The Belfast Butler
- Amber Teague
- Dec 10, 2018
- 2 min read
A Modern Approach to the Farmhouse Favorite
A true Cinderella story, the apron front sink has come up from the ashes (pun intended), and emerged as a status symbol. What has made this style remain timeless, and how do you know which type works best for you?
Materials
Originally made in a heavy duty fired porcelain, the Apron Front sink was, and still is, the workhorse of the kitchen. Around 1935, Hermann Franke invented the first stainless steel kitchen sink. Since then, brands have continued to find ways set themselves apart. With a multitude of options, how can you make an informed decision?
Fireclay
The oldest type of sanitary ware, this type of material was made popular in France, then England closely thereafter. Although the French brands tend to be the best quality and the most expensive (see Herbeau and Villeroy & Boch). Other brands, produced in different countries, also make a durable product. Keep this in mind when you use your fireclay sink. Dropping a cast iron skillet into a fireclay sink might chip or crack the surface. When investing in a sink, I always recommend purchasing the bottom racks that fit that particular sink provided by the manufacturer. The extra $100 spent could extend the life of your sink by 1/3. Since fireclay sinks are made from clay molds and heated, each sink has unique dimensions, and can very slightly. That fact is important when planning your cabinets, or if a replacement is needed later on.
Stainless Steel
Choosing a quality stainless product is imperative to the longevity and sanitation of the sink. Many complaints of builder grade stainless sinks include discoloration, or yellowing, over time. This is due to the low grade of stainless material, causing rust to form. Gauges are measured by the thickness of material, ideally at 16-18. Builder grade sinks being stretched thinner in the corners, will sometimes claim this thickness from measuring their walls not corners. While exploring a local showroom, be sure to peak underneath the sinks. The "Knock" test is always a fun way to determine quality. The best choices will include additional pads, and a spray coatings to reduce noise.
Granite Composite
With Blanco's introduction of the granite composite farm front sink, it quickly became a hit. One pro and con of the popular composite are the silver flecks throughout the material. While it adds an anti bacterial factor, the visible shiny specs tend to be off putting to some consumers. Although very durable to wear and tear, it is not recommended to use bleach or corrosive cleaners on this material. Harsh cleaners could leach the coloring, causing a void to the manufacturers warranties.
In Europe, it is a common water-saving practice to have "overflows" within their sinks. The same feature found in bathtubs and lavatory sinks. In Belfast, Ireland water was abundant, and restrictions were not necessary. Thus, America has adopted the Belfast Butler style farmhouse sinks with no overflows. New finishes, materials, and styles being added every year, the Apron Front sink has a long history, and will continue to change over time. I think this is a "trend" that is here to stay.
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