20 Silgranit Sink Pros and Cons

Silgranit sinks are manufactured from a composite which contains 80% granite and a m ix of ceramics, an acrylic matrix, and pigmentation. It is then cast in a single pouring to give it strength. That changes the nature of the stone, making the product more of a low-maintenance option for busy households. This material is currently manufactured by The BLANCO Group, who is the largest manufacturer of sinks in Germany.

There are seven exclusive patents for Silgranit sink products, which makes it the only material of its type used for sinks. The properties have been awarded three neutral quality certificates as well.

If you’re thinking about a new sink for your home, then here are the pros and cons of choosing a Silgranit sink to meet your needs.

List of the Pros of a Silgranit Sink

1. It provides your kitchen with a heat-resistant surface which is usable.
Silgranit sinks are designed to be heat-resistant up to a temperature of 280 degrees Celsius. That means you can set baking dishes from the oven directly on the sink without worrying about causing damage to it. If your pot of boiling water goes crazy and hits the surface, there are no worries about discoloration or permanent water spots. Despite what other websites may say, there is not a cracking issue with this surface.

2. It resists chipping and scratching under normal wear-and-tear situations.
Even though Silgranit is a composite material, it is still as hard as the stone products that are used for similar sinks and countertops. That makes it naturally resistant to cutting and scratching activities which occur around the sink. It will also resist normal impacts or blows that are caused by falling objects without causing the sink to chip or crack.

It is perfectly safe to use for food and is a completely hygienic option for the sink.

3. It is very easy to clean a Silgranit sink.
When you see stains, traces of food, or other debris elements on a Silgranit sink, they can be removed with a little water and a simple scouring pad. Stubborn marks can be removed by using standard commercial cleaning products. If you have a stain that still won’t let go, you can use a little mineral oil and one of those metal scrubbing soap bars to take care of the situation. Even as the sink ages, you’ll find that this element of care makes life in the kitchen very simple, especially when compared to surfaces that offer more porosity.

4. It is a very lightweight option for the kitchen or bathroom.
If you’re thinking about an undersink mount for the kitchen, then Silgranit is a viable option to consider. It is lighter than your standard granite or cast-iron sink, which makes it suitable for this design option. You can install it with any standard mount as well to create the look and feel that you want. The product even feels softer to the touch than you might expect, which makes it an enjoyable experience to work around.

5. There are a variety of colors from which to choose.
The BLANCO Group offers eight different color options from which to choose when you want to change the look in your kitchen. Each of these colors works with the current design trends that are being used around the world, helping you to create a space that you’ll love for years to come. It is an easy way to help your sink blend in with your stone or granite countertops at a fraction of the price or weight of a traditional product. Silgranit sinks can even serve as a statement piece for your home.

Unlike traditional granite, a Silgranit sink offers color consistency throughout the product. That’s a definite advantage for those who don’t want the natural variations of color provided y natural stone products in their kitchen.

6. It is a product which is naturally tough.
You can chop your vegetables on the surface of your Silgranit sink if you wish. It can be placed in full sunlight without causing the color to fade. Because it is finished with an epoxy resin, you don’t need to worry about sealing the sink to prevent stains. It is naturally resistant to many of the hazards that you’ll find in the kitchen. You’ll even be able to work with alkaline or acidic products without worry when you have one of these sinks installed in your home.

7. You still receive the natural stone character of granite with the sink.
Although the granite is powdered to create the look and feel of a Silgranit sink, you still receive many of the characteristics of the stone with this colored composite sink. The material properties are well-suited for most kitchens, making it an ideal addition for any look. It features a superior level of durability without requiring you to spend hours during the week ensuring the sink stays clean. It is 100% suitable for food use.

8. Composite granite is cheaper to purchase than real granite.
Although there are cheaper sink options available to homeowners today than Silgranit or other composite granite materials, it will usually cost less than a natural granite sink. Authentic granite doesn’t provide the same quality benefits as Silgranit with an entry-level price of $500 on most product lines. Most granite sinks cost at least $1,000, with some priced beyond $5,000. If you don’t like the idea of a stainless-steel sink, choosing Silgranit is an affordable compromise between the other options.

9. It is easier to care for a composite granite sink.
Because the granite powder is sealed with resins, you don’t have the same cleaning issues with a Silgranit sink as you would a more traditional surface. Although granite usually needs just soap and water, much like Silgranit, it does not hold up well to acidic materials – even if all you are doing is preparing food on the surface. There is not the same threat of spills leaking into the surface as there is with traditional granite products.

List of the Cons of a Silgranit Sink

1. A BLANCO group sink performed poorly in Consumer Reports testing.
Composite sinks aren’t included in many of the tests published by Consumer Reports on sinks because there can be inconsistencies in the product. In a 2012 report, this comment was made. “The two [composite granite sinks] recently reviewed by Consumer Reports didn’t look like granite. They didn’t feel like granite. And they didn’t even look like each other.”

