I have a whitehaus 30x18 that I paid $649 for. Free delivery. Love it to pieces! I did end up putting the metal grate in it because the rubber sink mats were a PITA to keep clean. I bought mine on Overstock for less than $40. The drain hole isn't in exactly the right palce but it doesn't matter, it still works. I don't have a garbage disposal; don't need one, don't want one. IF I were going to do it again, I might consider a steel with porcelain. Even if they chip they're still a sink. Just make sure you watch a couple of instalation videos and search this site for the past threads on how to build the cradle to hold it. My carpenter had never seen one until mine but he did a faboulous job scribing the cabinet.

Here is a link that might be useful: Whitehaus sink

Corgi mom - please see my post/thread on my Rohl Shaws farmhouse sink. It's probably okay for you to get since they cover defects, however I'm currently dealing with the fact that Rohl may easily not cover the LABOR of removing the old cracked sink and then rebuilding the lower cabinet that will be destroyed as a means of getting the old sink out (and replacing with a new one). I think most people are happy with their fireclay sinks but they definitely are at risk of getting damaged.

- Never, ever, ever let your contractor accidentally over-tighten the flange when installing the plumbing/disposal.

- Have them hand-tighten it, I've read (don't use a big ol' tool).

- Never pour scalding water in a sink that's cold.

That last one seems pretty ridiculous to me...I mean geez can't we pour scalding water in a sink if anywhere?! Maybe that means making sure you're insulated if it's up against an outside wall, and/or maybe it means making sure your water heater's not turned up a tad too high?

Rohl is replacing my sink, but unfortunately I'm stuck having to get another identical one in order to fit back in that space since the countertop sits over it. The trick will be to find a close-enough to perfect match because the measurements aren't always consistent due to being hand-made. Well that's one of the tricks anyway! Getting it back in place (up underneath the countertop - since the sink's under-mounted - in such a way that it's snug enough under the counter to be re-caulked) is another trick!

Good luck - but yes, remember that most people love theirs.

As heartbreaking as theresse's story is I still think they're great sinks. Now my sink isn't installed yet but I did the research before I ordered it and I read far more good reviews then bad ones. And the majority of bad ones I did read had to do with things being dropped in the bottom of the sink without the grid and people ordering it after the fact. Knowing that, I ordered the grid upfront.

Of all aspects of my new kitchen I'm most excited about the sink....I cannot wait!! :)

theresse- Thanks for responding to my question. I guess I don't know how to find your post. I did a search but it didn't come up for me. How did your sink get damaged?

I think when they talk about the idea of not pouring scalding water into a cold sink, they want you to run hot tap water into it first to avoid thermal shock that would possibly break the clay. I have a Corian sink/countertop now and just learned that you need to do the same for them. Well, in the 12 years I have used it, I have never been careful about pouring boiling water into the sink. Guess I have been lucky so far! The Corian is off white but has kind of yellowed over the years and isn't very pretty anymore.

pinch me- Thanks for the feedback. I will consider the porc-metal as well. Kohler has one called Cape Dory that is nice, just not an apron front. I am sure I'll be glad to get either one! Oh, and regarding the "two bowl sink or one bowl sink" thread, I am a "one large bowl" girl all the way!

I have a 30" barclay fireclay sink and love it! It is undermount so the sides are protected and I have a sink grid which prevents scratches. It is so roomy even my oven racks can fit inside to clean.

My Rohl Shaw's fireclay sink was severely damaged on its rim (in more than one place) when a contractor's power tool accidentally slipped from his hands. I ended up replacing the sink (at his cost). In so doing, however, that opened up a can of worms with the base cabinet much like what Theresse referenced in her post. But I'm not writing to talk about that. Instead, I'm writing to tell you that, even with that accident, I love my Rohl Shaws fireclay farmhouse sink and I do not regret having purchased it! In fact, if I had it to do over, I would purchase this sink all over again.

Just so you know, my replacement sink has held up extremely well to over 2+ years of daily use. During that time, I've thrown boiling hot water into it without first "warming" it up. I've also dropped a heavy cast iron pot on its bottom or knocked same against the sink's sides. There are no cracks, discolorings or dings. BTW, I do use a sink grid and I love it!

Never pour scalding water in a sink that's cold.

What? If this is true, these sinks are unsuitable for kitchen use and should definitely not be allowed by code. No one could rationally expect a visitor or subsequent buyer to know they have to run check the temperature, run hot water or massage a sink with a heating pad before emptying a pot of pasta.

Theresse's upsetting thread is attached below. Scroll to the bottom and look at the close-ups, knowing that all this can be yours.

Here is a link that might be useful: Why not to buy a fireclay sink

I have a V&B fireclay sink. We've been in just over 5 years and I got a small knick last year - on top of the dividing wall. Don't really notice it. I love the sink... and will not pour hot water in it. ;)

Here is a link that might be useful: my kitchen

I've had a 28" Franke by Villeroy and Boch fireclay sink for about a year now and I love it. It has a smooth and silky finish and clean-up is a breeze. It never stains. I do keep the SS grid in the bottom of it just as a precaution. No chips or cracks to speak of. I bought it from homeandstone.com.

