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Choosing the right sink for your workspace
In this guide, we explain the different types of sink and installation methods, sharing advice on which worksurface materials they work best with to ensure your new sink is the perfect fit for your kitchen.
The sink is one of the most-used items in any kitchen. Whether it's the preparation of food, cooking or clearing up, you probably spend more time at your sink than you realise. So, striking the right balance between style and ergonomics is important. In Franke’s Sink Range, there’s a huge range of designs and materials to choose from, which means there really is a kitchen sink that will meet your every requirement.
There’s also a fabulous array of worksurface materials to choose from – the most popular being laminate, timber, granite, marble, solid surface, quartz, ceramic and stainless steel.
With so much choice around – deciding on which sink goes with which worksurface might feel tricky. So, to help you get inspired, we’re sharing some advice on choosing the right combination for your kitchen.
What are the differences between inset, flushmount, drop-on and undermount sinks?
There are four styles of sink available – inset, flushmount, drop on and undermount – and it’s important to understand the differences between them and how they are installed.
All of these sink styles come in stainless steel, granite and tectonite carbon fibre and, while there is a lot of flexibility for pairing with different worktop materials, some combinations work better than others and some won’t work at all.
Inset kitchen sinks
An inset sink is installed from above and ‘set into’ the worksurface with the rim sitting slightly proud of the material. In other words, the sink’s rim is shaped onto the worksurface, lipping the material with a soft contact, before it is sealed.
Inset sinks are compatible with almost ANY worksurface material, including laminate worktops – so they are a versatile choice for every kitchen. With simpler installation costs, they are quick and easy to fit making them a cost effective and popular choice.
Save wasted corner space with a STX621 double bowl Stainless Steel inset sink, featuring a drainer board conveniently placed at one end.
Fragranite sinks are also a great inset choice and our Maris MRG610-72 Fragranite inset sink, seen here in Polar White.
Flushmount kitchen sinks
A flushmount sink is also installed from above the worksurface but the material has been routered for it to sit totally flush giving a perfectly streamlined look and feel.
A flushmount sink blends seamlessly into the worksurface creating a sleek, high-end look. They can be installed with all worktops but need to be manufactured and installed very precisely. Care should be taken with solid timber and laminate surfaces with a chipboard core to prevent water penetration, while they will need ongoing maintenance.
Answering demand for streamlined aesthetics, and providing homeowners with more design and installation choice, many of our inset sinks have been developed to have a ‘SlimTop’ profile edge that allows them to be installed as a regular inset that sits almost flush with the worksurface or flushmounted for an even sleeker look. They can be installed with any worksurface material, with a more modern look.
Undermount kitchen sinks
Undermount sinks are installed from underneath the worksurface and sealed watertight to the reverse of the worksurface. The thickness of the worksurface material forms a visible edge around and above the bowl.
Undermount sinks are the perfect choice for those who wish to give predominance to their worksurface material, because they create smooth, uninterrupted kitchen surfaces and deliver streamlined style.
They can be installed with any worksurface material apart from laminate as water will get into the chipboard core and ruin the worktop. Timber is also not ideal for those looking for a sink and worktop combination that requires little maintenance as this material will need ongoing care to remain waterproof.
Featuring a modern design, our Armonia AMX120 double bowlStainless Steel sink has a deep, easy-clean bowl and a hygienic overflow plate.
Fragranite undermounts, such as our Maris Fragranite Bowl range, come in a versatile range of colours to suit your worksurface and kitchen.
Drop-on kitchen sinks
Drop-On sinks are a simple and cost-effective solution and intended for installation where the sink unit itself replaces a countertop.