During the test that occurred in 2012, the BLANCO 441258 sink cracked severely during a blunt-impact test to the point of becoming unusable. A 5-pound weight was dropped on the sink to simulate a heavy pot dropping on it.

It should be noted that The BLANCO Group does provide a lifetime warranty on the product if it fails under normal use conditions.

2. Pots and pans can leave marks in the sink.
When you have a Silgranit sink installed, you may find that pots and pans leave dark streaks or marks on the composite material. The BLANCO Group states that this issue occurs because “Silgranit is very hard and extremely wear resistant.” Rubbing metal on the surface causes the marks to show up on a sink with light colors. You can remove most marks by using a scouring sponge and some water, but there is always the risk that some damage may occur.

3. Limescale deposits are difficult to remove on a Silgranit sink.
Although this composite surface repels surface stains, it is somewhat susceptible to limescale deposits. Those deposits are able to absorb liquid stains which can reduce the aesthetic appeal of the product. To remove the stained limescale, you must use acetic acid, a commercial washing detergent, or a manufacturer product and water of 60 degrees Celsius. Then you must soak the stain overnight, or a minimum of 3 to 4 hours, to get rid of it.

4. There is a lack of overall diversity within the product line.
Although there are several color variations available with today’s Silgranit sinks, there are about 20 different shapes from which to choose when designing your kitchen. When compared to other manufacturers, there is a lot less diversity in choice, limiting your design options. If you already have a counter installed and your specs for the undermount sink are inflexible, then you may struggle to find something that will meet your need with this material.

5. You’re going to spend more on a Silgranit sink.
The two primary options for an undermount sink are either stainless steel or Silgranit because of the weight tolerances involved. If you purchase a basic sink from The BLANCO Group, then you can expect to pay about $350 for the product if you plan to install it yourself. That’s about $150 more for a comparable stainless-steel sink that you could purchase from a local store, such as The Home Depot. Some stainless sinks are priced as low as $50.

Although stainless-steel sinks may be susceptible to rust or stains, the cost difference for the initial purchase may be too much of a benefit to overlook for some households.

6. The warranty for the sink only covers the cost of the product.
If you had a professional install your sink for you and the materials break because of a lack of quality or poor craftsmanship, then the lifetime warranty will only cover the cost of the sink itself. You must cover the cost of the additional removal and secondary installation charges if a problem is encountered. Even if you’re receiving a neighborhood discount on the labor, the cost of the extra work can start adding up in a hurry.

7. Silgranit can be damaged by harsh chemical contacts.
You must follow all the suggestions provided by The BLANCO Group with your Silgranit sink to ensure the quality of the installation remains. There are some harsh chemicals which could damage the sink, which means your instructions may limit the liquids you can pour into the product.

8. It can be unforgiving to your dishes and glasses.
Although the feel of Silgranit is soft, don’t let your senses fool you. This granite composite material is stronger and less forgiving than other materials if you experience an accidental drop of your dishes or glasses. Even small drops are enough to cause chipping or cracks, so take care when loading the sink up to wash your dishes or prepare the dishwasher. If you have fine glassware at home, you may want to keep it out of this sink under an abundance of caution.

9. Being heat-resistant doesn’t mean that it withstands all high-temperature items.
Silgranit sinks provide natural heat resistance in the kitchen for temperatures up to 536 degrees Fahrenheit. That does cover most cooking issues that you will have in the kitchen. Most, however, does not mean “all” scenarios can be handled by this granite composite. If you set something that is too hot on this surface, you’ll discover heat blemishes form on it. That occurs because the resins started to melt under the heat.

10. It will still scratch under the right conditions.
Although the scratch-resistance provided by Silgranit sinks is rated as one of the best in the industry today, there are still scenarios where scratching could take place. You should still use a cutting board any time you are working around the sink to prevent accidental damage. Certain dishes or flatware may cause damage if they are left in the sink and jostled about. Under regular wear-and-tear conditions, it should be fine. During unusual circumstances, however, you might need to implement a repair.

11. At the end of the day, it isn’t the real thing.
If you’re on a budget and want something which offers stone-like characteristics, then Silgranit is a top choice to think about. It is also essential to remember that it isn’t a 100% stone product. Although other people might not realize that, you will. For some households, that can become a bothersome fact over time.

These Silgranit sink pros and cons continue to evolve as the manufacturer continues to revise the composite materials to make them stronger. The Silgranit II sinks are far superior to the original line that was introduced almost a full decade ago. If you’re looking for a unique look and want an undermount option, this material could provide you with your exact needs. Be careful with impacts to ensure your sink can perform as it should for years to come.