Fireclay sinks, such as Butler and Belfast Sinks, are increasingly popular in many kitchens as a stylish alternative to the standard stainless steel sink. However many customers are unsure of their durability or whether they will chip or crack easily.

The team at Turner Hastings, one of our great Fireclay Sink brands, has put together some info on tips to put your mind at ease!

The first thing to note is that fireclay is much stronger than regular ceramic. It is a much denser and heavier material, fired at temperatures of up to 2000 degrees Celsius, and is less fragile and brittle than standard ceramic. This means it is more resistant to impact.

Fireclay sinks are finished with a high-quality glaze which is non-porous, stain resistant and easy to clean. Simply wipe clean with soapy water and a soft cloth.

If your sink happens to come into contact with a heavy metal item, it may get a surface mark. There is no need to panic however, these can be easily removed. Turner Hastings recommends a product called Bar Keepers’ Friend, which is a powder compact that can be purchased from many supermarkets.

These marks are known as “silvering” – it’s actually the metal transferring onto the sink, rather than the sink being damaged. Fireclay is so tough, it’s more likely you’ll break a plate or dish than damage the sink.

On that note, to prevent any marks on your sink and protect your dishes and glasses, we recommend using protective rubber sink mats or stainless steel grids. This will provide a cushion at the bottom of the sink, especially handy when washing up.

Fireclay is highly heat resistant – boiling water, hot pots and pans can placed straight into the cold sink with no fear of cracking or damage.

Turner Hastings fine fireclay products are all made in Europe, unlike most standard ceramic products which are produced in China. None of Turner Hastings fireclay sinks are made in China.

Turner Hastings offers a Lifetime Warranty on their sinks, which backs up the quality of their products and gives customers confidence in the unlikely event of an issue with their sink.

Turner Hastings is an Australian family-owned brand, operating since 1996 and offering a range of quality European sinks, tapware and sanitaryware.

Browse our Belfast and Butler Sinks and Drop in Fireclay Sinks, and choose from a range of shapes and sizes to suit any style of kitchen or laundry.