Overall, stainless

sinks offer many benefits including resistance to chipping, cracking or

peeling. They are available in both undermount and drop-in models. One

word of caution though: If you want to undermount a stainless steel sink,

the countertop must be a solid material and not a laminate (due to water

exposure, laminates can eventually separate and bubble).

Cast iron sinks

If you have

an older kitchen that hasn't been through a remodel, there is a good chance

that you have a cast iron sink. These sinks feature an iron base coated

with an enamel finish. Although the latest cast iron sinks come in an

array of colors, the main disadvantage is that they can chip or scratch,

exposing the black surface underneath. When this surface is exposed, it

can often lead to rusting. In addition, due to cast iron's high degree

of thermal conductivity, hot water does not hold its temperatures for

very long.

When it comes

to installation, cast iron is one of the most difficult because these

sinks are heavy and bulky in nature. Also, cast iron offers a very limited

amount of undermount installation options.

Some homeowners

still prefer cast iron because of the authenticity it lends to older homes,

its glossy finish, and its stain resistance. Prices for cast iron sinks

range from $200 to $1,200.

Composite

The use of

composite kitchen sinks is growing rapidly, according to U.S. Department

of Commerce statistics. But, because there are many types of composite

sinks, there is much confusion in differentiating one from another. In

general, there are three main types: polyester/acrylic, quartz composite

and granite-based.

Polyester/acrylic

Of all the

types of composite sinks available, polyester/acrylic are the lowest performing

in terms of scratch and stain resistance, as they are made from soft materials

that can cut and nick easily.

On the positive

side, polyester/acrylic based composites tend to have a "shiny"

look, which appeals to many homeowners because they brighten up a kitchen.

They are also popular because they come in a variety of colors. These

composite sinks also have an affordable price for those who need to adhere

to a strict budget.

Quartz composite

With a combination

of 70 percent quartz and 30 percent resin filler, quartz composite sinks

provide a much more durable surface than do polyester/acrylic. These sinks

can resist everyday cuts, scuffs and dents and can easily stand up to

harsh cleaning materials or liquids that can stain other sinks.

Quartz composite

sinks are available in a variety of colors. For example, MoenStone designer

kitchen sinks come in a number of colors including dramatic options such

as sapphire blue and a bright yellow stone. Since the color is uniform

throughout, the material never loses its original color.

"Because

of the durable surface, you can take a boiling pan right off the stove

and set it in a MoenStone quartz composite sink without having to worry,"

explains Allison. "In addition, quartz composite sinks will fight

thermal conductivity to keep dishwater warm longer."

At affordable

prices (starting at $250), these composite sinks are available in many

popular configurations such as big/medium bowls and many offer matching

bar and preparatory sinks. Composite sinks can easily be mounted from

either above or below the counter. The only draw