Kitchen Sink Types Explained: Inset, Undermount, Single & Double Drainer

Inset or undermount? Single drainer or double? Compare ViandPro kitchen sink types and learn why coloured stainless steel sinks are designed to retain their finish.

Choosing a kitchen sink is not just about picking a size. The way the sink fits into the worktop, the number of bowls, the amount of drainer space and the finish all change how practical it feels day to day. The ViandPro range includes compact single-drainer sinks, larger double-drainer models and coloured undermount sinks in several bowl configurations, so there is a fairly clear option for most kitchen layouts.

The ViandPro sink range at a glance

  • Inset sinks sit into a cut-out in the worktop and have a visible rim.
  • Undermount sinks are fitted beneath the worktop for a cleaner, uninterrupted edge.
  • Single-drainer sinks give you a bowl plus one integrated draining area.
  • Double-drainer sinks give you draining space on both sides of the bowl or bowls.
  • Single, 1.5 and double-bowl undermount sinks let you choose the amount of washing and rinsing space you need.
  • Our stainless inset sinks use durable stainless steel, while the coloured undermount range adds Carbon Grey and Brushed Brass options.

Inset sinks: the practical all-rounder

An inset sink is installed from above into a cut-out in the worktop. The rim of the sink sits on the worktop surface, which makes this style straightforward to fit and suitable for a wide range of worktop materials.

It is the traditional kitchen sink format, but that does not make it old-fashioned. A well-proportioned stainless steel inset sink is still one of the most practical choices for a busy kitchen because the drainer is built into the sink itself and the whole unit is easy to use.

ViandPro stainless steel double drainer inset kitchen sink installed in a kitchen
Inset sinks combine the bowl and drainer into one practical unit.

Why choose an inset sink?

  • Works with many common worktop materials.
  • Integrated drainer keeps wet cookware off the worktop.
  • Simple, familiar installation method.
  • Available in compact and extra-wide sizes.
  • Ideal for utility rooms, family kitchens and high-use spaces.

Things to consider

  • The rim remains visible above the worktop.
  • You cannot wipe crumbs directly from the worktop into the bowl as easily as with an undermount sink.
  • The overall sink width matters because larger drainer models need more worktop space.

You can browse the full ViandPro inset sink range here.

Single-drainer sinks

A single-drainer sink is often the best fit for a standard domestic kitchen. It gives you one draining area for plates, pans or a drying rack while keeping the overall sink width manageable.

The ViandPro range includes single-bowl single-drainer models as well as a double-bowl single-drainer option. The latter is useful if you want to wash in one bowl and rinse or prepare food in the other without giving up the convenience of a proper drainer.

ViandPro double bowl single drainer stainless steel kitchen sink
A double-bowl single-drainer layout gives extra bowl space without using both sides of the worktop for drainage.

See the single-drainer sink collection.

Double-drainer sinks

Double-drainer sinks are designed for kitchens where worktop space is available and practicality matters more than keeping the sink compact. With draining space on both sides, they are particularly useful in larger households, utility areas and kitchens where a lot of washing up is done by hand.

The ViandPro range includes large single-bowl double-drainer models as well as a substantial 1800mm double-bowl double-drainer sink. These larger formats provide a lot of usable wet-area space without needing a separate drainer tray on the worktop.

Who are double-drainer sinks best for? They make the most sense where you have a long run of worktop and regularly need space for draining cookware, trays and dishes at the same time.

Explore the double-drainer sink range.

Undermount sinks: the cleaner, more contemporary look

An undermount sink is fitted beneath the worktop rather than sitting on top of it. This leaves the cut edge of the worktop visible and creates a cleaner line around the sink area.

One of the main practical advantages is cleaning. Because there is no raised rim on top of the worktop, crumbs and water can be wiped straight into the bowl.

Undermount sinks are especially popular with stone, quartz, solid-surface and other worktops that can accommodate a finished exposed cut-out.

ViandPro Carbon Grey double bowl undermount kitchen sink
The ViandPro undermount range includes Carbon Grey and Brushed Brass finishes.

Browse all ViandPro undermount sinks.

Single bowl, 1.5 bowl or double bowl?

Configuration Best for Main advantage
Single bowl Everyday washing, larger pans and simpler layouts One generous uninterrupted bowl
1.5 bowl Washing plus rinsing, food prep or waste disposal A main bowl with a useful secondary bowl
Double bowl Busy kitchens and people who separate washing and rinsing Two independent full-size working areas

Single-bowl undermount sinks

A large single bowl is often the easiest format to live with. There is no divider in the way, so roasting trays, frying pans and larger cookware fit more easily.

ViandPro single-bowl undermount sinks are available in different widths, allowing you to choose between a more compact bowl and a larger format with extra washing space.

1.5 bowl undermount sinks

A 1.5 bowl sink gives you a main bowl plus a smaller secondary bowl. The smaller bowl is useful for rinsing food, draining liquid or keeping one task separate while the main bowl is in use.

Our 1.5 bowl models are available with the smaller bowl positioned on either side, so the layout can be matched to the way your kitchen is designed.

Double-bowl undermount sinks

Two equal bowls give maximum flexibility. You can wash in one side and rinse in the other, keep food preparation separate from dirty cookware or simply use one bowl while the other is occupied.