Theresse's tragedy was unfortunately not a unique occurrence.

Fireclay vs castiron - which is stronger?

Anyone Had Their Fireclay Apron Sink Crack or Craze?

Disappointed in my Rohl 3018 Sink -Repair?

Many people love their fireclay sinks. That's great. To each his own--but anyone who buys a fireclay sink must first accept the risk they will not be one of the "lucky ones."

Yikes! That Cape Dory sink from Kohler may be a safer choice... I'll sure think about it anyway. My DH is mixed on fireclay and would freak out if he read these posts! Thanks for all the input, GW members.

Wow! I've had my Rohl fireclay sink for 7 years (also an early adopter). It does chip, especially with DH doing the dishes, but Ive never worried about boiling water, etc.
The only problem we had was that it was about 1 month after the cabinets were installed before the sink was put in (delays with the granite). we live in a very humid climate and the cabinets and the cradle for sink had swelled so now the sink doesn't fit! The contractors shaved the cabinets and you would never know, except the sink doesn't drain well because they left it completely level.

Corgi_mom - fireclay apron front sinks are gorgeous and have a very special look. I love them. However, your last post seems like you are on the fence or tentative about it, or it will cause friction with your DH (as if a kitchen reno isn't stressful enough). A fireclay apron front sink is a big expense so you should be sure you want it. As an alternative, what about an apron front stainless steel sink? You still get the apron front design, but stainless steel won't have any irregularity or variance in the dimensions. It's lightweight and easy to install. It's not thick the way fireclay is, so no need to buy a special flange for a disposal. The stainless apron front gleams which is a very different look from fireclay, but pretty cool. And boiling water is no problem. Nor is coffee, wine, spaghetti sauce, etc. Stainless steel is less expensive than fireclay. The downside is that stainless shows water spots.

Good quality 16-gauge stainless apron front sinks can be found from Ticor or from Kraus (check out overstock.com which includes the sink grids in the price of the sink). Here are a couple of Kitchen Forum kitchens with stainless steel apron front sinks:

Hobokenkitchen's Kitchen

Firsthouse_mp's Kitchen

In my previous post, I meant to include a link to a Kraus stainless steel apron front sink (they call it a "farmhouse" sink) so you could see the price point and specifications. There are also reviews on the link. My link is to a 33" size, but it also comes in 30" and 36". We have a Kraus faucet and love it, and are amazed at the high quality.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kraus 33-inch Farmhouse SS Sink at overstock

I have been looking on website to try and find the cheapest farmhouse sink. So far Whitehaus and Porcher seem the cheapest. Any reason why I'd go with Kohler or Rohl over Whitehaus? I would love to hear because I want it to last a long time.

I've had a Rohl double farmhouse sink for two years, and love it. We're rough with it, wash cast iron pans in it daily, etc. We did get one small chip in it about six months after installing it. I don't know how it happened, and I haven't bothered to look into a repair kit. I'm pretty sure Rohl sells them. We also don't have a grid -- I will look into those.

We pour boiling water into it all the time and have never had a problem, although the sink is on a cold outside wall.

They seem from my experience to be a lot tougher than you'd think. But if one of these sinks did need to be replaced it would definitely be a major pain!

For the cheapest farmhouse apron-front sink, I don't think you can beat the Ikea Domsjo! They have both single (30") and double (36") and we have the double, which we loooove, in our non-Ikea cabinets. It was actually pretty easy to install in a non-Ikea, face-framed cabinet.

rococogurl, I have to differ with your explanation that "They are fired at over 2000 degrees so a little hot water at 212 isn't going to harm them (besides, it cools down when it hits the sink)." Yes, they are fired at extremely high temperatures, but that heat is achieved gradually. It is the sudden exposure to heat or cold that makes a material crack due to rapid expansion. Try dropping an ice cube into boiling water and note what happens. I have a Rohl fireclay sink and love it but I am very now careful since my daughter's experience with her fireclay sink. As she drained a pot of pasta into the sink she heard and watched it crack radially at 9 and 3 o'clock, somewhat like the London Underground logo. Fortunately it does not leak and since it's an undermount, it has not been replaced. I believe each of us with a fireclay sink needs to be cautious when draining boiling liquids. An ounce of prevention...

Here is a link that might be useful: Crack shape

OK so I have my Rohl sink, and the grid -- thank you Rococogurl -- installed (not even using it yet), have read all the posts to my DH and we have the extended flange and a rubber gasket, (ISE GD yet to be installed) but now I am freaked out about the hot pasta water. So what is one supposed to do? Make sure every drop hits right in the center of the drain?

