An undermount stainless steel sink is the workhorse of most remodeled kitchens: the steel bowl hangs from the underside of a stone counter, so there is no rim to catch crumbs and you can sweep scraps straight off the counter into the sink. Stainless is light, forgiving of dropped pots and easy to replace, which is why restaurant kitchens are built around it.
This guide narrows the choice to stainless undermount sinks only, and sorts them by what actually separates them: gauge, depth, bowl layout and the cabinet they need. Our best single bowl kitchen sink and best 33 inch kitchen sink guides cover other materials and mounting styles; we have avoided their picks here, and where we use the same product line we say why.
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Quick verdict: which undermount stainless sink to buy
For most kitchens, buy the Kraus Standart PRO 30-inch Undermount Sink: 16-gauge T-304 stainless, a 10-inch-deep single bowl and a 33-inch minimum cabinet, with a bottom grid and drain in the box. For two bowls, choose the Ruvati 32-inch 50/50 Low-Divide Double Bowl; for a workstation from a big plumbing name, the Kohler Strive 32-inch; for a shallow accessible sink, the Elkay Lustertone Classic ADA; and for a prep sink, the Blanco Quatrus 15-inch.
One thing to settle before you shop: an undermount sink needs a solid countertop such as granite, quartz or solid surface. If your counter is laminate, an undermount is generally the wrong sink; see the drop-in and dual-mount options in our parent guides instead.
Five undermount sinks side by side
Our five standout undermount stainless sinks, one for each kind of kitchen, with gauge and bowl depth. All eight sinks are reviewed in full below.
| Sink | Best for | Gauge | Bowl depth | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kraus Standart PRO 30-inch Undermount SinkBest overall
|
One deep bowl, 33-inch cabinet | 16-gauge T-304 | 10 inches | View on Amazon |
Ruvati 32-inch 50/50 Low-Divide Double Bowl SinkBest double bowl
|
Washing and rinsing side by side | 16-gauge T-304 | 8-1/2 inches | View on Amazon |
Kohler Strive 32-inch Undermount Workstation SinkBest workstation
|
Prep over the bowl | 16-gauge | 9-1/8 inches | View on Amazon |
Elkay Lustertone Classic ADA Undermount SinkBest accessible
|
Seated use, shallow reach | 18-gauge Type 304 | 5-3/8 inches | View on Amazon |
Blanco Quatrus 15-inch Undermount Bar SinkBest prep sink
|
An island or second sink | 18-gauge 304 | 8 inches | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Gauges, depths and cabinet sizes are as the Amazon listings or the makers’ spec sheets give them; confirm the cutout template and your cabinet before you buy.
Our picks for the best stainless steel kitchen sinks undermount
These eight cover the real choices in undermount stainless: one bowl or two, 16 or 18 gauge, standard depth or shallow, and full size or prep size. Each pick says who it suits and gives one honest reason to skip it.
1. Kraus Standart PRO 30-inch Undermount Sink – Deep Bowl, Smaller Cabinet
The Standart PRO KHU100-30 is about as plain and useful as an undermount sink gets. It is one 28 by 16-inch bowl, 10 inches deep, pressed from 16-gauge T-304 stainless with a satin finish, and Kraus asks for only a 33-inch base cabinet. A 10-inch depth takes a stockpot on its side and keeps splashing down when you rinse a colander of beans.
Our single-bowl guide reviews the 32-inch Standart PRO sold as a bundle with a roll-up drying rack. We include the 30-inch sink-only version here because it fits a smaller cabinet, 33 inches instead of 36, which is the most common reason a buyer cannot use the larger one. Per the listing, the box includes a bottom grid, drain assembly with strainer, mounting hardware, cutout template and a towel; Kraus also lists NoiseDefend pads in the title.
The bottom slopes toward the drain with channel grooves to stop water pooling, and the corners are tightly rounded for cleaning. Kraus lists cUPC, CSA and IAPMO certification and a limited lifetime warranty.
Why we like it
- 16-gauge T-304 stainless, per Kraus
- 10-inch-deep bowl
- Fits a 33-inch base cabinet
- Grid, drain and mounting hardware included
Key specifications
| Model | Standart PRO KHU100-30 |
|---|---|
| Outside size | 30 x 18 x 10-1/2 inches |
| Bowls | Single, 28 x 16 inches |
| Bowl depth | 10 inches |
| Gauge and steel | 16-gauge T-304, satin finish |
| Minimum cabinet | 33 inches |
| Included | Bottom grid, drain with strainer, mounting hardware, template, towel |
| Warranty (maker) | Limited lifetime |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for one deep, sturdy bowl under a stone counter, especially over a 33-inch cabinet.
