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Quick answer from a licensed plumber: If your countertop is laminate, buy a drop-in, such as the Ruvati RVM5001. If it is granite, quartz or solid surface, an undermount like the Kraus KHU100-30 is easier to wipe clean and needs only a 33-inch cabinet. Elkay and Kraus both say undermounts do not belong on laminate, and Elkay says its undermounts should be fastened only to solid surface.
Our pick for most kitchens: the Kraus KHU100-30 undermount, if you have a stone or solid-surface counter. Check the Kraus KHU100-30 on Amazon
The choice between an undermount and a drop-in kitchen sink is mostly decided by your countertop, not by looks. An undermount is fastened under the counter, so the counter has to be solid surface or stone. A drop-in sits on a rim, so it goes into laminate as easily as anything else. After that it comes down to cabinet size, faucet holes, and how much of the countertop work you want to pay for. Below: what the makers say about each, then two picks of each type.
Undermount vs Drop-In at a Glance
| Undermount | Drop-in (topmount) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it mounts | Fastened from below to the underside of the countertop, with silicone; brackets and anchors (Kraus, Elkay) | Rim rests on the countertop; clips from below pull it down onto a caulk or putty bead (Ruvati, Elkay) |
| Countertop | Solid surface only, per Elkay; not recommended for laminate, per Kraus | No material limit in the Ruvati or Elkay guides; Kraus says its drop-in design works with any material, including laminate |
| Cleanup | No rim on top, so a wipe goes straight into the bowl (Kraus) | A rim and a caulk line sit on the countertop |
| Minimum cabinet | Kraus KHU100-30: 33″; Elkay EFRU311610TC: 36″ | Ruvati RVM5001 and RVH8050: 36″; Elkay LR3322: 36″ |
| Faucet holes | None on the spec sheets; faucet mounts in the countertop | Often pre-drilled in the deck (Ruvati RVM5001: two holes) |
| Countertop cutout | Made by the fabricator, with a 1/2-inch or 1/8-inch reveal (Elkay) | Jigsaw cutout smaller than the sink; the rim covers the edge (Elkay LR3322: 32-3/8″ x 21-3/8″ for a 33″ x 22″ sink) |
Countertop Material
This is the deciding question. Elkay says its undermount sinks should only be fastened to a solid surface countertop such as granite or Corian. Kraus says its undermount sink is not recommended for a laminate countertop, and that specialized tools may be needed for materials other than wood, marble or granite. Our reading, not a maker statement: an undermount leaves the cut edge with no rim over it, which may be why makers steer it away from laminate. For laminate, a drop-in is the sink to buy. Kraus says its drop-in designs install with any kind of countertop material, from wood to stone to laminate.
How Each One Mounts
An undermount hangs from the underside of the counter. Kraus’ manual has you drill 3/8-inch holes 1/2 inch deep, 1/2 inch from the sink edge, set anchors, put a bead of silicone on the sink rim, press it up to the cutout, and let it set 30 to 60 minutes. Elkay’s sheet uses mounting brackets and fasteners under the countertop and gives a 1/2-inch reveal or a 1/8-inch no-reveal option. A drop-in goes the other way: Ruvati says to put a rope of plumbers putty or caulk under the rim, drop the sink in, turn the mounting clips to grip the counter, and tighten. It adds that you should fill the sink with water overnight to help it settle, then retighten the clips. Elkay says to space the clips about 3 inches from each end, and as close as 1-1/2 inches on a countertop thicker than 3/4 inch.
Cleanup
Kraus says an undermount has no exposed mounting deck to trap debris, and lets you wipe water and crumbs right into the sink. A drop-in has a rim and a caulk line above the counter, and they collect grime. That is the trade-off for a drop-in’s easier cutout.
Cabinet Size and Faucet Holes
Read the minimum cabinet from the spec sheet, not the sink length. The Kraus KHU100-30 is 30 inches overall and Kraus lists a 33-inch minimum cabinet (our arithmetic: 3 inches wider than the sink). The Elkay Crosstown is 32-1/2 inches with a 36-inch minimum, and the Ruvati drop-ins are 33 inches with a 36-inch minimum. Ruvati’s RVM5001 also has two pre-drilled faucet holes; the undermount spec sheets list none, so an undermount needs a hole in the countertop for the faucet. See our kitchen faucet hole size guide before you buy a faucet for either.
16 Gauge vs 18 Gauge
Gauge is steel thickness, and a lower number is thicker. Ruvati lists 16 gauge at 0.063 inch and 18 gauge at 0.047 inch. Ruvati says the thicker sink resists dents and dampens noise better, and calls 18 gauge the less durable, budget-friendly option that suits lighter use. Both Elkay and Kraus make both gauges: the Elkay LR3322 drop-in is 18 gauge per its spec sheet, and the four picks on this page are all 16.
