Inset Sinks Buying Guide
An inset sink is lowered into a cut-out in the benchtop from above, with its rim resting on the surface. It is also called a top mount, drop-in or overmount sink. This collection includes Phoenix stainless steel and quartz resin sinks, Turner Hastings Cuisine and Lusitano fireclay sinks, and Clark, Seima and Caroma stainless steel sinks. It is the practical choice for most renovations and for laminate or timber benchtops.
What is an inset sink?
An inset sink has a lip or rim that sits on top of the benchtop and covers the edge of the cut-out. It is held in place with clips underneath and sealed with silicone. Because the rim hides the cut, the cut-out does not need a polished edge, which makes the sink easy to fit and replace.
Inset or undermount: which should I choose?
Choose by benchtop. An inset sink suits laminate, timber and stone, because the rim protects the cut edge from water. An undermount sink sits below a stone or solid surface benchtop with no rim, so crumbs wipe straight in, but it is not suited to laminate or timber. Some sinks, such as the Turner Hastings Cuisine range, can be fitted either inset or undermount.
What size inset sink do I need?
Measure the base cabinet and any existing cut-out. Inset sinks in this range go from compact single bowls, such as the Turner Hastings Cuisine 30 x 46, to large double bowl sinks with drainers, such as the Phoenix 1000 Series 1180 x 500mm and the Turner Hastings Lusitano 120 x 50. Each sink lists its overall size and cut-out size; the cut-out must suit the cabinet below.
Can I replace an inset sink without a new benchtop?
Often, yes. If the new sink's cut-out is the same size or slightly larger than the old one, it can go into the existing benchtop. A larger cut-out can be made on laminate and timber. If the new cut-out is smaller than the old hole, the rim will not cover it, so measure the existing hole carefully before you choose.
Do inset sinks come with a drainer?
Some do. Sinks such as the Seima Acero Classic double drainer and the Turner Hastings Lusitano double sink with drainer have a built-in draining area. A drainer gives you somewhere to stand wet dishes without a separate rack. Single bowl sinks without a drainer, such as the Seima Tetra Pro, save bench space.
Which inset sink material is best for me?
Stainless steel, such as the Phoenix 2000 Series or Clark Monaco, is durable, hygienic and easy to clean. Quartz resin, like the Phoenix 5000 Series in matte white or matte black, resists scratches and gives a solid colour. Fine fireclay, such as the Turner Hastings Cuisine, has a hard glazed finish and a classic look. Clean any sink with mild detergent and a soft cloth.
Completing the room
Add a sink mixer, a sink waste and accessories from kitchen accessories. Compare single bowl and double bowl sinks.
