The Best Granite Sink Reviews in 2022
Designing a kitchen or revamping it to upgrade its appearance and functionality remains a pretty challenging task on its own. Add to it the burden of finding contemporary, resourceful yet economical kitchen fixtures and you’re probably looking at days of haphazard and futile groundwork. To help you avoid such pitiful instances, we do the work for you.
In today’s article, we’re going to be discussing about kitchen sinks; more specifically, about kitchen sinks from Vigo Industries. Vigo largely concentrates on stainless steel sinks unlike more diverse sink collections from brands like Elkay and Blanco. These too are however limited to stainless steel and Granite. If you’d like to extend your research to other materials and sink configurations, you might also want to check our copper sink reviews and farmhouse sink reviews.
Vigo kitchen sinks are popular among homemakers for their functional designs, durability, generous assurance periods and of course, highly competitive pricing. In this Vigo kitchen sink review, we’ve made sure to elaborate relevant aspects in relation to their products so that you know beforehand, what would be a realistic expectation if you opt for a Vigo Industries’ sink as your next kitchen sink upgrade.
Our Top 5 Picks (Comparison)
1. Blanco Diamond Super Single Bowl – Anthracite
Speaking of the specifics, the Diamond super single bowl sink can be installed as an undermount or drop-in sink, giving you room for modifications in your kitchen remodel plan. Secondly, it has a generous depth of 9.5” so you can wash big pots alongside the dishes while the sink easily contains all the splashing. Thirdly, the sink bottom has slanting grooves to facilitate drainage and the surface is also immune to mold growth.
Now, although the sink is immune to scratches and stains, I would still highly recommend getting the optional matching stainless-steel grid for multiple other reasons.Because the sink bottom isn’t perfectly horizontal, the grid will compensate for the slanting surface and add to the functionality and overall appearance of your sink. Also, the sink surface is too hard and may break glassware and ceramic crockery if they slip out of your wet hands.
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 45 Pounds |
| Finish | Cinder |
| Depth | 10 Inch |
2. Kraus Quarza Dual Mount 50/50 Double Bowl Granite Sink
To begin with, the sink is dual mount; so can install it as an undermount or drop-in giving you the liberty to make modifications in your renovation plan even after you have your sink delivered to your home.
Additionally, the sink rim has 1 pre-drilled hole in addition to 4 knock-out holes giving you total control over your number of faucet accessories. Furthermore, the drain is positioned towards the rear end of the sink bottom, increasing the workspace in the sink and the storage space in the cabinet below.
In addition, the sink has an inherent sound absorbing capability making it one of the quietest sinks among other sink materials. The sink can withstand abrupt temperature fluctuations so can directly place your hot pans and pots without affecting the surface. The Quarza granite sink collection from Kraus also has variants with a 60/40 split, low divider double bowl design for added options. Lastly, you can have complete peace of mind a limited lifetime warranty on your purchase.
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 40.7 Pounds |
| Finish | Black Onyx |
| Depth | 9.5 Inch |
3. Blanco Performa Cascade Silgranit Single Bowl Undermount Sink
Blanco’s performa cascade combines the spacious built of a single bowl sink with the functionality of a double bowl model. It has an integrated raised ledge on the right end of the workable sink space making a handy placement for the mesh colander (included) to rinse fruits and vegetables. The 7-3/4” deep ledge as opposed to the 10” depth of the larger section of the sink, effectively drains out the water through ergonomic drain grooves and the central furrow.
On top of commendable utility, the composite granite sink has an unmatched durability. The undermount sink is made from Blanco’s patented Silgranit composite, which by extension, means the sink’s surface is non-porous, anti-bacterial and resistant to impact, scratches and stains. The left section of the sink is ideal for washing big pots and pans while you can handle all smaller utensils on the right.
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 40 Pounds |
| Finish | Matt |
| Depth | 10 Inch |
4. Elkay Quartz Classic Single Bowl Undermount Sink
Elkay beautifully displays all desirable properties of a quartz composite. The 33” sink is close to 10” deep and has a matte finish on all the available colors; and matte. Speaking of colors, the classic series from Elkay has a wide array to choose from and match your décor. Additionally, the single bowl configuration is ideal for people that like their sink’s workable space to be uninterrupted.
The sink surface is non-porous and resistant to scratches from heavy utensils and cutlery. The drain is located in the rear end along the centre of the length. Which leaves most of the workable area wide open. The base is further pitched towards the drain to facilitate drainage.
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 33 Pounds |
| Finish | Black |
| Depth | 9-7/16 Inch |
5. Swanstone QZLS-3322 Large/Small Bowl Kitchen Sink
This double bowl sink is a highly functional and aesthetic addition to any modern kitchen. This 33” sink, to begin with, can be mounted as an undermount and drop-in installation. Meaning, you can still change your remodel plan after having your sink delivered to you. That’s quite a liberty, if you’d think about it!
Secondly, the composite material used for the sink has 80% natural granite. This means, the sink is loaded with all the inherent benefits of composite granite kitchen sinks. Be it the strength against impact or chipping, density against sound and vibration or inertness against bacterial growth, the sink carries it all.
Coming to the design of the basins, both the bowls are pretty thoughtfully crafted along with the divider. The lines along the edges are seamlessly curved and the bottom of both bowls pitched towards the drain. Not a single con to point out here! In addition, the rim has 3 knock-out holes to the right of the pre-drilled hole for additional faucet accessories.
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 30 pounds |
| Finish | Matt |
| Depth | 10 Inch |
Granite Sink Buying Guide
The advent of lustrous, feature-packed metallic sinks may have taken the limelight away from composite granite for a good while, but granite sinks remain to be the timeless classic that they are. Imparting unparalleled durability, functionality and aesthetic value to modern kitchens, granite sinks are yet to find a rival that matches their ‘bang-for-the-buck’ score.
