Franke Fragranite vs Stainless vs Fireclay: How to Choose – Plumbing Market

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Specifications come from Franke's own spec sheets, its 2025–2026 Canadian catalog and its care guidance (linked at the end). Where a detail is not in a brand document, we say so rather than guess.

If you are choosing a kitchen sink, you are really choosing a material first. Stainless steel, Fragranite (Franke's granite-type composite) and fireclay behave differently on weight, heat, chipping, colour and installation. This guide compares them using two Franke sinks we are adding: the Franke Maris MAG1201414 , a Fragranite double bowl, and the Franke Manor House 2.0 MH2K7201414-GWH , a fireclay (Franke calls it ceramic, "Fraceram") apron-front double bowl. For stainless we use Franke's and Kindred's own material pages and the Kindred sink specs from our Kindred Steel Queen vs Reginox guide.

Quick answer

Fragranite (Maris MAG1201414): undermount double bowl, 31" x 17-13/16", 9-1/2" deep bowls, 40 lbs, eight colours. Franke says it is highly resistant to burns, dents, chips and stains. Cabinet: Franke's two spec sheets list 36" (MAG1201414) and 33" (-S versions). Plan for 36" unless we confirm 33" for your colour.
Fireclay (Manor House 2.0 MH2K7201414-GWH): white apron-front double bowl, 31-1/4" x 19-1/4", 82 lbs, 33" minimum cabinet. Franke says it needs custom cabinetry and lists a ±2% dimensional tolerance.
Stainless steel: lightest, the simplest to fit, and available across a wide range of sizes. Check the gauge: lower number = thicker steel.
Short version: stainless for value and easy installs, Fragranite for colour and a matte, hard-wearing surface, fireclay for the farmhouse look if you can build the cabinet for it.

View Franke Maris MAG1201414 View Manor House 2.0 MH2K7201414-GWH

Jump to: What each material is · Side by side · Heat, scratches, chips · Weight and cabinet · Look and colour · Care · Accessories · Who should buy which · FAQ

What each material actually is

Fragranite

Franke's Canadian catalog says its Fragranite sinks are made from up to 80% natural quartz sand, bonded with acrylic resin, and describes the material as exceptionally tough and highly resistant to burns, dents, chips and stains. It says the finish has a subtle sheen, feels warm to the touch, and that the smooth, finely textured surface naturally prevents bacteria and microbial growth. The colour comes from coloured quartz sand delivered to the factory, so it runs through the sink. Franke's care page calls it a "very tough and resilient self colour silica resin". It is a composite, not solid stone.

Stainless steel

Franke says all its stainless steel products are made from premium chrome-nickel steel that is highly resistant to staining, rust and corrosion, and offers diamond, pearl and silk finishes. Kindred, which is part of Franke in Canada, says the same about its stainless sinks and adds that the lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel, and the less it bends and dents and the quieter it is in use. Kindred lists Brookmore as 18 gauge and Steel Queen as 20 gauge.

Fireclay (Fraceram ceramic)

Franke's catalog describes Fraceram as liquid ceramic (quartz, china clay and kaolin) injected into a mould under pressure, smoothed, then dried for 20 hours in a tunnel kiln at 2,200°F. It says ceramic sinks have a smooth, impervious surface that stands up to heat, staining, impacts and household chemicals, with a dirt-repellent finishing polish. Franke's installation manual for these sinks is titled "Fireclay". The Manor House 2.0 spec sheet describes the surface as hygienic, easy to clean and having high chipping resistance.

Side by side

	Fragranite: Maris MAG1201414	Fireclay: Manor House 2.0 MH2K7201414-GWH	Stainless (Kindred examples)
Bowls	Two equal bowls	Two equal bowls	Varies by model
Overall size	31" x 17-13/16"	31-1/4" x 19-1/4" x 8-5/8" high	Steel Queen QSUA1820-8: 19-3/4" x 17-3/4". Reginox NDC1827RU-9: 26-7/8" x 17-3/4"
Bowl size (each)	14-3/16" x 15-9/16" x 9-1/2" deep	14-3/8" x 17-1/2" x 7-5/8" deep	QSUA: 18" x 16" x 8" deep. NDC: 14" and 10" wide bowls, 16" front to back
Installation	Undermount	Undermount apron front (Franke also lists flushmount)	Undermount (both Kindred examples)
Minimum cabinet	36" (MAG1201414 sheet) or 33" (-S sheet); plan for 36" unless confirmed	33"	QSUA: 21". NDC: 30"
Weight	40 lbs	82 lbs	QSUA: 9.3 lbs. NDC: 15.6 lbs
Colour	8 colours	White (glossy)	Steel (finishes vary)
Strainer	1145 included on -S	Not included; 1145 sold separately	1135 included
Warranty	Limited lifetime	Limited lifetime	Limited lifetime
Tolerance	Not stated	Dimensions may vary by 2% (plus or minus) due to material and firing	Not stated

Sources: Franke spec sheets MAG1201414 / MAG1201414-S (Canada) and MH2K7201414-GWH; Franke 2025–2026 Canada catalog; Kindred spec sheets QSUA1820-8 and NDC1827RU-9. Mixed units in the tables are as printed by the brands.

