FireClay Vs. Cast Iron Sink: Know Differences Before Making A Purchase

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FireClay Vs. Cast Iron Sink: Well, in this post, I would be walking you through various aspects of both Fireclay and Cast Iron Sink in order to help you make an informed buying decision.

Moreover, I would also be throwing light on the pros & cons of FireClay Vs. Cast Iron Sink in order to clear the doubts and queries of the first-time buyers.

Lastly, I would be answering the related queries in the “FAQs” section so that you can understand which out of the two would be a better option for you.

So, without any further ado, let’s begin…

In today’s world, the market is flooded with a wide range of sink brands and models, and to then choose a “value for money” product can be tricky at times.

In fact, most of the first-time buyers get confused not just because each brand has its own claims of being superior to its competitor but also because they aren’t well-informed about the product that they are planning to buy.

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FireClay Vs. Cast Iron Sink: The sole purpose of this post is to provide you adequate information that can help you in making an informed buying decision.

Nonetheless, if you STILL have any doubt or query post reading the post, you can reach out to us via the contact form, and our core team would be more than happy to assist you.

First and foremost, you need to understand that Fireclay Sinks & Iron counterparts are significantly different.

In simple words, there are tangible differences between the two.

And, the main difference between the two is the material used for manufacturing.

As the name suggests, a Fireclay sink comprises ceramic that is fired in a kiln.

On the other hand, cast iron stays by its name as it is made of a metal that is smithed in a forge.

If you’re looking for a sink that gives an aesthetic look & feel, then without any second thought, I can recommend you a Fireclay sink.

On top of it, these little beasts are lighter & easier to clean.

On the other hand, on durability, robustness, and longevity, a cast iron sink wins the race.

In spite of cast iron sinks being heavier, they perform extremely well against stains.

It would be completely wrong to say that a Fireclay sink is better than a Cast Iron sink and vice-versa.

Frankly speaking, both are good in their own sense and comes with their own sets of pros and cons.

My suggestion to all my readers would be to look for the sink that NOT only caters to your requirements but also falls well within your budget.

Trust me, the costliest sinks aren’t always the BEST, and cheapest counterparts aren’t always the WORST.

Fireclay Vs. Cast Iron Sink | Major Differences

The important parameters on which we would be having a discussion are as follows:

Material
Price

Durability
Installation
Stain Resistance

Material

As said earlier also, the major difference between the two is material itself.

Fireclay is ceramic and Cast Iron is metal.

So, most of the properties & features of Fireclay will resemble ceramic.

Similarly, the properties of a Cast Iron sink will resemble a metal family.

Heavier & Bulkier

It goes without saying that a cast iron sink would be relatively heavier and bulkier as Iron weighs more than ceramic.

Another significant reason for a cast iron sink being heavier is the fact that it has a coating of porcelain for a sturdy and robust build.

So, let’s understand the pros and cons of being heavier and bulkier.

Pros: durable, robust, and long-lasting

Cons: Less portable, and tedious installation process

Customization

When it comes to customization, a Fireclay sink takes the lead.

In simple words, a Fireclay sink provides you a wide range of customization in both usages and shapes, thanks to its malleability feature.

Durable

Do I REALLY need to say, which of the two sinks is more durable?

Yes, you guessed it, RIGHT.

A cast iron sink is more durable as compared to a fireclay counterpart, thanks to its metal features.

Appearance

Beauty is in the eyes of Beholder.

So, both the sink have a good appearance.

A cast iron sink will give you a manly look something similar to an industrial or rustic one.

On the other hand, a fireclay sink will have an aesthetic and soft look.

Price

To be honest, none of the two is a good choice for someone who is on a shoestring budget.

Both fall in the “high-end” category.

An average cast iron sink would cost you in the range of $350 to $700.

However, the premium models are priced at $2500.

On the other hand, fireclay sinks would cost you roughly in the range of $500 & $1500.

And, the premium models are available at a whopping price of $2000 and above.

Durability

Durability is definitely an important buying parameter so let’s discuss it in detail.

In terms of enamels and colors on the sink, fireclay scores higher than a cast-iron counterpart.

If you hate painting sink again and again, then fireclay could be a better option for you.

Unfortunately, a cast iron sink could lead to chipping more frequently.

When it comes to longevity/lifespan, we’ve got a clear winner and it is none other than a cast iron sink.

In fact, with proper and regular maintenance a cast iron sink can last for years to come, approximately 35-40 years- a lifetime deal, isn’t it?