If a composite granite sink is on your kitchen upgrade wish list, there are pretty high chances that you’re about to make a purchase you’d be thanking yourself for, down the years. We love granite sinks and we’ll tell you every reason why you should too! Just in case in you’re looking for a comparison of granite site with every other element type, you can check our comparison of premium stainless steel kitchen sinks.
What is a Granite Sink?
Granite, in essence, is a hard rock that is geologically classified as an ‘igneous rock’. Granite stone is inherently hard enough to withstand abrasion, impact and weathering, dense enough to absorb sound and vibration and workable enough to be carved into desirable shapes. These characteristics of natural granite make it a favourable material for domestic interior design units like countertops and sinks. The term ‘granite sink’ is collectively used for both; pure natural granite sinks and composite granite sinks.
1. Natural Granite Sink
Solid granite sinks are rather rare to find. These are simply carved out of a solid block of granite. Depending on the complexity of the design, single bowl or double bowl, straight or curved edges, sinks are hand-carved or shaped by machines. Pure granite sinks being made out of a block of natural granite stone, these are also known as ‘one-piece granite sinks’. Natural granite sinks are highly priced and often lack the smooth finish of composite sinks.
2. Granite Composite Sink
Granite composite is a thoughtfully curated blend of granite stone dust, heavy duty binders and acrylic resins. Most granite composite blends are 80% natural granite mixed with appropriate binders and resins to achieve the desired feel and color in the composite material. Blanco’s patented composite material, ‘Silgranit’ is a good example of a high-quality granite composite. As opposed to natural granite, granite composite is available more readily and in a wide array of colors, styles and mounting options. These are also more economical than natural granite sinks. Elkay kitchen sinks are another great option to consider if you’re really into composite sinks.
Being assembled under high pressure, the polished surfaces of composite sinks are strictly non-porous, hygienic and highly resilient to chipping, scratches, stains and heat. Most manufacturers specify the temperature that their composite material can withstand without any superficial blemishes. The specified value is often higher than anything domestic ranges or ovens can get to, so it wouldn’t harm your sink a bit even if you’d move a vessel straight from your oven to your composite sink.
Collectively, natural granite and granite composite sinks, both are commendably tough, durable and resistant to wearing as compared to other sink materials.
Composite Granite Sink Styles
Composite granite is a far more workable material than natural granite and hence, is available in a variety of colors, shapes and styles. Granite composite sinks can be readily found in all three installation styles – Undermount, Drop-in and Apron front.
All undermount and drop-in variants are available in almost the same price range with the exception of composite farmhouse sinks. Newer granite sink models are often sold as dual mount approved sinks. Meaning, these can be installed as undermount and drop-in sinks. Whereas, granite composite farmhouse sinks are available at slightly higher price points.
1. Undermount Granite Sink
As the name suggests, undermount kitchen sinks are installed from beneath the counter. Meaning, the lips of the granite stone it are bolted to the under surface of the counter with the help of mounting apparatus provided along with your purchase. Due to such installation, the countertop runs in perfect continuation with the sink walls. However, installing a granite sink as an undermount kitchen sink may be a bit laborious than the drop-in configuration due to the comparatively heavier self weight.
Nevertheless, an undermount granite sink adds a seamless touch to your counter. People are generally inclined towards this type owing to the sheer elegance it provides to the kitchen. Both, single and double basin sinks can be installed undermount.
Mounting your granite sink beneath the counter works great with waterproof countertops like granite and marble. However, such mounting is not recommended with laminate countertops. Reason being the edge between the countertop and sink is exposed to water spillage and hence prone to water induced damage.
2. Drop-In Granite Sink
Drop-In sinks are also popularly known as top-mount sinks. When you install a granite sink as top mount sink, there’s a clearly visible rim along the periphery of the sink that rests flat on the counter. Most homeowners prefer installing their composite sinks as top-mount to avoid the extra work involved in installing it from beneath the counter. It merely includes dropping the sink into the countertop cut-out and clamping the rims with the counter using the metal clips.Cleaning the counter for crumbed residues may bother you here. Such tiny bits of gunk generally get caught in and around the sink’s rim.
3. Farmhouse Granite Sink
Nothing adds sophisticated elegance to the kitchen like a composite farmhouse sink does. Period. The exposed front in this configuration truly shows off the true beauty of granite stone. Another benefit of opting for a granite farmhouse sink is the easy installation. You simply slide the sink in the cutout above your cabinet and connect the drain opening to the garbage disposal or the drainage line. The exposed apron front catches the eye in an instant and is sure to be the focus of your kitchen.
Farmhouse sinks (also popularly known as Apron front sinks) have gained massive admiration owing to the cozy tenderness associated with it’s looks. These symbolically represent the good old country cottages and carry a warm homely feeling. However, you’d find a limited number of granite based farmhouse sinks. You may use our farmhouse sink reviews if this is a configuration you’d like to study more about. Apron front sinks have been traditionally used for a varied range of purposes including scrubbing pots and pans, washing clothes and bathing babies.
Wrapping Up
Granite kitchen sinks, although less prominent than mainstream metallic sinks are yet the go-to option for people seeking durability with aesthetics. Not denying that these may need some extra care and maintenance, but the luxurious value they impart to a kitchen in return is unmatched. While granite sinks are for people who love modern look, there are other unique materials that give your kitchen that elegant look most people are after. For Instance, copper kitchen sinks are another beautiful option if you’re after something out of the crowd, out of the ordinary. We’d highly recommend to have look if you haven’t flicked through this material before.
