A fireclay farmhouse sink is a great way to add a nice rustic touch to your kitchen that still feels at home alongside modern appliances and fixtures. If you’re wondering about farmhouse sinks, or want to learn about all the great options that are available, then you’re in the right place.
Let’s talk about fireclay farmhouse sinks, and go over everything you need to know to pick the perfect one for your kitchen.
Our Best Fireclay Farmhouse Sinks
- Bocchi 1138 Classico Apron Front Fireclay 30 in. Farmhouse Kitchen Sink (Our Top Pick)
- Houzer Platus Apron-Front Fireclay Single Bowl Kitchen Sink (Best Budget)
- Kraus Turino 33” Reversible Apron Front Fireclay Single Bowl Kitchen Sink (Best High End)
- Latoscana 33″ Reversible Fireclay Single Bowl Farmhouse Sink
- Ruvati 33 x 20 inch Fireclay Reversible Farmhouse Apron-Front Kitchen Sink
What Are Fireclay Farmhouse Sinks?
To understand fireclay farmhouse sinks, we first have to talk about the material itself. So what exactly is fireclay?
Simply put, it’s a moldable ceramic material that gets baked in a kiln at a high temperature. So, moldable like clay, and it takes heat to set it, ergo: fireclay.
After it is removed from the mold and allowed to cool completely, it is coated with a porcelain enamel similar to what you find on enameled cast iron pans and then heated again to seal it as the enamel binds with the fireclay.
But why go with fireclay over a traditional stainless steel or even a cast iron sink?
Well for one, the material is extremely heavy-duty and incredibly scratch-resistant, which is great if you want something that will last a lifetime (or two).
On top of that, it is extremely resistant to discoloration and it won’t rust even if you do manage to chip or scratch it, unlike steel or cast iron sinks. It is one of the most durable materials available, making it a premier sink material
This also makes it really easy to clean, which is great for keeping your kitchen free of harmful bacteria and things like salmonella, as well as preventing any weird or funky smells from taking over your sink (it won’t save your drains, however).
Also, because of the nature of the ceramic, you can’t really scorch it, so if you have to put a hot pan in your sink quickly you won’t have to worry about it. Fireclay is more than capable of standing up to whatever you can throw at it, heat wise.
What Are The Different Types Of Fireclay Farmhouse Sinks?
There are a few different types of fireclay farmhouse sinks to keep in mind when it comes time to buy.
Double Basin vs Single Basin
Fireclay farmhouse sinks come in two main varieties: single basin, and double basin.
Single basin fireclay farmhouse sinks are a little more traditional and have just one large sink basin to work with. This is great for washing pans, large pots, and other large cookware, or even for handwashing clothes, but it can be a little less practical for daily use.
Double basin sinks are probably what you picture when you think of a typical sink where you have two basins to work with, which can make doing general dishes a little easier, but you lose a little of the ease of washing those baking sheets and pizza stones. So really it just depends on preference and what you prefer as far as functionality
Splitting the difference is a half-wall sink which has two basins separated in the middle by a wall that only extends to half of the total height of the basins. This gives you effectively a double basin with a combined, single basin on top that you can use to wash larger dishes.
This takes away some of your ability to leave dishes to soak, but it also gives you the best of both worlds, and is something worth considering.
Undermount vs Top Mount
The other thing to consider when choosing what style of fireclay sink you want is whether you want an undermount sink, or a more traditional top mount.
Top mount sinks attach, as you might guess, to the top of your counter and have a lip that extends over the countertop. Because of the strain this can put on your counters, most fireclay farmhouse sinks are undermount, meaning the lip is below the top of your counters.
This undermount design is great for keeping your counters clean because you can just wipe most food debris straight into the sink and down the garbage disposal, and it makes it much easier to build in the supports needed to handle the weight of the sink, leaving you with a more attractive and rustic look.
Apron vs Contained
Finally, you have to decide whether you want an apron-style fireclay farmhouse sink, or a contained one.
Apron-style sinks are more old school and are great if you want the sink to be the centerpiece of your kitchen. This makes a great focal point for the room, and it shows off your attractive fireclay sink.
Contained sinks have cabinetry around them, and are less popular because you lose some of the traditional rustic farmhouse look, but if you don’t really want to highlight your sink, this is an option that’s available to you.
What Do You Look For In The Best Fireclay Farmhouse Sink?
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the ideal fireclay sink for your kitchen. Out of all the different types of sinks, these are some of the newer ones on the market, so it’s important to have a good idea of how the fireclay material actually works.
Fireclay Percentage
First and foremost, if you’re after a true fireclay farmhouse sink, make sure your sink is actually made mostly of fireclay. Some brands will sell “fireclay” sinks that actually have a very small percentage of real fireclay in them.
Make sure that you buy from a reputable retailer as they will have the fireclay percentage listed.
This way, you can be sure that you’re getting something that is at least 60% fireclay, which is the minimum you should aim for.
Glazing Quality
The glazing on your fireclay farmhouse sink can make or break its usefulness, as a poor-quality glazing can lead to scratches and chips. Double and triple enamel glazes are preferred here.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of your fireclay sink is something you want to be very careful of when selecting one for your kitchen. These sinks are typically made to standard sizes, and can’t be molded or shaped like cast iron sinks can.
