I can usually get the scratches out with bar keepers friend. ANd it really doesnt get chipped as much as it gets pits...like when i drop something very heavy, it doesnt chip but a little pit is dug out of it. Very little, like a pin prick, maybe a little larger. Now, my antique laundry sink I had reglazed chips, kinda like paint is coming off of it.

I have a white Franke fireclay sink. No problems at all with scratching etc.
I have a sink grid in the bottom just in case someone drops something very
heavy or one of my grandchildren might throw something into it.
I love it. No problems at all.

I also have a white Franke fireclay sink. It's been about three years, and I have no scratches, chips or pits. I do have a stainless sink grid on the bottom, which protects it. It has a smooth, silky finish that is very easy to clean.

Thanks everyone. I really don't want to have to use a sink grid. Is there anyone with fireclay that DOESN'T use sink grid?

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I have a Shaw's/Rohl fireclay 30". It's now going on 9. There are 2 dings in the bottom because I didn't have a grid for many years. Just used a rubber mat. No major scratches.

More than a year ago I went with a wire grid. Having done it both ways, and thinking that the grid wasn't necessary (it's surprisingly expensive), I'm not ashamed to admit I'm wrong. It's made the sink far more functional with no worries about dings and I can set things on it for messy jobs without getting the bottom wet.

There have been issues of cracking around the drains when garbage disposals are installed too tight. You might want to look at those threads -- marcolo usually posts scary pix of that.

But given the number of these sinks that have been through here since I got mine, the incidence of crazing is low. But it needs to be mentioned.

Overall, I love my sink. The best part is that it's pulled forward and I can get right in there with no leaning over. My only regret is that it isn't larger and deeper or that I don't have two of them.

no grid, no scratching issues at all whatsoever. And it gets heavy, heavy use.

6-7 yrs of heavy use, a few chips before the grid. No cracks. I don't regret the purchase.

Shaw's sink with a grid, about one year old. No problems with scratches or dings but I do wish it drained a little better. Overall, I'm happy with it because I just like it.

When trying to decide what to buy I did so much reading and came across so many cautionary tales-- about marble, about the fireclay sink, about the Blue Star range. I'm usually a fairly prudent person and easily warned away from the "riskier" choices. But in this kitchen I just got what I loved-- marble, Blue Star, fireclay sink -- and no regrets. Only regret is I didn't get the 36 instead of the 30 inch sink.

You all are convincing me to get the grid! My 36" Shaws is in its box in the living room. Boo too, another 2 months before install :-(

Glad to hear some positive comments after so many negative (but realistic) ones.

salty--what brand fireclay do you have?

rococo--what is crazing?

sayde--happy to know that things all worked out with all my agonizing about decisions!!

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We have a 30" Shaw's for over 2 years. I love it. I love having the sink so close to me. I bought it local so I could bring marbles with me to see how it drains. I rejected the 1st two. It's still not perfect but much better than the others. No scratches but we have the grid. My DH curses it (since he's the one that cleans it all the time) but I love it. The grid is great - it also gives me another drying rack for dishes.

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annsch -- crazing is cracks in the glaze (top layer) which can give the surface a weblike appearance. It can preceed cracking but not always.

I have two Belle Foret fireclay sinks, and just bought one for the laundry room. I tried a grid and it was messy underneath so I ditched it. I don't use anything. No scratches, chips, dings or crazing. I am a klutz if that means anything about the condition of the sink. They are in use about 2 1/2 years.

we have a Porcher fireclay sink, no grid, never miss one. We use our fireclay sink for prep work because it "feels" cleaner than mucking around in a stainless steel sink, which we use as the utility sink. I like the feel of the fireclay, and it's pleasant to lean against the apron front.
Lynn

rococo--thanks

cote--thank for that, have seen that brand and seems to be a bit less expensive than others, good to know quality is not compromised.

farm--thanks, am liking hearing no grids since I just can't see using one

Prill and marcy - where did you get your sink grids? I have a 30" single Franke white farmhouse sink and it doesn't have a matching grid available. Thanks!!

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