stainless steel rings to keep sink secure wiggle slightly
- You can hear water running in the pipes when there’s a full sink of water
- Some water gets trapped and dries onto the surface in places, which can be a messy problem to wipe up
Bowl, 10" Height, 0.5" Depth
The BLANCO White 440195 DIAMOND Silgranit is a great sink for its material quality.
2. Signature Hardware 908281-33 33" Single Basin Granite Farmhouse Sink
Pros:
- Simple one-bowl design
- Comes in several sizes
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Sent in a sturdy shipping box
Cons:
- Sink bowl is quite small
- On the expensive side
- Some minor cosmetic imperfections
The Signature Hardware 908281-33 33" Single Basin Granite Farmhouse Sink for Undermount Installations comes in several sizes (28, 32, 44, 48, and 60 inches) and is made from high-quality natural granite. It also comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty and is US made. Weighing about 34 pounds, it is ideal for singular-bowl installations.
This well-constructed sink comes with two removable apron trims, which match the sink perfectly. However, some customers reported that the overall function and design of the sink is plain, and might need customization. Overall, it’s a well-made, great-looking sink, and its price is on the higher side.
3. Kraus KGD-54GREY Forteza Granite Kitchen Sink
Pros:
- Solid construction
- Easy to clean, simple design
- Great for custom installations
- Extra tall, for larger pots and pans
- Can be installed in virtually any location
- Sleek look that feels upscale and elegant
- Very low maintenance
- Lifetime warranty
Height matters. When you go to purchase a sink, most of the time, what you see in the store reflects what you’ll get in the end. That’s the only downfall of most. Unless you’re going to invest a good amount of money into a custom designed stainless steel sink (which will double the price), then you’re going to get a standard sink built into your cabinets. But, what we need to consider is what type of sink we’re going to be able to work with here. The measurements for a standard stainless steel sink is 18 “ 24” deep, and 21 “ 24” wide.
4. Kraus KGU-434B 33 inch Undermount 50/50 Double Bowl Black Onyx Granite Kitchen Sink
Pros:
- Constructed from heavy-duty ASME certified 18 gauge type 430 single-ply stainless steel
- Hand made and polished in USA with a 5 year warranty
- Fast and easy undermount installation
- DIMENSIONS: 33" x 22.5" x 5-7/16" x 1-1/8"
- Strainer: yes
- Faucet Holes: 2
- Mounting Rings: 2
- Bowl Depth: 10-7/8"
- Bowl Diameter: 13-7/8"
- Bowls: 2
5. Swanstone QZ03322LS.076 Granite 1-Hole Dual Mount Single-Bowl Kitchen Sink
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable
- Reasonably priced
- Has feet to protect flooring
- Contractor approved
- Disassembles for repair or replacement of parts
Cons:
- High MOI makes it prone to cracking
- Over time, could develop cracks and hairline fractures that won’t be immediately visible
The Swanstone composite sink is a great option for your kitchen or bathroom. It features a 16 gauge (mm) durable stainless steel undermount plate, with easy to install T-nuts.
The large bowl is 13” x 9 5/8”, and the small bowl is 7” x 9 5/8”. This sink would be ideal for a single bowl kitchen or powder bath.
Customer Reviews:
Cons:
6. Franke EDOX33229-1 Sink
7. Kraus KGF1-30BLACK Bellucci inch CeramTek Granite Quartz Composite Farmhouse Flat Apron Front Single Bowl Kitchen Sink
Pros:
- Exceptional design
- Wide Apron Sink
- Self-Cleaning and Scratch-Resistant
- CUSINART® Fits up to five single mount faucets with 3 inch centers
- Improves the overall aesthetic appeal of your kitchen
- The Cutting board in the sink is perfect for chopping fruit, vegetable and other food items
- The kitchen countertop surface is very durable and scratch-resistant.
Cons:
- Unless you are a professional, the cutting board will probably be too small
- The cutting board also rotates as you wash.
8. Franke Gravity 33-Inch Wide x 9-Inch Deep Dual Mount Granite Single Bowl Kitchen Sink in Graphite
Pros:
- Unbeatable price
- Exceedingly durable and long-lasting
- Easy installation
- Includes soap dispenser, faucet and strainer
- Outstanding customer service
This product has an amazing price considering the top-quality materials it’s made of. This kitchen sink is made of durable composite granite, one of the most eco-conscious materials. It’s formed into a rectangular shape so it’s easy to clean and it will work great for small, medium, and large sinks.
