Looking for a sink that complements your kitchen lifestyle? You can choose a sink that fits your worktop configuration, whether it’s a vessel sink, an undermount sink, or a built-in (or inset) sink. The built-in sink is gaining popularity for its numerous advantages. Find out about the different types of built-in kitchen sinks and their pros and cons.
Discover our selection of built-in sinks
Which are the different types of built-in sinks?
The main feature of a built-in (or inset) kitchen sink is that it fits into the worktop. In fact, the built-in sink is cut out to be accommodated into the worktop. It is a very popular model at the moment. Built-in sinks are more stable as they are held in place from both sides. For built-in kitchen sinks to be watertight, they must have a seal all around.
Built-in sinks come in various forms:
- The built-in corner sink: the built-in corner sink is an excellent solution if you are looking to optimise the surface area of your worktop. The built-in corner sink allows you to use the corner, which is often neglected.
- The round or oval built-in kitchen sink, which has the advantage of an original design. It can be either a single sink or a double sink.
- The rectangular built-in sink: this model has a rectangular shape. The rectangular built-in sink is practical for carrying out household tasks or cleaning items. It is available in various sizes.
Franke SIRIUS – 2.0 S2D 611-78 Tectonite® Built-in Kitchen Sink with XL bowl – Black (143.0617.613)
- The square built-in sink: the square sink can be fitted with or without a drainer. Because of its smaller dimensions, the square sink is recommended for small kitchens.
Franke Urban UBG 610-56 Fragranit+ Built-in Kitchen Sink Graphite (114.0582.764)
In addition, the built-in kitchen sink is available in various materials:
- The stainless steel built-in sink: the stainless steel sink can have a satin or smooth finish. The advantage of this material lies in its strength and its long life. The only concern with stainless steel sinks is that they are less resistant when exposed to hard, chalky water.
Franke Eurostar – Built-in Kitchen Sink – Stainless steel ETHOS 3 1/2″ (101.0286.132)
- The ceramic built-in sink: the ceramic sink has the advantage ofblending well with most interior design styles. For example, the ceramic sink is suitable for both traditional and modern kitchens. Ceramic has a number of advantages: the ceramic sink is resistant to impacts, stains and scratches. What’s more, it is easy to clean.
- The granite built-in sink: the granite sink combines nobility and hygiene. It is also known for its excellent solidity, which guarantees it will last over time. Like the ceramic sink, the granite sink is also resistant to shocks, scratches and temperature variations.
Blanco Evier METRA 45 S Compact PuraDur with reversible drainer in Silgranit 68x50cm, White (519565)
- The resin built-in sink: the resin sink offers a wide choice in terms of colours and shades. Indeed, the resin sink can be integrated into any environment. In addition, it is easy to clean and maintain.
Franke Orion – OID 611 inset kitchen sink Tectonite® Carbon (OID611C)
Depending on your needs, you can choose the colour and dimensions of the built-in kitchen sink from the multitude of models on the market.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the built-in sink?
There are many advantages to using a built-in sink:
- Practical: the built-in sink is easy to use, regardless of its shape, material, design or size. This makes cleaning and washing faster. It should be noted that most models have a raised, curved rim, which makes them even more practical.
- Variety of designs: the built-in sink offers many options in terms of shapes, materials, colours, etc. Its colour can be matched to the colour of the worktop for a coordinated look. You can choose from black, yellow, green, blue, purple, red, etc.
- Design: it enhances the kitchen and the room as a whole thanks to its straight, elegant and clean lines.
The only problem with the built-in sink is that it is a little difficult to install, as it has to be integrated directly into the worktop. The work must be done meticulously to ensure that the pipes work properly and that they are accessible.
What to bear in mind when buying a built-in sink?
To ensure that the built-in sink meets your needs, there are a few details to consider. In addition to materials, shape and size, you should not overlook the following points:
- The resistance of the equipment to light, temperature variations and thermal shock cycles.
- Insensitivity to chemicals.
- Type of fixing for installation on any worktop surface material.
- Ease of maintenance.
- Manufacturing standards, of which the best known is EN 14688.