The ViandPro double-bowl undermount sinks use substantial 1.2mm stainless steel construction, giving them a reassuringly solid feel.

Stainless steel or a coloured sink?

Traditional stainless steel remains popular because it is durable, neutral and easy to coordinate with almost any kitchen. Our larger inset and drainer sinks use stainless steel with a satin-style finish for a practical, professional look.

If you want the sink to become more of a design feature, the coloured undermount range offers a different direction. Carbon Grey works particularly well with darker appliances, black taps and contemporary stone worktops, while Brushed Brass gives a warmer finish that can coordinate with brass taps, handles and accessories.

ViandPro Brushed Brass double bowl undermount kitchen sink
Brushed Brass adds warmth while keeping the practical stainless steel construction underneath.

Will a coloured sink scratch and show plain silver underneath?

This is one of the questions we are asked most often. The short answer is: normal everyday use should not cause the colour to simply wear or peel away and leave a plain silver sink underneath.

The coloured finish is created using PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition), a factory-applied process that deposits a very thin, hard-wearing coloured layer directly onto the stainless steel surface. It is not ordinary paint sitting loosely on top of the metal, so it is far less likely to chip, flake or wear away through normal washing and everyday kitchen use.

Like every stainless steel sink, a coloured sink can still develop fine usage marks over time. That is normal with a working kitchen surface. These marks do not mean the finish is peeling off.

A very deep scratch or deliberate abrasion can damage any decorative surface, so coloured sinks should be described as scratch-resistant rather than scratch-proof. Dragging sharp metal objects across the bowl, using wire wool or repeatedly attacking the surface with abrasive cleaners can eventually mark the finish.

In normal use, however, you should expect the sink to remain coloured rather than gradually turning back into a plain stainless steel bowl.

Why PVD coloured sinks retain their colour

PVD works very differently from conventional paint. During the process, the coloured coating is deposited onto the stainless steel in a controlled environment, creating a thin, tightly bonded surface layer. This is why PVD is widely used where a decorative metal finish also needs to cope with regular handling, moisture and cleaning.

For a kitchen sink, that means the Carbon Grey or Brushed Brass colour is designed to remain in place through normal daily use. Fine usage marks can still develop, just as they do on plain stainless steel, but the finish should not behave like paint and start peeling away to reveal a silver bowl underneath.

The stainless steel underneath also remains an important part of the product. You still get the strength, hygiene and corrosion resistance associated with stainless steel, with the coloured finish adding the appearance.

Worth knowing: no sink surface is impossible to scratch. Even plain stainless steel develops marks with use. The aim with a coloured sink is durable colour retention during normal use, not immunity from sharp tools, abrasive pads or heavy objects being dragged across the bowl.

How to look after a coloured sink

  • Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge for normal cleaning.
  • Wash with warm water and a mild detergent.
  • Rinse away cleaning products thoroughly.
  • Dry the sink if you want to reduce water marks and limescale spotting.
  • Do not use wire wool or aggressive scouring pads.
  • Avoid harsh acidic or highly abrasive cleaners.
  • Lift heavy pans rather than dragging them across the bowl.

These are sensible precautions rather than signs that the finish is fragile. The same principle applies to most premium kitchen surfaces: normal use is fine, but avoid unnecessarily abrasive treatment.

Which type of sink should you choose?

If you want… Look at…
A simple everyday family sink Single-bowl single-drainer inset sink
Two bowls without an oversized sink Double-bowl single-drainer inset sink
Maximum draining space Double-drainer inset sink
A clean contemporary worktop line Undermount sink
Space for large pans and trays Large single-bowl undermount
Separate washing and rinsing 1.5 bowl or double-bowl undermount
A more distinctive finish Carbon Grey or Brushed Brass undermount sink

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an inset and undermount sink?

An inset sink is fitted into the worktop from above and has a visible rim. An undermount sink is fixed beneath the worktop, leaving the worktop edge exposed around the bowl.

Is a single or double bowl sink better?

Single bowls give more uninterrupted space for larger cookware. Double bowls are useful if you regularly separate washing, rinsing or food preparation. Neither is universally better – it depends on how you use the kitchen.

Why would I choose a double-drainer sink?

Double drainers give you wet working space on both sides of the bowl, which is useful for large households, utility rooms and busy kitchens where a lot of cookware is washed by hand.

Do coloured sinks lose their colour?

They are designed to retain their coloured finish during normal kitchen use. They are not simply painted with a loose surface coating. As with any sink, very deep scratching or abrasive treatment can mark the surface, but normal use should not cause the colour to peel away.

Will a scratch on a coloured sink expose silver stainless steel?

Fine everyday usage marks should not make the sink suddenly appear silver underneath. A sufficiently deep gouge can damage any coloured surface, which is why sharp objects and abrasive scouring materials should be avoided.

Are coloured sinks harder to maintain?

Not particularly. Mild detergent, a soft cloth or sponge and regular rinsing are normally all that is needed. Avoid aggressive abrasives and harsh chemicals to keep the finish looking its best.

Explore the ViandPro kitchen sink range

Compare inset, single-drainer, double-drainer and coloured undermount sinks in a range of bowl layouts and sizes.

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