Fireclay vs. Stainless Steel Sinks: Pros, Cons, and Costs

If you're ready to buy a new kitchen sink, you may be overwhelmed by all the options. The best kitchen sink material will primarily come down to your taste, budget, and commitment to ongoing maintenance. Before considering kitchen sink sizes or styles, you must also narrow down the sink's material.

Ready to get your hands wet? Let's dive into the pros and cons of a fireclay vs. stainless steel sink in your kitchen.

Fireclay vs. Stainless Steel Sinks: Key Differences

The main difference between a fireclay sink and a stainless steel sink is that the former is made of clay, whereas the latter is made of—you guessed it—stainless steel. However, the differences between fireclay and stainless steel sinks don't end there.

What Is a Fireclay Sink?​

Fireclay sinks come from the world of ceramics, similar to ceramic or porcelain sinks. Starting as clay, they’re molded into a sink form, then fired at a high temperature and coated with enamel to become a durable, stylish, and heat-proof sink. They’re easy to maintain and are typically priced between $600 and $1,400.

Best for: 

• Style-conscious homeowners seeking their “forever home.”

• Careful dishwashers. 

• A mix of high-design and low-maintenance.

Pros of Fireclay Sinks

Fireclay sinks are durable, with a tough enamel coating that’s more resistant to scratches and chipping than a porcelain sink. Plus, their density and enamel coating means the surface is nonporous, blocking odors and mold. Fireclay sinks are also incredibly heat-resistant.

Cons of Fireclay Sinks

Because they are so dense and heavy-duty, you’ll want to hire a sink installer near you to properly brace the cabinet and avoid breaking the sink. While that dense material is great for withstanding heat or dings, it also means dropped dishes and cups are likely to chip or break if they're dropped in the sink.

Over time and without the proper care, fireclay sinks can grow brittle and chip. And because of their handcrafted nature, fireclay sinks' color selection and style are limited.

What Is a Stainless Steel Sink?

Stainless steel is a timeless classic for kitchen sinks. It’s resistant to stains and rust, and doesn’t require complicated upkeep. It’s no wonder close to 70% of kitchen sinks are made of stainless steel. They’re also a moderately-priced option, as stainless steel sink installation costs $200 to $1,500 on average.

Best for: 

• Budget-conscious buyers.

• Clumsy dishwashers.

• Homeowners who want a low-maintenance sink.

Pros of Stainless Steel Sinks

With a few simple steps, keeping a stainless steel sink clean is simple. Most of the time, all you’ll need is dish soap and a sponge. They’re also so popular that you’ll find them in many different styles and layouts, including single and double sinks to suit your needs without breaking the bank. Even if you don’t like the look of stainless steel, newcomers to the market like black stainless steel, which has similar maintenance with a modern look. 

Cons of Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel shows water spots very easily, so you’ll want to make a habit of wiping it down daily to keep it looking bright and shiny. But, proceed with caution when it comes to cleaners, anything too harsh or abrasive can scratch the sink. It’s also notable that stainless steel is one of the noisiest sink materials, making dishwashing a loud chore.

Fireclay vs. Stainless Steel Sinks

Now that we’ve gotten our hands dirty with the details, let’s see where which sink washes out the other.

Price​: Stainless Steel

Stainless steel sinks are some of the most affordable sinks out there, beating out fireclay sinks by a margin. The most basic stainless steel sink starts at about $200, whereas fireclay sinks start at $600 and are harder to install, adding to labor costs. 

Appearance​: Fireclay

A pristine, white apron-style fireclay sink screams classic farmhouse elegance. Adding a fireclay sink to your kitchen will elevate the look overall. On the other hand, stainless steel is more run-of-the-mill—it won’t take away from your design, but it’s unlikely to add anything. 

Options and Customizations​​: Stainless Steel

Fireclay sinks come in limited options and colors. Basically, you have a choice of white, black, or gray. While stainless steel sinks are always steel, you can buy a variety of sizes and designs to suit your needs. You won’t find the same options and customizations in fireclay sinks.

Daily Upkeep​​: Fireclay

If water spots drive you up a wall, avoid stainless steel sinks. While both materials are relatively easy to maintain, you’ll need to wipe down your stainless steel sink on a daily basis to keep it from looking spotty. With a fireclay sink, you won’t run into the same issue.

Ease of Installation/DIYability​: Stainless Steel

If you’re handy around the home, installing a stainless steel sink on your own in an afternoon is achievable. But, you’ll want to bring in the pros to tackle a fireclay sink install. For one thing, these dense sinks are super heavy and you could drop and crack the sink during the installation. You’ll also need to make sure the sink is properly braced for its weight. If you don’t, you risk ripping out the plumbing and the countertop in the process. 

Resale Value: Fireclay

While there might not be a direct ROI, a well-maintained fireclay sink in a kitchen is certain to draw more attention than a stainless steel sink. Its high-end and unique feel creates a one-of-a-kind image that could be a major selling point in the future. 

Maintenance​: Tie

Both stainless steel and fireclay sinks are simple to maintain. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives so you don’t scratch the surface, but both will be just fine with dish soap, vinegar, and a sponge. Neither require coating or special attention to keep them in good shape.

Length of Life​: Tie

If you take proper care of stainless steel or fireclay, they can last a lifetime. Just keep up with regular maintenance and prevent rusting or scratches on a stainless steel sink. Stay on top of routine cleanings and gentle care to keep your fireclay sink from staining or chipping.