Trust me, fireclay sinks aren’t also much behind in the race, they have in general a lifespan of 20 years which is pretty awesome as well.

Lastly, enamels are far more prone to staining as compared to its counterpart.

A cast iron sink will deal with problems such as rusting and over-heating in a better and effective way as compared to a fireclay counterpart.

Installation

For many of our clients, ease of installation is a big deal and can be a make-or-break decision.

To be honest, both these sinks need a good amount of effort from the buyers when it comes to installation.

And, if you’re a first-time buyer, then a cast-iron sink can put you on your toes when it comes to installing it properly.

At times, you may need to contact an expert for a proper installation of a cast iron sink.

Also, an additional under mounting support is needed in case of a cast-iron sink to prevent it from falling.

The unique design and weight of a cast-iron sink require additional sink parts for complete and proper installation.

On the other hand, a fireclay sink is relatively easier to install and comes with a set of specific instructions that you need to follow while expediting the installation process.

Stain Resistance

To be honest, a stain is an issue for both Fireclay and Cast Iron sinks.

Let’s dive deeper to find out how they deal with it.

Cast iron sink stands tall against stain issues at least in the first 10 years if NOT later.

I’ve not seen or heard of chipping happening in the first 10 years.

Similarly, chances of chipping & scratching are minimal in the case of the Fireclay sink as well.

However, when it comes to dealing with rusting, Fireclay does a better job just because Cast Iron is more prone to rusting.

The good news is, you can avoid rusting by following some simple tips such as avoiding the use of caustic cleaners and abrasives.

In the long run, Fireclay will pick up the stains relatively faster.

The enamel present on cast iron sinks prevents the occurrence of staining.

On the other hand, Fireclay sinks are porous and don’t have a protective layer in the form of enamel.

As a result, your fireclay sink will sooner or later start showing a yellowish layer on its top because of sauces, stews, etc.

FireClay Vs. Cast Iron Sink | Pros & Cons

	Fireclay Sink	Cast Iron Sink
Pros	1. Highly customizable 2. Stylish, elegant, and enticing look & feel 3. Available in a wide range of colors, styles, and sizes 4. Made up of smooth, and uniform texture 5. Less prone to rusting	1. Resistant to staining 2. Robust, durable, and long-lasting 3. Heavy-duty enamel coating 4. Customizable
Cons	1. Staining will occur over a period of time 2. Less resistant to scratches 3. Comparatively lesser lifespan 4. No protective layer coating in the form of enamel	1. Expensive – huge upfront investment 2. Installation is relatively costlier 3. Heavier & bulkier

FAQs

Please allow me to respond to the queries related to FireClay Vs. Cast Iron Sink so that most of your doubts are cleared before you make a purchase.

Are fireclay sinks strong?

Well, fireclay sinks are among some of the most robust, durable, and long-lasting sinks available on the market, right now.

Just for your information, it is heavy-duty and super durable.

Also, you’ll find fireclay sinks to be scratch, stain, and heat-resistant as it mainly comprises clay and glaze.

Can you pour boiling water into a fireclay sink?

It’s not advisable to pour boiling water into a fireclay sink in order to keep it in great shape.

However, if such circumstances prevail where you need to pour in boiling water then make sure you’re running cold water simultaneously.

What do you clean fireclay sinks with?

Neither a fireclay sink requires special clear nor complicated cleaning steps.

The cleaning of a fireclay sink is quick, easy, and less time-consuming.

In fact, you need to rub the fireclay sink with a soft cloth or a sponge after pouring a mixture of gentle dish soap and water over it.

Wrapping Up | FireClay Vs. Cast Iron Sink

So, finally, it’s time to find out which of the two sinks is right for you?

Well, I believe in speaking out the truth and that too loud and clear, both the sinks are great in their own sense and come with their own sets of pros and cons that we’ve already discussed.

I always recommend to my clients to choose the sink that NOT only caters to their needs but also falls well within their budget.

Trust me, both are an excellent choice for a typical farmhouse kitchen setup.

Of course, both these sinks have performed extremely well in our evaluation process when put to test against parameters such as quality and durability.

Even though cast iron sinks are quite popular among our clientele still my preference has always been a fireclay sink and I’ve got my own reasons for it.

Lastly, we’ve shared all the information related to FireClay Vs. Cast Iron Sink that we thought is important from the buyer’s point of view.

If you’ve any doubts or queries related to the topic, feel free to reach out to us, and we would be more than happy to assist you.

Before we sign off, it’s our humble request to share this piece of information with like-minded people and the ones who are in need of it.

After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?

That’s all, as of now :):)

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