Ultimate Guide: Choosing Kitchen Drop-in Sink or Under-mount Sink

The kitchen sink is an essential part of the kitchen routine. It’s a place that keeps things clean and needs to hold a number of dishes, pans, and dethaw our food. More than just a utilitarian fixture, the sink is part of what gives your kitchen its character. The two most popular sink styles for kitchens are under-mount sinks and drop-in sinks. Both types of sinks can look sleek but also offer a variety of benefits, depending on your needs and wants. In this article, we will detailly introduce kitchen drop-in sinks and under-mount sinks.

What is kitchen drop-in sinks?

A drop-in sink is also known as a top-mount sink, over-mount sink, or self-rimming sink. It can easily be lowered into the designated space in the counter-top, and its rim sits on the countertop and supports the weight of the sink. Clamps that are located underneath the sink help to make it more secure. The kitchen drop-in sink can be used on any kitchen counter or bar that is structurally able to support its weight. It is available in several materials, including stainless steel, porcelain, and granite. The kitchen drop-in sink is easy to install, which is the main reason why it is one of the most popular sink styles available.

The advantages of kitchen drop-in sinks

1. Easy to install

Installing a drop-in sink is so easy it’s almost foolproof. You simply cut a hole in the countertop (if there isn't one there already), drop in the sink, and secure it with clips underneath the countertop. Drop-in sinks are the easiest sinks to install, requiring no support other than the countertop on which they rest. So, the installation process also faster than other methods.

2. Less cost

A drop-in sink costs, on average, about 50 percent less than an under-mount sink of the same size and made from the same material. Installation is simple enough that you can do it yourself if you’re handy with plumbing. If you choose professional installation, a drop-in model will be easier for the installer to work with, meaning you’ll pay less.

3. More versatile

Kitchen drop-in sinks can be installed on all types of countertop materials, including laminate, tile, solid surface, and all composite and natural stone.

4. Easy replace

Most drop-in sinks are designed for a standard-sized hole, but with those that aren’t you still have more flexibility than with an under-mount sink. That makes it easier to replace your existing drop-in sink.

5. More material options

Since the drop-in sink style is the most popular, there are more styles and sink materials available for you to choose from. Stainless steel is the most common material but you can also find porcelain, acrylic, iron, and fireclay.

The disadvantages of kitchen drop-in sinks

1. Harder to clean

The rim forms a barrier around the sink opening, and food and debris tend to get stuck in the lip of the sink. The lip of the sink can catch food, dust, and other grime which can build up over time if not properly cleaned.

2. lose working space

The rim takes up valuable real estate on the counter.

What is kitchen under-mount sinks?

An under-mount sink, as the name suggests, is a sink that is mounted underneath a countertop in a kitchen or other room. Rather than being dropped into a pre-cut hole in the countertop, under-mount sinks are installed under the counter. They mount to the bottom of the countertop and are held in place by heavy-duty clips and caulk or a special adhesive. An under-mount sink does have a rim, but the rim is not visible because it rests up against the bottom of the counter. The edge lip of the sink is mounted below a solid surface countertop, so the sink effectively hangs underneath the counter, as opposed to sitting on top of it. Because of the way they are installed, there is no rim between the countertop and sink. The edge of the countertop along the sink cutout is entirely exposed which creates a continuous flow from the countertop into the sink. In general, the kitchen under-mount sinks are used with solid countertop materials, such as granite, natural stone, or quartz.

The advantages of kitchen under-mount sink

1. Easy to clean

No rim between the counter and the sink, so the countertop can not stick food particles and dirt. The food, crumbs, or liquid can be wiped right into your sink without running into a sink lip. You won’t have to worry about gunk building up along the rim.

2. More space

Without a sink rim, a few inches of extra counter space can be got. It might not be much, but it’s handy if you want space at the back of the sink for storing dish soap and brushes. Because kitchen under-mount sinks typically have a deeper basin than drop-in sink, the under-mount sinks can put more things.

3. Streamlined look 

An under-mount sink offers a clean, minimalist look that’s perfect for contemporary design styles. People love to make their countertop unique and stylish using various types of material like polished stone. The under-mount sink design does not destroy the beauty and will keep water away from any exposed edges that could get damaged. It not only durable but also looks great. 

4. Better quality 

This under-mount sink style means more high-end countertop materials and kitchen features. Undermount sinks are usually better quality than drop-in sinks because they’re designed for high-end kitchens. The kitchen under-mount sink has aesthetic seamlessness of your countertop. The visual continuity complements the high-end feel of luxury countertops, such as granite and marble. These sinks are designed for avid kitchen lovers and as such are also of a higher quality.

5. Improve house value

The kitchen under-mount sink does deliver a clean, streamlined feel that most modern homeowners prefer. They're undeniably luxurious and high-end, showing great attention to detail. Because under-mount sinks are associated with premium quality and designer forms, they can also give your home’s value a little boost.

The disadvantages of kitchen under-mount sink

1. More cost 

The higher quality of under-mount sinks comes at a higher price. These sinks often cost 50 to 100 percent more than drop-in models. Not only is the sink itself more expensive, but your installation costs will also be higher.

2. More complicated to install

These sinks hang below the counter meaning they require special clips and adhesives to attach them in place. Moreover, the under-mount sink also comes with a slightly more complicated installation process. This needs you to hire a professional as installing an under-mount sink by yourself can cause damage to the counter or sink or cause injury.

3. Fewer countertops option

The kitchen under-mount sink tends to be much heavier than the drop-in sink, so it can only be installed with some hard countertop material, such as granite, quartz, limestone, and other hard materials. But materials like laminate and wood counters are a no-go. This limits your choice of countertop material. 

4. More possible sag

An under-mount sink depends on the support posts and brackets that hold it, and if they should fail for some reason, the sink can sag or even fall.

No matter drop-in sink nor under-mount sink, they can bring value to your kitchen. Both come in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials to fit your kitchen. 

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