Undermount sinks are simply more practical, functional and aesthetically pleasing than overmount sinks. With undermount sinks, it is really easy to wipe food crumbs from the countertops into the kitchen sink. There is no edge, no seam and no calking in the way.
In addition, your countertop material will be a huge factor in making this decision. Undermount sinks are usually more popular for their looks whereas overmount sinks are better for longevity and for kitchen worktop materials such as wood.
Since undermount sinks to not have anything above the counter to help carry their weight, they need more support. They also need more solid countertops that don't suffer easily from water damage. This often makes them a more expensive sink than other options and also makes installation more difficult.
Pros of an Undermount Sink
Undermount sinks are: Easy to clean: Countertop cleanup is more streamlined with undermount sinks since you can wipe any spills or crumbs directly into the sink. Highly durable: Undermount sink types can be worth the price for their durability and quick countertop cleanup.
Some say drop-in is generally the best option because it's easier to access all parts of the sink for cleaning. However, both types of sinks tend to accumulate grime along the caulk line where the sink meets the counter. Where an undermount sink rim and counter meet, the caulked gap can be trickier to clean.
An undermount kitchen sink is easier to clean. Since your countertops are below your sink, there will be little need for scrubbing them. You will also have less counter space, so cleaning will take less time. With less counter space, you will also have less waste from pans and pots.
Overall, which is better: Undermount or Drop-in Sinks? In general, which sink type is best for you will come down to preference. Drop-in sinks represent a sink type that is affordable, flexible, and easy to install. But drop-in sinks do not have much in the way of resale value and are aesthetically outdated.
The under-counter basin is easier to clean, easy to clean and hygienic, and the sanitary corners can also be seen clearly. But the disadvantage of the under-counter basin is that the construction is more difficult, and the bearing capacity is not as good as that of the over-counter basin. It is troublesome to install.
An undermount sink is just like the name sounds – a sink that fits underneath your countertops. This sink has many benefits compared to other options and makes task work in your kitchen much easier. Undermount sinks work best when they are installed in conjunction with natural stone countertops, like granite.
Undermount sinks are simply more practical, functional and aesthetically pleasing than overmount sinks. With undermount sinks, it is really easy to wipe food crumbs from the countertops into the kitchen sink. There is no edge, no seam and no calking in the way.
When you have a negative reveal, a portion of the countertop underside is exposed to splashing water. When you use a porous material, water can seep through and the sink area can become a breeding ground for mold.
Top-mount sinks offer numerous advantages, including water conservation and greater storage space. There are also some disadvantages to this type of sink, including being harder to clean. Although these downsides aren't enough to make you stray away from choosing a top-mount sink, they are still worth noting.
Countertop Compatibility
Rimmed sinks work well with all countertops. Whether you have a granite, marble, or soapstone countertop, a drop-in sink will go in without any hiccups. Undermount sinks, on the other hand, work well with all countertop materials except custom tile and laminate tops.
Undermount sinks also remain popular, with Beesley sharing that they're “a popular choice for customers as they are installed under the level of the worktop creating a seamless design. These types of sinks save space, and create a clean and sleek look which is great for minimalist-style kitchens.”
Weight: Stainless steel or copper sinks tend to be the lightest, while vitreous china, porcelain, ceramic and composites are moderately heavy. Choose a heavy stone, cast iron or enameled-steel undermount sink only if you're sure the countertop can support the weight.
Undermount sinks are a popular choice for many homeowners because they offer a sleek, seamless look that is easy to keep clean. Because there is no lip around the edge of the sink, it is easier to wipe debris directly into the sink, rather than having to clean around the rim of the sink.
Each sink is sized to work with existing countertops and faucets, so no special sizing is required.
Many undermount sink types are attached to the countertop with silicone sealant and metal clips. Use a utility knife to cut through the silicone, then unscrew the clips. Removing and installing an undermount sink is a two-person job.
'The easiest kitchen sink material to maintain is going to be one made of stainless steel, copper, cast iron or enamel because they will not support microbial growth as they are not cellulose material,' says Darren Hudema, director of training and technical services at PuroClean.
Without the proper installation, which should include high-quality sealant, the sink can cause serious leakage. The proper support is also necessary for an undermounted sink. Imagine how much water weighs.
Timeless: Think farmhouse sinks in porcelain, soapstone sinks (integrated into the counter, or not), and surprisingly, concrete (subtle colors akin to soapstone or slate). Copper is a timeless material for pantries and bars.
Double Basin/Bowl Sink
The most popular type of kitchen sink arrangement, dual basins allow for washing on one side and rinsing or drying on the other side.
Natural stone. An increasingly popular alternative to a classic ceramic or stainless steel sink, a natural stone sink brings warmth and character to kitchen trends. Natural materials are a key tenet of 'soft' minimalism, the latest wave of the trend synonymous with calming, clutter-free spaces.