Granite vs Synthetic Kitchen Sinks: Which Should You Choose
Written by: Taps UK
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Published on
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Time to read 6 min
When planning a new kitchen, one of the key choices is what type of sink you install. Granite sinks and synthetic sinks are two of the most popular options, each offering distinct advantages.
Granite sinks are made from natural stone mixed with resin, giving them a premium, solid feel and a finish that looks at home in both modern and traditional kitchens. They are known for their resistance to heat, scratches, and stains, making them a reliable long-term choice.
Synthetic sinks, often made from durable composite materials, provide a different set of benefits. They are typically lighter, come in a wider range of colours, and can be easier to install. Many homeowners prefer synthetic sinks for their versatility and affordability, without compromising on durability. By comparing these two types, you can decide which best matches the style and practicality your kitchen needs.
What is a granite sink?
Granite is one of the most durable and hard-wearing materials you can choose for a sink in your home.
What is granite composite?
Made from granite, crushed quartz, and acrylic resin
Looks and feels like natural stone but is more affordable
Strong and long-lasting, ideal for busy kitchens
Learn more in our blog about the materials and production process of granite sinks
Why choose a granite sink?
Complements most kitchen worktop materials
Available in a wide range of colours and sizes
Fits seamlessly into almost any kitchen style
Popular with consumers for its balance of durability and design
You may now be asking yourself: Why would I be interested in a granite sink?
Advantages:
Well, granite sinks have plenty of advantages. Granite sinks are extremely durable, this is due to how the sink is manufactured and the materials in which they use.
They are highly resistant allowing you to have complete creative freedom in the kitchen. You can put any foods onto the sink including the questionable ones such as lemons and limes (acidic) and beetroot and coffee (you'd think would stain!). As well as this, they are heat-resistant, which is ideal when working in a busy kitchen with lots of hot pots and pans.
As every sink is made up of a range of different materials combined, every sink is completely unique looking, and no sink will look exactly the same; different flecks of the materials will show up differently.
Another advantage of granite sinks is that the cleaning process is extra easy- you only need a cream cleaner and a damp cloth- you don't have to go all out and purchase special cleaning products, it’s a home remedy!
If you would like to buy specialist cleaning products, they are available click here to see which one would be more suitable for this material.
Take a look at the video below to see how easy it is to clean!
Disadvantages
So, you are now probably thinking that there are too many advantages for there to not be any disadvantages…like with any product you may buy, there will always be some sort of disadvantage.
Granite sinks can be quite expensive at times, depending on which brand you use and prefer, so there are certainly cheaper options out there, but with granite, you get what you pay for.
There is a slight risk of the granite material chipping so with any sink you would need to be careful. Granite sinks are also big, bulky, and heavy, so this would require a lot of strength for transportation and installation.
Overall, I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. This material is becoming increasingly popular due to its longevity - once you have one installed, you will not need to buy a new one for many years.
What is as a synthetic sink?
A synthetic sink is sometimes referred to as SMC or Tectonite.
SMC stands for sheet moulding compound or composite
Tectonite is the name used by Franke for their synthetic sinks
Made from glass fibre-reinforced polyester, not plastic
Has a smooth, acrylic-like feel but with much greater strength
Why choose a synthetic sink?
Extremely durable – formed under high pressure for a strong structure
Available in a wide range of colours and sizes
Lightweight compared to stone or granite sinks
Resistant to everyday knocks and scratches
So, what actually makes a synthetic sink stand out?
Advantages:
Synthetic sinks are extraordinarily heat resistant up to around 300 degrees for a short period of time but this doesn’t mean you can leave a hot pan on the surface of the sink for a long period of time.
The synthetic material is remarkably light, so this would be easier for safer transportation, and easier with the installation of the sink. We have a range of colours, so it’s not just all plain… we have colours including black, grey and white.
One of the main advantages of a synthetic sink is that the price is strikingly low and cost-effective as they are manufactured economically, especially if you have a budget and need to stay within! They look very similar to granite sinks making this a best seller.
They are also incredibly easy to clean. We recommend the Franke Twister cream cleaner, this will keep your sink looking brand new after every cleaning.
Disadvantages:
Like with all sinks, there is a lot of maintaining and cleaning, to make sure your sinks glisten like they do when they first arrive.
I would also advise, that if you live in a hard water area, more regular deep cleaning will be needed for the sink and limescale can build up on the sink - it is best to take precautions and maintain the cleanliness of the sink as you go along.
Another disadvantage for me would be refraining from leaving crockery in the bowl or on the drainer, as this could leave marks/chips- but again, this is like every other sink.
What is the difference between a granite sink and a synthetic sink?
Granite sinks are made from a composite of crushed stone and resin, giving a natural stone look with high durability. Synthetic sinks, such as Tectonite, are made from glass fibre–reinforced polyester, offering strength with a lighter, acrylic-like feel.
Which sink is more durable: granite or synthetic?
Both are durable, but granite composite sinks are harder and more resistant to heat, scratches, and stains. Synthetic sinks are tough but slightly less resistant to extreme heat or sharp impacts.
Do synthetic sinks look like plastic?
No. While they have a smoother, acrylic-like finish, synthetic sinks are reinforced with glass fibre, making them stronger and more stylish than plastic alternatives.
Let's conclude..
In conclusion, when comparing granite vs synthetic sinks , the choice depends on what matters most in your kitchen. Granite sinks deliver a solid, natural stone look with excellent durability against heat, scratches, and stains, making them a long-lasting option. Synthetic sinks, on the other hand, are lighter, easier to fit, and generally more affordable, while still offering reliable strength and a wider selection of colours. Deciding between granite and synthetic sinks comes down to balancing durability, style, installation, and budget.
However, if you have a slight budget, and looking for a lighter feeling sink, then synthetic is definitely for you!
What’s your budget? Granite sinks cost more but offer premium durability and appearance. Synthetic sinks are usually cheaper and still reliable.
How will you use the sink daily? Heavy cooking and cleaning may suit a granite sink’s toughness, while lighter use makes synthetic a practical choice.
What style and installation do you prefer? Granite gives a natural, stone-like finish, while synthetic comes in more colours and is easier to install.
Taps UK is a prominent online retailer in the United Kingdom, specializing in a wide variety of kitchen and bathroom products. The company boasts a large selection of taps, sinks, and accessories from both well-known industry brands and its own exclusive lines, catering to a broad customer base that includes the general public as well as trade professionals like developers and builders.
