When I decided to give my kitchen a fresh makeover, I found myself diving deep into the realm of kitchen fixtures. Among the plethora of options, undermount kitchen sinks caught my attention. Their elegant design combined with functional advantages made them an obvious choice for my kitchen.
After sifting through numerous models and reviews, I’ve curated a list of the top undermount kitchen sinks that have elevated my culinary space. Whether you’re an avid cook or someone who appreciates a neat and tidy countertop, come along as I unveil my favorite selections and the reasons behind them.
1. Kraus KHU100-30
When I first laid my eyes on the Kraus KHU100-30, I was immediately captivated by its impeccable construction. Crafted from T304 stainless steel, this one boasts a robustness that resists dents, ensuring it remains a centerpiece in your kitchen for years to come.
Its commercial-grade satin finish not only exudes elegance but also ensures easy cleaning, making it resistant to corrosion and rust.
One of the standout features for me is its unparalleled noise reduction capabilities. Thanks to Kraus’s NoiseDefend technology, it is equipped with non-toxic SoundGuard undercoating and extra-thick pads that cover over 80% of the sink.
It ensures that the clattering of dishes and the hum of the garbage disposal are significantly muted, providing a quieter kitchen experience.
Size does matter, especially when you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family feast. With external dimensions of 30 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and a depth of 10 inches, it can comfortably accommodate your largest pots, baking trays, and pans.
Features:
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Exceptional customer service
- Extra accessories
- Basket strainer works with garbage disposal
- Protective coating
- Minimum cabinet size for proper installation.
- High-quality finish
- Durable 16-gauge stainless steel
- Sound-deadening material reduces noise
- Easy to clean with small-radius corners
- Comes with a protective bottom grid
- Adjustments for garbage disposal required
- Some users noted drainage issues
2. Sarlai 16 Gauge
This is not just a sink, this is a workstation. It comes with so many accessories that will serve all of your purposes. It includes a cutting board made from mahogany hardwood that covers the same width as the sink. It is very sturdy and not susceptible to cracks.
It comes with a stainless steel colander that is ideal for washing and drying fruits and vegetables. Another accessory is a roll-up rack that is made from stainless steel bars and a flexible silicone frame.
You can easily fold it and store it. It can be spread over it and you keep the clean dishes on it to dry. It is very strong and can hold heavy pots and pans. It also consists of a stainless steel bottom grate to avoid any scratches on the sink and it acts likes a drying rack for washed dishes.
It also has a high-quality stainless strainer with a cover to fill water. It works fine with garbage disposal also. The 32-inch undermounts are made from stainless steel and real 16-gauge metal for longer durability and toughness.
Features:
- It provides limited lifetime maintenance
- Full water drainage
- Extra tick pads to absorb noise
- Paint coating prevents condensation build-up
- Durablility
- Spacious design
- Workstation
- Rust and stain-resistant
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Installation might be challenging
- Requires regular maintenance
3. Blanco 440195
A white colored sink that is made from granite composite material does look good in most cases, regardless of the style your kitchen’s style. Blanco 440195 is 33.5 inches long and 22 inches wide. It has a depth of 9.5 inches and it is designed to fit in a cabinet that is at least 36 inches wide.
It is a large bowl with high capacity. It has ample space for cleaning and rinsing the dishes. It can be installed as a drop-in or undermount.
The package includes installation clips. The other accessories like a grid and a cutting board are optional. This model has been tested for scratches and passed with flying colors!
You can load knives, dishes, pans, and pots, and it will not scratch or stain at all. It is highly durable and looks as good as new even after years of installation.
It has a smooth surface that is easy to clean. It means there are no mold growth and no damage to the granite material. You don’t have to worry about keeping hot utensils because this sink is heat resistant. The surface is non-porous and prevents any stains or spots.
Features:
- Limited lifetime warranty
- It is dirt-resistant
- Perfect combination of design and function.
