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 :)

Believe me, there are NO plumbing issues involved. What MAY be an issue is finding a hardware store--or other source--for the parts you need to do a changeover. The best thing you can do for yourself is get down and climb under your present sink, the neighbor's sink, your family member's sinks, and familiarize yourself with the plumbing that's under there !! While you're down there, check for leaks, and use a ruler/tape measure to get an idea of sizes. Bathroom sinks are usually 1 1/4" diameter thinwall pipe; the tub/shower and the kitchen sink are, or should be, 1 1/2". One thing to remember: the 1 1/2" thinwall pipe hooked directly to the bottom of your sink, and tied into the "S" or "P" traps under there, is NOT NOT NOT the same as the 1 1/2" drain piping; HOWEVER--there are adapters to mate the thinwall to the heavier piping. By the way, you ARE gonna go to the store and find out what a "P" or "S" trap is, aincha?? Dont be afraid to ask Q's, and do realize many of the guys you ask are about as ignorant as you are when it comes to plumbing....many--not all of 'em. THEN: when you find somebody who sounds like (s)he can help you do this project, and they put down on paper the parts you need, the best thing you can do is repeat the process--go find somebody else at another store who can do likewise, and then compare the parts recommended, &c. Maybe this soundz like plumbing 101--you're right, it is. Anything else spellz disaster in the making, not to mention the resultant feeling you bin ripped off and jerked around, and that you coulda done a better job yourself.... if only.... you'd taken to heart the suggestion of: kenn 1RmSchlHse millersport oHIo -- there's a time and place for spontaneity....

As far as I can tell, the nig bummer is that its meant to be a partial overmount with a flatish lip that goes over the counter. Unless you caulk well while installing, its moldville under that lip. I like that it's easy to clean and it always looks white. We got a third party grid that helps to keep pot marks away. The LACK of depth is a relief, I like the sink around 8 inches deep. If she uses 1/2 sheet pans frequently, she needs a different sink as this one will not fit those size things. I have a two burner pancake griddle - the cheap non-stick, for home use kind - and it won't fit that. It can sit on the top, and the front and back handles will rest on the sides - so I can still clean the pan. It will fit a regular roasting pan. The other two things that I don't like about the sink is the faucet is very far back (23" or so) in comparison to 19-21" for most undermounts. It acts funny if its filled with ice - just like a glass of iced tea, it will form condensate on the underside of the sink. I imagine that varies with where you live. I will get you a trash pullout picture soon.

I have an undermount Blanco Stellar 28" stainless steel sink, with drain offset to the center rear; this was the largest sink for a 30" cabinet that I found at the time - I wanted the offset drain to maximize the storage space underneath. The product description says it requires a 33" cabinet, but it fits nicely into my 30" cabinet. I have a garbage disposal, and a soap dispenser too. The sink is plenty big enough for cookie sheets (26" interior length!) I am very happy with it. BTW with the offset, center drain/garbage disposal, I have room on one side for a pullout for the trash and recycling (from Rev-a-shelf), and a shallower pullout on the other side (because of piping in the rear of that side, from Target) that holds the compost pail (the small Ikea stainless steel step-open trash can), sponges, cleanser, and so forth. I also added an Ikea Variera pullout- about 5" w 21" d 4" t -- that attached to the side wall of the cabinet, for sundries like an small extension cord, tape, tape measure. Unfortunately I don't think Ikea offers that anymore - but perhaps something similar is out there somewhere.