What Are The Pros And Cons Of Silgranit Sinks?
Considering a kitchen remodel? Upgrading your sink is one of the most important pieces of creating a beautiful, functional space. A Silgranit sink may be a great option if you want the toughness and beauty of natural stone without the hefty price tag.
Silgranit sinks are a durable and stylish addition to any kitchen, but they also come with a few drawbacks.
The pros of Silgranit sinks are durability, heat resistance, and easy maintenance. The cons of Silgranit sinks are limited designs, limescale staining, potential damage to dishes, and having only one manufacturer.
From purchase to install, there are a few important factors to consider when evaluating these sinks.
Before committing to Silgranit, it’s important to know the advantages and potential problems you may come across in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll cover the pros and cons of Silgranit sinks to help you decide if Silgranit is the right choice for your home.
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Pros Of Silgranit Sinks
There are a lot of great things to say about Silgranit. It’s durable, beautiful, and comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s also lighter and more affordable than granite, making things easier for your installation and your budget.
Durability
These sinks are made with highly durable and long-lasting material. Their composite is made of 80% granite and 20% acrylic and pigments. These are combined in a patented process and sealed with an epoxy resin.
Because of its high granite content, it’s very resistant to damage or breakage and is especially strong. Under everyday conditions, you won’t need to be concerned about chips and scratches.
Another issue you won’t have to worry about is rust. Since there is no metal involved in the manufacturing, these sinks are completely rust-free.
Beautiful Look And Design
Available in nine colors and several designs, this sink will look and act very much like a gorgeous granite centerpiece for your kitchen. There are a variety of styles to choose from, including modern undermount varieties and farmhouse options.
Heat Resistance
The epoxy used to finish things off in production is highly heat resistant, and can withstand temperatures up to 536 degrees Fahrenheit (or 280 degrees Celsius). You can transfer a hot pan straight from the oven to your sink without causing damage.
Easy Cleaning
A main feature of Silgranit is the easy cleanup. Stains are rarely a problem, especially if you choose a darker color.
A rag or light scouring pad and some water is usually all you will need to keep it looking great. For more stubborn messes, using a gentle cleaning agent will easily remove dried foods or liquids.
Affordability
Silgranit is a great alternative to granite because of its significantly lower cost. These are priced starting around $500, while granite begins around $1000 and can easily reach $5000.
Lifetime Warranty
The manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty, which covers any defects for the life of the sink. As long as it’s cared for properly and not misused, your sink is guaranteed to be durable and strong for decades to come.
Cons Of Silgranit Sinks
Limited Colors And Designs
While its available colors and styles are tasteful and beautiful, they are limited to the design objectives of one company.
Each of its 9 color options are great choices, but they are all neutrals; There’s no way to add a custom shade or pop of color to your kitchen. And while there are a variety of shapes to choose from, there are more limitations than with other more prominent styles like ceramic.
Limescale Issues
Silgranit is resistant to staining, but you may experience issues with limescale. This can be prevented by quickly drying your sink after each use, though this may not always be practical.
Limescale staining happens when calcium and magnesium deposits build up over time and adhere to household surfaces like sinks and showers. This is especially a concern in geographical areas that have ‘hard water’, or higher levels of these minerals in the water supply.
While hard water is not a health concern at all, its stains can be unsightly. Cleaning them off isn’t difficult, but can be time-consuming.
To remove hard water stains on your Silgranit sink, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Obtain the correct cleaning agent. You can use acetic acid or a cleaner specifically formulated for limescale removal. For lighter stains, white vinegar will do the trick.
- Step 2: Use hot water, preferably 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) or hotter.
- Step 3: Fill the basin with hot water, and add the recommended amount of cleaning agent. Remember to use gloves if you’re handling any heavy-duty chemicals.
- Step 4: Soak for 4-8 hours, or overnight.
- Step 5: Drain the sink, then immediately wipe away remaining limescale deposits with a sponge.
