Stainless Steel or SILGRANIT: Which Kitchen Sink Is Right for You?

If you want the largest sink, up to 84 cm, or you would rather not see scratches, choose SILGRANIT. If you love the look of steel and are happy for it to gain fine marks with use, stainless steel is a timeless choice.

Both are made by BLANCO in Germany to last decades of daily use. Here is how they compare, and how to decide which one suits your kitchen.

What each material is

Stainless steel is the classic kitchen sink material: hygienic, heat-resistant and easy to keep clean. BLANCO gives it a satin finish that stays refined for years. Its DURINOX range uses a specially hardened stainless steel surface that resists scratches and marks far better than conventional steel.

SILGRANIT is BLANCO’s granite composite. It is hard-wearing and non-porous, resists scratches, heat and stains, and comes in a range of matt, natural colours.

Size: the biggest sinks are SILGRANIT

If you want the largest sink possible, the choice is made for you. Our SILGRANIT sinks reach up to 84 cm wide, while our stainless steel sinks go up to 74 cm.

A large bowl makes a real difference day to day. Oven trays, grill racks and large cooking pots fit flat, so they are easier to soak and wash. For families who cook often or entertain, the extra width is worth planning for.

For a secondary sink or a smaller kitchen, compact bowls of around 34 to 35 cm are the usual choice.

Scratches and everyday wear

This is the second question that decides most choices.

Stainless steel gains fine surface scratches with daily use: pots, cutlery and pans all leave light marks. Over time these blend into an even, lived-in patina that many people like. If you would rather your sink keeps looking new, though, it is worth knowing before you choose. BLANCO’s DURINOX surface is much more resistant to marks than conventional steel and narrows the gap.

SILGRANIT is highly resistant to scratches, so it keeps its original look far longer. If seeing scratches would bother you, SILGRANIT is the better choice.

Living with each one

Heat. Both materials handle hot pans and boiling water without trouble.

Stains and marks. Stainless steel does not stain, but water spots and fingerprints show, so wiping it dry after use keeps it at its best. SILGRANIT’s non-porous surface means stains and limescale sit on top and wipe away easily.

Noise. Stainless steel can be a little louder when water runs or dishes are set down. SILGRANIT is denser and naturally quieter.

Cleaning. For both, daily cleaning needs only warm water, a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals. For a full routine, see our guide to cleaning and maintaining SILGRANIT sinks.

Look and design

Stainless steel has a clean, professional look that suits almost any kitchen and pairs naturally with steel appliances and taps. Collections such as Andano and Claron bring crisp lines and tightly radiused corners for a precise, contemporary finish.

SILGRANIT offers matt, natural colours with a soft, tactile surface. It pairs particularly well with stone and quartz worktops, and lets you match or contrast the sink with the rest of the kitchen. It also comes in distinctive styles such as the Vintera farmhouse sink, with its curved apron front.

Both materials are available in a choice of installation styles, and BLANCO taps are designed to coordinate with both.

At a glance

Which one is for you?

Choose SILGRANIT if:

• You want the largest sink possible, up to 84 cm

• You would rather not see scratches on your sink

• You want a colour that matches or complements a stone or quartz worktop

• You prefer a quieter sink with a soft, matt surface

Choose stainless steel if:

• You love the look of steel and want it to match your appliances and taps

• You are happy for the sink to gain a natural patina with use

• A sink of up to 74 cm suits your kitchen

In SILGRANIT, the Subline collection offers clean undermount lines in a range of natural colours, and Vintera brings a farmhouse style. In stainless steel, Andano and Claron offer precise undermount designs, and DURINOX adds a hardened surface for those who want steel with fewer visible marks.

Our BLANCO sinks are on display at our Jdeideh showroom, where you can compare both materials side by side. We deliver and install free of charge throughout Lebanon, with a 2-year warranty.

Frequently asked questions

What is the largest kitchen sink you offer?

Our largest sinks are SILGRANIT, at up to 84 cm wide. Our stainless steel sinks go up to 74 cm.

Does a stainless steel sink scratch?

Yes, it gains fine surface marks with daily use, which blend into a natural patina over time. BLANCO’s DURINOX surface resists them much better than conventional steel. If you would rather not see scratches at all, SILGRANIT is the better choice.

Can I put hot pans in a SILGRANIT sink?

Yes. SILGRANIT is heat-resistant and handles hot pans and boiling water without trouble.

Which sink material is quieter?

SILGRANIT. Its dense surface dampens the sound of running water and dishes, while stainless steel can be a little louder.