GERM GROWTH & Undermount sink installs: After performing Bacterial Biological cultures on my old traditional over counter sink's edges, it's abundantly clear, ANY exposed lip edges, whether over or under the sink's & counter's edge, are a haven for dangerous germs, E.Coli, Staph, Salmonella etc, to grow. A "Flush-Mount" sink, should be just that--"Flush" or totally even with both edges. Installers of counter tops & sink's don't always take the time to ASK THE CUSTOMER what's preferred and that's just wrong. To decrease bacterial growth both on counter tops or in the sink, there should not be any revealed edge...not a countertop edge, over the sink by a few millimeters, nor the sink's lip exposed by a few millimeters. Flush mount sink installations aren't just sleeker looking than the old type of over-mount sinks' edges, true "FLUSH-MOUNT" -Undermount installations (no edges revealed) between the sink & counter, are more Germ-Resistant. Undermount-Flush-Mount installations are more difficult for installers but in the long run, a true Flush/smoothed edge between sink & counter protects families by preventing biological materials from growing nasty germs, viruses & other biological growths. FLUSH MEANS NO EDGES anywhere.

Dee:

The only true "flush mount" sink that I know of other than a Top Zero is a Karran Edge series. Karran recommends they be hard seamed to plastic laminate and solid surface tops only.

When a stainless steel sink (other than a Karran which has a sharp edge at the flange) is installed flush with the top cutout, the rounded edge of the sink flange can create an elongated silicone line which can be prone to fraying. This can't happen when a sink is installed with a positive reveal as in the first picture.

Were I a fabricator, I wouldn't offer a negative reveal sink as in the second picture. I don't believe in crud ledges. There is no more sanitary a sink than the Karran or an undermount with a positive reveal.

Thanks so much for all comments. Certainly hope installers read this site's comments and consider the customer's preference first.

Whether there's a negative or positive "reveal" between counter top and sink, having any type of reveal is both unsanitary and unattractive. The most important issue is, does the sink and counter-top installer(s) VERIFY WITH CUSTOMER prior to installation, exactly what the customers want. After all, it is the CUSTOMER who PAYS for the product and installation.

Dee:

Customers hire me for my expertise and they get it. I save customers from themselves regularly; it's my obligation. It is their money, but my name is always on their job therefore I have implicitly given my blessing to the work that is done. Customers get what, where, why, and when, I keep how and who. I have plenty of opportunities, but only one reputation. That reputation is not for sale at any price.

Wish I could get you to install our counters & sinks in Scotland! :)

Dee:

I'll install in Scotland; it's gonna cost ya though.

You got it! Next Fall we'll send you a ticket to fly over cause, as nice as the people are over there, they don't understand how we do things here. :)