Heat, scratches and chips

Heat

Fragranite: Franke says it can withstand very high temperatures without marking, but recommends keeping very hot pans out of the sink because the accessories are less resistant to extreme heat. Franke also says its Maris and Mythos 100°C instant boiling-water taps are approved for all Franke sinks, including Fragranite.
Fireclay: Franke says Fraceram stands up to heat. It was fired at 2,200°F.

Scratches

Stainless: scratches are normal. Kindred says lots of minor scratches can add a matte look, and deeper ones can be blended with a fine Scotch-Brite pad and liquid detergent, wiping with the grain.
Fragranite: Franke says it is less prone to abrasion damage than other sink materials, but says scouring pads and wire wool will eventually abrade it. Metal pots dragged across granite-type sinks can leave metal marks; Kindred says these are metal deposits that can be scrubbed off with an abrasive pad and kitchen sink cleaner (Kindred's own Granite collection guidance).
Fireclay: Franke's Manor House pages describe the ceramic surface as scratch resistant. Its installation manual recommends a soft, non-scratching sponge or cloth for cleaning, and warns that some cleaning agents may scratch the ceramic surface.

Chips

Fragranite: Franke says hard blows or heavy pressure with a kitchen knife may chip or score the surface, and that edges in the main bowl are more likely to chip. Use a chopping board.
Fireclay: Franke's spec sheet says "high chipping resistance".
Stainless: does not chip, but a thin sheet can dent. That is what gauge tells you.

Weight, cabinet and installation

This is where the three materials differ most, and it is often what decides the purchase.

Stainless: the two Kindred examples we compare weigh 9.3 and 15.6 lbs. Easy to lift and handle.
Fragranite (40 lbs): heavier than stainless, but it is a normal undermount install. Franke's spec sheet lists a 33" minimum cabinet for the -S (strainer included) version and 36" for the version without -S, with the same 31" x 17-13/16" size. Follow Franke's installation instructions.
Fireclay Manor House 2.0 (82 lbs): Franke's fireclay manual says installation requires custom cabinetry, recommends an experienced cabinet maker, and says each fireclay sink varies dimensionally, so no cut-out templates are supplied: you give the cabinet maker the actual sink. For undermount installs it recommends a wood support frame designed for at least 300 pounds, and says to use help lifting. See our Manor House buying guide for the full checklist.

If you are replacing a stainless sink and want to keep your existing cabinet and cutout, stainless or Fragranite are the realistic options. The Manor House is a renovation decision, not a like-for-like swap.

Look and colour

Fragranite is the colour option. The Maris MAG1201414 is offered in Polar White, Stone Grey, Slate Grey, Onyx, Matte Black, Champagne, Oyster and Mocha, in Franke's Canadian spec sheet. It has a matte, stone-like look. Fireclay is glossy white on the Manor House 2.0, and the apron front is the statement: Franke describes it as traditional apron design with clean square lines for a modern twist. Franke also notes that sink colour may vary between each model. Stainless is neutral, in satin, silk, pearl or linear finishes, and the least likely to clash with a counter.

Franke lists a lot of colour-matched accessories for Maris (Colorline strainer, flange and drain cover), which is worth knowing if you want a fully colour-matched sink.

Care

	Fragranite	Fireclay	Stainless
Everyday	Franke Coloured Sink Cleaner with a Scotch-Brite pad or nylon brush	Soft, non-scratching sponge or cloth; liquid soap or vinegar-based cleaner	Soft, soapy cloth, rinse and dry (Kindred)
Limescale / hard water	Vinegar or mild acid promptly, or Coloured Sink Cleaner	Vinegar-based cleaner; for stubborn stains, paper towel soaked in vinegar overnight	Dry after each use to prevent a hard-water film
Avoid	Strong alkalis (ammonia, caustic soda), neat bleach, plastic bowls left in the sink, scouring pads and wire wool	Cleaners that may scratch the ceramic surface (see Franke’s manual)	Steel wool, hypochlorite bleach, acid drain cleaners, long contact with citrus, vinegar, mustard, salt

Accessories: what you need to add

Maris MAG1201414: Franke lists the MA-14-36S bottom grid (12-5/8" x 14", stainless; our product page notes you need two for the double bowl), a PKG14-31RM roller mat, an MAC-70S colander, an MAC-40S maple cutting board, and Colorline drain accessories. The -S version includes the 1145 strainer.
Manor House 2.0: the strainer is not included. Franke lists the 1145 (chrome) and 1145SN (satin nickel) strainer baskets, MH12-36S-LH and MH12-36S-RH left- and right-hand bottom grids, and an OA-40S cutting board for the countertop. Franke says a pop-up strainer is not compatible.

Browse the kitchen sink accessories collection for more.

