Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen? If so, then our Sink Spotlight series will help you. We've been looking at sink materials the last few weeks (we've already covered stainless steel and copper), and today we turn to enameled cast iron.
Sink Material: Enameled Cast Iron
Distinctive Features: You know cast iron is a common cookware material. Cast iron sinks are made of the same durable iron alloy but add a porcelain enamel coating, fired at a very high temperature, which gives the sink that signature smooth, glossy surface.
Associated with: Farmhouse or apron style sinks; vintage or country designs.
Pros: Won't crack or dent; extremely durable; smooth, glossy finish is very appealing and "sparkly."
Cons: Porcelain enamel can chip or scratch if handled roughly; susceptible to stains; undermount cast iron sinks require extra mounting support because of the sink's weight; not compatible with strong or abrasive cleaners, which can wear away the enamel coating.
Installation: Drop-in cast iron sinks are DIY-friendly, but may require more caulk to seal the gaps between the countertop and the sink. A drop-in cast iron sink installation will cost less than an undermount cast iron sink installation, which is more labor-intensive.
Price range: $200+. May cost more for colors other than white.
Kitchn Reader Reviews:
Our apartment still has the original sink cabinet; the cabinet part is white-painted metal, and the top is a huge piece of enameled cast iron. The counter has runnels so I can place the dish drainer directly on the counter without one of those bases that always get dirty. The continuous counter/sink means there's no gap to get dirty or leak, but I break more dishes than I did with our previous stainless steel sink, because it's so hard. - Lauren F.
I much prefer what I have - enameled cast iron with double basin. Easier to keep clean and better looking. Scotch Brite pads are a wonder. I've had single basin and stainless steel and they were not for me. - krnstn
We just replaced our white cast iron sink (hated it with a passion! never, ever get a white sink!) with a black composite granite double bowl sink top-mount sink. We absolutely love it! - DCEJamie
Related Posts:
• How To Improve Vintage Cast-Iron/Porcelain Kitchen Sink?
• Help Us Mount This Super Heavy Sink!
• Should We Keep This Sink in a Vintage Kitchen?
More of our 'Sink Spotlight' Series:
• All About: Undermount Kitchen Sinks
• All About: Drop-In Kitchen Sinks
• All About: Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks
• All About: Double Bowl Kitchen Sinks
• All About: Bar or Prep Sinks
• All About: Stainless Steel Sinks
• All About: Copper Sinks
(Images: Whitehaven from Kohler via Apartment Therapy)
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I have stainless steel and I don't know why it's popular. I always had cast iron porcelain until now and my old sinks were MUCH easier to keep clean. The SS always looks nasty, scratched and stained. Maybe just an old sink or something, I don't know (the kitchen was remodeled 20 years ago so probably it is), but I long for a nice new Kohler sink. They have so many pretty finishes now. Sigh. Someday soon, I hope.
Use Bar Keeper's Friend on your SS sink - it will look like new!
I had one in my last two rentals and was relived when the house we purchased had a solid, deep, stainless sink. I broke so many dishes and glasses in those white sinks, and was grateful to have a dishwasher. Unfortunately, the helpful guests will try to hand wash what they use right after they use it, and room mates seem to want to make more work for themselves contributed to the loss of a lot of stuff.