Choosing the best sink for your kitchen can be tricky now that there are so many options in the market today. Both enameled and fireclay farmhouse sinks make excellent options, but each has pros and cons.
If looking to purchase an enameled or fireclay farmhouse sink, you might be wondering what model fits your home best.
In this post, we explore enabled, and fireclay farmhouse sinks to help you understand the differences and make an informed buying decision.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Feature | Farmhouse Sink Enameled | Fireclay Sink |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Cast iron or stainless steel baked in enamel | Clay and glaze |
| Durability | Durable | More durable |
| Color options | Available in a wide variety of colors | Limited color options |
| Installation | Not easy to install | Easy to install |
| Cost | Expensive | More expensive |
What is an Enameled Farmhouse Sink?
Enameled stainless steel
Enameled cast iron
An enameled sink isn’t made out of enamel entirely. It’s usually stainless steel or cast iron and covered in a baked enamel finish.
Although durable, the enamel finish can chip or crack, thus the need for you to take proper care of our sink.
- Appearance
Enameled farmhouse sinks are made from porcelain enamel coating, which gives them a modern look. If you want to maintain a classic yet traditional charm to your home’s décor, this model will suit you best.
- Durability
Although enameled stainless steel sinks are more budget-friendly than their cast iron counterparts, they are typically not as long-lasting. They are even more prone to dents and cracks.
With drop-in enameled stainless steel sinks, water leaks at the edges can lead to rust and corrosion. Enameled cast iron is heavier and has a better seal against moisture.
It is also not likely to dent or crack.
However, it’s important to note that a hard blow with a sharp object can crack or chip the enamel coating of either sink. This exposes the metal beneath to moisture, leading to rust and corrosion.
- Color
Enameled farmhouse sinks come in various colors, meaning that it’s easy for you to get a model that matches your kitchen’s look.
- Installation
Enameled sinks are available in drop-in and undermount designs. The drop-ins feature a lip or edge that rests on the counter, making installation easier.
In both drop-in and undermount designs, enameled stainless sinks are lightweight and easy to install. On the other hand, cast iron is heavier, and its undermount designs require additional support during installation.
Also, although most enameled farmhouse sinks come with pre-drilled faucet holes, they may not be enough to accommodate your needs. This means you’ll have to drill holes in the sink, which is not an easy task.
To avoid damaging the enamel coating, you might be forced to seek professional help, which leads to extra costs.
- Maintenance
Enamel sinks are highly resistant to stains. In fact, they are easier to clean than most sinks on the market today. However, you must exercise extra care when cleaning these fixtures to prevent damage.
Do not use harsh cleaners or abrasive pads on the sink, as these can damage the finish. It would help if you were careful not to avoid dropping heavy or sharp objects on the sink to prevent cracks.
- Cost
Cast iron enameled farmhouse sinks are among the most expensive sinks. They come with a high upfront cost and are quite expensive to install.
Some models require under-mounting to hold the heavy sink in place. The additional installation materials make the sink more expensive.
What is a Fireclay Farmhouse Sink?
BOCCHI Single Bowl 30 inch
Kraus 33″ Reversible Single Bowl
33 inch Double Bowl
A fireclay farmhouse sink is a clay-based ceramic sink heated in a kiln at extremely high temperatures (roughly 2000 degrees F).
Thanks to its kiln-fired creation, a fireclay sink is amazingly durable and capable of taking hard knocks from your pots and pans.
- Appearance
Fireclay sinks boast a luxurious look that will automatically elevate the look of your kitchen. Their handcrafted nature and farmhouse-inspired style bring class and elegance to any kitchen.
- Durability
The strength of fireclay sinks can’t be overlooked. These heavy-duty workhorses can hold up under the weight of heavy dishes and other kitchenware.
They are more heat and impact-resistant, which reduces the risk of chips and scratches. They are also non-porous since nothing you put on the sink penetrates the surface.
When you combine the durable material and the non-porous finish on the already solid fireclay, you get a high-quality sink resistant to a wide range of potential hazards.
- Color
Fireclay farmhouse sinks don’t come in a wide variety of colors. In fact, most come in white which might not be ideal for persons interested in a colorful kitchen sink.
- Installation
Although a little trickier to install than standard sinks, fireclay models are more accessible to set up than enameled farmhouse sinks.
In fact, with basic DIY skills, you can install the sink on your own. All you need are the necessary tools for the job and a pair of helping hands since fireclay sinks are extremely heavy.
In addition, most fireclay sinks come with clear instructions to help you carry out the task with ease.
- Maintenance
Fireclay farmhouse sinks are extremely easy to maintain. They do not require a special cleaning detergent so any dish soap will do fine.
The key to keeping your fireclay sink looking as good as new is cleaning it often. Instead of letting dirt and grime collect, give the sink a wipe when you see it.
A baking soda solution will do the magic
in case of stubborn stains.
Avoid using steel cleaners, scouring powder or liquid, and concentrated drain cleaners when cleaning the sink. These substances can damage the fixture.
- Cost
Fireclay farmhouse sinks come with a higher price tag now that they undergo a more extensive manufacturing process.
On average, their prices begin from $600 and can reach $1000 depending on the model’s capacity and how well it’s made.
Conclusion
Both types of sinks are excellent choices for any kitchen, and often, it’s actually a matter of preference. If you want a fireclay sink, be mindful of the cost, as these models tend to be expensive.
If you are interested in an enameled farmhouse sink, on the other hand, be ready to exercise extra care when using it. You don’t want the unit to get cracks a few months down the line, right?
We hope that our guide on farmhouse sink enameled vs. fireclay helps you get the right sink for your home.