There’s a moment in the life of every bathroom vanity when you stop seeing the familiar charm and start seeing the hairline cracks, the stubborn stains, and the dreaded ring of rust creeping out from under the faucet. For us, that moment came on a Tuesday morning. Our guest bathroom, a relic from the late 70s, was holding up surprisingly well, except for its centerpiece: a shallow, enameled steel sink that had finally surrendered. It was chipped, discolored, and no amount of scrubbing could hide its age. The thought of a full-scale renovation—tearing out the countertop, re-plumbing, and the inevitable cascade of costs—was daunting. We just wanted a simple, effective solution: a new sink that could drop right in, breathe new life into the space, and last for decades to come. This search for a high-quality, straightforward replacement is what led us to the PROFLO Rockaway 19″ Drop In Bathroom Sink, a product that promised durability, classic style, and an easy installation. The question was, could it deliver?
- Constructed of vitreous china
- Drop In installation
- Sink comes pre-drilled with 3 faucet holes for faucets with 4" faucet centers
What to Know Before You Buy a Drop-In Bathroom Sink
A new bathroom sink is more than just a porcelain basin; it’s a key solution for elevating your bathroom’s functionality and aesthetic without the commitment of a complete overhaul. A drop-in sink, specifically, is a hero of the renovation world. It solves the problem of replacing a damaged or dated sink by using the existing countertop cutout, with its self-rimming edge cleverly hiding any minor imperfections in the countertop’s cut. The main benefits are significant: reduced installation complexity, lower labor costs (it’s a very manageable DIY project), and the ability to make a high-impact visual upgrade in just an afternoon. This simple change can make an entire vanity look brand new, improving daily use and boosting your home’s appeal.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a common dilemma: their vanity and countertop are still in great shape, but the sink itself is failing. This includes homeowners looking for a budget-friendly refresh, DIY enthusiasts, landlords upgrading a rental property, and even RV or motorhome owners seeking a substantial upgrade from flimsy, standard-issue plastic sinks. However, a drop-in sink might not be suitable for those aiming for an ultra-modern, minimalist aesthetic, where an undermount or vessel sink would be more appropriate. If you’re designing a bathroom from scratch with seamless stone countertops, you would likely opt for an undermount style for that clean, uninterrupted surface.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: This is the most critical measurement. You must measure your existing countertop opening, not just the old sink. The PROFLO Rockaway is designed for a standard 19-inch round cutout, but always double-check. Also, consider faucet compatibility; this sink is pre-drilled for a 4-inch centerset faucet, which is a common and affordable configuration.
- Capacity/Performance: Don’t underestimate the importance of basin depth. A shallow sink leads to constant splashing on the counter, faucet, and floor. At 8 inches deep, the PROFLO Rockaway provides ample volume to contain water, making everything from washing your hands to brushing your teeth a much cleaner experience. An overflow drain, included here, is a non-negotiable safety feature that prevents disastrous floods.
- Materials & Durability: The material defines the sink’s lifespan. The PROFLO Rockaway is made from vitreous china, which is a ceramic clay fired at high temperatures and sealed with a durable, non-porous glaze. This makes it incredibly resistant to staining, scratching, and chipping compared to enameled steel (which can rust when chipped) or acrylic (which can scratch and discolor over time). It’s a heavy, substantial material built to last.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The glossy, smooth surface of vitreous china is exceptionally easy to clean. A simple wipe with a soft, dry cloth or a non-abrasive cleaner is all that’s needed to maintain its luster. The drop-in design, secured with clips and sealed with silicone caulk, creates a watertight barrier that prevents mold and mildew from growing between the sink and countertop.
After considering these factors, we were confident that a high-quality vitreous china drop-in model was the perfect path forward for our project.
While the PROFLO Rockaway 19″ Drop In Bathroom Sink is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Modern Bathroom Vessel Sink - Best Sleek European inspired modern contemporary classic design, arc beautiful, elegant and generous. Our 19"x15" white vessel sinks rectangle are widely used in home...
- CLASSY DESIGN: This 23-inch oval ceramic sink features a sleek and elegant oval design that will elevate the style of any bathroom. Its contemporary finish pairs well with both classic and modern...
- Package Included - 16.3"x13.1"x4.7"(LxWxH) bathroom vessel sink, black T304 stainless steel kitchen faucet, black pop up drain, and 25.5" cold and hot water supplying lines.
Unboxing the PROFLO Rockaway: First Look and Feel
Our first interaction with the PROFLO Rockaway 19″ Drop In Bathroom Sink was with its packaging, and it made an immediate impression. Confirming reports from other users, the sink arrived in a remarkably robust box with an abundance of protective material. While one user noted their box was “ridiculously large,” we appreciated the clear effort to prevent the number one tragedy of shipping ceramics: arrival in pieces. Pulling the sink from its secure cocoon, the first thing we noticed was its weight. This is not a flimsy, lightweight fixture. The vitreous china feels dense, solid, and substantial in your hands, immediately signaling a higher level of quality than the old steel sink it was replacing, and certainly more than the plastic options often found in RVs. The finish was smooth and uniform, with a pleasing gloss that felt durable to the touch. The classic oval shape is truly “transitional”—it’s gentle and timeless, devoid of any harsh angles or trendy flourishes that might quickly date it. It looked just as ready to be installed in a vintage farmhouse bathroom as it would in a standard suburban home. You can see its clean lines and classic design in more detail online.
