Kohler is not the fireclay type farm sink that is the most popular now, but cast Iron farm sinks like Kohler are much easier to install. They are also impossible to crack and can only chip at worst. A cracked fireclay farm sink would be a catastrophe so be very careful around it if you choose it.

Main line kitchen- so do you recommend fireclay or cast iron? Do national retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s carry these?

Fire clay looks a little nicer but Cast Iron is indestructible and easy to install. We encourage our customers to get the safer cast iron but 90% choose fireclay.

If you at least worry about dropping something and breaking your fireclay sink it will be less likely to happen.

The durability of cast iron is impressive, but if you have hard water, be warned.

If your sink actually will be used frequently / daily, rather than choosing one for décor, seriously consider a deep double stainless steel kitchen sink.

I replace a lot of worn cast iron Kohler sinks. Pictures if you wanna see.

Joseph- what is the main issue you see? I really want a white farmhouse sink but not torn between cast iron or fireclay.

People want the first picture; they hate the second. Yeah, a Blanco fits in a Kohler cutout. Who knew?

Before you follow the advice for two deep bowls, please do read this: https://www.rachiele.com/copper-sink-ergonomics.aspx

You don't need to necessarily buy from Dino Rachiele (although you won't regret, if you do), and admittedly he is opinionated on what makes for a good design. But even with all these caveats, I do think he makes a very compelling argument for why a well-designed single bowl sink is superior.

The vast majority of people here prefer single bowl sinks.

The vast majority of people everywhere prefer single bowl sinks.

My question is more on fireclay vs cast iron for a white farmhouse sink not a single or double. What are the Pro’s opinions on that?

FIRECLAY:

PROS:

• Timeless & Traditional look
• Adds a “Statement Piece” to any kitchen
• Practically resistant to hard water damage

CONS:

• Can chip

• Expensive

• Prone to cracking if drain or garbage disposal is over-tightened

• Heavy & requires additional support under sink base cabinet

  Opinion: Perfect for those who have hard water and want the traditional farmhouse look.

ENAMELED CAST IRON:

PROS:

• Resistant to light & fading
• Resistant to stains
• Resistant to scratches
• Beautiful & Timeless
• Available in different colors & styles

CONS:

• Very prone to rusting
• Expensive
• Heavy & requires additional support under sink base cabinet
• Cannot use abrasive cleaners - can dull the shiny finish

Opinion: Great choice for people who do not have hard water. We all know, iron can and will rust away.

When it comes to fireclay vs cast iron, for me, the decision would be about money. Can you afford to change out a fireclay sink without being upset about it? If you can, roll the dice- and I don't mean that snakily at all- in one of my houses that was the calculation I made and I bought the fireclay.

Fireclay. We had one for 15 years and not a scratch or chip. My husband, the proverbial bull in a china shop, is a great cook (use every pot and pan!), but not a careful person. We both loved that sink so much that our custom cabinet maker has our new Rohl at his shop right now as he builds our new kitchen.