The sink’s dual-mounting system will allow you to install it into a variety of sinks and will look great no matter where you put it. Plus, the sink’s edges are rounded, so they will not damage your dishes when you place them inside.
9. Elkay Quartz Classic ELGLB3322SD0 Sand Equal Double Bowl Top Mount Sink
Pros:
- Diamond-shaped Drains
- Collects water faster, thanks to the diamond-shape
Cons:
- Expensive, as compared to other sinks of similar quality
- Shop LK ELK021158WH Quarzite Collection Single Bowl Undermount Bar Sink, Stainless Steel
Elkay is a household name when it comes to installing plumbing and kitchen fixtures. But before you get excited about the heavy discount on this sink, let’s talk about what it offers.
At a depth of around 2.5 inches, the bowls are a bit shallow, while the rims are a little too wide, and you might have issues fitting larger plates inside.
The sinks feature two independent pumps – one for each bowl – for smooth operation and to keep sound levels at a minimum.
10. BLANCO, Metallic Gray 440067 PERFORMA CASCADE SILGRANIT Undermount Kitchen Sink
Pros:
- The metallic gray color blends beautifully into existing decor.
- Looks even more stunning with the stainless steel faucet and granite countertop.
- Holds up to a lot of abuse without staining or showing scratches.
- Easily nests in the underdrawer or on the countertop.
- Lightweight and durable.
- The material is sturdy and doesn’t crack even after years of use.
- Excellent customer support
Cons:
- The sink has a defined lip for the bottom, which means dirt will accumulate in the corners, so you’ll have to clean it more often.
- The faucet has to be mounted separately, which means more work and not so easy screwing it on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are granite composite sinks any good?
The truth is that they're neither bad nor good. Granite composite sinks are exactly what the name says they are – a composite of granite and resin. The resin covers the surface of the sink to protect it from scratches and stains the way resin helps protect countertops from scratches and stains. However, the resin also provides a semi-gloss and slippery surface that gives the sink a slightly less attractive appearance than a solid surface.
The important thing to know is that the resin is more than just a barrier.
Rather, it enhances the sink.
In fact, advanced resin composition includes other additives that will perform better under different conditions than pure granite. Composite sinks have better acid resistance, scratch resistance, flexibility for a long life, and are better suited for such things as cleaning with abrasive materials.
Do granite composite sinks crack easily?
This is a very common concern with homeowners, but it isn’t necessarily a valid one. In fact, we haven’t been able to locate any hard proof that a granite composite sink is more prone to cracking than metal or porcelain.
It’s true that standard composite sinks are somewhat brittle and that granite composite sinks have a tendency to bow slightly during use, but it’s not enough to have a meaningful impact on the lifespan of the material.
While we couldn’t find any test results that specifically address the durability of granite composite, we did discover one study that can at least offer us insight into the durability of composite in general….
What is the difference between a granite sink and a composite sink?
Granite composite sinks are a type of countertop that is made from a composite material. An old-fashioned fiberglass sink is made by layering fiberglass resin into an entire large mold. The problem with this method is that resin shrinks when it is cured, i.e., turned into a solid material. Fiberglass tends to shrink by up to 20 percent. This means that the edges of your sink can come loose and allow water to leak underneath.
With composite sinks, on the other hand, the edge is made from a solid piece of marble. The rest of the material (the majority of the sink) is still made of a composite but it is a material that will not shrink.
How do you care for a granite composite sink?
The majority of composite sinks are constructed to be enviromentally friendly and are low-maintenance surfaces. However, even the most scratch-resistant variety of granite composite sink can still be damaged by improper usage. Make sure to:
- Do not make a habit of dropping heavy objects on the surface (it doesn't matter how high-quality your sink is, it will scratch).
- Never allow extremely hot items to sit on your granite composite sink.
- Make sure to dry your sink after every use to avoid staining.
- Never use abrasive cleaners and scrubbers to clean your sink.
- Never use a sponge with rough edges or bits of wire mesh.
Thank you for reading! We really appreciate your support. Now let's see which one of the above was the most useful to you.
Conclusion
Although most granite composite sinks look good, most buyers fall in love with the first sink they see. So they end up buying the first sink they see and later regret it. As a result, they go on to buy a new one that costs more. If you are among the many trying to pick the right sink, then this buying guide will be of immense help. It has everything you need to know about granite composite sinks in a straightforward format.