What We Like
- Robust Vitreous China: Offers superior durability and resistance to stains and scratches.
- Timeless and Versatile Design: The classic oval shape fits a wide range of bathroom decors.
- Excellent Value Proposition: Delivers premium material quality at a very accessible price point.
- DIY-Friendly Installation: A straightforward drop-in replacement for standard-sized cutouts.
What We Didn’t Like
- Inconsistent “White” Color: The finish is more of an off-white, which may not match other pure white fixtures.
- Occasional Minor Blemishes: Some units may have slight unevenness on the rim, though easily corrected with silicone.
In-Depth Performance: How the PROFLO Rockaway Holds Up
A sink’s true test comes not in the box, but in its installation and daily use over time. We put the PROFLO Rockaway 19″ Drop In Bathroom Sink through its paces, from fitting it into the countertop to using it for our daily routines. We focused on the key aspects that matter most: the ease of installation, the quality of the material, its day-to-day functionality and design, and the much-discussed color of its finish.
Installation and Fit: A Seamless Retrofit Experience
This is where the PROFLO Rockaway truly shines, especially for anyone replacing an existing sink. The term “drop-in” perfectly describes the process. After removing the old sink and cleaning the countertop surface, we performed a dry fit. It slid perfectly into the existing opening. We were in a situation similar to one user who noted, “It fit perfectly where the 1972 Kohler metal sink went.” This compatibility with older, standard sizing is a massive advantage, saving countless hours and the potential headache of having to re-cut a laminate or tile countertop. The self-rimming lip, which rests on top of the counter, is generous enough to cover the raw edge of the cutout and any small chips that may have occurred during the removal of the old sink. We did note a very slight unevenness on one part of the rim, echoing a user comment that their sink was “slightly uneven, but not noticeable after silicone.” This proved to be a non-issue. A proper, continuous bead of silicone adhesive and sealant under the rim not only secures the sink and makes it waterproof but also fills any minuscule gaps, resulting in a perfectly level and stable final installation. The entire process, from removing the old sink to setting the new one, took less than an hour, making this an incredibly satisfying and high-impact DIY project. Its straightforward installation process is a major selling point.
Material Quality and Long-Term Durability
The decision to upgrade from enameled steel to vitreous china was intentional. We wanted something “bullet proof,” as one customer aptly put it after their old cast iron sink rusted out. The PROFLO Rockaway 19″ Drop In Bathroom Sink delivers on that promise. Vitreous china is essentially a fortified ceramic, fired at extreme temperatures to make it dense and non-porous, then coated in a porcelain enamel glaze that fuses to the body. The result is a surface that is incredibly hard and durable. Throughout our testing, it resisted scratches from dropped items and proved impervious to stains from things like toothpaste and soap. Unlike older porcelain or acrylic, it won’t yellow over time. Its substantial weight, which might seem cumbersome during installation, is actually a reassuring sign of its dense construction. This is a fixture built for the long haul. We fully expect it to look just as good in ten or fifteen years as it does today, confirming the sentiment of the user who said, “I love the new sink, and it will outlive me.” This isn’t just a replacement; it’s a permanent upgrade that adds real, lasting value.
Design, Aesthetics, and Everyday Usability
Beyond its robust construction, the sink’s design is thoughtfully practical. The generous 8-inch depth of the basin is a game-changer. Water from the faucet hits the bottom without creating a messy spray, a welcome change from the shallow basin it replaced. As one user celebrated, “It’s large and deep enough water doesn’t splash out.” This makes routine tasks like washing your face or hands far more pleasant and keeps the surrounding countertop dry. Another subtle but brilliant feature is the rear drain location. By moving the drain assembly toward the back of the basin, PROFLO opens up a surprising amount of usable storage space in the vanity cabinet below. You’re no longer fighting with a centrally located P-trap when trying to store taller cleaning bottles or rolls of toilet paper. Aesthetically, its “transitional” style is its strength. We saw one user who installed it to achieve a “vintage farmhouse style” in their 1926 home, while another seamlessly integrated it into a modern RV remodel. Its simple, soft curves don’t compete with other design elements, allowing it to complement a wide array of faucet styles and hardware finishes.