- Matte finish
- Durable SILGRANIT material
- Spacious single basin design
- Heat and scratch-resistant
- Non-porous surface
- Offset drain
- Installation clips not included
- Might require additional faucet holes
4. Zuhne 32-inch Double Bowl
Now we have one with a double bowl configuration. One part has 60% of the space and the other has 40% space. You can also get it in a 50/50 configuration. It contains various accessories. The scratch guard bottom grate prevents scratches from dishes.
You can also keep large utensils on it for drying. It has two sets of drain strainers with stoppers for both of them. It also has two sets of food colander set to wash fruits and vegetables. It includes other things like a stainless sink caddy with suction and mounting brackets for installation.
All these amazing accessories will turn it into a workstation and it will save a lot of space. t is manufactured from stainless steel and 100% pure 16-gauge metal which is 1.5 mm thick. The stainless steel is specially designed to be rust and corrosion-resistant.
Stainless steel is a very durable material but it can still get scratches so use the bottom grate to avoid that. It has curved corners for easy cleaning and maintenance. The sink has specially engineered X shaped grooves in all four directions for easy drainage of water.
It does not let any water to collect between dishes. The basin is extra deep for accommodating large pots and pans. It will blend in naturally in your kitchen and keep it modern.
Features:
- Brushes stainless steel finish
- Lifetime warranty
- 2.5 times better sound insulation
- Works with waste disposers
- Made from non-toxic and lead-free materials
- Sleek, modern design
- Easy-to-clean rounded corners
- Durable stainless steel material
- Deep basin reduces splashing
- Noise-reducing padding
- Can scratch with heavy use
- Requires specific cleaning solution for best results
5. Elkay Quartz Classic
Elkay Quartz Classic is a large-sized single bowl undermount sink. It comes in many colors that will go great with any countertop. You can get any color to match your style and décor. The undivided space is big enough to stack dishes and gives you ample space to wash large pots and pans. The sink is made out of 9 mm thick quartz composite material.
The sink is exceptionally large with a length of 33 inches and a width of 26.75 inches. It is 16.06 inches deep. It has a high durability and strength. The fine quartz material does not get chipped or cracked. The material does not get damaged from hot pans. It is heat-resistant and it is designed to bear temperatures up to 535o Fahrenheit.
The silky and non-porous surface prevents food and liquid from sticking to the surface. This ensures complete hygiene and prevents the growth of bacteria or mold. The clean-up takes only 30 seconds a day, all you need is a damp cloth and soap water. It will stay spot-free for a long time. It is also less prone to scratches. You can fit any drainer and it will work well with waste disposers also.
Features:
- UV-stable resins
- Noise-resistant
- Downward slope for proper drainage
- 36 inches wide cabinet needed
- No hard water stains on the surface
- Elegant design
- Deep bowl
- Matches GE “slate” appliances
- Easy installation
- Durable quartz material
- Drains slightly slow
- Not true white color
6. Ruvati 32-inch
The next one I would like to discuss is a 32-inch wide kitchen sink with a depth of 10 inches. i am talking about Ruvati 32-inch sink. It is deep enough for you to stack a high pile of dishes or large pots. It requires a 36-inch wide cabinet for installation. This sink has remarkable craftsmanship. It is made from premium grade stainless steel and 16 gauge metal.
The stainless steel hides any scratches and matches with the utensils. It has a luxurious and commercial grade brushed satin finish.
It is very clean, and the rounded bowl structure furthermore eases the task. The base is slightly downward sloped for complete drainage. There is a bottom rinse grid included with the sink. It fits the whole sink and prevents any scratches or spots on the surface. You can keep utensils on it to dry after cleaning.
A basket strainer also comes with it, which requires assembly.
The strainer will collect food crumbs that you can easily dispose of in the trash. The standard drain opening is 3.5 inches which will fit any garbage disposal system. It is UPC certified by the IAPMO and complies with the plumbing standards of ANSI and CSA.
