The lack of a visible lip with an undermount sink makes it quite a bit easier to clean your counters; you can sweep any debris from your counters right into the sink. However, top mount sinks are the simplest of the two types of sink to keep clean themselves.
Undermount sinks are usually more popular for their looks whereas overmount sinks are better for longevity and for kitchen worktop materials such as wood.
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.
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.
-- Top-mount advantages: Lower installation costs, more styles to choose from and sinks can be easily replaced in the future. Disadvantages: Exposed sink edges may be unsightly and tougher to clean. -- Under-mount advantages: Attractive modern look, easier to clean.
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.
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.
Moldy or Cracked Caulk: Just like topmount sinks, undermount sinks on granite and quartz need to be sealed to prevent moisture from creating mold and mildew problems in the cabinet.
'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.
Quartz Composite
Best for: High durability, heat-resistance, and sound dampening. If the vulnerabilities of solid surface acrylic resin or enameled kitchen sinks are concerning, then a quartz composite kitchen sink is a great option.
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.
The kitchen sink direction as per Vastu is ideally said to be the north direction in a kitchen built in the south direction. The kitchen sink should be placed in the northeast direction in a kitchen built in the southeast direction.
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.
There are two ways to install a sink with a quartz countertop. The conventional way is to mount it with its edge sitting on top of the countertop surface. This is referred to as an overmount sink. The alternative is to install a sink below the countertop, known as an undermount sink.
The most popular bathroom sink shape is by far the Oval Sink. It's the ideal size as it's wider than round & square sinks but it allows more counterspace than rectangular sinks. Due to its popularity, it's also the most affordable type of shape.
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.”
Stainless Steel Sinks for Granite Countertops
Stainless steel is incredibly popular for sinks because it: Looks great with granite. Resists chipping and cracking. Gives a modern look to the kitchen even in a farmhouse style.
A common issue with the undermount design is that they can be prone to sagging over time. When the sink starts pulling away from the countertop, leaving a gap, it needs to be hiked back up and secured in place. Undermount sinks work best with solid granite, marble, or concrete counters.
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.
Stainless steel sinks offer a complementary look for quartz countertops and can bring out different colors and patterns in the natural stone. Stainless steel is durable and water-resistant. It's also easy to clean and lends an industrial, urban visual to your bathroom space.
Undermount sinks are often a no-brainer decision when remodeling a kitchen. There's lots to love: they look nice, let you to wipe water and crumbs directly from the counter into the sink with a single swipe, and they eliminate that gunk-magnet seam around the lip of overmount sinks.
They're roomier, for washing large pots and pans.
And if you don't clean as you go, a big, deep single sink is a good place to stash dirty pots and dishes, so your kitchen looks more orderly.