Skip it if you want a workstation ledge for boards and colanders; this is a plain bowl.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Thick 16-gauge steel
- Deep bowl, sloped bottom
- Useful parts in the box
Cons
- No workstation accessories
- Undermount only, so it needs a solid counter
2. Ruvati 32-inch 50/50 Low-Divide Double Bowl Sink – Two Bowls That Share Big Pans
The Ruvati RVM4350 splits a 32-inch undermount into two equal bowls, each 14-1/2 by 16-7/8 inches and 8-1/2 inches deep. The key detail is the divider: Ruvati sets it 3 inches below the rim, so a long pan or a big griddle can lie across both sides while you scrub it.
It is 16-gauge T-304 stainless with a brushed finish that Ruvati says hides scratches, and thick rubber padding underneath that Ruvati says cuts noise and condensation. Each bowl has a 3-1/2-inch drain opening that fits a standard disposal; Ruvati notes the disposal flange is not included, so use the one that comes with your disposal. The box has two rinse grids, two basket strainers, mounting brackets and a cutout template.
Two equal bowls suit a kitchen that hand-washes: soapy water on one side, rinse on the other. The live 33-inch guide covers a different Ruvati, a 60/40 low-divide model; this 50/50 version is for 32-inch openings and cooks who want equal bowls. Ruvati lists a lifetime warranty and cUPC/IAPMO approval.
Why we like it
- Divider 3 inches below the rim
- 16-gauge T-304 stainless
- Sound padding underneath
- Grids and strainers for both bowls included
Key specifications
| Model | RVM4350 |
|---|---|
| Outside size | 32-1/4 x 18-7/8 inches |
| Bowls | Two equal, 14-1/2 x 16-7/8 inches each |
| Bowl depth | 8-1/2 inches |
| Gauge and steel | 16-gauge T-304, brushed finish |
| Minimum cabinet | Not stated in the listing |
| Included | 2 rinse grids, 2 basket strainers, brackets, template |
| Warranty (maker) | Lifetime, per the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want two bowls but still need to wash sheet pans and roasting pans.
Skip it if you want deep bowls; at 8-1/2 inches it is shallower than the single-bowl picks.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low divider for long pans
- Thick steel, sound padding
- Accessories for both bowls
Cons
- Shallower bowls
- Minimum cabinet not given in the listing
3. Kohler Strive 32-inch Undermount Workstation Sink – A Prep Station From a Big Name
The Strive K-33662-PC is Kohler’s undermount workstation sink: a single 16-gauge stainless bowl, 9-1/8 inches deep, with accessories that ride along the rim. Per the listing, the box includes a cutting board, drain board, colander, soaking bin, sink rack and drain cover, all designed to nest for storage.
The drain sits at the rear rather than the center, which Kohler says frees space in the bowl and under the sink, and the bottom slopes to limit pooling. Kohler lists 3/8-inch rounded corners and its SilentShield sound absorption, and its spec sheet calls for a 33-inch minimum base cabinet. Retailer listings note that the drain and strainer are sold separately, so budget for one.
Our parent guides already review the Kohler Task workstation sinks, which are dual-mount; the Strive is undermount-only and a separate Kohler line. Watch the model number: Kohler’s similar K-33663 Strive is only 5-1/2 inches deep. The Amazon listing does not state the warranty.
Why we like it
- Six workstation accessories included
- Rear drain frees bowl and cabinet space
- 16-gauge steel, 9-1/8-inch depth
- Fits a 33-inch cabinet, per Kohler
Key specifications
| Model | Strive K-33662-PC-NA |
|---|---|
| Outside size | 32 inches wide (front to back not stated in the listing) |
| Bowls | Single workstation bowl, rear drain |
| Bowl depth | 9-1/8 inches |
| Gauge and steel | 16-gauge stainless |
| Minimum cabinet | 33 inches |
| Included | Cutting board, drain board, colander, soaking bin, rack, drain cover |
| Warranty (maker) | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want to chop, drain and rinse over the bowl and like buying from a major plumbing maker.
Skip it if you want the drain kit in the box; retailers say it is sold separately.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Full accessory set
- Rear drain
- Kohler parts support
Cons
- Drain and strainer sold separately
- Easy to confuse with the shallow K-33663
4. Ruvati 32-inch 70/30 Undermount Double Bowl Sink – One Big Bowl, One Small
If a 50/50 split leaves both bowls too narrow for your pots, an offset double is the answer. The Ruvati RVM5300 gives you an 18-1/2 by 15-3/4-inch main bowl, 9 inches deep, and a 10 by 15-3/4-inch side bowl, 7 inches deep, in a 31-1/2 by 17-3/4-inch undermount sink.
