I love my cast iron Kohler Whitehaven - but they are on backorder for a couple of months. I chose mine for the same reasons listed in this humorous article about making the decision.

http://victoriaelizabethbarnes.com/apron-front-farmhouse-sink-options-decided-against-fireclay/

I do have the grids. My sink is two years old and still looks new.

I chose a DXV fireclay sink in mine. Been using it for 2 days so can't answer but I had a Franke fireclay sink in my condo for 7 years with never a problem

I prefer the feel of fireclay to cast iron. I didn't realize there was such a difference until I looked at them in person. I also didn't like the sloped wall on the Whitehaven when I actually saw it.

Mine is a Blanco Cerana.

Been using it for 2 days...

cp, congratulations on being in and running water in your kitchen! Whoo hoo!

cp, congratulations on being in and running water in your kitchen! Whoo hoo!

Thank you! I should be unpacking boxes and not sitting here on the computer but I'm wiped and my back is feeling it today.

CP- So good to her you re living in your stunning house. I imagine you could write beautifully illustrated book about that long and ultimately very rewarding journey :-)

Anna, I went back and forth on this issue ad infinitum! I have wanted a white, apron front sink since the early 80s. For me it came down to budget.

In the kitchen where I chose a fireclay sink, I had to have the budget to be able to live with its failing and replace it without any tears. I bought a Shaw's sink and am hoping for the best. I've had my sink almost one year and so far so good. I do use the grid at the bottom.

Had I remodeled my kitchen ten years ago, there is no doubt in my mind I would have bought the Whitehaven. In my other house I have a stainless steel Rachiele- it's a more modern kitchen and looks better with the stainless, apron front.

Have whitehaven, 3 of them actually. I didn't want to chance fireclay as there seemed to be enough people with problems that it wasn't worth the risk. For a white sink the subtle texture and dimension of the Kohler sea salt finish is very nice. Get the grids.

I have seen fireclay at all different price points. The cast iron Whitehaven is expensive - more than I had planed on spending for a sink, but because of the self facing apron, it is less work to install, and this may affect the cost of labor - depending on the contractor.

My Whitehaven appears to be very well made. My previous cast iron sink, which I repurposed in the basement kitchenette, is still looking good after 20 years. It might be helpful to visit a plumb supply store with a showroom so you can see the difference between the look of the cast iron and fireclay.

Research cracking with garbage disposals in fireclay sinks befor you decide. I chose a white Whitehaven and I love it!

Sea Salt is one of the premium finishes that has a little crackle to it. Its white, maybe slightly creamier than the standard white? It looks like it has some texture but is actually smooth to the touch.

I have a photo of some color chips somewhere, will try to dig it up.

Sea Salt is beautiful, but you pay significantly more for it than regular white.

I had the Rohl Fireclay sink for more than a decade in my old house and no problems except for a few tiny chips on the bottom before I purchased the grids.

i did feel that I had to baby it a little and was more cautious compared to the Kohler Whitehaven that I have used at my daughters house. The Whitehaven just feels tougher. Do not have to worry about it as much.

the Rohl felt “prettier”. Prettier lines inside and out. Especially the apron front.

with that I have the 33” Whitehaven is going into my new house. It is large, tough, and pretty. Don’t have to worry about the installer screwing up any scribing like with the Rohl since install is so simple. And just all around a great sink.