Apron Front Cast Iron White Sink 10 Years Later
apron-front white sinks are still very popular. Here are tips you need to know before buying one.
I love an apron-front (or farmhouse) cast iron sink. It provides a statement to the kitchen and the shine of the porcelain on the front just adds more texture to the room. But are they just for looks or do they provide any value to the kitchen?
First, this is the exact one I own: Kohler Whitehaven 30″ Apron Front Sink in White 9″H
Here is the spec sheet.
This is the second white enameled cast-iron apron-front sink I’ve owned. In my previous house, I had one and I loved it so much I made sure to have one in this house too. So after 15 years of use, I’m very familiar with them. When I first bought it, there was concern that I would miss the two sections in the traditional drop-in stainless steel sink. So let’s go through the good and bad about a white apron-front sink.
Here is the good and bad about a white farmhouse sink.
Apron Front cast iron Sinks – What’s Bad About Them
First, let’s go through the bad.
1.Does it stain?
The first thing you think about is the color – white. I’ve never had any problems with a stain like beet juice or tomato sauce and I use have those items in my sink weekly.
The one thing that leaves a stain mark is blueberries. I have blueberries in my smoothie every morning and if I don’t rinse it immediately, it leaves a little purple mark. And some dishes like bakeware can make grey marks in the sink.
The stains/marks come off easily with Bar Keepers Friend. I clean the sink generally 1-2 times a month. Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend in the sink then scrub it all around and rinse, that’s it.
2. Does it scratch?
Yes, even though it’s cast iron, you will get scratches. But I cannot see them unless the light is shining into the bottom of the sink.
You can buy a sink rack that sits in the bottom of the sink that prevents scratches. That is the best way to prevent them. I find they are annoying and you have to lift it out to clean it or rinse it properly. So it’s something worth considering and it may work well for your home.
What’s Good About Apron Front Sinks?
1. No silicone along edges
Being a drop-in sink, you don’t need silicone along the edge. My contractor added silicone underneath/inside so it’s protected without seeing the silicone.
2. Does it chip?
No. I’ve never had an issue with both sinks over 15 years I’ve owned them. I don’t think it’s even possible with cast-iron, maybe with porcelain sinks. So make sure you know the type you are buying.
3. Does water leak over the edge?
No, I’ve never had an issue. I’ve seen many images of apron front sinks with a marble drip edge (see photos below) under the sink for this very reason and I questioned why. I think because the height of this sink is high at nearly 9 inches, there’s no reason for water to overflow when cleaning. If you were to get a sink that is shallower, you may want a drip edge. Or if you bathe children or pets in it. I’ve bathed my kids in this sink when they were little with zero issues.
4. You can fit huge baking and roasting pans in the sink
This sink is so big you can fit a large roasting pan or baking sheet in here no problem. It’s incredible. It’s my favorite feature. My sink is nearly 9 inches high so the amount of items you can load up in the sink it amazing.
5. It’s beautifully designed
The rounded corners make it so food doesn’t get stuck in the corners, it’s angled towards the drain and it’s incredibly well made. This sink is so heavy, well made and gorgeous, I will keep buying it for any future houses going forward.
Apron Front Sink Inspiration
If you are still on the fence, here are a few examples of some beautiful kitchens with apron-front sinks so you can see just how beautiful they are.
Here is an example of a drip edge from Shea’s kitchen of Studio McGee.
This gorgeous kitchen from @parkandoakdesign shows a ledge under the sink but it looks like the same wood as the kitchen island so it must be a design feature.
This kitchen designed by @harbourhomeinteriors show a large apron front sink that looks to be 35″ wide.
@devolkitchens always has the most amazing kitchens and this one shows another beautiful wide apron front sink with a divider in the middle for two sinks.
@annakingandco has a beautiful butler pantry with a fluted front sink that works beautifully in the space.
I hope this helps you decide if an apron-front sink is for you. What do you think of it? Let me know in the comments?
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