They are also very heavy, so you’ll need to plan for adequate support to be built in around them.
Drain Size
Next, you’ll want to double check the drain size of your new sink. You can’t really alter this, so if your current plumbing fixtures don’t match up with the drain size here, then you’ll need to look into adapters to step the pipe size up or down in order to allow for proper fitment.
You’ll want to do similar measurements when choosing your faucet.
Front Style
Finally, make sure the sink you choose has the right styling for the look you’re going for. If you just want the heat and corrosion resistance of the fireclay farmhouse sink without worrying about displaying the front of the sink itself, then an under-mount sink is of course fine.
If you want the more traditional look, you’re after an “apron front” sink, as this will show off the attractive front or “show” side of the sink.
Best Fireclay Farmhouse Sinks Reviewed
With all that out of the way, let’s take a look at our top fireclay farmhouse sinks.
1. Bocchi 1138 Classico Fireclay Apron Front 30” Single Bowl Kitchen Sink (Our Top Pick)
This Bocchi Classico Apron Front sink is an excellent option if you want a single-basin design without a divider. It is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you’re almost sure to be able to find something that matches your decor and desired aesthetic.
This is a really excellent option for most any kitchen, and is the perfect apron-style farmhouse sink.
They also have an excellent warranty.
Pros
- Comes with a protective bottom grid to reduce the risk of chipping the bottom of the sink
- Built-in strainer
- Multiple bowl styles available
Cons
- No double or divided basin option
- Requires stand-off flange to install a garbage disposal
Buy The Bocchi 1138 Classico Apron Front Fireclay 30 in. Farmhouse Kitchen Sink On Amazon
2. Houzer Platus Apron-Front Fireclay Single Bowl Kitchen Sink (Best Budget)
The Houzer Platus Apron-Front Fireclay sink is another great option that’s perfect if you want a fireclay farmhouse design on a budget.
This affordably-priced sink features a robust glaze and a dual-mount design that allows you to install it as either an apron-front or under-mount sink. It is also available in multiple sizes, so you don’t have to do as much work planning your entire kitchen around it.
Pros
- Can be mounted as undermount or apron-style sink
- Multiple sizes available
- Single or double bowl available
Cons
- Only available in three colors
- No design work on the apron side
Buy The Houzer Platus Apron-Front Fireclay Single Bowl Kitchen Sink On Amazon
3. Kraus Turino 33” Reversible Apron Front Fireclay Single Bowl Kitchen Sink (Best High End)
If you’re looking for a more high-end fireclay farmhouse sink, then this is a great option.
The Kraus Turino 33” fireclay sink is a single-basin offering that includes a reversible apron design to give you more aesthetic options, as well as a removable cutting board and flip-cap drain assembly for ease of use. Overall, an excellent option if you can stomach the price tag since you get what you pay for.
Pros
- Bottom grid to help prevent chipping
- Removable cutting board
- Flip-cap stainless steel drain assembly
Cons
- Limited color and size options
Buy The Kraus Turino 33” Reversible Apron Front Fireclay Single Bowl Kitchen Sink On Amazon
4. Latoscana 33″ Reversible Fireclay Single Bowl Farmhouse Sink
The Latoscana 33” Reversible Fireclay Single Bowl farmhouse sink is another well-made option that will do well in most any farmhouse-style kitchen remodel.
It features both undermount and apron-front install options, and it’s reversible so you can choose which side you want to face outwards if you go with the apron style install. Also, it’s heat-treated to a higher temp than many other options, which in theory makes it more resilient and ups the durability.
Pros
- Reversible apron design gives you two options on the show side
- Multiple installation options
- Deep basin is perfect for washing large dishes
Cons
- No double-basin option
- Limited colors
Buy The Latoscana 33″ Reversible Fireclay Single Bowl Farmhouse Sink On Amazon
5. Ruvati 33 x 20 inch Fireclay Reversible Farmhouse Apron-Front Kitchen Sink
Ruvati is an Italian company that offers another high-end option with their Reversible Farmhouse Apron-Front Fireclay Kitchen sink.
This sink features a fluted side as well as a smooth side for apron options, giving you some choices when it comes time to install. You also have a variety of colors and finishes to choose from so you can get something that really goes with your kitchen.
Pros
- Hand-built in Italy
- Excellent glazing and heat treatment
- Available in a huge variety of colors, finishes, and apron designs
Cons
- Relatively heavy
Buy The Ruvati 33 x 20 inch Fireclay Reversible Farmhouse Apron-Front Kitchen Sink On Amazon
Final Thoughts On Fireclay Farmhouse Sinks
Farmhouse-style sinks made out of fireclay are a great way to add a stylish but extremely functional touch to your kitchen. They can lend either a rustic or modern look, depending on how you decorate, and they’re extremely wearing and stain-resistant as well.
If you’re looking to redo your kitchen, or you’re planning a new one and you want a fireclay farmhouse sink, then these are the best ones to choose from whether you’re a new homeowner or you’re just doing a remodel and want something that is high-quality and not just a plain old stainless steel sink.