Undermount kitchen sinks are a popular choice in the kitchen for many reasons. They have great functionality, they’re easy to clean and maintain, and they’re more stylish than traditional models.
However, some pros and cons of undermount kitchen sinks may be worth considering before making your purchase. If you need help deciding if an undermount sink is right for your home, read on! Read our recently published buying guide on expert reviews on granite sinks & a detailed guide on camping sinks.
Table Of Contents
Pros/Advantages Of Undermount Kitchen Sinks
Effortless & Appropriate Fitting
Undermount kitchen sinks are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and depths. They’re also designed to match the countertops they’ll be paired with, so you don’t need to worry about matching your sink & counters together before installation.
This makes them extremely easy for anyone who is installing their own, as well as plumbers or other professionals tasked with the installation.
Immense Range Of Variety
These sinks come in multiple shapes and sizes to suit the needs of any kitchen, including deep or shallow bowls. They also have a variety of faucet styles available, so you can find one that matches your personal style preferences.
They also come in a variety of materials, such as stainless steel or cast iron. You can even find one that is made out of copper for an ultra-luxurious touch. The material you choose will depend on the aesthetic you’re going for and your budgetary preferences.
The impressive range of styles available means there’s something to suit every kitchen. They’re also available in various colors, so you can choose one that will complement your countertops and cabinets to give a look you want for your space.
Effortless Arrangement
This type of sink is also available in various sizes, so there’s something for everyone. They’re easy to clean and are designed with an undermount surface that can be installed as deep or shallow as you want, depending on your needs.
This means they’ll fit into any kitchen space seamlessly without the need for significant alteration before installation.
Caulking Is Not Mandatory
Some people think that undermount kitchen sinks require caulking to be installed. This is not the case, as they are designed with a rubber sealant around the edge of the basin which will prevent any leaks or water from seeping out onto your countertops and cabinets.
Caulking does usually need to be applied where pipes meet to keep any water from leaking out.
Disinfection Feature
Undermount sinks are also designed with a built-in drain hole which allows for easy cleaning of the sink. This is especially important if you have small children or pets in your kitchen who like to play around on the floor, as this will help keep them from contaminating any food that could become contaminated and unsafe to eat.
The drain hole design also makes it easy to clean up any spills that happen on the countertops or cabinets.
Gives More Counter Space
Undermount sinks will typically leave you with more counter space as the faucet is located on top of the sink instead of below it. This also means that any water drips from hands or dishes have a chance to be caught by your drip tray before they’re able to make their way onto your cabinets and counters. This leaves plenty of space for food preparation, meal times, and clean-up.
You Can Customize It By Your Own
The beauty of this type of sink is also that you can customize it in any way to suit your needs. If the faucet doesn’t match the design or style you’re going for, there are options available such as spray hose taps that will attach right onto an undermount kitchen sink and allow for a wide range of water flow settings.
There are also options for undermount sinks that come with a single-hole faucet, which is perfect if you need an easy-to-use and simple design. This allows for one water supply line coming from the hot or cold side, depending on your needs.
Cons/Disadvantages Of Undermount Kitchen Sinks
Overflow Risk
One disadvantage of installing an undermount kitchen sink is that it can overflow if you have a heavy hand when using your faucet. This means there needs to be some caution used to prevent any water from spilling over the edge and onto your counters or cabinets below.
The best way to avoid this happening is by making sure that you don’t use more water than your sink can handle and that you don’t leave the faucet running for too long. This will help to avoid any overflow risks in these types of sinks.
Care & Maintenance Is Tough
Another disadvantage of the undermount kitchen sink is that they have to be cleaned and maintained regularly. This usually means scrubbing down any food particles off with soap and water, then rinsing it out thoroughly before you can dry up any remaining drops.
The best way to make sure your dishwashing process goes as smoothly as possible is by using a quality dishwashing soap that will create bubbles and foam to help remove food particles from your dishes.
It’s also essential to make sure you’re not scrubbing the surface any more than necessary, as this can cause scratches which may lead to leaking and water seepage out of the sealant.
A Bit Expensive
The disadvantage of an undermount kitchen sink is that it can be more expensive to purchase and install. This means you may have to spend some time saving up money to afford the costs associated with this type of kitchen upgrade.
If you’re able, it’s also essential to make sure your faucet choice is compatible with your undermount sink and vice versa. This will ensure that your water supply is always in good working order, which can be a big help when it comes to preventing any leaks from happening.
Require More Support
Another disadvantage of installing an undermount kitchen sink is that they require more support than a traditional mount. This means you’ll need to make sure your cabinets are strong and reinforced before installing this type of sink, as the weight will be distributed across them instead of just being supported by the countertop.
If you’re not sure of your cabinets’ strength, it may be a good idea to consult with an expert before installing one. The last thing you want is for your sink to fall through the cracks!
It’s also essential to make sure that any undermount kitchen sinks come with brackets and support beams to ensure they have enough support and stability to last just as long as your cabinets.
Replacing Is Tough
The final disadvantage of installing an undermount kitchen sink is that it’s not as easy to replace if the need should arise. This means you may have to hire a professional for them to install your new one and remove the old one, which will add on additional costs, so make sure you calculate these into your budget before getting started with the project.
Final Verdict
If you found this article helpful on the pros and cons of undermount kitchen sinks, then don’t forget to share it. Undermount sinks are typically more expensive than a top mount sink, but the pros and cons of each type can help determine which one is best for your kitchen to remodel or redesign project.
We’re happy to provide expert advice on anything related to kitchens – from design ideas and product recommendations all the way down to installation tips.