The big side takes a stockpot or a Dutch oven; the small side is for rinsing herbs or holding a strainer while the main bowl soaks. Ruvati builds it from 16-gauge T-304 stainless with a brushed finish and rubber sound padding, and lists a 36-inch minimum base cabinet. Each bowl has a 3-1/2-inch drain opening for a standard disposal; the disposal flange is not included.
The box includes two bottom grids, two basket strainers, two decorative drain covers, mounting brackets and a template, per the listing. Ruvati lists cUPC certification. The Amazon listing for this model does not state the warranty.
Why we like it
- 9-inch-deep main bowl
- 16-gauge T-304 stainless
- Grids, strainers and drain covers for both bowls
- Sound padding, per Ruvati
Key specifications
| Model | RVM5300 |
|---|---|
| Outside size | 31-1/2 x 17-3/4 inches |
| Bowls | 70/30: 18-1/2 x 15-3/4 and 10 x 15-3/4 inches |
| Bowl depth | 9 inches (large), 7 inches (small) |
| Gauge and steel | 16-gauge T-304, brushed finish |
| Minimum cabinet | 36 inches |
| Included | 2 grids, 2 strainers, 2 drain covers, brackets, template |
| Warranty (maker) | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want two bowls but need one of them big enough for real pots.
Skip it if your cabinet is under 36 inches.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large main bowl
- Full accessory set
- Thick steel
Cons
- Small bowl is only 7 inches deep
- Needs a 36-inch cabinet
5. Kraus 33-inch 18-Gauge Undermount Sink – A Wide Bowl in Lighter Steel
The Kraus KHU640-33 is the widest single bowl on this page: 30-1/2 by 17 inches inside and 8-5/8 inches deep, in a 32-1/2 by 19-inch undermount sink for a 36-inch cabinet. That length is what you want for washing sheet pans, a comal or a big roasting pan flat.
It is made from 18-gauge stainless steel, thinner than the 16-gauge Standart PRO above. Kraus does not state the steel grade in this listing. It has the same rounded corners, sloped bottom and channel grooves as Kraus’s other sinks, and the title lists NoiseDefend pads. In the box: a protective bottom grid, a drain assembly with removable strainer and mounting hardware.
Thinner steel tends to flex and ring more than 16 gauge, so this sink is a trade: more bowl for the money in exchange for lighter metal. The Amazon listing does not state the warranty.
Why we like it
- 30-1/2-inch-long bowl
- Bottom grid and drain included
- Sloped bottom with channel grooves
- NoiseDefend pads, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | KHU640-33 |
|---|---|
| Outside size | 32-1/2 x 19 x 9 inches |
| Bowls | Single, 30-1/2 x 17 inches |
| Bowl depth | 8-5/8 inches |
| Gauge and steel | 18-gauge stainless (grade not stated) |
| Minimum cabinet | 36 inches |
| Included | Bottom grid, drain with strainer, mounting hardware |
| Warranty (maker) | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want the longest bowl for sheet pans and do not need the thickest steel.
Skip it if noise and dents worry you; 18 gauge is thinner than the 16-gauge sinks here.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very long bowl
- Grid and drain in the box
- Established maker
Cons
- Thinner 18-gauge steel
- Steel grade and warranty not stated
6. Zuhnë Modena 23-inch Undermount Sink – Full Depth in a Small Footprint
Small kitchens still need a deep sink. The Zuhnë Modena 23 is a 23 by 18-inch undermount with a 21 by 16-inch bowl that is still 10 inches deep, so a pot fits under the faucet even though the footprint is small. It suits apartments, galley kitchens and narrow sink bases.
Zuhnë builds it from 16-gauge T304 18/10 stainless with a brushed finish, adds its Sound Guard insulation underneath, and gives it a four-way sloped bottom and tight R10 corners. In the box: a bottom grid, a drain with a residue catch and lid, mounting hardware and a cutout template. Zuhnë lists a lifetime limited warranty for the sink.
The listing does not give a minimum cabinet size, so measure the inside of your sink base against the cutout template before buying.
