I replace sinks for a living and have yet to pull a countertop to replace a sink except in solid surface. You tap the cabinet front off, change the sink, and put it back on. I've done it twenty times. Did it the day before yesterday. For easiest sink changes, insist that your fabricator strap, not insert fasten, your sink in place with a Hercules Universal Sink Harness (Braxton Bragg) or a Sink Strap (Regent Stone Products) or two. Two easily accessible bolts instead of 12 inaccessible ones. I'd change a strapped apron undermount in a hour at most. Make sure he puts a nice radius at your sink cut-out too, 3/8" minimum. No pencil edge, please.

Hi Joseph....I was hoping you'd respond! :). I'm an avid fan of yours (blush). We prefer an undermount sink because it's easier to wipe counters off onto the sink and as well because the emphasis will be on the countertop (Cristallo quartzite with gold and copper veining). The only reason we are considering a top mount (which we have now) is because it's easier to replace the sink (hubby might be able to do himself), should it need to be replaced in the future. I'm a bit of an OCD when it comes to the house/kitchen looking pristine all the time (and I both cook and bake A LOT). We are having a difficult time deciding on what sink (Brand, etc.) and color to get. White is out of the question as it's too intrusive next to our stone. Hubby wants a copper (my original idea), but two factors for us to consider is: We have hard water, and heard that may spot the sink, and also PRICE. Paying 2-3K for a sink is out of the question (financially) for us. We are stomped! Our kitchen cabinets are honey maple, our island (in works right now) will be a creamy white color, and then we have the Cristallo quartzite.

I have an undermount Blanco Stellar 28" stainless steel sink, with drain offset to the center rear; this was the largest sink for a 30" cabinet that I found at the time - I wanted the offset drain to maximize the storage space underneath. The product description says it requires a 33" cabinet, but it fits nicely into my 30" cabinet. I have a garbage disposal, and a soap dispenser too. The sink is plenty big enough for cookie sheets (26" interior length!) I am very happy with it. BTW with the offset, center drain/garbage disposal, I have room on one side for a pullout for the trash and recycling (from Rev-a-shelf), and a shallower pullout on the other side (because of piping in the rear of that side, from Target) that holds the compost pail (the small Ikea stainless steel step-open trash can), sponges, cleanser, and so forth. I also added an Ikea Variera pullout- about 5" w 21" d 4" t -- that attached to the side wall of the cabinet, for sundries like an small extension cord, tape, tape measure. Unfortunately I don't think Ikea offers that anymore - but perhaps something similar is out there somewhere.

@Lauren Fazio we ended up with the Elkay Bellucci, which was a tad of a surpise when it arrived as we had ordered site unseen. Given that it's a granite composite there are some darker flecks and although white, it's not a bright white. The manufacture ended up replacing the first one due to the number of dark spots. Elkay was very helpful and responsive. The positive reveal with the ledge is more of catch all than we antiicapted in this house of 2. When reading the reviews about coffee, tomatoes, etc. we figured that wouldn't necessary apply to us- we don't keep things in the sink and rinse it down imemediately. Not the case. It does come clean with a magic eraser sponge and some elbow grease. We have the bottom rack and remove it a few times a week for good scrub. 5 months in we've had no issues with scratches or other surface damages. Initially we did use the drying rack and cutting board features. We've reduced using them, but can envision them being used when counter space is needed in the future.