Butler/Belfast sinks

I used to have a Belfast sink and really liked it, although it wasn't very practical. Then I got married for the second time to a man from a fairly well-off family and we were able to afford more expensive repairs. We bought the Aquatica sink from here: www.aquaticausa.com/category/decorative-bathroom-sinks . I didn't think it would be very comfortable, because in my opinion such things should be comfortable, not pretty. But my husband insisted and we got it. It was the best choice of my life. It's now 7 years old and doesn't have a scratch on it. Of course, it's quite expensive, but it's worth it.

I don't even know what a Belfast sink is but have you noticed in all those American films?! They have shiny kitchen islands so big you could skate on them with just the tiniest round hole for a sink! How do they wash oven trays, racks etc.? If the answer is that they don't cook in their ovens, why have an oven?

I have a Blanco double bowl Silgranit sink, it's the best sink I have ever had. It's been installed 7 years now and doesn't have a mark on it. After use I clean and buff up with a cloth, done.

I've been married 52 years and over that time have had every type of sink on the market.
Stainless steel are the worst and scratch from day one. If you don't mind that they do last a long time
Enamel sinks chip and go dull with age.
Belfast sinks, too low and chip, take up good cupboard space, damage wooden worktops.
If you live in a limescale area, composite sinks can be a nightmare.
Don't just go for style when purchasing sinks,ovens,fridges, freezer. These purchases cost hundreds of pounds and it all adds up with the addition of a completely new kitchen.
Your appliances need to meet your needs, be practical, easy to clean and service and won't need to be replaced in a couple of years.
I had my kitchen replaced 7 years ago bought from Wren Kitchens.
Five years later I had a problem with several doors, the wrap was lifting off.
Because I had a 25 yr guarantee with the kitchen and fitting all the doors and anything that could be seen was replaced. I couldn't believe they would do this.
I had a choice of any of the kitchen they were selling.
They were absolutely fantastic and it didn't cost us a penny.
When you purchase your kitchen ask the supplier what their after purchase service is and get it in writing.
Best of luck, hope you find a fab kitchen.

We have one in the utility....Great for washing the dogs paws....or cleaning paintbrushes etc.... in the kitchen we have a speckled composite sink.

Oh a zombie post! I didn't notice. What did you end up with tanith?

I loved my Belfast sink as it was so huge. I bought a mesh protector for it, a friend warned me she'd chipped hers.

I really like them and have had them in my last two houses, using a plastic washing up bowl in them to avoid scratches. I also had a drainer (with undertray) which I got from Lakeland so as not to spoil worktops.

When I got my present kitchen revamped I didn't ask for another one due to lack of space and really regret it.

Thanks to all. As someone earlier commented I know these are old posts but they are still useful. I am looking to have a new kitchen in a few months time so am digging around for unbiased opinions. Any more?
Jalimal108 your comments made me smile (baby one especially) and remember!

We have a one and a half stainless steel sink with a waste disposal in the half. I find it invaluable.

JannyR is looking for ideas for raising her washing up bowl as her Belfast sink is too low. Not more reminiscences of sinks we have known..

I'd suggest you get another washing up bowl, Janny, turn it upside down and stand the one you will be using on it. Would that make it high enough for you?

Thank you. Yes, knowing the issues with wooden draining boards I am having quartz worktops fitted. They will be behind the sink, up and over the window sill and of course the drainer grooves will be made. Just have to resolve the aching back and all will be well!?

We used our old Belfast sinks as planters - very nice !

I love them and have had them previously but like someone above posted, they really are unforgiving and break a whole matter of objects

I had two in my last house, one in the kitchen and one in the utility room - and I miss them! They were so useful for soaking oven grills and trays for cleaning and pre-soaking stained clothing - don't understand the comments about scratches because mine had been installed for over 25 years and had no scratches, used a washing up bowl (or dishwasher!) so no problem with breakages. My current house has a stainless steel sink and drainer - which drives me mad. I clean it and as soon as I place anything on the drainer it has a mark on it - that is on the list of the things to be replaced at some point!

I love mine. I’ve had it for years and can’t find a fault with it. A good wash round it every day with soapy water, occasionally use barkeepers friend to remove any stains

I love the 1.5 sinks and would never go for a single sink. Not at all keen either on looks or utility of those big Butler sinks.

One of my neighbours has a moulded 1.5 sink in her kitchen, and this is what I will be looking for if I do get my kitchen re-done.

I had synthetic reconstituted worktop and stainless double sink and it still looks good 30yrs on, very scratch resistant and easy to clean.

We had a new kitchen recently, I can't comment on a Belfast sink but would like to say how pleased I am that I chose corrian worktops .I love how it sweeps up the wall, so no dividing line between back of work top and the wall . This is especially useful behind the sink. Just a thought!

I know this is an old thread but I wish I'd seen it before buying a deep Belfast sink. First thing I did was clean fridge shelves - joy, the shelves fit completely in the sink, no need for shifting them around. But after a few minutes my lower back was aching - why had I never thought of that? So now I'm looking for solutions to raise my washing up bowl a few inches from the base of the sink since that is mainly what I will be using it for, not having a dishwasher. Any suggestions please?

I agree they are absolutely right in a utility room but we no longer have one of those so when we built the new kitchen I weighed up the pros and cons and found I couldn't do without the dog washing/plant watering/veg prep/pan soaking facilities so the Belfast sink won.

I do use a washing up bowl for everyday stuff which isn't much because most of it goes in the dishwasher.

We had ours built on years ago tanith and it has been wonderful, especially when the children were young and we had a dog!

If only I had a utility room

We have a butler sink in the utility room. I don't like them for the kitchen, the flat bottom, the way things can break if you don't use a washing up bowl and their SIZE which means loads of water for washing up. So any the big roasting tins etc go into the utility room sink, likewise flowers or plants needing a good soak or drink and I have a steel 1 1/2 bowl sink in the kitchen, which IMHO is the best of both worlds.

I'd certainly like a butler in my kitchen

I have had a standard 2 bowl and drainer ceramic sink (but not specifically bright white Belfast sink) for the last 20 years. I have had no problems with it of any sort. As I have a dishwasher the breakage issue (china) hasn't arisen and the sink has not chipped or broken. I have treated it no differently than any other sink I have owned in the 50 years I have been a home owner.

I am due to replace my kitchen in the next few months and intend to have a sink exactly like the one I have at present. ceramic, 2 bowls and draining board, but in bright shiny white ceramic like a Belfast sink. having a ceramic sink doesn't mean it has to be the Belfast shape. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.