July 17, 2025
Inset VS Undermount Sinks
If you are looking for a new kitchen sink, you might be wondering where to start! With such a wide variety of choice available including sizes, materials and installation types, it can be tricky narrowing down your search. Before you begin looking at the best brands and colour options, it is best to choose which installation type you need. You might have come across the term ‘Belfast sink’ which refers to a sit on sink, but what about inset and undermount? Here we’ll explain the differences as well as the pros and cons of inset vs undermount sinks.
What Is An Inset Sink?
An inset sink fits into a pre cut-out hole in your worktop, with the rim of the sink sitting on top of the worktop surface. This is arguably the most common sink installation type. Inset sinks are popular because they’re easy to install and come in many different sizes and styles. You can choose an inset sink in; stainless steel, ceramic or composite to suit your preference.
Disadvantages of Inset Sinks
What Is An Undermount Sink?
Undermount sinks, as the name suggests, are undermounted. This means you fit them from beneath the worktop. Unlike an inset sink, the rim of an undermount sink is not visible from the countertop. This style of sink brings more of the focus to your worktop and works particularly well with granite, quartz or oak worktops. As one of our leading sink brands, Franke suggests, if you want clean, uninterrupted lines in your kitchen, an undermount sink will help you to achieve this minimal look.
Disadvantages of Undermount Sinks
Inset vs Undermount Sinks: Which Should I Choose?
Whether you choose an inset or undermount sink will depend on several factors. If you’re planning a brand new kitchen you have complete freedom to start from scratch. You can choose any sink style or installation that you like, giving you a wide variety of options to choose from. However if you’re updating your existing kitchen, or even just replacing the sink, there are a few more considerations. These include the dimensions of your current sink as well as the style of worktop you have. If your worktop isn’t made of a solid material i.e. laminate, it won’t be compatible with an undermount sink. When replacing an existing sink, most people opt for the same sink type and size to reduce installation costs.
