Fienza Olivia Butler Sink

Fienza Olivia Butler Sink Buying Guide

The Fienza Olivia is a single bowl butler sink in gloss white fine fireclay, with a reversible fluted and flat front. It comes in three sizes, so it can fit a compact laundry or a full-size family kitchen, and suits Hamptons, farmhouse and classic white kitchens.

What sizes does the Olivia come in?

The Olivia is sold as the Small 610, Medium 760 and Large 835. The names are nominal, so use the measured sizes when planning:

• Small 610: 605 x 455 x 255mm outside, with a 565 x 415mm bowl holding 49.5 litres.
• Medium 760: 765 x 455 x 255mm outside, with a 725 x 415mm bowl holding 66 litres.
• Large 835: 840 x 460 x 255mm outside, with an 800 x 420mm bowl holding 67 litres.

Fienza advises allowing a tolerance of plus or minus 15mm for fireclay, so measure the sink you receive before the cabinet and benchtop are cut.

Which Olivia size should I choose?

The Small 610 suits a laundry, a butler's pantry or a compact kitchen. The Medium 760 suits most kitchens and gives room to wash large pots. The Large 835 suits a long bench where the sink is the centrepiece. Allow a cabinet that is wider inside than the sink, as plumbing and support framing take up space.

What is the reversible front?

The front of the Olivia has a fluted face on one side and a flat face on the other. You choose which side faces out when the sink is installed. Fluted suits a traditional or Hamptons look, while flat suits a simpler, modern kitchen.

How is the Olivia installed?

A butler sink sits in a cabinet built to its size, with permanent support shelving underneath to carry the weight. It can be undermounted, with the benchtop overhanging the edge, or fitted flush with the bench. Have the sink on site before the cabinet is built and the benchtop is cut. The Olivia needs a 90mm basket waste, sold separately; Fienza lists A3SS, A3CM and A3RB as compatible.

Is a white fireclay sink hard to keep clean?

No, but it does show stains from tea, coffee and red wine more than a dark sink, so rinse it after use. The glaze is non-porous and resists scratches and odours. Clean it with mild soapy water or a pH-neutral cleaner on a soft cloth, then dry it. For limescale, a diluted vinegar solution works well. Avoid bleach, abrasive powders, ammonia and steel wool, and keep hot objects off the surface. Grey marks from metal pots can usually be lifted with a gentle cream cleaner.

What tap and accessories suit the Olivia?

The bowls are 235mm deep, so choose a mixer with enough reach and height to direct water into the bowl. A gooseneck or pull-out mixer suits most layouts. A sink grid on the bowl floor protects the glaze from heavy cast-iron pans, and a drainboard beside the sink helps with drying.

Completing the room

Compare the Fienza Charlton double bowl and the matte black Fienza Benson, or browse kitchen taps, sink wastes and Fienza kitchen sink accessories at The Blue Space.