Why we like it
- 10-inch depth in a 23-inch sink
- 16-gauge T304 18/10 stainless
- Grid, drain and template included
- Lifetime limited warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | Modena 23 |
|---|---|
| Outside size | 23 x 18 x 10 inches |
| Bowls | Single, 21 x 16 inches |
| Bowl depth | 10 inches |
| Gauge and steel | 16-gauge T304 18/10, brushed finish |
| Minimum cabinet | Not stated in the listing |
| Included | Bottom grid, drain with residue catch, hardware, template |
| Warranty (maker) | Lifetime limited (sink) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for a small kitchen or narrow sink base where you still want a deep, thick-steel bowl.
Skip it if you wash sheet pans or large roasters; the bowl is 21 inches long.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Deep for its size
- Thick steel
- Useful parts included
Cons
- Minimum cabinet not stated
- Too small for big pans
7. Elkay Lustertone Classic ADA Undermount Sink – Shallow Bowl for Seated Reach
Most kitchen sinks are 8 to 10 inches deep, which is too deep to reach comfortably from a wheelchair or a stool. The Elkay ELUHAD211555 is built for that: a 23-1/2 by 18-1/4-inch undermount with a bowl only 5-3/8 inches deep, which Elkay says is ADA compliant when properly installed.
It is 18-gauge Type 304 stainless with Elkay’s Lustertone finish, which Elkay describes as scratch resistant with deep scratches repairable. Sound-deadening pads are fitted underneath, and Elkay lists a 27-inch minimum cabinet. The listing does not say what hardware or drain comes in the box, so plan to buy a strainer separately.
A shallow bowl is a trade-off for anyone standing at it: more splashing, and big pots will not sit flat under the faucet. That makes it the right sink for an accessible kitchen or a second, lower sink, not a general pick. Elkay lists a limited lifetime warranty.
Why we like it
- ADA compliant when properly installed, per Elkay
- 5-3/8-inch shallow bowl
- Type 304 stainless with a repairable finish
- Limited lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | Lustertone Classic ELUHAD211555 |
|---|---|
| Outside size | 23-1/2 x 18-1/4 x 5-3/8 inches |
| Bowls | Single |
| Bowl depth | 5-3/8 inches |
| Gauge and steel | 18-gauge Type 304, Lustertone finish |
| Minimum cabinet | 27 inches |
| Included | Not stated in the listing |
| Warranty (maker) | Limited lifetime |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for an accessible kitchen, or for a cook who works seated.
Skip it if you stand to wash big pots; the shallow bowl will splash.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Designed for ADA installations
- Repairable finish
- Sound-deadening pads
Cons
- Too shallow for general use
- Box contents not stated
8. Blanco Quatrus 15-inch Undermount Bar Sink – A Square Prep Sink
A second, small sink at the island lets one person rinse produce while another washes up. The Blanco Quatrus 443144 is a square undermount bar and prep sink with a 15 by 15-inch basin, about 17 by 17 inches outside, and retailer spec listings give the basin as 8 inches deep, the drain at the rear and a 21-inch minimum cabinet.
Per the listing, Blanco pre-installs sound-dampening pads, and the floor has X-pattern grooves that move water to the drain. Retailers list it as 18-gauge 304 stainless in a satin finish. Note what is not included: the listing says the basket strainer and installation clips are sold separately, and Blanco offers an optional grid, drying mat and drain cover.
A 15-inch square basin is big enough to wash a head of lettuce, drain a pot of pasta or rinse a tray of tomatillos, but it is a second sink, not a replacement for the main one. Blanco lists a limited lifetime warranty.
Why we like it
- Fits a 21-inch cabinet, per retailer specs
- Pre-installed sound-dampening pads
- X-pattern drain grooves
- Limited lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | Quatrus 443144, satin |
|---|---|
| Outside size | About 17 x 17 inches |
| Bowls | Single, 15 x 15 inches |
| Bowl depth | 8 inches |
| Gauge and steel | 18-gauge 304 stainless |
| Minimum cabinet | 21 inches |
| Included | Sink only; strainer and clips sold separately |
| Warranty (maker) | Limited lifetime |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for an island or bar where you want a compact, quiet prep sink.
Skip it if you want everything in one box; strainer and clips are extra.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact square basin
- Sound pads fitted
- Established maker
Cons
- Strainer and clips sold separately
- Not a main sink
How to choose an undermount stainless sink
Undermount stainless sinks look alike in photos. The differences that matter are on the spec sheet.
