Ceramic Sinks

Ceramic Sinks have been around since the 1800’s, and were hugely popular in kitchens throughout the UK long before plastic or even stainless steel sinks were developed. One of the most popular types of ceramic sink is the Belfast Sink, which is a deep rectangular bowl with a wier overflow system built into it. The Butler sink is another popular variation.
The ceramic pottery is made from a mixture of clays fillers and fluxes being fused together during a firing process. Although a certain degree of uniformity can be attained with modern development processes, the natural firing process does result in variances of up to about 5mm in the dimensions of the ceramic sink.

Ceramic Sinks are very hard wearing and can look fantastic even after several years of day-in day-out usage. They are very resistant to stains, and unless a faulty leaking tap is left unattended for a long time, they will also generally stay rust free for years and years.
A key benefit of the ceramic sink is that they tend to be very spacious. One of the problems with the modern automatic dishwashers which are found in almost every home is that they do not tend to be big enough to accommodate large dishes or serving bowls. This is where the traditional ceramic sink comes into its own.
Even with today’s modern technology, Ceramic sinks are nearly all hand-made. They are made out of liquefied fireclay which is poured into a mould and allowed to set before being hand finished. A ground glass glaze would typically be sprayed over the sink before the final firing.
Due to the hard durable nature of the porcelain, ceramic sinks are relatively easy to clean with a bit of mild soap and warm water. It is best to avoid using abrasive cleaners as these could potentially dull the surface if not managed correctly.

Ceramic basins can be found in a number of rooms in the house including the kitchen, the bathroom and the pantry. There are a number of manufacturers who produce and supply ceramic sinks including:

  • Kohler
  • Caple
  • Astracast
  • Thomas Denby
  • Luisina
  • Franke
  • Leisure
(Note – If we are missing any brands or suppliers please let us know).
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