Single Bowl vs Double Bowl
A single bowl fits a large pot or a baking sheet. A double bowl gives you a second basin for rinsing or a disposal, with a smaller main bowl. Ruvati’s RVH8050 is a 60/40 split, with bowls of 18 by 18 inches and 12 by 18 inches. A double bowl has two drain openings, so it takes more plumbing than a single: two strainers, a trap arm joining the drains, and a disposal outlet if you use one.
What a Plumber Reconnects
Any sink swap breaks the same connections: the drain body or disposal flange, the trap, and the faucet supply lines, plus the dishwasher drain hose if it ties in at the disposal or tailpiece (a plumber’s note, not from a maker document). Kraus says to connect the drain to the sink, the trap to the drain, and the supply to the faucet, then run water and check for leaks. Ruvati says a sink with a disposal skips the included basket strainer for that bowl and uses the flange that comes with the disposal. Check the dishwasher drain loop when it goes back (see dishwasher air gap vs high loop), and replace old angle stops now rather than later (see our under-sink shut-off valve picks). If you are replacing a disposal too, read our sink flange replacement guide.
Our Sink Picks
| Sink | Type | Gauge | Bowls | Min cabinet | Sold by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kraus KHU100-30 | Undermount | 16 | Single | 33″ | Amazon |
| Elkay Crosstown EFRU311610TC | Undermount | 16 | Single | 36″ | Amazon |
| Ruvati RVM5001 | Drop-in | 16 | Single | 36″ | Ruvati |
| Ruvati RVH8050 | Drop-in | 16 | Double 60/40 | 36″ | Ruvati |
Figures come from the Kraus, Elkay and Ruvati spec sheets and installation guides. On September 28, 2026 the Kraus and Elkay listings showed Amazon as the seller and the Ruvati listings showed Ruvati as the seller. Availability and sellers change, so check the listing.
Kraus Standart PRO 30-Inch Undermount Single Bowl (KHU100-30)
Undermount · 16 gauge stainless steel · 30″ x 18″ overall, bowl 28″ x 16″ x 10″ deep (spec sheet) · rear-center 3-1/2″ drain · minimum cabinet 33″ wide by 24″ front to back · includes basket strainer, bottom grid, cut-out template, mounting hardware and towel · NoiseDefend undercoating and pads · cUPC (ASME A112.19.3/CSA B45.4) · Kraus limited lifetime warranty
This is a plain, deep single-bowl undermount from a maker that publishes a real spec sheet and installation manual. Kraus lists it as 16 gauge with a 28-inch by 16-inch bowl, 10 inches deep, and a rear-center drain, so the disposal and trap sit at the back of the cabinet. The 33-inch minimum cabinet is the smallest on this page, which matters in a tight base cabinet.
Two cautions from Kraus’ own manual. It says the sink is not recommended for a laminate countertop, and that specialized tools may be needed for countertop materials other than wood, marble or granite. It also recommends a licensed professional install it. One documentation conflict: the spec sheet gives a 10-inch sink depth, while Kraus’ product page lists 10-1/2 inches, so measure the sink you receive against your cabinet before the countertop is cut.
- Smallest minimum cabinet here for its size: 33 inches, per the spec sheet
- 16 gauge, per Kraus, with sound-deadening undercoating and pads
- Basket strainer, bottom grid, template and mounting hardware come in the box, per Kraus
- Sold by Amazon when we checked
- Kraus says not recommended for a laminate countertop
- No faucet holes; the faucet has to mount in the countertop or a nearby deck
- Spec sheet says 10 inches deep, product page says 10-1/2 inches
- Countertop cutout and mounting are best left to a countertop fabricator
Verdict: The pick for a stone or solid-surface countertop and a 33-inch or larger base cabinet where you want one big bowl.
Elkay Crosstown 32-1/2-Inch 16 Gauge Undermount Sink Kit (EFRU311610TC)
Undermount · 16 gauge 304 stainless steel · 32-1/2″ x 18″ x 10″, bowl 30-1/2″ x 16″ x 10″ (spec sheet) · rear-center 3-1/2″ drain · minimum cabinet 36″ · template included · kit includes bottom grid (CTXBG2914) and deep strainer drain (LKDD) · full-spray sides and bottom plus pads · ASME A112.19.3/CSA B45.4
The Crosstown is a longer single bowl: Elkay lists the bowl at 30-1/2 inches by 16 inches and 10 inches deep, in 16 gauge 304 stainless. The kit version adds a bottom grid and a deep strainer basket, both listed on the spec sheet, so it comes ready to drain into a disposal or trap without hunting for a basket.
