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Quality fireclay farmhouse sink brands you can't go wrong with

4 years ago

I have been researching reviews and forums regarding sinks for countless days and have gotten nowhere. I prefer the look of the fireclay compared to the Kohler Whitehaven (which would be my cast iron option) however almost every fireclay sink name has a few bad reviews about something disasterous happening to it in the first few years...even Rohl/Shaws! This would be a nightmare in a new kitchen with custom countertops and cabinets so I cross it off the list the second I see this. Then there are websites with non-brand names and you don't even really know what you are getting. Can someone please tell me the top quality fireclay sink brands you can buy with confidence? And have they advanced and gotten better over the years as many posts recommend to go with cast iron instead noting significant issues with fireclay in general. Funny, because if you google the Kohler Whitehaven there are also bad reviews with 3 out of 5 stars and that from what I have read is the gold standard! I am getting really tired of looking for hours...please give me good brands I can't go wrong with! Thanks

Featured Answer

kooks kooky

2 years ago

I’m you two years later! Would love to know what you ended up with!!

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Comments (9)

PRO
User
4 years ago
They all have the chance of issues. From Rohl to any import copycat. Over tightening the drain is a particular weak point that cracks them. But they all can crack and craze. Or have a chunk taken out of you drop a pan. Which is why I only recommend Kohler now.
ajohnsonk thanked User
Aglitter
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
"And have they advanced and gotten better over the years as many posts recommend to go with cast iron instead noting significant issues with fireclay in general."

No, fireclay has not advanced. Fireclay sinks still have significant issues in general, regardless of the brand, as the very experienced kitchen designer @User mentioned above. Cast iron usually has an enamel coating that isn't as durable as stainless steel. You may want to do more research on other materials if you are looking for something with longevity that won't need periodic replacement given your expensive counters and cabinetry. For our remodel, we chose a workstation Havens Metal apron-front sink in the Prestige finish and feel it gives the look of luxury but with the durability required for a working kitchen.
ajohnsonk thanked Aglitter
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I don't really know much about apron front sinks, but got a partial answer about sinks in general from the manager of a high end store. Kohlers, according to him, are one of the best brands of cast iron sinks. But the reason there are so few porcelain on cast iron sinks nowadays is that they consider the enamel ones to be "higher quality". Enamel is baked at a higher temperature, so has a harder finish and is less prone to staining. It supposedly doesn't mark as easily to begin with as well. But what I don't get is why they see all these folks going for unsupported solid fireclay and don't get that we want ceramic sinks! The thing about enamel is that it feels like a metal sink. It clanks :) I mean, if it's well insulated it won't clank during regular use, but if you knock on it it clanks. Porcelain, fireclay and the like clink. Big difference :) Porcelain over cast iron doesn't feel any different than fireclay (though some of the glazing feels different) but it's not nearly as prone to chipping and cracking because of the big heavy thick metal substrate :)
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Hi All, I am the owner of Lavello, and I understand the hesitation that some people might have when ordering an expensive item sight unseen. Because of that, we now offer a no-risk guarantee. We will pay for shipping and the return shipping if you are not satisfied with the sink. You're not out a dime. We have no problem doing this because we know that you'll not just be satisfied, but thrilled with your Lavello sink. These truly are beautiful sinks and will be the centerpiece of your kitchen. We have new stock coming in this week, so come check us out. Here is a link that might be useful: Lavello Farmhouse Sinks
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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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I am in the same camp as @Chris Hunter because I don't know how I could operate with only one large bowl. I think there are several problems with these oft repeated blanket statements that a single large bowl is always better than a double bowl. 1. There are other options than everyone's stereotype of an equally divided double bowl with small sinks on both sides. There are 60/40 or 70/30 sinks. 2. There is the option of getting a low divide. 3. Not everyone has the luxury of having an additional prep sink. Everyone always discusses nothing more than how to wash and where to dry. This is not the only use for a sink. How does one accomplish soaking a dirty pot, draining a pot of pasta, having some water to wipe down a stovetop, washing grimy produce, rinsing fish filets, and washing hands all at the same time with only a one bowl sink and one drain?
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ajohnsonk
Original Author
4 years ago
Ugh, so disappointing regarding the fireclays. I want a more sleek look than the whitehaven. Also don't like the divide on the whitehaven double basin. I wish it was more of a 60:40. Thanks for taking the time to chime in!
PRO
ProSource Memphis
4 years ago
We chose a Blanco for one of our displays. It chipped. Good thing it was reversible. Then the plumber overtightrned the drain. Stress crack. At least it wasn’t going to be connected to water.
ajohnsonk thanked ProSource Memphis
ajohnsonk
Original Author
4 years ago
Good to know! So disappointing
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
4 years ago
I wouldn't recommend a fireclay sink. Unrepairable.
ajohnsonk thanked Joseph Corlett, LLC
KC
2 years ago
I am with you! I have so many other things to do than read reviews. Just wanted to back you up.

Wonder what you decided 2 years ago?
cupofkindnessgw
2 years ago
Over the years I've had my doubts about fire clay too, but the cast iron/enamel sinks are generally so thick and curvy in the front, it's just not my vibe. Id like a sink that is close to the cabinetry with straight sides and 90° walls.

Home Depot, Wayfair and other stores carry a brand called "Sinkology" that gives a lifetime warranty against chips, cracks, stains etc. Does that mean anything these days? These sinks aren't cheap, but still half the price of a Kohler farm sink. I wish Kohler was less concerned about making sinks to fit in traditional sink base cabinets (minimal modifications as a result) and more attuned to design trends.

Sinkology

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