Sink Spotlight: Budget Friendly Inset Kitchen Sink Pros & Cons
Choosing the perfect sink for your new kitchen while planning a kitchen renovation can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on kitchen sinks to help you make an informed decision. In this post, you’ll learn about the pros and cons of an inset kitchen sink. If you’re more interested in butler or undermount sinks, we’ve published articles on each of those, too.
Kitchen Renovator Price Guide
If you’ve already decided on how you want to fit your sink, check out some of the other pieces in our Sink Spotlight series. We’ve covered topics like kitchen sink accessories and tips for choosing the perfect kitchen sink design. Click on any of the links below to learn more:
- How to Pick the Perfect Size of Kitchen Sink
- How to Decide on a Great Kitchen Sink Design
- Which Kind of Kitchen Tap is Best for You?
- Add Function With Kitchen Sink Accessories
- Our Top Advice for Hiring a Plumber
- Stainless Steel Sink Pros and Cons
- Fireclay Sink Pros and Cons
- Cast Iron Sink Pros and Cons
- Acrylic Sink Pros and Cons
- Ceramic Kitchen Sink Pros and Cons
- Pros & Cons of Composite Kitchen Sinks
- Trendy Copper Sink Pros and Cons
Inset Kitchen Sink Pros and Cons
Pros
- inexpensive
- available in many materials
- work with most worktops
- easy to install
Cons
- can make a high-end kitchen look cheaper
- surrounding rim collects food waste and crumbs
Inset Kitchen Sinks
When you choose an inset kitchen sink, you don’t have to worry about your choice of worktop. Unlike an undermount sink, an inset kitchen sink works for any type of worktop, including laminate. This is because inset sinks feature a built-in ledge that sits on top of your kitchen’s worktop. With the use of clamps under the sink and a bit of caulk, a drop-in sink supports itself.
Another benefit of inset kitchen sinks is their price point. If you’re looking to save money on your kitchen, installing a drop-in sink is a great place to start. They are less expensive to purchase and install than undermount sinks, especially if you’re installing a prefab kitchen. Pre-made worktops often have pre-cut holes for inset sinks, eliminating the need to cut a new hole for your sink.
Inset sinks are available in a variety of materials. The most common material for inset sinks is stainless steel, but you can also find ones made of acrylic, cast iron, and composite. One of the biggest drawbacks of an inset sink is the fact that food waste and crumbs collect around the rim of the sink, creating a grimy look.
While it is possible to install an inset kitchen sink on your own, your task might get a bit more difficult if you need to cut a hole in your worktop. To avoid any stress that goes along with this project, you can hire a local plumber to install your sink for you. All you need to do is answer a few questions about your kitchen sink and you’ll be on your way to custom bids.
