Undermount stainless steel sinks have become an increasingly popular choice for modern kitchen remodels and new construction. Unlike traditional top-mount sinks that sit on top of the counter, under-mount sinks are installed below the countertop for a smooth, seamless appearance. The sleek look makes them a focal point of contemporary kitchen design.
Beyond aesthetics, these sinks offer practical advantages as well. Their durability, ease of cleaning, and noise-dampening capabilities make them ideal for busy kitchens. This article provides a comprehensive guide to undermounting stainless steel sinks, from benefits and buying considerations to top brands and proper installation.
Benefits of Undermount Kitchen Sinks
Undermount stainless steel sinks offer a range of benefits that explain their surge in popularity:
Sleek, Sophisticated Look
The main appeal of these sinks is the clean, integrated look they create. With a tight seam between the sink and countertop, they appear as one continuous surface. The result is a streamlined, contemporary appearance, perfect for modern kitchens. Undermount installation also eliminates the countertop lip and edges of a drop-in sink. This expanded workspace gives you more room for meal prep and entertaining.
Enhanced Durability
Stainless steel offers unmatched durability compared to other sink materials like enamel or porcelain. It resists scratches, stains, dents, and corrosion. Stainless steel density also makes sinks far less prone to chipping or cracking. This extreme durability allows them to maintain their original shine and withstand years of heavy use.
Easier Cleaning
The lack of seams in an undermount installation prevents crumbs and spills from accumulating in crevices. Food waste simply slides off the smooth sink walls directly into the basin. Corners are also rounded for easy cleaning, leaving no place for grime to hide. This simplicity saves time when tackling post-meal cleanup.
Quieter Performance
Undermount sinks incorporate extra padding and insulation to reduce noise. Vibration dampening pads placed under the sink prevent banging pots and dishes from reverberating. For kitchens where sound echoes easily, these sinks provide a welcome noise reduction.
More Usable Space
With no sink lip resting on the counter, you reclaim several inches of usable space. This accommodation of small appliances, cutting boards, drying racks, and more can be invaluable for smaller kitchens. For entertainers who need ample serving space, undermount installation is ideal.
Buying Considerations for Undermount Kitchen Sinks
With a wide variety of sizes, configurations, and features available, selecting an undermount sink requires some key considerations:
Size and Bowl Configuration
The sink dimensions must match your existing cabinetry or new kitchen plans. For larger families or avid home cooks, a double-bowl configuration allows multitasking. One bowl holds dirty dishes, while the other is used for washing produce or filling stock pots. For smaller spaces, a compact single bowl optimizes room. Consider the size of the pots and pans needing accommodation as well as the desired prep space.
Drain Location
Does your current plumbing fixture line up with the preferred drain location? Sinks with a rear-placed drain provide more under-cabinet storage capacity. But if existing plumbing sits on the left or right side, opt for the corresponding drain placement. This prevents expensive re-routing of pipes underneath.
Sink Depth
Standard sink depths range from 8 to 10 inches, with deeper models going up to 12 inches. If you routinely cook with large stock pots or wide roasting pans, a deeper basin ensures they’ll fit for washing. Just confirm your cabinetry or countertop will not inhibit a deeper sink before purchasing.
Material Thickness
Stainless steel “gauge” indicates thickness. Lower numbers mean thicker, more durable metal. Most sinks fall between 16 gauge and 18 gauge. While 16-gauge stainless steel is suitable for most households, opt for 18-gauge if you anticipate heavy usage. An 18-gauge sink resists dents and shows less wear over its lifespan.
Noise Dampening
Many premium undermount sinks now include rubber pads, spray liners, or stone composite basins to further reduce noise. If your open-concept kitchen is prone to loud clanging that echoes throughout the home, these extra dampening features make a difference. Brands like Kraus have perfected noise-reduction techniques.
Finishes
Undermount sinks come in a range of metal finishes, from brushed to polished. A lightly textured brushed finish helps mask minor scratches and water spots, so stainless steel maintains its original look. More polished finishes, like chrome and nickel, complement contemporary designs but show markings more easily.
Accessories
Slide-out accessories like rinsing baskets, cutting boards, colanders, and roll-up drying mats simplify kitchen tasks. Look for sinks featuring integrated tracks or ledges to accommodate these helpful add-ons. Brands like Karran make coordinating accessories to perfectly fit their sinks.
Top Undermount Sink Brands
With a crowded market filled with imports of varying quality, sticking to reputable brands ensures satisfaction. Some notable manufacturers include:
Kraus
This pioneering sink brand offers both imported and USA-made models across a spectrum of sizes, configurations, and materials. Their stainless steel undermount sinks come in both single and double bowl options, as narrow as 17 inches for smaller spaces. Kraus uses sound-absorption techniques like resonance pads for quieter performance. Their sinks range from affordable to premium-grade.
Ruvati
Focusing on professional-level functionality, Ruvati makes high-quality undermount sinks from 16- and 18-gauge stainless steel. Many incorporate thick rubber padding and extra-tall basin walls for sound dampening when washing dishes or prepping meals. Their coordinating accessories and lifetime limited warranty make Ruvati a standout brand for kitchen sinks.
Karran
This luxury brand creates finely crafted stainless steel sinks alongside an array of sliding accessories. Karran uses proprietary noise-reducing technologies and thick TRU16-gauge steel. Most of their double-bowl undermount sinks include a free accessory bundle. With manufacturing based in the UK, Karran makes both modern and traditional apron-front sinks to suit any kitchen.
Elkay
A leading US sink manufacturer, Elkay offers an extensive selection of undermount kitchen sinks. Their styles range from minimalist single-bowl models to large double- or triple-bowl configurations. Their durable, dent-resistant Sound Guard stainless steel includes protective bottom pads. As a reputable brand, Elkay provides quality sinks to suit both residential and commercial kitchens.
Nantucket Sinks
This maker of artisan, hand-crafted sinks has an array of undermount styles, from modern to classic. Their sinks come in premium 304 naval-grade stainless steel in a range of custom sizes. Nantucket Sinks offers custom engraving on sinks for a personalized touch. With USA-based manufacturing and skilled metalworking, Nantucket Sinks are an ideal luxury choice.
Installation Tips for Undermount Sinks
Achieving a flawless undermount installation requires precision. Here are some key factors to ensure a smooth process:
Consider hiring a professional unless you have experience with sink cutouts and mounting. The physical installation requires coordination of measurements, angle cuts, waterproofing, and securing sinks properly to avoid leaks or damage.
The countertop material impacts installation success. Natural stone surfaces involve specific fastener adhesives and sealing procedures. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for appropriate mounting techniques based on your countertop.
Confirm faucet compatibility before installing any undermount sink and make any spacing adjustments. Miscalculation of the faucet location can detract from functionality. Or worse, you may need to replace your faucet entirely.
Carefully inspect and measure your existing cabinet base. Check for level surfaces and necessary reinforcement before cutting into countertops. Undermount sinks may require cabinet modifications for proper clearance and installation.
Conclusion
From their sleek modern look to durable stainless construction, undermount sinks provide the ultimate combination of form and function. Their many benefits, like smoother cleaning, noise reduction, and maximized space, explain the surge in popularity for contemporary kitchen upgrades. By selecting the appropriate size and configuration, buyers can find the perfect undermount sink to match their lifestyle needs. While professional installation is recommended, proper planning helps ensure these sinks get mounted successfully to deliver lasting performance.