Ruvati has excellent customer service and you can directly contact if you need any replacements or spare parts.
Features:
- Lifetime warranty
- Heavy-duty sound guard padding
- The best option for granite countertops
- Thermal insulation
- No formation of water spots or stains
- Durable and well-built
- Good packaging, no damage
- Easy to clean large items
- Quiet with sound dampening
- Comparable to high-end brands
- Scratches easily
- Water flow to drain can be better
7. Kraus KWU110-30 Kore
This is an undermount workstation by Kraus. It has a spacious single bowl which is 30 inches wide. You will need a 33 inches wide cabinet to fit it. It has a high capacity and plenty of room to store large utensils and dishes. It comes with various accessories that fit over the sink ledge and does not occupy any counter space.
You can just slide them on the integrated ledge and turn your sink into a workstation.
It comes with a chopping board for chopping and slicing. It is made from non-porous bamboo, which is highly resilient and does not warp or crack. It also resists odor and bacteria. There is also a roll-up rack that is made from stainless steel and is coated with food-safe silicone.
You can dry dishes on it and also keep hot dishes on it to protect the sink. The stainless steel grid can be used as a drying rack. It is supported by soft bumpers that protect the sink from scratches and dents.
The off-set strainer collects all the food bits and prevents them from clogging the drainpipe. It also comes with a stainless steel drain cover that blends in with the sink and it has open sides to allow complete drainage. It is made from TRU16 gauge metal which highly resists dents and scratches.
Features:
- Extra accessories
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Best option for quartz countertops
- Thick rubber padding
- Protective undercoating
- Sloped bottom for easy draining
- Sleek stainless steel design
- Functional workstation layout
- Deep bowl for large dishes
- Sound-dampening system
- Requires larger cabinet size
- Corner drain may need adjustment
Buyer’s Guide
Undermount sinks have many advantages but let us look at some things to consider before you buy the best undermount kitchen sinks for you.
Factors to Consider
Material
Undermount kitchen sinks come in different materials and there are a lot of options to choose from. Few materials are stainless steel, granite, cast iron, porcelain, marble, etc. The material should depend upon how much use you are going to get out of it.
The most durable ones are made from stainless steel. It does not stain and is easy to clean. Porcelain, however, is prone to stains and requires more frequent cleaning. Granite variant may chip from the edges if used heavily. So, choose the material wisely!
Size
The size of you opt for will be dictated upon how much counter space you have. You should also take the amount of usage into consideration. If you are an avid cook, then go for a bigger alternative. But if you do not use the sink much and don’t have many dishes to clean then a smaller one will also work for you.
All the best undermount kitchen sinks come in standard sizes to suit every purpose. Also, think about the depth. A deeper one will easily accommodate larger utensils. Think about the overall size of your kitchen and then choose a size.
Single or Double Bowl
Whether you should get a single or a double bowl depends on your needs. Consider your style of cooking and cleaning and then decide. Some people find it useful to have a divider in between. You can keep the dirty dishes in one sink and leave the other empty for other purposes.
You can also use one sink for washing and the other for rinsing. Although, if you entertain large parties and have a large pile of dirty dishes then it is better to have a big one rather than dividing the space.
Quality
Keep in mind that looks are not everything. Your sink may look shiny and fancy but if it does not meet your requirements then it is a waste of your money and time. There are many fake knock-offs available so you need to carefully inspect each model. It is better to buy a sink from reputable brands like Kraus and Elkay.
These brands have remarkable reviews and the testimony of many customers to prove that they sell good quality products. All the best undermount kitchen sinks have been tested thoroughly and proven that they are worth every penny.
Design
The interior of your kitchen will make you choose an undermount kitchen sink accordingly. You obviously want all possible kitchen accessories, tools, and equipment to complement your décor. And that too for a long period. The whole kitchen should look complete and set the mood.
