Deciding between Kohler cast iron and Rohl Shaws sinks

5 years ago

I loved my Kohler Whitehaven 30" cast iron sink in my former kitchen. It was a workhorse. This time, I'm trying to decide between the Rohl Shaws Shaker and the Kohler Whitehaven for a 36" cabinet. I can't find pictures of either in a kitchen! Anyone have these and can share photos? I think I like the look of the Rohl Shaker, but I'm not sure I like it enough to spend more on it (vs. the Whitehaven):

https://www.rohlhome.com/kitchen/kitchen-sinks/ms3318-shaws-classic-shaker-modern-single-bowl-apron-front-fireclay-kitchen#MS3318WH

https://www.us.kohler.com/us/Whitehaven-Self-Trimming-35-11-16-x-21-9-16-x-9-5-8-under-mount-single-bowl-kitchen-sink-with-tall-apron/productDetail/kitchen-sinks/428755.htm?skuId=414298&brandId=433000

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jhmarie

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I have a 36" Whitehaven and I love it. However, because I did a retrofit into my older cabinet, I went with the short apron style. I do have this pic showing the inside:

I bought the grills a few months after I took that pic. The 36" has two grills, so you don't have to try to pick up one huge grill:)

This is my kitchen - but keep in mind this is the "short apron" style, not the "tall apron" style of the Whitehaven. Both sinks are the same inside. I am sure someone will be along with a pic of the 36" tall apron.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042

I have always had a cast iron sink. Although not common, the crazing that can happen to fireclay scared me away from it.

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Comments (7)

Zalco/bring back Sophie!
5 years ago
I had the wrong sink in mind on my first comment. I thought the Rohl sink had a paneled look cut into the clay.

Its down to the materials. Both are great looking sinks. What is your tolerance for the material. You know how safe the Whitehaven is. Is the fireclay worth the risk to you? Did you always wish you had fireclay? Otherwise, I would probably b eon team Whitehaven.
AboutToGetDusty
Original Author
5 years ago
I have no experience with fireclay. I have friends who have them but they are not cooks. I cooked three homemade meals a day for five years with my 30" Whitehaven (with the bottom grate), and it was a dream. I just prefer the more streamlined look of the Rohl Shaker...but I cannot find pictures of these larger sinks in a full kitchen. And I am hesitant about fireclay if I cook all the time.
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I bought a rohl 30" apron sink online for around the same price as white haven. The crazing cracking issue is because of over tightening when installing. Talk to the plumber and make sure someone who has done a farm sink nstalled ion many times before should be the one to do it. Also all farm sinks have variations. For the tightest fit without gaps, your cabinet guys need the actual sink on hand to build the sink cabinet right. A couple of things I would have done differently - got a 36" sink as the 30" is awfully tight for baking sheets and cookie trays. The sink does not slope/ drain well. It is a minor annoyance that I have to chase the dredges around to get it into the drain hole. My DH who is the main user of the sink is not bothered with this. You definitely need a good quality pull down faucet. The waterstone PLP we have which swings around and has a good pull down sprayer is very useful. I would have really hated a bridge faucet here. I would definitely get the extra deep flange for the sink and the sink grid. Both are very useful.
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My cabinets are custom, so the cabinetmaker made both the small cabinet and the modified drawer. In the case of your cabinet you or a carpenter could notch out the side to fit the trough and also add an apron if you want to hide it. It's really not that big a deal. They do things like that for cooktops all the time. It's just important to get the supports right. They routed the plywood top so that the sink would sit flush with the soapstone on top. Because Bordelaise is meant to be either drop in or undermount the edges of the top curve in just a little. I would have loved 100% flush but the stone guy suggested the best thing would be a tiny negative reveal with a little fill (caulk or silicone or whatever the gunk is). He was right. It has the look of flush if you don't inspect too closely, and doesn't collect dirt. I'm wondering about a 33" long prep sink in the perimeter, however. You can put your cutting board right across the trough and stuff like that, but I wonder if it won't be inconvenient. When I was considering a sink in my butler's pantry, which isn't nearly big enough to waste the space, I was looking at the Fete. I think it's a better shape for perimeter counter, but it's over 28", so still would take cabinet alteration.
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AboutToGetDusty
Original Author
5 years ago
And I looked at Franke farmhouse stainless sinks yesterday...sharp looking. But I can't stand the tinny sound, even though it's better than the cheaper sinks. And I looked at the Blanco, but I wasn't crazy about the look. I definitely want that soft edge of a farmhouse sink...much more comfortable for doing dishes (than leaning against the sharper edge of a counter).
rantontoo
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Well...after one year, there is a chip in my Whitehaven....DH has no idea how that happened. Based on the MO of who I live with, I knew this was a definite possibility.....even with grids. With that said, I would still get the Whitehaven.
wilson853
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I used a 39" sink base with a 36" Whitehaven (Sea Salt) to give me more space between the DWs. I also like the look of fireclay but was scared away by those that had chipping, crazing and sinks that did not drain well. I keep an IKEA gray tub on the left side for soaking the DW filters and catching silverware. Also purchased the grids. Very happy with this sink.
AboutToGetDusty
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you all! Kohler Whitehaven it is. :-)

Deciding between Kohler cast iron and Rohl Shaws sinks

jhmarie

Comments (7)

Zalco/bring back Sophie!

AboutToGetDusty
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Deciding between Kohler cast iron and Rohl Shaws sinks

jhmarie

Comments (7)

Zalco/bring back Sophie!

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rantontoo

wilson853

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