Google "gardenweb" "fireclay" and "crack."

So, if you've had enough time to digest the bad news about fire-clay, are you leaning in another direction? I have a stainless, 33" single bowl, and I really like it. Most recently I used it to soak all the racks from my oven (unfortunate lasagne incident.)

I don't find that splashes are a problem, but if I'm washing a lot of dishes by hand, the 10" depth is hard on my back. I keep a shallow plastic container under the sink, and use that (inverted) to raise whatever vessel I'm using as a dishpan.

The back of the sink has a positive reveal, to accept a cutting board--something to consider before making a decision. Here are a few informative threads:

Apron/Farmhouse sink

Stainless Farmhouse Sink owners

...apron sink (including copper)

Splasing Issue addressed

You can find many more by following marcolo's search advice.

I have had two Rohl fireclay sinks for two years now and I have not had any cracks or chips in them. They are great and clean up beautifully. I think the reason for many of fireclays cracking is because they were installed incorrectly. The drain ring was tighten down too hard. If you get one, make sure your plumber knows how to work with them.

Based on my experience with 3 different farm sinks (one copper, one pewter and one Kohler enameled cast iron), I find them to be exceptionally functional in terms of the size and shape: Mine have all been single sinks 30-33" by 20" and 10" deep. There is no pan, rack, utensil or other implement in my kitchen that will not fit in the sink! As for the 10"depth, I am on the short end of the height spectrum, so the depth is not an issue for me.

While I do not find the Kohler enameled cast iron to be unforgiving in terms of glassware or other fragile items, I do find the Kohler to be difficult to maintain. Between black marks from pots and stains (tea, blueberries, etc), I was spending far too much time and too my elbo grease on maintaining the sink.

By contrast, both the copper and the pewter sinks are exceptionally easy to maintain. With the handhammered finish, I don't even have to worry about potential water spots which was a constant problem with stainless steel sinks.

I have a Rohl Shaw's sink. I love it because it's beautiful, and I always seem to put aesthetics first. It's also capacious, as someone above said. It fits everything. If it splashes, it's minimal and I don't notice. However, it has gotten a few tiny chips in the three years we've had it. I think this is pretty inevitable in the long run. If you're worried about that, I'd choose another material.

I have a Kohler Dickenson sink that I adore. Looks great with no marking or chipping issues 1 year later. I would by it all over again.

I love my farmhouse sink. I can't imagine there would be anymore or less splashing simply because a sink is a farmhouse. I love being right up against the sink rather than having to reach into it. My sink is a Rachiele copper 36" single bowl and is 7" deep. I'm 5'8" tall and deeper sinks give me a backache. Very happy with the 7" depth. I'm finding the copper a dream to clean and maintain and really enjoy watching its living finish change with use.

It sounds like you think a farmers sink means a single bowl sink. It doesn't. Anyway, this thread is 6 years old.

Christine:

Six years old or not, you bring up some valid points. I replace sinks like yours with single bowl sinks and farmhouse sinks regularly. I've probably done this a hundred times and I have yet to get a single call from a customer expressing regret at their choice.

I doubt any of my customers consult with a designer; they just know what they want. Large single bowl sinks are not a fad, they are a trend. Big difference.

After having a single bowl farmhouse sink for a couple of years, I'd not willingly go back to a double bowl sink. The single bowl is much more usable.

Rachiele copper sink · More Info