Also known as overmount sinks, inset sinks are the most popular type of kitchen sink and are the most straightforward to install. The inset sink is mounted from above, whereby the bowl drops into a hole prepared in the work surface and the rim then overlaps and rests on the top.
Some of the most common features of an inset sink, are that they are square frames and generally come with a draining board. Undermount Sinks are sinks that are installed from under the surface of the worktop with a cutout made to the correct size of the bowl.
There are three main types of kitchen sinks: drop-in sinks, undermount sinks and farmhouse sinks. These types describe how the sink is mounted and installed. We'll cover these mounting styles below, as well as other less common styles and configurations.
There are a ton of options, from mounting style to material, color, number of bowls, and size. To help you narrow it down, here are the five main kitchen sink styles—top mount, undermount, flush mount, integrated, and farmhouse—and the pros and cons of each.
While undermount sinks are currently preferred for looks, overmount can be a better investment in longevity for certain countertop materials like 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.
TOP MOUNT SINK
One of the disadvantages of this style of sink is the 'lip' it creates on top of the benchtop, meaning you won't be able to wipe directly into the sink. They can also trap crumbs around the edges.
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 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.
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.
Although the Belfast sink is the more popular style now, the Butler sink actually came first. It was, perhaps unsurprisingly, popularised and primarily used by butlers - who were often tasked with cleaning larger household items, and needed a larger, deep sink to do that.
3-hole sinks allow for two-handle faucets only without accessories. 2-hole sinks allow for a single-hole faucet, and an accessory, like a sprayer. 1-hole sink has no deck plate, and is designed for a single-handle faucet.
In short, yes, it is possible to replace a kitchen sink without replacing the countertop. However, in order to prevent any damage from occurring to the countertop, it's recommended that a professional handle the replacement.
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.
Stainless Steel Sinks
It is a champion against heat and stains, and can be installed as either an overmount or undermount sink, as well as a single or double basin. Stainless steel complements granite and quartz countertops beautifully and is also more cost-effective than other materials.
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.
Stainless steel sinks are very low maintenance; they are corrosion and rust resistant, and as long as they are cared for properly and wiped down after every use, they should not stain. Find out more about how to clean a stainless steel sink by reading our guide with handy tips and tricks from our experts.
1. Stainless Steel. When choosing your kitchen sink, you pretty much can't go wrong with stainless steel. This top kitchen sink material is extremely durable and able to withstand heavy drops from pots and pans while also resisting scratches from sharp knives and utensils.
By far the most popular material for kitchen sinks, stainless steel sinks are resistant to heat and stains and are available in a variety of types, styles and sizes. I recommend going for a brushed or satin finish rather than a mirror finish — water marks and scratches will be less noticeable.
Birchfield agrees, pointing out that fireclay and granite selections have been on the rise as they offer more warmth or a sense of nostalgia to the kitchen space. "White fireclay apron front sinks have been on the rise offering a charming statement piece.
Now, it's not that stainless steel has been considered “out of style” over the years. In fact, it's one of the most popular sink materials on the market. Known for its versatile look and natural resistance against heat and stains, stainless steel has been trusted by homeowners for decades.
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.
While stainless steel sinks are durable, they do tend to scratch if abrasive cleansers are used. You might notice tiny scratches on an older stainless steel sink if you look closely. Most stainless steel varieties have a grain or pattern to them.