First, apron sinks are more expensive because of the design and look. They are very cool, but do require you to reinforce the base cabinet. The one or two bowl debate is very personal --if you wash large pots and pans, then one bowl is easier. Some like two because you can rinse and wash separately. If you're on a budget, I would go with a durable stainless steel or cast iron and pass over the fireclay -- great sink, but pricey.

Have you checked IkeaFans for comments on the Ikea one? There seems to be a generally positive response. I prefer one bowl, unless the sink is huge. My old sink is a double bowl with two useless small sinks. I can't wait for the single Ikea apron to go in.

My sister bought a double bowl fireclay sink about a year ago - see link. The price is very good and it's an Italian sink (they seem to really know how to make ceramic sinks...). A year later she is still in love with it and doesn't regret her decision. I'm not sure about the comment of weight and cabinet reinforcement... There was no reinforcing necessary as I remember.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fireclay sink on sale

Has anyone ever used Belle Foret fireclay sinks? From the pictures online, I like the fact that they have straight sides, not tapered like so many are designed. And it seems more squared out unlike the Rohl (shaws) sink with it's curved bottom.

The price isn't too shabby either. I've never seen anyone mention them here. I wonder why.

Here is a link that might be useful: Belle Foret Fireclay Farm Sink

I'm not sure, kompy -- I know Belle Foret faucets have a bad (cheap) reputation. I can speak to the quality of the Whitehaus 501 fireclay sink I purchased; looks much like the one you have linked from BF, with slightly more squared-off proportions vis-a-vis the Shaw's, and about half the price.

Here is a link that might be useful: Whitehaus fireclay sinks

I love those Whitehaus sinks. I really wanted this one, but it's only 30 inches and I wanted 33 or 36. Has anyone see a similar sink in a larger size? I like the concave panel front, but my second choice would be a raised panel front.