Fireclay Sinks

Q. "What's the difference between vitreous china, porcelain, fire clay, ceramic, etc.?"
A. There are many terms used to describe white "clay" bathroom fixtures - sometimes the terms are interchangeable and sometimes they are not. For instance, vitreous china and porcelain are essentially the same thing. Vitreous china/porcelain sinks are made by baking a refined mixture of clay and other minerals at a high temperature after glazing. Vitreous china/porcelain is naturally mildew- and bacteria-resistant with a non-porous surface that is ideal for maintaining sanitation - hence it is commonly used for lavatory sinks and toilets. Fire clay, on the other hand, is also molded from a specific clay and mineral mixture that provides resistance to mildew, but it is fired at a higher temperature than vitreous china/porcelain which gives it greater resistance to heat. While fire clay is most often used for kitchen farmhouse sinks, some bathroom sinks are also made of fire clay. Ceramic is sometimes used interchangeably with fireclay, vitreous china, or porcelain, and simply refers to a style of fixture that is molded from clay and baked.

Q. "Can I use a garbage disposer with my fireclay sink?"
A. Although many manufacturers say it is fine to use a garbage disposer with their fireclay kitchen sinks, we do not recommend it due to the potential for cracking or "crazing" (cracks in the glaze). Fireclay is a hard, non-porous surface that isn't very forgiving - which makes it ideal for the busy kitchen as it can stand up to rigorous abuse. However, those same qualities are not well suited to the vibrations of the disposer motor. The vibrations tend to have a lever effect on the flange, rocking it back and forth within the drain opening, and can potentially compromise the structural integrity of the sink. Although "crazing" doesn't necessarily affect the structural integrity of the sink, it can be difficult to repair (if it can be repaired at all), and many people find it unsightly and are subsequently unhappy with the look of their sink after this has occurred.