I was very tempted to get the Rohl's sink until I started reading on GW, several years ago, about draining issues. It didn't happen to everyone, but there were enough people with sinks that didn't drain properly that it made me change my mind. Just didn't want to take the chance. (Same thing happened when I saw Bayareafrancey's soapstone thread but that time I thought, "Oh, that won't happen to me"...guess what? It did!). I looked at the other fireclay sinks out there and didn't like them as much as the Shaws so I went with a stainless undermount. Now with these crazing problems, I would really be scared. So I guess you have to ask yourself, "Do I feel lucky?"

Well, I hope I'm lucky or there are more people out there with no problems because I just installed my Rohl farmhouse sink. Knock on wood.

Maybe what you don't know can't hurt you -- we've had our Whitehaus for a few years now and are certainly not gentle with it. Boiling water, castiron pans - it gets the lot. It's a kitchen!

I will say that in Theresse's case the manufacturer is replacing her sink, so at least there's that to fall back on. I know, I know how awful it would be to have to take apart the cabinetry etc. I'm just sayin'.

Hedandtoe, when I first came here a few members were not very happy with the quality of the Porcher sink, so that's why I went with Whitehaus and I haven't regretted it.

Minor update since the thread is still going - my sink has been installed and in use for 2 weeks now and I can't really express in words how in love I am with this sink (Rohl Shaws 30" single bowl).
It's borderline ridiculous.

We do not have a GD, didn't want one. DH hooked the sink up himself with no issues. Our drain is on the right hand side since I think there was a defect in what would've been the front if the drain was on the left. No big deal to me.
Water drains no problem, no leaks, coffee dried in over the course of a day rinses right out (no staining and no scrubbing required).
I'm slightly more careful with this sink then I was with my old SS one right now because I don't have the bottom sink grid right now. I ordered it through a friend and I think I might be able to get it this weekend, our paths just haven't crossed yet.

question for craftlady07-

i just picked up my farmhouse sink today and there are 2 indents in the outside back of my sink (where it would not show once installed). sounds like it could be the same thing as yours? i asked about it and they said that was the stamp of the craftsman who made it - not sure if that is true? was wondering if that was the defect you are mentioning?

Sayde, turn on the faucet to run cold water while you are draining the pasta. The hot/cold will mix.

Our new Ikea Domsjo (or is it Domjso?) fireclay farmhouse sink might be my favorite thing in our whole remodel. Love it!

As FYI, in regards to the question of boiling water, I didnt like the sounds of it, so I emailed Rohl and asked if there was any problem and/or need for "preheating". Here is their response:

"Glad to help again. While this is a funny thought, it is not true. These
sinks are fired at 2200 degrees to finish the glaze. I am 100% confident
that some boiling water will not cause any issue for you."

I got the same guy who I talked to last time I was wondering what I could clean it with hence his veiled reference to my paranoia's, lol. But I think its safe to say, boiling water is ok.

"Glad to help again. While this is a funny thought, it is not true. These
sinks are fired at 2200 degrees to finish the glaze. I am 100% confident
that some boiling water will not cause any issue for you."

This imbecile should be fired immediately. The reasoning is idiotic. A water glass, for example, melts at around 2700 degrees Fahrenheit. It will certainly shatter at 210 degrees F if you take it out of the refrigerator and immediately pour boiling water into it. cross stitch made the same point above. So it is not safe to say that boiling water is OK.

I admit I don't have a sink grid(would never had even known what that was before reading this forum) and I have once or twice used a bleach product minimally but i now have "crazing" on ny Shaw's Fireclay sink. I bought it two years ago for the looks but had no idea this could happen. There are many hairline cracks all over the bottom of the sink and honestly didn't know to make sure my plumber did not overtighten the flange, as some have warned here. Rohl's will not replace it since it's outside the 1 year warranty-I wish I had paid better attention to the sink earlier because it's possible that the cracks were there within the one year timeframe. Even if Rohl's were willing to replace it though, I'm not sure I'd want to deal with re-installing. I guess I'm just going to live with it like this as long as it doesnt' cause any real problems like leaking. So, unless you won't mind dealing with these possible issues, I would not recommend this type of sink despite how charming it looks.

babushka_cat: To be honest I didn't even see it, DH did, so I'm not sure. He said there's a small indent on the back side so maybe that's why the sink got turned around. I never gave it a second thought. I did read that the maker stamps each sinks he makes, so that would make sense to me. I tried to find a stamp on the sink where I could see (after it was installed) and couldn't, so maybe the mark is on the back.

I've been pouring boiling hot water into the cold sink (sits against an outside wall, albeit an insulated one, and under a window so I'm willing to bet it's probably one of the coldest spots in the room) with zero problem.

I've used BKF to clean it once since it's been in to get rid of the small black streaks left behind by my SS pots/pans. other then that it just gets rinsed out and wiped down once a day after I do the dishes.

I love this sink!