What is a Drop-In Kitchen Sink?
Drop-in kitchen sinks are sit in a hole cut in the countertop and are held in place by a rim running along the top edge of the sinks. They are literally “dropped in” to the counter cutout during installation.
Drop-in sinks are easy to install and are available in a wide variety of materials, colors, and configurations. For these reasons, drop-in sinks are the most common style of kitchen sink in use today.
Drop-In Sink Designs and Materials
Top-mount sinks come in a variety of basin styles and finishes. These include metallic, stone, ceramic, and composite materials and finishes, and they come in a wide variety of textures and colors.
Drop-in sinks are available in countless colors, styles, and configurations, so you won’t have a problem finding a sink that matches your decor.
Despite the growing popularity of undermount sinks and their modern styling, drop-in kitchen sinks offer a timeless aesthetic that works perfectly with many design themes.
Drop-In Sink vs. Undermount Sink
Drop-in sinks have a lip or rim that rests on the edge of a hole in the countertop. This lip supports the weight of the sink and creates a seal between the sink and the countertop.
Undermount sinks are installed from the bottom side of the countertop. The edge of the sink cutout is visible, and the top of the counter drops off directly into the sink basin.
Drop-In Sink Installation
In most cases, installing a drop-in kitchen sink is easier and less expensive than an undermount sink. Here’s are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a drop-in sink.
Drop-In Sinks Work With Any Countertop Material
While undermount sinks are best suited to solid surface countertops, drop-in sinks work with any type of counter material including tile and laminates.
Do Drop-In Kitchen Sinks Need Supports?
Most drop-in sinks are supported by the sink rim, which extends past the edge of the sink and rests on the countertop.
This generally eliminates the need for under-the-counter supports or professional installation, making drop-in sinks a popular choice among do-it-yourself types.
Hidden Countertop Cutout
Since the cutout for a drop-in sink is covered by the rim, it doesn’t need to have a cosmetically perfect finish.
With an undermount sink, the edge of the countertop cutout is clearly visible, so it has to be carefully finished for a good appearance.
The hole for a top mount sink can be left rough because nobody will see it, so you’ll save time and money when it comes to building the countertop and installing the sink.
Faucet and Hardware Considerations
Many drop-in kitchen sinks are built with holes for faucets and sprayer hardware, eliminating the need for drilling separate holes in the countertop. This simplifies installation and reduces costs, but somewhat limits customization options.
Cleaning a Drop-In Sink
There’s nothing special to cleaning a drop-in sink, but it’s worth remembering that the lip of a drop-in sink forms a crevice that is prone to collecting food particles and liquids.
The upside is that this area is clearly visible, so it’s easy to see when you need to clean around your sink. Undermount sinks have hidden seam, making it a little more difficult to stay on top of keeping it clean.
Pros
- Often most affordable
- Takes up under-sink storage space
- Easy installation
Cons
- Creates “edge” on countertop
- Durable
- Harder to clean
Ideas & Inspiration
Below you’ll find a gallery of granite composite kitchen sinks. Clicking any image will take you Amazon, where you’ll find more information about specs and pricing.
