Drop-in sinks are typically less expensive than undermount sinks. This is because drop-in sinks are designed to be installed by simply resting them into a hole in the countertop, a relatively easy process.
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.
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.
Undermount Sinks Make Cleaning Easy
Of the kitchen sink options, undermount sinks are a perfect choice to keep the home clean. Because they are caulked or clipped directly to the vanity or counter space, there is no gap underneath the sink.
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.
-- 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.
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.
If you are getting natural stone countertops like granite and marble or even quartz, you can have either an overmount or undermount sink installed.
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.”
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 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.
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.
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.
The most popular type of kitchen sink is a dual-basin or double basin, which allows for washing on one side and rinsing or drying on the other. A single basin, which has only one area for both, is a more budget-friendly option. Other popular kitchen sink styles include self-rimming and drop-in.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are five common types of mounting installation options for a sink into your quartz countertop: drop-in, undermount (Zero Reveal, Positive Reveal and Negative Reveal) and farmhouse sink.
Drop-in kitchen sinks (or top-mount, self-rimming sinks) are set into a hole cut into the countertop and are the easiest to install. Drop-in sinks sit on top of the counter cabinet and have a raised, rounded edge to help keep water and debris inside the sink.
The rim of a drop-in sink is noticeable, meaning there is less counter space in contrast to undermount sinks. Generally, drop-in sinks have more inexpensive options in comparison to undermount sinks. The undermount sink is the more expensive alternative and will also cost more install.