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Top 5 Pros and Cons of a Butler Bowl (Review)

Top 5 Pros and Cons of a Butler Bowl (Review)

When designing a kitchen in New Zealand, there are seemingly endless styles of sinks to consider. We’ve already detailed several models in stainless steel and EcoGranit. Yet, many of the designers and homeowners we talk with are still searching for something a bit more unique.

Enter the Butler Bowl. Also commonly referred to as a farmhouse sink, this style has long-standing roots in historic design while remaining quite relevant in today’s homes. Fully functional and classic in appearance, it’s a definitive way to add an exciting element to your project.  

So, what makes a Butler-style sink so special? In this article, we’ll review the top three elements that have made farmhouse bowls a highly desirable selection for several generations. We will also look at the two areas that need to be considered when reviewing the bigger picture.

Great design seemingly has no expiration date, and Butler bowls are certainly a shining example of that.

The Pros:

Butler Bowls Deliver Rustic Style

With an uncompromising blend of beauty and functionality, Butler bowls are a wonderful addition to any style of kitchen. The design may be recognised for its country home appeal, but don’t let that limit its potential. Whether you’re seeking to create a contemporary space or more on the traditional side, a farmhouse-style sink is up to the task.

Depending on your colour palette, you have options to best match your vision. Many of our Butler bowls are available in both white and charcoal to compliment any style of kitchen.

The clean look of white is perfect for matching existing appliances and brightening up the room. For a moodier appearance, the darker charcoal tones can be quite striking while adding a modern appeal.

Our line of Butler bowls is made from ceramic, but they pair beautifully with a wide variety of benchtop materials. From the elegance of Archant porcelain, quartz, and other surface options, the farmhouse style fits perfectly into all of these.

Accentuated with our unique line of tapware and cabinet handles, your kitchen will be transformed into the space you’ve always dreamed of.

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Farmhouse Sinks Offer Fantastic Functionality

A large single bowl with sleek modern lines will make farmhouse-style sinks a welcome part of any kitchen. And while they boast a striking design, they offer homeowners a flexible array of functionality.

With the large rectangular shape, it’s possible to soak pots and pans while reserving ample space to wash the other dishes. If you enjoy entertaining, or just have a highly trafficked kitchen, this is a huge convenience.

In addition, these stylish sinks are made with a luxurious, durable, and anti-bacterial glaze finish. This makes for a safe environment that’s easy to clean and keep looking new. For maintenance, just wipe them down with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge.

Our butler bowls come standard with a waste outlet for a basket strainer. They can also be paired for use with a waste disposal unit.

This versatile set of features makes Butler-style sinks a popular choice for laundry rooms as well.

Butler Bowls Feature Unparalleled Craftmanship

These sinks are hand-made from the highest-grade ceramic. Carefully crafted in England, each Butler bowl offered by Archant is a masterpiece of traditional manufacturing. Leveraging years of specialist experience by skilled artisans, the result is a truly iconic design.

While they are created in the heart of Lancashire, UK, these sinks are primed to elevate your kitchen design right here in New Zealand. Built to last, this bowl style is up to any kitchen task. They even come with a lifetime warranty for extra peace of mind.

With a farmhouse sink, you can make a big impact in an understated way. Handmade by Master Craftsmen, Butler bowls offer homeowners a timeless way to enrich their kitchen design.

If you have an eye for detail, these sinks can be used to bring a definitive sense of individuality to an existing space.

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The Cons:

Like anything you purchase for your home, Butler bowls have some disadvantages too. At Archant, we feel it’s of utmost importance to educate our customers on all aspects of design.

Farmhouse Sinks Use More Space

If space is at a premium in your kitchen, be aware that a Butler bowl will reduce it even further.

Unlike some of the sleek undermount sink options we’ve reviewed previously; Butler bowls take up a good amount of space. It’s not just the broad width that’s responsible for this, but the generous depth. While the extra capacity for washing pots and pans is convenient, the trade-off is a loss of functional space around the sink.  

We’re not just talking about the benchtop area, but also the potential for storage beneath the bowl. This will be further limited should you add a garbage disposal as well.

Be sure to measure the sink’s depth and consider the layout of your cabinetry to determine if a farmhouse sink would work well in your kitchen.

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Butler Bowls Are Heavy

As noted above, these sinks are handmade to offer incredible quality and durability. As a result, though, most Butler bowls are considerably heavier than stainless steel options.

Be aware, that some cabinet reinforcement may be required to support the added weight of a farmhouse sink.

If you’re designing a new kitchen, this won’t likely be an issue. It is, however, more problematic for homeowners looking to make a quick change from stainless steel or EcoGranit options.

You’ll want to factor in the cost of additional support structures when budgeting for your renovation.

Next Steps

As you can see, Butler bowls are a stylish addition to homes of all styles. No longer reserved for country-type designs, they fit very well into a modern aesthetic as well. The build quality is hard to beat, as is the lifetime warranty. Still, in some smaller workspaces, the large size can present a challenge.

Overall, farmhouse sinks have stood the test of time for being a perennial favourite with interior designers around the world. If you would like assistance choosing a Butler bowl for your kitchen or laundry, our team of design experts and showroom consultants are ready to help. Stop into a showroom to chat with us or contact us with any questions.

 

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