Elkay is the most specific maker here about countertops. Its undermount installation sheet says Elkay undermount sinks should only be fastened to a solid surface countertop, such as granite or Corian, and that the sink cutout and mounting holes should be cut by the countertop fabricator before installation. It shows either a 1/2-inch reveal or a 1/8-inch no-reveal setup, and it recommends a professional, experienced installer. The minimum cabinet is 36 inches, a full 3 inches more than the Kraus.
- Bowl 30-1/2″ x 16″ x 10″ deep, 16 gauge 304 stainless, per Elkay
- Bottom grid and deep strainer drain are part of the kit, per the spec sheet
- Elkay documents solid-surface-only fastening and 1/2-inch or 1/8-inch reveal options
- Sold by Amazon when we checked
- Needs a 36-inch minimum cabinet, per Elkay
- Undermount only fastens to solid surface, per Elkay, so no laminate
- The install sheet lists mounting brackets as an optional accessory, while the spec sheet lists mounting hardware as included; confirm what is in your box
- No faucet holes
Verdict: The pick if you want the longer bowl and the clearest installation rules, and your base cabinet is 36 inches or wider.
Ruvati 33 x 22 Drop-In Single Bowl (RVM5001 Modena)
Drop-in (topmount) · 16 gauge T304 stainless steel · 33″ x 22″ overall, bowl 29″ x 16″ x 9″ deep · minimum base cabinet 36″ · 3-1/2″ rear-center drain · two pre-drilled faucet holes · countertop cutout about 32-1/4″ x 21-1/8″ (Ruvati) · includes template, mounting clips, rinse grid, basket strainer drain and drain cover · limited lifetime warranty
A drop-in sits on a rim, so the countertop cutout is smaller than the sink. Ruvati says this one needs a cutout of about 32-1/4 inches by 21-1/8 inches for a 33 by 22 sink, and that it will not fit a smaller old 30-inch by 16-1/2-inch cutout. The rim overlaps the counter (our arithmetic: about 3/8 inch on each side and 7/16 inch front and back), and that overlap is what hides the cut edge.
Ruvati lists two pre-drilled faucet holes on this model, so a drop-in can hold the faucet and a soap dispenser without any work on the countertop. The included drain is a standard basket strainer, and Ruvati says the disposal flange is not included: if you install a disposal, use the flange that comes with it. Its installation guide calls for a bead of putty or caulk under the rim, mounting clips underneath, and filling the sink with water overnight before retightening the clips.
- Two pre-drilled faucet holes, per Ruvati
- 16 gauge T304 stainless, per the Ruvati spec sheet
- Template, mounting clips, rinse grid, strainer and drain cover in the box, per Ruvati
- Sold by Ruvati on Amazon when we checked
- Minimum base cabinet is 36 inches, per Ruvati
- The rim sits above the counter and can collect grime along the caulk line
- Bowl is 9 inches deep, shallower than the 10-inch undermounts here
- Disposal flange is not included
Verdict: The pick for a laminate or older countertop, or any kitchen where you want the faucet holes already in the sink.
Ruvati 33 x 22 Drop-In 60/40 Double Bowl (RVH8050 Tirana)
Drop-in (topmount) · 16 gauge T304 stainless steel · 33″ x 22″ overall · bowls 18″ x 18″ (left) and 12″ x 18″ (right), 10″ deep · minimum cabinet 36″ · 3-1/2″ rear-center drain · pre-drilled for the faucet · includes cut-out template, 2 rinse grids, 2 basket strainers, mounting clips · limited lifetime warranty
The 60/40 split gives one bowl big enough for a large pot or baking sheet and a smaller bowl next to it for a disposal or a rinse. Ruvati lists the bowls at 18 by 18 inches and 12 by 18 inches, both 10 inches deep, in 16 gauge stainless. It ships with two basket strainers and two rinse grids, which fits the two drain openings a double bowl has.
Ruvati says the 3-1/2-inch drain opening fits any standard garbage disposal, and that when you install a disposal you skip the basket strainer for that bowl and use the flange that comes with the disposal. Its answer to a buyer question says an installer can drill an additional faucet hole, but that doing so voids the warranty. Its listing calls the sink pre-drilled for the faucet; check the spec sheet drawing against your faucet before you buy.
- Two bowls, 18″ x 18″ and 12″ x 18″, 10″ deep, per Ruvati
- 16 gauge T304 stainless, per the Ruvati spec sheet
- Two strainers and two rinse grids included, per Ruvati
- Sold by Ruvati on Amazon when we checked
- Minimum cabinet is 36 inches, per Ruvati
- Drilling extra faucet holes voids the warranty, per Ruvati
- Two drains mean more trap and disposal work than a single bowl
- Bowl split means neither bowl is as wide as a large single bowl
Verdict: The pick if you want a split sink on a drop-in, and you would rather have a smaller second bowl than one wide bowl.
