Many times space is a determining factor. Given the same interior bowl size, you typically need a larger sink cabinet to accommodate a cast iron sink over a stainless model. Although styling of enamelled cast iron sinks has come a long way, there is a greater variety of s/s sinks...configuration, depth, shape. Enamelled cast iron sinks are much heavier than their stainless steel counter parts and often require support beyond their undermount clip system when installed in stone tops. This additional support can interfere with faucet, water filter, soap dispenser, etc. installation clearances. Lastly, I often put a soap dispenser on the divider between the two stainless steel sink compartments in a double sink if there is room so both sinks have convenient access to washing. My electrician uses his pneumatic punch to make the hole while on the job. You cannot do that with cast iron. Once all of this is taken into consideration and prepared for then the quality of performance is in the eyes (and energy) of the chief cook and bottle washer!

Cast iron or fireclay were the original farmhouse sink materials and both are scratch-resistant. Budget may be the deciding factor.

They are nice to look at and installing them isn't the issue....look under that rim after a year (out of sight, out of mind) and little or no cleaning.....what do those counter tops cost?....washing cast iron and accidentally chipping the edge....I don't believe that's repairable? Just saying.....I used to do professional cleaning and the first time I saw those sinks, my first thought was a commode......Sorry! I know they're the thing....I have seen some kitchen sinks that are really sharp looking that come over the counter...was hoping to find the manufacturer.....or someone could design something sharp and functional....I believe what I saw was ceramic.

I have a copper apron front sink and I love it. A copper sink was suggested by my designer and I loved the aesthetics but was worried about maintenance and functionality. I researched very carefully and looked at lots of different websites with sinks and read all I could about copper in sinks. What I learned is that a high quality copper sink WITHOUT a fake factory finish is extremely low maintenance. The issue is that when a company puts the fake finish on it can wear off. My sink has no fake finish so it has what it called a living finish - it changes based on what hits the surface but then changes back to the beautiful dull brown color of a copper penny. If you expect your sink to be shiny like new copper, then this is not for you. Similarly if you are looking at one of those dark brown sinks with a hammered finish, don't buy one. A good copper sink is for those who are happy with a lived in look - are you comfortable in old jeans and linen or do you like everything to be pristine and shiny. My sink is from Havens Metal and I highly recommend them as Alex Havens was great to work with. My sink has an offset drain (in the rear and to the left) which is very functional. It enables me to have a garbage roll out under my sink since the garbage disposal isn't in the middle. I also can stack dishes on one side without blocking the drain. My sink is the "ledge" type of style which means that I can fit various accessories into the ledge which effectively expands my counters and is extremely functional. I have the grid which I generally keep on the sink almost all the time. I can dry dishes; dry produce and it also acts as an extension of my relatively limited counter space. I also have the cutting board and a small ledge that holds sponges and wet cloths. As I wrote, my is from Havens but there are so other manufacturers that also make sinks with living finishes that don't need to be babied. Havens Copper Sinks