Budget
There is an undermount sink for every pocket and every budget. So, don’t panic! And don’t spend extra unless you get something pretty exceptional. You get really good deals online and offline during occasional sales.
Granite variant are more expensive in comparison to stainless-steel sinks. If you want a custom-made sink to match your kitchen décor then you are surely looking for the granite variant.
Even the best stainless-steel kitchen sink will clatter. So, skip on sound insulation ones as they will cost more. Now that you have a general idea about how to get the best undermount kitchen sink for your countertop. Here is our list that will help you get the best in the market currently.
Maintenance
Your kitchen sink will last a lifetime if it is easy to maintain. The cleaning process should not seem like work to you and should be effortless. Therefore, choose the construction material accordingly.
Sound Insulation
The best undermount kitchen sinks are uniquely designed to reduce the clutter in your kitchen. This clattering noise can ruin the vibe after a tiring day of work. And this especially happens if you own a stainless-steel sink. But with properly insulated materials used in the sink, the clatter can be significantly reduced.
The Number of Bowls
If you love multi-tasking in the kitchen then you will absolutely go for a double-bowl under-mount sink. The division makes the sink all the more organized.
With a single-bowl sink, you will use up space on the counter. And you obviously know how messy that can get! You can easily find suitable kitchen sink proportions. The standard sink has a 50/50 distribution. Another popular choice nowadays is the 70/30 proportion. Cook and clean as you like!
Triple-bowl kitchen sinks are usually a professional choice. However, single-bowl kitchen sinks are a budget-friendly choice.
Faucet Placement
The faucets of the sink are going to be mounted on the wall behind the undermount sink. For this reason, you need to make sure you leave adequate space between.
You also need to install the faucet according to the depth and dimension of your undermount sink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best undermount kitchen sinks?
Kraus KHU100-300 makes the best undermount kitchen sinks. It has a lifetime limited warranty. Its walls are thickly padded for absorbing vibrations and the protective undercoating prevents condensation build-up. It also comes with various accessories.
What is the best brand of kitchen sink to buy?
Kraus, Elkay, and Ruvati are some of the best and most trusted brands out there. They produce versatile products with advanced technology. All these brands offer a warranty and various accessories to go with the sink. You cannot go wrong with any of these brands.
Are under-mount sinks better?
Under-mount sinks have their advantages and disadvantages compared to other types, such as top-mount or drop-in sinks. Whether an under-mount sink is better for your needs depends on your preferences and requirements.
What is the most durable kitchen sink?
The most durable kitchen sinks are typically made from materials that are resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. Among the various options, stainless steel and granite composite sinks are considered to be the most durable choices.
While stainless steel and granite composite ones are among the most durable options, the final choice depends on personal preferences, budget, and overall kitchen design. Each material has its pros and cons, so it is essential to weigh the factors that are most important to you before making a decision.
How are under-mount sinks attached?
Under-mount sinks are attached directly beneath the countertop using a combination of adhesive, clips, and brackets. First, a strong adhesive, usually a silicone-based sealant, is applied to the rim of the sink. Then, the sink is lifted into place, fitting snugly against the underside of the countertop.
Once positioned correctly, clips or brackets are fastened to the underside of the counter, holding the sink securely in place. The adhesive not only helps to bond the sink to the countertop but also provides a watertight seal, preventing any potential leaks.
Takeaway
Through my exploration, I’ve come to believe that the top undermount kitchen sinks masterfully combine longevity with sophistication. They are more than just functional basins; they serve as focal points that enhance the overall aesthetic of a kitchen.
The advantage of a sink that fits seamlessly beneath the countertop, providing a clean and continuous look, is truly invaluable.
Throughout this process, I’ve come across sinks that emphasize noise reduction, those that pride themselves on their resistance to wear and tear, and some that offer generous depth for accommodating larger utensils. Each brings its own unique value, catering to a variety of tastes and needs.