The Color Conundrum: A Closer Look at the “White” Finish
No review would be complete without addressing the most common point of contention: the color. The product is listed as “White,” but in person, it’s crucial to understand what that means. We found, as several users did, that it is not a stark, bright, appliance white. It’s a softer, slightly off-white shade. One reviewer, who was trying to match a biscuit-colored countertop, was disappointed, stating, “Definitely not biscuit.” Another, however, found it to be a pleasant surprise, saying, “it’s not a true white. I happened to like the contrast, so it worked out well.” Our assessment aligns with this. When placed against a pure white wall or countertop, the sink has a slightly warmer, creamier tone. For our project, it was a perfect match for the existing off-white vanity. Our advice to potential buyers is this: if you require a perfect match to other bright white fixtures, you may want to proceed with caution. But if you’re looking for a versatile, soft white that blends beautifully with a wide range of tones, the color of the PROFLO Rockaway is actually a sophisticated and forgiving choice.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring feedback from dozens of buyers, a clear and overwhelmingly positive consensus emerges. The most frequently praised aspect of the PROFLO Rockaway 19″ Drop In Bathroom Sink is its incredible value and perfect suitability as a replacement unit. One homeowner stated, “It fit perfectly where the 1972 Kohler metal sink went… was 54 years old and started rusting so I replaced it with this.” This sentiment is echoed by RV owners who call it a “big change from the old sink” and a “way better” option than the flimsy plastic sinks that cost significantly more from specialty RV sites. Many highlight the simple installation, with comments like, “so quick and easy. We were able to pop our old sink out and put this right in its place.”
On the critical side, the feedback is just as consistent. The primary issue, as we also discovered, is the color. The sink is a soft white, not a brilliant white, which has led to some mismatched expectations. The only other significant negative mentioned is the rare but possible issue of shipping damage, with one user reporting, “This item arrived broke in lots of pieces.” However, this is immediately balanced by numerous other reviews that praise the “over the top amount of package protection,” suggesting that damage in transit is the exception, not the rule.
How Does the PROFLO Rockaway Compare to Other Sink Styles?
While the PROFLO Rockaway 19″ Drop In Bathroom Sink is a master of its class, it’s important to understand the alternatives, especially since the market often groups different styles together. The Rockaway is a traditional drop-in sink. The alternatives below are vessel sinks, which sit entirely on top of the counter, offering a distinct, modern look that requires a different type of faucet and installation.
1. KES BVS110S40 16″x12″ Rectangular Vessel Sink
The KES rectangular vessel sink represents a completely different design philosophy. It is modern, sharp, and architectural. This sink is for someone building a contemporary bathroom from the ground up. Its compact 16″x12″ footprint makes it ideal for smaller vanities or powder rooms where a bold statement is desired without sacrificing too much counter space. Unlike the drop-in Rockaway, the KES requires a taller vessel faucet that comes up from the countertop behind it. A user would choose the KES over the Rockaway for its unapologetically modern aesthetic and space-saving design, not as a simple replacement for an existing drop-in sink.
2. Miligoré 16″x13″ Oval Ceramic Vessel Sink
The Miligoré vessel sink offers a softer take on the above-counter style. Its “Modern Egg Shape” provides an organic, spa-like feel that bridges the gap between the sharp angles of the KES and the traditional inset design of the Rockaway. It still requires a tall vessel faucet and is best suited for new installations rather than retrofits. A homeowner might prefer the Miligoré if they want the elevated, dramatic look of a vessel sink but prefer curved, flowing lines over hard-right angles. It offers a more serene and gentle aesthetic compared to the PROFLO’s classic, integrated appearance.
3. Logmey 20″ Wall Mount Bathroom Vessel Sink
The Logmey sink introduces another level of versatility: it can function as a countertop vessel sink or be mounted directly to the wall, completely forgoing a vanity. This makes it a fantastic problem-solver for very small powder rooms, minimalist bathrooms, or spaces requiring ADA accessibility with open knee-space below. Its rectangular shape and generous 20-inch width provide ample basin space. Someone would choose the Logmey for its ultimate space-saving potential and clean, floating look, a design choice that is functionally and stylistically worlds apart from the built-in nature of the PROFLO Rockaway.
Our Final Verdict: Is the PROFLO Rockaway 19″ the Right Sink for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear. The PROFLO Rockaway 19″ Drop In Bathroom Sink is an outstanding product that excels at its intended purpose: to be a durable, attractive, and easy-to-install replacement for a standard bathroom sink. Its robust vitreous china construction promises a lifetime of service, resisting the chipping, staining, and rusting that plagues lesser materials. The timeless design and practical features, like the deep basin and rear drain, enhance daily use in ways that are immediately noticeable. It represents one of the best values on the market for a high-impact bathroom upgrade.
Its only significant caveat is the off-white color, which requires consideration if you’re matching it with other bright white fixtures. However, for most applications, this soft white is versatile and elegant. We wholeheartedly recommend this sink to any DIYer, homeowner on a budget, or RV enthusiast looking for a reliable, high-quality fixture that punches far above its price tag. It solves a common problem with uncommon grace and durability. If you’re ready to give your bathroom a much-needed facelift without the hassle of a full renovation, the PROFLO Rockaway 19″ Drop In Bathroom Sink is an exceptional choice. You can check the latest price and get yours right here.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API