Check your countertop first
An undermount sink hangs from the underside of the counter, so the cut edge of the counter is exposed around the bowl. Installation guides from Home Depot and RONA recommend undermount sinks for granite, quartz and solid-surface counters and advise against them for laminate, wood or tile, where the exposed core can swell when wet. Ruvati’s install guide notes that quartz counters call for a specialized epoxy adhesive. If you have laminate, choose a drop-in or dual-mount sink instead, and have a stone fabricator cut and polish the opening for an undermount.
Gauge: lower is thicker
Stainless sink gauge runs backward: 16 gauge is thicker than 18. Thicker steel tends to dent and flex less and ring less when a pot drops, though sound pads and coatings also matter. Five of the eight sinks here are 16 gauge; the Kraus KHU640, Elkay ADA and Blanco Quatrus are 18.
Depth
Nine to ten inches is deep enough to stand most pots and keep splashing down. The Kraus Standart PRO and Zuhnë Modena are 10 inches; the Elkay ADA is 5-3/8 inches on purpose, for seated reach. Deeper bowls mean more bending, so taller cooks tend to like them more than shorter ones.
Bowl layout and cabinet size
One bowl is best for sheet pans and big pots. Two equal bowls suit hand-washing; an offset 70/30 keeps one large bowl. Then match the sink to your cabinet: the picks here need anything from 21 inches (the Blanco prep sink) to 36 inches (the Ruvati 70/30 and Kraus 33-inch). Measure the inside of the sink base, not the door.
What comes in the box
Some sinks include a grid, drain and strainer; the Kohler Strive adds a full set of workstation tools but no drain; the Blanco comes as the sink alone. A matching grid bought separately can add noticeably to the total, so count it when comparing. Our best kitchen faucet guide covers the faucet, which goes through the counter on an undermount.
How we chose these eight undermount sinks
We searched Amazon for undermount stainless steel kitchen sinks from named makers, Kraus, Ruvati, Kohler, Elkay, Blanco, Franke and Zuhnë, and kept only listings Amazon showed as in stock, not “limited quantity”, when we checked. We chose one for each real choice in this category: single or double, standard or shallow, full size or prep. We found no Franke undermount stainless sink showing normal stock, and we left out anonymous Amazon-only brands. We avoided the sinks already reviewed on our single-bowl and 33-inch pages; where a pick shares a product line with one of them, the review says why.
Specifications come from the Amazon listings and the makers’ spec sheets; where the listing was thin, as with the Blanco Quatrus, we used published retailer spec listings and say so in our notes. We have not installed or used these sinks ourselves. We also searched the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall listings for these makers and found no kitchen sink recalls.
Undermount sink questions, answered
Is 16 or 18 gauge better for an undermount sink?
16 gauge is thicker, so it tends to dent less and sound less tinny; 18 gauge is lighter and often less expensive. Either works under a stone counter if it is properly supported and padded.
Can I put an undermount sink in a laminate countertop?
Generally no. Installation guides from Home Depot and RONA recommend undermount sinks for granite, quartz and solid surface, not laminate. Choose a drop-in sink for laminate.
What size cabinet does an undermount sink need?
It depends on the sink. The makers here list 33 inches for the Kraus 30-inch and Kohler Strive, 36 inches for the Kraus 33-inch and Ruvati 70/30, 27 inches for the Elkay ADA and 21 inches for the Blanco prep sink.
How deep should an undermount kitchen sink be?
Most kitchen sinks here are 8-1/2 to 10 inches deep. Choose shallower only for accessibility, as with the 5-3/8-inch Elkay ADA.
Do undermount stainless sinks need sound pads?
Most makers add them. Kraus, Ruvati, Kohler, Elkay, Blanco and Zuhnë all list pads or coatings on the sinks here, which help with noise from dishes and running water.
Our last word on undermount stainless sinks
For most kitchens with stone counters, the Kraus Standart PRO 30-inch is the undermount stainless sink to buy: thick steel, a deep bowl and a modest cabinet requirement. Choose the Ruvati 50/50 for two equal bowls, the Ruvati 70/30 for one big bowl plus a small one, the Kohler Strive for a workstation, the Kraus 33-inch for the longest bowl, the Zuhnë Modena 23 for a small kitchen, the Elkay ADA for seated use, and the Blanco Quatrus for a prep sink. For other materials and mounting styles, start with our best single bowl kitchen sink guide, and keep the space around it tidy with our sink caddies and under-sink organizers.
Related guide: Best kitchen sink strainer.
Related guide: Best farmhouse sink.
A deep sink makes short work of a big pot of beans; our guide to charro beans and refried beans explains the difference. If you would rather skip the dishes, see our menu and call to order.