Who should buy which

If this describes you	Better fit	Why
Replacing a sink in an existing cabinet	Stainless or Fragranite	Standard undermount installs; the Manor House needs custom cabinetry.
Want a colour (black, grey, champagne)	Fragranite Maris	Eight colours; colour runs through the material.
Want a farmhouse look	Fireclay Manor House 2.0	White apron front, square lines.
Want the lightest sink and simplest install	Stainless	9–16 lbs on the Kindred examples.
Renovating with a cabinet maker anyway	Fireclay is realistic	Franke recommends a cabinet maker and support frame.
Cook heavily with cast iron or heavy pans	Stainless (check gauge) or Fragranite (use trivets and a board)	Franke advises chopping boards and keeping very hot pans out of Fragranite.
Want colour-matched drain and accessories	Fragranite Maris	Franke lists Colorline accessories.

Buying Franke sinks from Plumbing Market

We ship across Canada. Call 289-236-2378 or email sales@plumbingmarket.ca with your cabinet width and countertop type, and we will check the fit against Franke's spec sheet before you order.

Browse the Franke collection, the Kindred collection or all kitchen sinks.

Our honest recommendation

If you are swapping into an existing cabinet and cutout, start with stainless. It is the lightest and easiest option, and the only question is gauge. If you want colour and a matte, hard-wearing surface, the Franke Maris in Fragranite is the option to look at: check the cabinet size and strainer version with us for your colour, and use a chopping board and a trivet, as Franke advises. If you want a farmhouse sink and are willing to plan the cabinet around it, the Manor House 2.0 is a clean, square-cornered version of the look, but treat it as a cabinet project, not a sink swap. It weighs 82 lbs, its dimensions can vary by 2%, and you should have the sink in hand before anything is cut.

No material is right for everyone. Pick the one whose drawbacks you can live with.

Frequently asked questions

Is Franke Fragranite better than stainless steel?

Neither is better in every kitchen. Franke describes Fragranite as an exceptionally tough material that is highly resistant to burns, dents, chips and stains, with a subtle sheen and up to 80% quartz sand content. Stainless steel, in Franke's and Kindred's descriptions, is highly resistant to staining, rust and corrosion, and is widely used in kitchens. Fragranite comes in colours; stainless is lighter and less likely to chip on an edge. Choose on colour, weight, and how you cook.

Does a Fragranite sink scratch?

Franke says Fragranite is less prone to damage from abrasion than other sink materials, but recommends avoiding scouring pads and wire wool, which will eventually abrade the surface. It also says hard blows or heavy pressure from a kitchen knife may chip or score the surface, that edges are more likely to chip, and that a chopping board should always be used. It also advises against a plastic washing-up bowl, because plastic particles can embed in the bottom and slowly grind the surface.

Can you put hot pans in a Fragranite sink?

Franke says a Fragranite sink can withstand very high temperatures without marking, but it is wise to keep very hot pans out of the sink because the accessories are less resistant to extreme heat and may be damaged. Franke sells a roller mat that can act as a trivet.

Is Fragranite the same as granite?

No. Franke's Canadian catalog describes Fragranite as made from up to 80% natural quartz sand bonded with acrylic resins. It is a composite material, not solid stone.

What colours does the Franke Maris MAG1201414 come in?

Franke's spec sheet lists eight finishes: Polar White, Stone Grey, Slate Grey, Onyx, Matte Black, Champagne, Oyster and Mocha. Each has its own model suffix, for example -MBK for Matte Black. Confirm the exact suffix and colour before ordering.

Is the Franke Maris MAG1201414 or MAG1201414-S the right model?

Franke publishes two spec sheets with the same overall size and bowls. The -S sheet lists the 1145 strainer as included and a 33-inch minimum cabinet; the sheet without -S lists no strainer and a 36-inch minimum cabinet. Our listing offers the eight colours with -S part numbers (for example MAG1201414-MBK-S), and our product page lists a 36-inch minimum. Plan for 36 inches unless we confirm 33 inches for your colour, and check before anything is cut.

How much does the Franke Manor House 2.0 weigh?

Franke lists the MH2K7201414-GWH at 82 lbs, compared with 40 lbs for the Maris Fragranite MAG1201414. Franke's fireclay installation manual says fireclay sinks vary from 20 to over 130 pounds depending on the configuration and asks you to use assistance lifting.

Does a fireclay sink need a special cabinet?

Franke's fireclay installation manual says installation requires custom cabinetry and recommends an experienced cabinet maker build the cabinet or modify an existing one. It recommends a wood support frame designed for at least 300 pounds for undermount installations. See our Manor House buying guide for the details.

Which is easiest to install?

Stainless steel is lightest, and a Kindred undermount stainless sink weighs 9–16 lbs on the spec sheets we compare in our Kindred guide. The Maris is 40 lbs. The Manor House 2.0 is 82 lbs and needs custom cabinetry. Ask your installer before you choose.

How do I clean a Franke Fragranite sink?

Franke recommends washing regularly with Franke Coloured Sink Cleaner and a Scotch-Brite pad or nylon nail brush, removing heavy staining liquids such as dyes and vegetable juices promptly, and using white vinegar or a mild acid for limescale. Keep strong alkalis such as ammonia and caustic soda away from it. Never use neat bleach; diluted bleach is acceptable for stubborn stains if thoroughly rinsed.