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Is it convenient to use? Does it drain well? Is it optimally sized for your kitchen and your needs? Does it chip or tarnish easily? And let's not forget! Does it look good? A lot of thought goes into selecting the perfect sink for your kitchen. Stone, granite, marble and even quartz sinks were quite the hype not too long ago but now people have started coming back to classic metal options like stainless steel. A newer addition to the metal sink category are copper sinks. Copper is seen often in jewellery, statues and vessels, but sinks? Not so common. In this blog, we take a deep dive into copper and stainless steel sinks to help you figure out which one would be the best pick for your kitchen.

All about copper sinks:

Being a metal sink, copper immediately tackles any issues of scruffs, chips and fading that can be seen in stone and even cast iron sinks. Copper sinks come in a beautiful and eye-catching brown, almost amber colour that tends to really pep up even the most simple kitchens so copper sinks definitely get brownie points for aesthetic appeal. This does not mean they do not come with some challenges though. Copper sinks are not immune to weathering and ageing. Some metal utensils can leave scratch marks in the sink that might dull its shine. There are some things to keep in mind to take care of your copper sink. 

Drying it after each usage and applying regular wax at least once every 30 days are the only ways to stop ageing, weathering and patina.

Copper is naturally antibacterial and requires little maintenance. Rinse the sink after each usage to maintain it. . If you are unable to fit time into your schedule to give your sink a thorough cleaning, occasionally wash with dish soap and a sponge for a deeper clean. Wax helps stop the live finish that develops on copper sinks over time. 

Copper sinks that have just been built go through a natural ageing process and may look unattractive for a brief "break-in" time. They will start out pink and turn a rich, golden or caramel-brown colour over time. Your sink will quickly get dark streaks and marks where water or other items have naturally oxidised it. That is typical. As they converge, these spots will turn your sink into a stunningly vivid show of colour. If left on for a time, acidic ingredients like ketchup or lemon will erase the patina on your sink. Do not worry though, depending on the minerals in your water, the patina will soon recover and any spots will disappear in a short period of time.

We advise you to try cleaning it with soapy water and non-abrasive Scotch-Brite. Also available is Brasso. It will return to having a shiny gloss. Sometimes, the Scotch-brite and soap alone will not help much in removing any remaining particles, thus we advise:

Slicing a lime or lemon in half, then season the cut side with coarse salt. Gently rub the copper with the sliced side before rinsing and drying. To maintain the lustre of your copper between lime juice polishing sessions, use a jewellery polishing cloth.

After washing the sink using the aforementioned techniques, wax should be used to preserve the shine of the sink.

Sinks made of copper should typically be allowed to age naturally. Given its unique ability to oxidise, copper has the distinct advantage that the colour of the sink will change over time. It appears more lovely the older it grows. Any surface blemishes and imperfections will become part of the metal as it oxidises.

All about stainless steel sinks:

Stainless steel is often a go to option for most households, especially Indian households when it comes to utensils or equipment and sinks are no exception. These sinks are heavy duty sinks that can remain unscathed by the fury of pointy vessels, harsh chemicals etc. It is extremely durable and lasts for several years without much need for any maintenance. 

Stainless steel sinks also have a sleek, clean, minimalist look that a lot of people like. If effortless functionality and good looks are important to you, stainless steel sinks are a great option for you. 

People have been purchasing stainless steel kitchen sinks for their kitchens for the past century or so. It goes without saying that they are widely employed in household, culinary, architectural, and industrial applications.

The low-carbon steel product has improved mechanical qualities of sinks and resists corrosion because of its 10.5 percent chromium content. Stainless steel kitchen sinks are exceptionally robust and self-healing because of the high chromium concentration. Nickel, on the other hand, makes stainless steel appear polished and dazzling. Stainless steel sinks are resistant to early damage, while porcelain sinks are more susceptible to stains and scratches. Even though there are many other sink designs and materials available today, stainless steel is the most popular choice. Because stainless steel is non-porous and resists rust development as well as wear and tear, cracking, and chipping, it is hygienic. A good stainless steel sink will also last a lifetime.

Stainless steel sinks also come in a variety of sizes, shapes and designs for you to pick from so there is something for everyone. Overall stainless steel sinks have unbeatable durability, are hygienic and eco-friendly, are easy to maintain, are affordable and aesthetically pleasing.

Final notes:

In the copper vs stainless steel sink battle, both sinks are great in their own way. Copper sinks certainly require more care and maintenance but they also offer a warm pop of colour that could really bring your kitchen to life. Stainless steel sinks are all rounders, easy to maintain and serve the purpose but they are extremely common and do not really bring an element of glamour to your kitchen. Pick your sink keeping the above discussed points and factors in mind! Good sink, happy kitchen!