I chose the Dickinson because I saw a video on their web site showing how you can throw a frying pan into the sink and it won't chip. I saw both the Dickinson and the Rohl in a showroom and actually liked the look of the Dickinson better. I liked that it didn't look perfectly smooth. It's not installed yet, so I can't tell you how it is to actually use. Hope this helps!

Johnliu,

You have summed up my fireclay sentiments better than I ever have. I love it. LOVE IT.

M.

That image of the plumber is too funny, Johnliu.

I originally ruled out an apron front sink because of all of the problems I read about them, but reconsidered when someone on GW posted about the Kohler frying pan video.

Johnliu: much needed humor break. Thank you!

I loved the Rohl fireclay sink in the showroom, but realized that it would not work in my kitchen with heavy pans (for induction) and a DH who deploys coffee and red wine with abandon. (Not relevant to OP, but I'm going with a heavy gauge stainless steel. Over the years, I've found it to be the least maintenance of any sinks.)

We have the Dickinson and have been very happy with it. But, Johnliu really did say it best. After drooling over the Rohl I realized I didn't want to shred my nerves over a sink or anything else anymore. I've seen 30 year old cast iron sinks that lived in households with 5 kids and they looked fine. DH all by himself can be the equivalent of 5 kids in the kitchen so I figured I was okay with the Dickinson. Bottom line, I guess, is "know thyself" (as well as the habits of others who will use the sink) and choose accordingly.

"I saw both the Dickinson and the Rohl in a showroom and actually liked the look of the Dickinson better."

Ditto

I put the Dickinson sink in my kitchen when we changed our counters to granite. I LOVE it better than anything else in my kitchen! The large, deep bowl makes it so much easier to clean large pans, cookie sheets, etc. I also love the look of it. I have had it for about 4-5 years and it still looks new! I considered a fireclay sink, but had also read that they could crack. The look is so classic, yet it would be great with any style you want to use. Yoiu won't be disappointed with the Dickinson!!

Can someone post a pic of their Dickinson pleease?

The styles are very similar. The surface and corner detailing is what's most different. Funny that the Rohl sinks were installed in such great numbers for the last 7 years and only recently did cracking become an issue. Too bad.

Not a great or close pic but there's a Kohler Dickinson you can see from afar for an overall look in a kitchen, which is soofriver's and a favorite of mine.

There's a closer view in her flickr slideshow.