Are you thinking about revamping your kitchen but still confused about the best sink to go for? How about a fireclay sink?
Fireclay sinks fit easily in different interior design trends making any kitchen stand out. They are durable, can take higher heat levels, and are easy to clean.
However, just like any other product, these sinks have drawbacks, which you need to consider when shopping for one.
And luckily enough, we’ve done the horse work for you.
In this post, we go through the pros and cons of fireclay sinks to help you determine whether it’s the kitchen sink you’ve been looking for all along.
But before that….
What’s a Fireclay Sink?
A fireclay sink is made out of clay and glaze molded into a desired shape and size. It is then fired in a kiln under very high temperatures (1600 degrees F to 2100 degrees F) for more than 36 hours.
To ensure that the sink comes out in the desired shape, it is occasionally smoothed and corrected during production. It is then left for a few days to dry.
Advantages of a Fireclay Sink
- Durable
One of the biggest reasons fireclay sinks are so popular today is their durability. They can withstand virtually anything thrown at them.
These sinks are fired under extremely high temperatures, a process that highly contributes to their long-lasting nature.
With a fireclay sink, you’ll spend less time worrying about when to replace your kitchen sink and more time enjoying using it.
- Resistant to High Heat Levels
Fireclay sinks are formed from clay and glaze, relatively resistant materials to higher levels of heat than other sinks.
And although it’s not advisable to place hot pots and pans directly on your sink, fireclay can withstand the heat.
- Resistant to Discoloration
Since fireclay sinks don’t contain metal, they don’t fade or rust at all. Even after several years of use and with proper maintenance, your sink will still look as good as new.
- Scratch and Chip Resistant
There is nothing as disappointing as spending your hard-earned money on a new sink only to find that the material is chipped or scratched after a few days of use. With a fireclay sink, you’ve got no reason to worry.
The sinks are usually coated with a highly resistant glaze, making them scratch and chip resistant. You can therefore wash your cutlery stress-free.
- Easy to Clean
Besides being rustproof, fireclay sinks are very easy to clean. And you don’t have to ‘go extra’ with your cleaning soaps. Just regular cleaning detergents will do.
In case of tough food stains, use a plastic spatula or sponge to remove them.
However, you must be consistent with cleaning to keep the sink in good shape. Avoid leaving your sink dirty for extended periods.
The best way to clean a fireclay sink is by using a wet washcloth of soft scrub and a mild cleaning detergent. After giving it a thorough scrub and rinsing with clean water, wipe it dry to prevent ugly water spots.
- Wide and Deep
Fireclay sinks are usually large. They are wide enough to hold more pots and pans than standard sinks.
These sinks are the best for high traffic situations and thus ideal for you if you frequently entertain guests at home or are into cooking and baking.
- Feature a Timeless Design
Fireclay sinks come with a simple look; hence, the best for you is looking for a sink that can blend into your home’s different architectural and interior styles.
Disadvantages of Fireclay Sinks
- Expensive
Compared to other regular sink options, fireclay sinks are more costly. However, their durable nature and ease of maintenance make them worth going for.
- Heavy
Fireclay sinks are heavier than other sinks types and thus require a strong support area. This simply means that you have to factor in the amount you’ll spend preparing the required base support in addition to the initial price.
The heavy nature of the sinks makes them a little challenging to install. In fact, without excellent DIY skills, you’ll have to hire a professional to set it up for you.
- Limited Styles and Color
Although you can get a double sink fireclay sink, the most common version is the single-sink model, often referred to as a farmhouse sink.
In addition, the sinks come in white and off-white colors only.
Conclusion
The best fireclay sink adds a lot of charm and character to any kitchen. And although a little expensive, they make a worthy investment.
With a high-quality fireclay sink, you won’t have to deal with constant repairs because of cracks or chips. Just a little maintenance, and you’ll have the sink in excellent condition for years to come.
Well, we hope that this guide helps you if thinking of purchasing a fireclay sink. Although they have a few drawbacks, they are definitely worth a try.