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Before You Buy
- Identify the countertop. Laminate means a drop-in. Granite, quartz or solid surface can take either.
- Measure the cabinet. Compare the inside width of the base cabinet to the maker’s minimum for that model, not to the sink length.
- Check the old cutout. Swapping a drop-in for a drop-in is easiest, but Ruvati says the RVM5001 will not fit a 30-inch by 16-1/2-inch cutout. Compare the maker’s cutout size to what is there.
- Match the faucet. Count the holes the sink has, or that your countertop needs, and match them to the faucet. See our best kitchen faucet picks.
- Plan the drain. Replace the strainer or basket if the old one is worn; see our kitchen sink basket strainer picks.
FAQ
Can you put an undermount sink in a laminate countertop?
Not with these. Kraus says its undermount sink is not recommended for a laminate countertop, and Elkay says its undermount sinks should only be fastened to a solid surface countertop such as granite or Corian. A drop-in is the usual choice for laminate. Kraus says its drop-in design works with any countertop material, including laminate.
Is an undermount sink harder to install than a drop-in?
The countertop work is harder. Elkay recommends the fabricator cut the opening and drill the mounting holes before installation, and Kraus recommends a licensed professional. A drop-in needs a jigsaw cutout and clips from below, and Ruvati says to seal the rim with putty or caulk and Elkay says to caulk the cutout and not to over-tighten the clips.
What is the minimum cabinet size for these sinks?
The maker sets it per model. Kraus lists 33 inches for the KHU100-30 and Elkay lists 36 inches for the Crosstown EFRU311610TC. Ruvati lists 36 inches for both drop-ins on this page. Check the model you buy, not the sink length alone.
Is 16 gauge better than 18 gauge?
Thicker, per Ruvati. A lower gauge number means thicker steel, and Ruvati lists 16 gauge at 0.063 inch and 18 gauge at 0.047 inch, and says the thicker sink resists dents and dampens noise better. Ruvati calls 18 gauge the less durable, budget-friendly option. Elkay makes both: its LR3322 drop-in is 18 gauge and its Crosstown kit is 16.
Do I need a plumber to swap a sink?
The drain, trap, disposal and faucet supplies all get disconnected and reconnected, and a dishwasher drain hose may tie in at the disposal or the sink tailpiece (a plumber’s note, not from a maker document). Kraus recommends a licensed professional for its sinks and Elkay and Ruvati recommend a professional installer. If you do it yourself, Kraus says to run water into the sink and check for leaks.
Why Trust Plumbing Picks
Plumbing Picks is written by a licensed Georgia journeyman plumber. Every size, gauge, dimension and spec on this page comes from the manufacturer pages and documents listed below, which we opened and read, or from the Amazon listing we link; nothing here comes from hands-on testing. Each linked listing showed a new product sold by Amazon or by the maker’s own Amazon storefront when we checked on September 28, 2026; stock and sellers change, so check the listing. Where a link goes to Amazon we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nobody pays to be included here. More on who writes this and how we pick.
Sources
- Kraus: KHU100-30 specification sheet
- Kraus: handmade stainless steel undermount sink installation manual (KHU100-30 and related models)
- Kraus: KHU100-30 product page
- Elkay: Crosstown EFRU311610TC undermount sink kit specification sheet
- Elkay: Lustertone Classic LR3322 drop-in sink specification sheet
- Elkay: undermount sink installation instructions (1000005239)
- Elkay: drop-in sink installation instructions (1000005236)
- Ruvati: RVM5001 product page
- Ruvati: RVM5001 specification sheet
- Ruvati: RVH8050 product page
- Ruvati: RVH8050 specification sheet
- Ruvati: drop-in topmount kitchen sink installation guide (RVM5001 and related models)
- Ruvati: 16 gauge vs 18 gauge buyer’s guide
- Amazon listings for the Kraus KHU100-30, Elkay EFRU311610TC, Ruvati RVM5001 and Ruvati RVH8050 (linked above)
Bottom Line
Countertop decides it: solid surface or stone can take an undermount, and laminate needs a drop-in. Buy the Kraus KHU100-30 if you want one deep bowl and only have a 33-inch cabinet, the Elkay Crosstown if you want the longer bowl and have 36 inches, the Ruvati RVM5001 if you want a drop-in with the faucet holes in the sink, or the Ruvati RVH8050 if you want a drop-in double bowl. Check the maker’s minimum cabinet and cutout size before anything gets cut.