Fireclay vs porcelain kitchen sinks (2024)

Fireclay vs porcelain kitchen sinks. Are you currently remodeling your kitchen, and is the sink the next item you plan to buy? Do you have certain expectations, and have doubts about the exact material the sink should be made of?

The key points to consider when deciding between a fireclay vs porcelain kitchen sink:

• Cost: Fireclay sinks are generally more expensive, with prices ranging from $200 to $800 or more. Porcelain sinks cost $100 to $300 or more.
• Durability: Fireclay sinks are made from a more dense and hard-wearing material and may be more resistant to wear and tear.
• Style: Both types are available in a variety of styles.
• Installation: Fireclay sinks are heavy and may require additional support. Porcelain sinks are lighter and may be easier to install.
• Maintenance: Fireclay sinks may require more frequent resealing.

Worry no more because we will explore the main differences between sinks made from porcelain vs fireclay materials.

What’s more, we are going to compare both of them and share some of the main pros and cons of purchasing one of these sinks for your kitchen remodeling project.

We hope that in the end, you will have more information to work with when making this important decision.

Porcelain Sinks

Porcelain sinks are a popular choice for many homeowners all over the globe. They are less expensive and look quite good combined with different kitchen appliance designs.

Porcelain is a type of pottery created by packing a well-refined clay mixture under extreme pressure and baking it at very high temperatures. This process leaves a glaze on the sink that serves as its final coating.

Porcelain sinks are the favorable choice for many because of their accessibility, ability to last a long time with proper care, and variety all over the globe.

Pros of Picking a Porcelain Sink

• They Are Very Durable

A porcelain sink is a strong alternative that will endure for years if properly taken care of. You don’t need to worry about accidentally dropping pans or cutlery, as this will not damage the sink’s surface.

Porcelain sinks, regardless of what kind, last a long time and can be an excellent investment for your renovation budget.

• They Fit Well In Small Spaces

Porcelain sinks fit quite well in small spaces because they can be purposely designed to suit the environment in the best possible way, saving space without sacrificing functionality. If you don’t have much area to work with, ordering a custom-sized porcelain sink can be the right way to go.

• There Are Various Color Options 

Porcelain kitchen sinks are offered in various shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be a wall-mounted, drop-in, pedestal, or even under-mount.

So if you are picky and have a hard time deciding, don’t worry, because you will most certainly find a match fitting your specific needs.

Cons of Picking a Porcelain Sink

• Stains may Appear

Porcelain is more prone to staining than other materials. In the kitchen, this can mean stains from food poured into the sink or food that is not immediately wiped out. In order to prevent water stains, make sure to always wipe the surface with a dry cloth.

Unfortunately, staining may be difficult to avoid if you have a white or light-colored porcelain sink.

Regular cleaning is necessary in order to remove food and other items that may stain the surface. You should avoid using abrasive cleaners and cleaning instruments that could harm the sink’s surface.

• Porcelain Can Be Quite Heavy

Porcelain is heavier than some other sink materials, especially when compared to stainless steel models, however, the weight contributes to their extra strength.

The weight does complicate installation, making drop-in porcelain sinks the easiest to install. Installing an under-mount porcelain sink can be much more difficult, so we suggest you get familiar with all possible complications of this process.

Fireclay Sinks

Fireclay sinks can be commonly mistaken for cast iron sinks. The fireclay material is formed when a clay-based ceramic is fired in a kiln at extremely high temperatures, which cause the clay and glaze to fuse.

This process makes them extremely durable and heat resistant.

This is a plus when it comes to durability because it reduces the chance of accidental scratches and marks while being used.

Not only that, but they are also designed to maintain their appearance for a very long period of time, therefore, they can be an excellent long-term investment.

Pros of Fireclay Sinks

• They Have a Timeless Design

A fireclay sink is built to last and have the perfect look. The handcrafted quality gives your kitchen a more individualized and sophisticated look. Not only that, if one day you decide to sell your house, a fireclay sink will increase the property value.

The simple appearance of these sinks allows them to blend into many interior styles like a dream. A classic farmhouse is always the right choice.

• Their Durability

Fireclay sinks are extremely popular kitchen fixtures. They are very resistant to scratching and chipping, so you don’t need to worry about the surface getting scratched or chipped when washing heavy dishes, pans, or sharp cutlery.

• They Are Easy to Clean 

Aside from being resistant to rust, the fireclay sink is very easy to clean when it comes to stains from different foods or drinks. Any stain can be easily removed with the use of basic cleaning products.

This feature is critical in kitchens because kitchen hygiene is essential in order to ensure food safety in your household.

Cons of Fireclay Sinks

• Fireclay Sinks Have Limited Options to Choose From.

Unlike the color variety of porcelain sinks, the most common fireclay sink style available on the market is a single basin, also known as a farmhouse sink. They also primarily come in white and off-white colors only.

• They Require a Strong Installation Base

In addition to the price of the sink itself, you also have to prepare a strong area to support it since it’s heavier than other sinks made of alternative materials.

Fireclay sinks cost a little more upfront than other sink options. However, the durability of this material will save you on repairs and replacement costs in the long run.

What is a Farmhouse Sink?

A fireclay farmhouse sink is a large, deep sink designed for heavy use. It’s attached to the counter on three sides (over or under-mounted) and includes a finished front “apron” for easy accessibility and effortless style.

The farmhouse sink originates from London and has been implemented in both industrial settings and actual farmhouses.

Farmhouse sinks can be produced from both fireclay and porcelain. It is really up to your liking and budget what you should choose.

Pricing of Fireclay Sinks 

When purchasing a fireclay sink, you need to make a decision about the size and the configuration. According to Kitchen Remodel Guidelines, the price for a fireclay undermount sink varies between $600 to $2000.

Some factors that shape the price are sink capacity and style details.

On the other hand, farmhouse sinks cost from $700 to $3000. Taking into consideration their size and weight, farmhouse sinks can be one of the most expensive sinks on the market.

Pricing of Porcelain Sinks 

The variety of porcelain sinks is significant in comparison to fireclay. When purchasing a porcelain sink, you need to choose the size, configuration, shape, and color.

The price for small porcelain sinks starts from $200 to $600. On the other hand, high-end products may cost from $600 to $1200. The price can indeed increase if you want something even more specific.

Final Words

Now you know the pros and cons, and hopefully, you can make the right decision before purchasing your next kitchen sink. Go ahead and check the information mentioned above again as it may be crucial to making an informed and correct decision.

Whatever type of kitchen sink you choose, make sure it meets your décor needs, functionality, and lifestyle.

You must ensure that the sink works well for you, not the other way around,  whether you are considering purchasing a fireclay or porcelain sink for your kitchen.

If you have doubt between fireclay vs ceramic sinks, hopefully we have helped to shed some light on the pros and cons.