I’ve recently stumbled across another really cool new product on the market…glass kitchen sinks… yes…you read that right…for the kitchen! Glass has been used as a material for bathroom sinks for quite a while now but never really as a kitchen sink material…until now.

My first reaction was WOW! Then my second reaction was “Are You Crazy?” Understandably one of the main concerns anyone would have would be about durability. The main questions obviously are how will a glass kitchen sink stand up to changes in water temperature and chemical cleaners, not to mention the shock of physical objects dropped into the sink itself? Who would want a kitchen sink you have to handle with kid gloves?

Some companies offering glass kitchen sinks have addressed these issues and have come up with a material that is a unique form of borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass is the oldest glass known to show high resistance to sudden temperature changes. In fact, borosilicate is the glass of choice for refrigerator and oven cookware.

It first came into commercial prominence when Corning marketed a type of borosilicate glass known as Pyrex. The glass material these companies have come up with is non-porous and non-absorptive, making it impervious to the common elements as well as to many chemicals and liquids. It is exceptionally resistant to abrasion and surface scratches, and it is fatigue-proof.

These sinks can withstand repeated temperature changes between 0 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit without damage and are highly resistant to chemical corrosives and can be cleaned with any commonly used household or commercial strength product. They also won’t become cloudy or rust over time.

The companies offering glass kitchen sinks claim their glass sinks require no more special treatment than a standard porcelain sink and say they are tough enough to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life while remaining beautiful. Realistically, however, a heavy object such as a cast iron or soapstone pot will crack a glass kitchen sink, just as it would a porcelain sink.

Personally I would still probably consider them for a prep sink or a bar sink. I’m still not entirely convinced about having the main kitchen sink be made out of glass because I do need a sink that will stand up to heavy pots and pans abuse but I think this is a really great idea and this gives a whole new array of options and possibilities in kitchen designs.

It might be perfect for someone who doesn’t cook a lot or for someone like a friend of mine who uses her dishwasher as a filing cabinet…But I still think it’s a really cool product that’s definitely worth checking out.

By: Rebecca Noel

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