A Guide to the Best Undermount Kitchen Sinks

If you’re renovating your kitchen with an aim towards a clean, classic style at an affordable price, you may want to look into undermount sinks. This type of sink allows you to install your faucet directly onto the countertop instead of on the sink itself, for a unique, space-saving look. Just be sure that this configuration will work with your existing countertop.

Depending on the kind of setup you currently have in your kitchen, a good undermount sink may work well, or it may not. To make your decision as easy as possible, take a look at this chart to see how the top undermount kitchen sinks currently available compare to one another.

What Types of Undermount Kitchen Sinks are Available?

Undermount sinks are usually found in one of three types: single, double or triple basin. Each of these designs may be further customized for your specific requirements. For example, a double bowl sink may be configured diagonally so you can have a basin each on your right and left hand sides rather than directly ahead of you. The most common undermount sinks are single basin, which are available in a range of sizes. However, a double basin is the most practical choice for your main kitchen sink.

An undermount sink may be made from any of several different materials. Stainless steel is the most common one in use today, but it’s also easy to find copper. Ceramic and porcelain bowls are rare because these materials tend to be too heavy for this type of sink.

Often people are hesitant to go with an undermount sink as they are afraid of it leaking. This is possible, but it generally happens only if the sink is installed incorrectly. You need to think through several different factors before you make a final choice to buy an undermount kitchen sink, so make sure you give yourself time to make the best choice for your home before you proceed.

Finding the Right Undermount Sink

When you’re renovating your kitchen, you need to consider how easy or difficult the installation will be if you include an undermount sink in your plans. This type of sink usually costs more than traditional sinks, and they come with a few limitations that you don’t get with standard sinks in most cases. But if it works with your plans and budget, an undermount sink can help give your kitchen a clean, modern look and a visual “pop.”

Here are some of the things you need to think about before you make up your mind to purchase an undermount kitchen sink:

1. Standard kitchen sinks have a deck or lip that sits on the countertop. In contrast, undermount sinks hang below the counter, with the sink edge mounted underneath the solid surface of the countertop. This is a design that will only work if you have plenty of room under the countertop where the sink will go. When it works, this configuration produces a clean, minimalist look with a continuous flow from the counter to the sink.
2. Undermount sinks only work with certain types of countertops. Solid surfaces such as granite, marble or concrete work well, but laminate or tile isn’t strong enough to handle the stresses of an undermount sink inn most cases.
3. One convenient feature of undermount sinks is that they let you wipe debris from your countertop directly into your sink. You may think undermount is all about the minimalist look, but you will also get back a little bit of your lost counter space that used to be taken up with the lip of the standard sink.
4. Your countertop must be water resistant if you plan to use an undermount sink. Otherwise you’re going to start noticing that mildew and mold will build up and cause an unpleasant mess in the area between the counter and the sink.
5. Undermounted sinks can need more support than you think. You need to take the weight of a sink full of dishes and water into account in your calculations. Garbage disposal units also add weight. Because it’s so important to the sealants, drying time and epoxy exactly right, you should get a professional to do at least some of the installation work for you.

Advantages of Undermount Sinks

One really big plus of this style of sink is the added value you get from the time you save during cleaning. The fact that you won’t be scraping the caulk or sealant out from the gap between the sink and counter (as you would with a standard sink) is also something you will appreciate.

An undermount also adds value in your kitchen. This style of sink is visually stunning and makes a great impression if ever your house is up for sale or rent. When done well, it becomes a great focal point in your kitchen, and it’s worth remembering that the difference in cost between undermount and traditional sinks is not all that significant.

Undermount Sink Prices

On average, you can expect to pay about $500 if you buy an undermount sink online, for example at Amazon. In some cases you may be able to find an entry-level stainless steel model if you pay about $250. The highest end undermount stainless steel models tend to cost about $800, but if you have your heart set on copper, you should be prepared to pay quite a bit more than you would pay for the most expensive stainless steel sinks.

In exchange for this price, you should be able to get a commercial grade product complete with a scratch-resistant premium finish. A sink like this should also come with a good lifetime limited warranty covering the workmanship of the sink in order to protect your investment.

The Top Undermount Sinks Reviewed

Kraus 33″ 50/50 Undermount Double Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

This undermount sink is made of 16-gauge, T-304 stainless steel, and it adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen. The satin premium finish inside the sink is scratch-resistant, and the underside is coated with a layer of insulation and features a noise-reducing rubber pad. Your purchase also includes protective side bumpers and feet that help keep your investment safe from damage. One problem that this model sometimes has is that over time you may notice some discoloration of the grate, leading to a two-tone look that may bring the product’s value down slightly.>>Check out Amazon for more discounts<<

Blanco Diamond Equal Double Bowl Kitchen Sink

When you want to add a bit of variety and color to your décor, this model can give you a budget-friendly way to make that happen in your kitchen. This 80-percent granite sink comes in seven different color variations and feels like real stone when you use it. The sink is made of a non-porous material that is cured by baking it at 536F, resulting in a material that is resistant to most of the stains a sink will encounter. This sink measures 32 by 19.25 inches and protects your dishes from breakage while looking stylish and adding a bit of class to your kitchen.>>Check out Amazon for more discounts<<

Blanco Diamond 1-3/4-Inch Bowl

This beautiful sink is a good choice if you’re looking for a model that’s a bit bigger than the standard size. It’s available in seven different finishes, making it easy for you to find one that coordinates perfectly with your kitchen. Particularly striking is the white finish. This sink is made using 80 percent solid granite, making it a perfect option to work well with your existing stone countertop. The tough surface will resist chips and scratches as well as protecting your dishes from breakage when you put them inside the sink.>>Check out Amazon for more discounts<<

Kraus 33″ Undermount 60/40 Double Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

If the asymmetrical look appeals to you and you’re looking for an undermount stainless steel sink, this Kraus model might be the best choice for you. At about $450 on websites such as Amazon, the price is right for this good quality sink. The purchase includes a strainer and bottom grid that are very useful. The satin finish of this undermounted sink is commercial grade and resists scratching. With this sink, you also get the peace of mind of a lifetime limited warranty to protect your investment.>>Check out Amazon for more discounts<<

Kraus 32″ Undermount 60/40 Double Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

If your countertop is on the smaller side, you might want to look into this classic undermount model in stainless steel. This beautiful sink will bring a unique style to your kitchen décor that you will appreciate every time you walk past it. The stainless steel used to construct the sink is of a high gauge, and its premium finish is extremely effective at resisting scratches. This model also includes commercial grade sound dampening technology as well as additional protective features.>>Check out Amazon for more discounts<<

An undermount sink is a visually striking choice that can instantly alter your kitchen’s flow. If the investment is within your budget, and if your countertop is water-resistant and of a high quality, an undermount sink can help you create a kitchen where you love to spend time every day.