O.P. here. Wow. So many comments on this thread, even a year later! For the record, we still are really pleased with our Kraus sink and think it provided great bang for the buck. I'm also really glad we went with the single, large basin. The grid on the bottom has also been super functional and useful. Zookeeper - that faucet is the Moen Solidad single-handle high-arc pull-out faucet in stainless. Unfortunately, it is not made anymore; it actually is a faucet we purchased several years ago. I considered buying a new one when we replaced the counters and sink, but couldn't find a well-reviewed faucet that I liked as much, never mind the cost. We did end up getting a part replacement from Moen because the pullout head was a bit loose, but they were great about it and stood behind their product. I'm glad we kept the faucet. You might try to browse eBay. We have had good luck with Moen faucets throughout our house. Like many companies, they might be suffering slightly from the "not as good as the old product" affliction, but overall they are still great, and their faucets don't cost a small fortune. Kohler faucets on the other hand - never again. We purchased a kitchen faucet from them (the predecessor to this Moen) that had a chemical reaction with our well water and leached foam into our drinking water! It was a known issue with that faucet, and the company replaced it, assuring me it wouldn't happen again. Well it did. They sent me the same junk. I was furious and they ended up issuing me a refund.

I bought mine 2 years ago - just letting you know that the online purchase went well. The Elkay I was thinking of is quartz - but I can't find it in a short apron. I thought someone said it came short apron, but I must have misunderstood. You can also have your cabinet altered for a "tall apron" - then the Elkay might work, but I have no idea how "quartz" as a sink material holds up. There are some other companies that make cast iron farm sinks - they appear to be the more traditional, harder to install type. While my Whitehaven was pricy, it is easier to install so a money saver there, and no need to change out or alter the sink base cabinet - another money saver. I ended up putting off my remodel a few months just to save up for the Whitehaven:) If you have a functioning kitchen and are just doing counters, sink and backsplash, which is what I did, then you might just wait a month and see if anything changes. Joe does lots of sink change outs and was told 45 days by his supplier. I am sure no one want to tell people it is going to be soon, and then have to take it back. I do really like my sink:)

Sounds like you've studied each option. Composite sinks can stain, and heat can affect their appearance. Fireclay sinks crack if you have a disposal, and sometimes even if you don't. Enameled cast iron can stain, chip, and rust, although people who have them claim they never do - which is more anecdotal than factual. So there are reasons to avoid all three options, especially if you plan to use an undermount sink and put a counter over it. You don't want to find yourself needing to replace your sink. I chose a stainless steel work station form Rachiele, and that's what I would recommend to anyone - quality stainless is a lifetime sink. The best of these have a brushed finish that hides scratches and soundproofing that makes them quiet. Buy stainless - good stainless.

I agree that with kids--and I remember when my kids were tweens and teenagers and bringing over their friends and they'd toss their glasses, and the ice cubes, and staining stuff like cola and salsa, into the sink without a thought--stainless steel would give you peace of mind. "the polished nickel faucet and brass hardware and lights would look terrible with that sink." (1) regarding the faucet - just don't get a polished nickel faucet, and this is not an issue. Since you are not trying to match the faucet with your brass hardware and lights you might as well get a stainless steel faucet or a polished chrome faucet which both will look excellent with a stainless steel sink. And also, polished nickel is more maintenance; they tend to tarnish over time, and will need to be polished. As an aside, I'd avoid a bridge faucet if you are looking at that. I have the Kohler Artifacts pull-down which I have been very happy with. (2) the sink does not have to go with the brass hardware and lights whatsoever. We see all kinds of combinations on this forum with stainless steel sinks. Every finish you can think up where the hardware and lights match each other, combined with stainless steel sinks. It all looks good as what @Rachel said above. Are any of your appliances stainless steel? It just sounds like you are not in love with the enameled cast iron sink. And a Whitehaven apron front is expensive to boot. So, not in love with it, concerned about chipping with kids, and it's a pretty permanent choice. It's not like a faucet or a light that you can just switch out.