Fireclay vs. cast iron sink

13 years ago

I'm updating my kitchen and want an opinion from users as to if they like/don't like the kohler cast iron sink or rohl fireclay. . .don't want to make a mistake -- PLEASE help!

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bayareafrancy

13 years ago

I have the Rohl fireclay. It got small chips on the bottom in the first 2 years. I'm always worried about damaging it. Every day. And I really worry when in-laws are visiting, and plopping their stuff in the sink. I just want to grab their dishes and shove them away as fast as possible! I don't like feeling/behaving that way. (Replacing it would be an absolute nightmare because of the (bad!) way my counters were installed.)

If I could do it over again, I would get cast iron. I can't believe you can actually hit it with a pan!! Whoa!!!

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Comments (7)

ship4u
13 years ago
We spent a lot of time with this same question. In the end, we decided against fireclay for fear that it may crack, particularly since we want to have a garbage disposal. My understanding is that you need special drain attachments and the vibrations could cause damage over time.
We went with the Kohler cast iron apron front farm sink because of its durability. Look at the Kohler video where they throw a frying pan into the sink from a distance and it does not chip. Also, we think that the cast iron has a classic look, albeit different than the fireclay.
riverspots
13 years ago
I bought the Kohler cast iron sink for the same reason-durability. I don't have a garbage disposal but I certainly could drop a heavy pot or lid. I personally took a frying pan to a Kohler display sink (there was a sign encouraging this) and whacked it hard several times. Not a dent, chip or scratch. Sold me. I had asked the saleswoman if the fireclay would stand up to a beating as well. She just shook her head.

Now that the sink is installed, I also like how the shiny finish on the cast iron goes better with the polished granite.
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It occurs to me, re household help, potential future babies, and a kitchen you have to baby, that given your parameters you really don't want to deal with the clay sink. The marble only needs to be babied if you hate patina. When I had marble (cheap beige in an apartment abroad) I promise I didn't baby it. It was fine. Yes, you can get scratches and pits, and if something colorful soaks in it's a pain to get it out (though sealer probably helps a heck of a lot with that), but, as the guy from The Petch House famously said here on GW, "It's ROCK!". Fireclay is more durable than vitreous china (what normal bathroom fixtures are made out of), but it's not iron. It's fine for the woman who doesn't cook, but all the ifs of who else might be dropping a heavy hot pan or banging into it on his bicycle make me think it might be a problem in the long run. Kohler's current surface is fired at extremely high temperatures which is what they say makes it so very hard to chip. If a greige (thanks, again, Casey!) chip in your dark blue won't bother you, you won't mind redoing that part of the kitchen if it has a problem, or if you're willing to chance that yours is going to be one of the ones that never gets damaged (because plenty don't), then go with the fireclay if you think it's prettiest. And in a very blue moon a Kohler gets damaged too (though I think there's a warranty). But I have a whole list of things that my housekeeper, who's very careful and conscientious, but not emotionally attached to my stuff the way I am, has nicked, misused or broken. And she's a treasure! I was mightily tempted by a V&B fireclay sink, but life's too short to worry about it.
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pinch_me
13 years ago
I have a Whitehaus fireclay. I'm happy with it and have no complaints. Having said that, I would seriously look at cast iron next time.
shelayne
13 years ago
I just went to the Kohler website to watch the video of the pan throwing, and OH my gosh, I am coveting that aqua apron sink right this minute. *pantpantpantpant*

I need to just calm myself down. ;^)
shoelvr
13 years ago
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.
shoelvr
13 years ago
Just asked a friend about his sink since I know it's a farmhouse/apron front, but wasn't sure of the brand or material. It is a Barclay fire clay and he has had zero problems with it and trust me he is definitely an avid cook and has parties galore and they never hovered over their sink when guests were around. He loves it. /shrugs

Fireclay vs. cast iron sink

bayareafrancy

Comments (7)

ship4u

riverspots

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