- Step 6: Rinse and dry your sink.
Only Made By Blanco
Blanco Group is the one and only manufacturer of Silgranit, as it holds several patents on its materials and processes. There are a few reasons why this could be a potential problem.
As mentioned above, one manufacturer can limit design and style options. Competition would help expand choices in color offerings and customization, but this isn’t possible for the time being.
There have been a few complaints about inconsistency in the color shade due to variations in processing. Consumer Reports noticed this issue when ordering two identical sinks for testing. While this isn’t a functional problem, it’s good to know when choosing your color.
One company also means only one avenue for customer service, including handling warranty issues. It is worth mentioning that Blanco does have clear ways to contact them listed on their website.
Dishes Can Leave Marks Or Be Damaged
While the sink material is very strong, it may be tough on your dishes. An accidental slip can cause a plate or glass to break more easily than it would in other types of sinks. This may require a bit more intentionality with your more fragile items.
Pots, pans, and silverware can also leave marks due to the hardness of the granite. This could also cause extra wear on these dishes over time.
If you find marks and scuffs on your sink, Blanco recommends scrubbing them off with water and baking soda using a scrubber pad.
Silgranit Isn’t Indestructible
These sinks are great at resisting chips and cuts, but they’re not completely impervious to damage. It’s possible to slice meats or vegetables in your sink without accruing damage, but it’s better to use a cutting board to prevent scratching.
Its heat resistance is very high, but keep in mind it may not be able to handle temperatures above 536 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat above this level can melt the epoxy coating.
Harsh Chemicals Can Cause Damage
These sinks are tough, but the wrong cleaners can create problems. Using unapproved cleaning agents can also void the warranty, so be sure to read the fine print and opt for safe cleaners without harsh chemicals.
More Expensive Than Some Sinks
While they’re more affordable than granite, these sinks can still cost significantly more than cheaper options like stainless steel or acrylic. Installation and shipping costs could also be factors that raise the price tag, so this may not be the right choice if you’re on a tighter budget.
Related Questions
What does the warranty cover?
Blanco’s lifetime warranty ensures your sink functions properly and guarantees replacement or repair for any defective sinks.Chips and scratches are not covered, and the warranty may be voided if the sink is exposed to harsh chemicals or used for purposes outside the scope of normal household use.
Where can I buy Silgranit?
Silgranit sinks are available in most major home improvement stores, and through many vendors online. Many of these distributors offer installation packages as well.
Can I install it myself?
Professional installation is recommended, but it is possible to install one yourself. Its lighter weight makes installation easier than heavier types of sinks like granite or cast iron, but it’s wise to have at least one other experienced person with you to get the job done well.Instructions should be included with your sink upon delivery, and are also available online. Undermount varieties tend to be more difficult to install than drop-in sinks in general, so this should be taken into account when deciding if you should use a professional or tackle it yourself.
Are there accessories available for these sinks?
Blanco has created an entire line of functional and stylish pieces to work with their Silgranit sinks, like cutting boards, grids, and colanders.These are usually available in the same places you’ll find the sinks. Blanco warns against using rubber-coated mats, as these have the potential to cause staining over time.
Do You Need to Hire Sink Installers?
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Our Conclusion On Silgranit
Functional, durable, and beautiful, Silgranit sinks are a worthy consideration for any home. These offer a lightweight, reasonably priced alternative to granite while being simpler to install and easier on the budget. If you find the color and style that fits your space just right, you’ll have a strong, well-designed sink that’s able to withstand the bustle of a busy kitchen.
Paige is an elementary school librarian with a passion for writing. Her hobbies include reading an exorbitant amount of fantasy, slowly teaching herself to draw, and home decor. While she isn't the most talented artist or interior designer, what she lacks in skill she more than makes up for in enthusiasm. When she's not curled up with a book, you can certainly find her curled over the keyboard.
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