Is fireclay really all it’s cracked up to be?
Fireclay is a type of clay that's cooked, or "fired," at a very high temperature.
These types of sinks often have one section that is very deep and wide.
Fireclay sinks are heavy, expensive, and difficult to install.
When researching how to trade up your kitchen, you may have come across an item called a fireclay sink. The aesthetically pleasing, large basin draws the eye and provides an enormous space in which to wash dishes, vegetables, small animals, and even babies. However, there are some fireclay sink pros and cons to understand before you add this kitchen sink.
Fireclay is a type of clay that’s fired in a kiln, known for its high resistance to heat and thermal shock. This means that it can be fired—cooked in a special oven—at high temperatures, resulting in an extremely strong and durable finished product.
A fireclay sink is made from this material, commonly seen in farmhouses and other modern homes. You may not have known the name, but if you’ve ever seen a large, slightly recessed single sink in a kitchen, there’s a good chance it was either a porcelain or fireclay sink.
| Fireclay Pros | Fireclay Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | Heavy |
| Easy to clean | Expensive |
| Aesthetically pleasing | Prone to scratching |
| Chemical resistance | Requires special mounting |
| Large working space | Mostly comes in white |
Because fireclay is made of naturally occurring kaolinite clay laced with mica, quartz, and other organic matter, it’s a mix of clay and glaze. Firing it at extremely high temperatures results in a powerful final product.
Fireclay isn’t very porous, which makes cleaning a breeze. Simple dishwashing soap is enough for almost all spills or potential stains to make the sink look new.
Fireclay sinks have a classic design appeal that works in almost all houses, from rustic to modern. Unlike a simple recessed sink, fireclay sinks draw the eye to the area and can be the focal point of your kitchen.
Fireclay is a material that, when produced correctly, is very resistant to chemicals. This means acidic and harsh cleaning agents tend not to affect the sink. This is one of the reasons fireclay is considered so durable, as other materials like porcelain cannot withstand the same chemical exposure.
Fireclay sinks should be your main pick if you like deep, wide kitchen sink sizes. They often provide ample space to wash dishes, prepare food, and clean large cookware items.
You can also clean the sink with natural products, plug the drain, and brine large items like a whole turkey in the sink instead of using valuable fridge space. The sink can also double as an immersion bath for sous vide cooking techniques, but only if mounted from underneath.
Fireclay sinks are quite heavy and are difficult to even get to the kitchen, let alone install. You should hire a local sink installation professional to not only help you move the sink but plan for counter cutouts and help with any mounting requirements.
Because the sinks are so heavy, they require a special build underneath to support all that weight. A counter alone usually can’t hold up a fireclay sink (even when it’s empty). Undermounting itself isn’t terribly complicated or expensive, but you should still hire a pro to do it to avoid potential damage.
Fireclay sinks are a premium option with a premium price tag. Expect to pay well over $400 for the least expensive fireclay sink. Remember, this price is only for the sink itself and doesn’t include labor, structural kitchen adjustments, or undermount materials.
Although the sink material is durable, it can scratch more easily than other materials (like stainless steel). Sinks see all sorts of sharp objects and hard edges, and a scratch or two isn’t uncommon. Whether or not the weathered look appeals to you comes down to your design preferences and goals for the space.
We hope you like white sinks, because most fireclay is white or off-white. While you can find colored options, they aren’t the norm and you may be paying a premium for a sink that may not be as strong as its natural counterparts. Discuss this with a sink installation pro before committing to alternative colors.
Fireclay sinks are not the only large sink choice. If you have the kitchen space, consider some alternatives:
Stainless steel sinks offer high durability and a much lower cost than fireclay. They work well with modern aesthetics, but don’t have the same soft appearance that clay or porcelain does.
Cast iron isn’t only for saute pans as it’s an excellent material that provides a timeless look to a central part of your kitchen. For this reason, cast iron sinks are a popular swap for fireclay in farmhouse settings and those going for a rustic look.
Porcelain is the most similar alternative to fireclay and, while offering a classic look, is not the most durable or budget-friendly. However, they are very resistant to heat and staining, so could be a good swap if you can’t find fireclay.
Copper sinks are considered universally beautiful and add an element of elegance to a kitchen that other materials like stainless simply cannot. They are also antimicrobial. Copper sinks are quite expensive but last a very long time and due to their aesthetic appeal (and possible increase in home value), are considered a good investment.
While rarer than the other types, concrete sinks are highly customizable, and some will love how they fit into an industrial aesthetic. Once sealed, concrete sinks are extremely resistant to stains and scratches.
Whether or not a fireclay sink is right for you will come down to the aesthetic you're looking for, your budget, and whether your kitchen can handle such a large central piece.
You would enjoy a fireclay sink if you are looking for a timeless design element that is exceptionally durable, albeit expensive. A fireclay sink can make your kitchen look much more high-end, and the extra working space for cleaning vegetables and plates is incredibly useful.
However, a fireclay sink may not be the right choice if you have a limited budget or don’t want to build special mounting or cut into your countertop. Fireclay sinks are tough but not as tough as steel, and require a bit more care, which means those with many children or who are rough with their kitchen gear may want to look for a tougher material.
Fireclay is a type of clay but it is a type of clay that, because of its chemical composition, can be fired at a much higher temperature than other clays. This results in a denser and more heat-resistant final material. Because of the high percentage of a mineral called kaolin, fireclay sinks are smoother and more durable than other clay types.
In many ways they are the same thing, which is a large sink that has a tall front section, often called an apron. This is because the depth of the sink prevents splashing against you, serving the same purpose as an apron. While all farmhouse sinks are apron sinks, not all apron sinks are farmhouse sinks.
The best material to use will depend on your budget and style goals. Fireclay is a great choice but is expensive and heavy. Stainless steel is less expensive and more durable, but lacks the wow factor a clay sink might. Copper is very expensive but lasts a long time and has a striking appearance. Those looking for an industrial look can go with concrete, or those looking for a classic design might choose porcelain.
