Cast Iron VS. Fireclay SINK?
2LittleFishies
12 years ago
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kseeger
8 years agobrdrl
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Fireclay vs. Cast Iron - I'm losing my Mind!!!
Comments (7)I had a Kohler, navy blue cast iron sink for many years and it was great. The finish became dull in some places but I could always give it a good scrubbing and then rub a little olive oil on it to restore the shine. I just replaced it with a fire clay white sink and I'm still somewhat afraid of it. The porcelain coating on the cast iron could chip, but I'm afraid the clay sink could actually break. They are both heavy. Delivery and installation was a tense time. Kohler's website has cleaning instructions for both kinds. According to them- the clay seems easier to clean. My friend, a carpenter, said he's been seeing a lot of clay sinks in new installations lately. These decisions seem so important and un-important at the same time don't they? I'm telling myself that eventually I'll get used to whatever I wind up doing....See MoreFireclay vs/ enamel cast iron farm sink
Comments (2)Durable? Cast iron. Well, stainless even more because it's impossible to chip, though fireclay and cast iron are less likely to scratch. Fireclay is great stuff, but less precise. You should have it on site before fitting the cabinet, etc., because there is variation in the size. If you tighten the flange on the disposer too tight you can crack the sink. And it's the easiest to chip. But fireclay is even harder than vitreous china, and really nice to touch. It's hard to stain, and stains can be treated with a little bleach. Glass enamel on cast iron, which most cast iron sinks are nowadays, is fired very hot so it's extra hard to stain. It can be chipped, but you'd pretty much have to drop something like a big cast iron frying pan edge on to do it. It's very hard to scratch. If the iron cracks it's because of a terrible fault in manufacturing and likely the company will replace it (I've never heard of a crack in the iron happening except when people have tried refiring it, but it is theoretically possible). It's a no fuss, no care, kind of sink. Stainless can get water spots and smudges, depending on the age and finish. It develops microscratches that become an all over patina. Many come in brushed finish which is basically a head start on that. It won't ever crack (well, maybe if you're at the epicenter of an earthquake right when you're giving it a thermal shock...). It can be stained, but the stains can be worked off. Molded glass doesn't make a good kitchen sink. The three materials you mentioned are all good....See MoreFireclay vs. cast iron sink
Comments (7)Depends on the look and feel you are striving for. Do you want something that is handmade and feels awesome? Go with fireclay. Do you cook a lot with commercial and big pans and need durability? Go with cast iron. Both cast iron and fireclay chip. Bayareafrancy- I heard Rohl sells repair kits to easily repair chips? I am having the same problem choosing which sink. Every time I see the Rohl Shaw's sink I'm sold. It is GORGEOUS whereas the Kohler and cast iron sinks look cheap to me next to it. But, if it's in the house nobody will be able to compare it to the beautiful fireclay sinks..so..I'm about 60/40 towards cast iron....See MoreCast Iron Enameled vs Granite Composite vs Fireclay
Comments (9)Sounds like you've studied each option. Composite sinks can stain, and heat can affect their appearance. Fireclay sinks crack if you have a disposal, and sometimes even if you don't. Enameled cast iron can stain, chip, and rust, although people who have them claim they never do - which is more anecdotal than factual. So there are reasons to avoid all three options, especially if you plan to use an undermount sink and put a counter over it. You don't want to find yourself needing to replace your sink. I chose a stainless steel work station form Rachiele, and that's what I would recommend to anyone - quality stainless is a lifetime sink. The best of these have a brushed finish that hides scratches and soundproofing that makes them quiet. Buy stainless - good stainless....See MoreILoveRed
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