When you’re remodeling your kitchen, there are so many decisions that you have to make, especially when it comes to your kitchen sink. You can choose a single bowl kitchen sink or you can go with a double kitchen sink.
Actually, the two of them are good options so your choice would depend on how you plan to use it as well as the primary needs of your family. Let’s check out some of the benefits and drawbacks of using a large single bowl kitchen sink and a double kitchen sink.
Single vs Double Kitchen Sink
Most people would opt for a single sink because of its simplicity, while others would go with a double sink as it offers versatility. If you are still undecided, we listed down some of the differences between the two to help you decide.
Single Bowl Kitchen Sink
A single bowl sink is simply a large basin without any divider. This is an ideal choice for small kitchens as it comes in different sizes. It would start with the smallest option which is 14 inches up to 33 inches and above.
The Benefits:
- Save Counter Space
Getting a single bowl drop in kitchen sink can allow you to save more counter space depending on your choice. If the kitchen is very small and you plan to put other kitchen utensils and gadgets on the countertop, getting a small single kitchen sink will do the trick. This would help you save more space on the counter for other things.
- Wider Working Area
Compared to a double sink, single sinks offer plenty of space to wash pots and pans. If you are using a bigger model, you’ll have enough space to wash large kitchen utensils. It doesn’t have a divider so you can use all the space to wash the dishes.
- Comes in Different Sizes
One of the best things about a single sink is the variety of sizes ranging from very small to super large. It’s better to check the space on your countertop to figure out the right size for your kitchen sink.
- Perfect Choice for Small Kitchens
If you have limited space or your kitchen is extremely small, nothing beats a single sink. Like what was mentioned earlier, it can help you save more counter space so it is a preferred option for homes with small kitchens.
- Easier to Install
This type of sink is very straightforward to install. It only has a single drain so your local plumber will not have a hard time installing it.
- Less Expensive
If they are made from the same materials, a single bowl sink is cheaper compared to a double sink.
The Drawbacks:
- Cannot Separate Dirty and Clean Dishes
One of the things that you should worry about is that you cannot separate your dirty and clean dishes. Since it only has a single bowl, you’ll have to place the clean dishes on the countertop or you’ll need to have a drying rack for your plates. You don’t want them to stay on top of the countertop, especially if your kitchen is very small.
- Everything is in a Single Bowl
When you are cleaning the dishes, all of the pots and pans would be combined with your other delicate glassware. It’s not a good idea because a simple slip can completely damage the other glassware.
Cleaning raw meat would also be done alongside the other dirty dishes. This would contaminate the other dishes in the sink.
- Air Drying Dishes on the Counter
Another drawback is airdrying dishes on the counter. It’s not a big deal if you have a large kitchen countertop. However, if your space is limited, letting it air dry on top of the counter is not a good idea.
Double Bowl Kitchen Sink
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A double kitchen sink, as the name implies, has two basins that are separated by a divider. There are models with equally sized bowls and there are some with bigger and smaller bowls. This kind of sink is a perfect choice if you have a large counter space and you are not using a dishwasher.
The Benefits:
- Versatility
With two bowls, you can soak the dishes in one bowl while you can rinse the dishes in the other bowl. You can do two separate things because what you’re doing on one of the bowls won’t affect the other. Have your dishes placed on one side and start preparing your ingredients on the other.
- Can Add a Drying Rack
Single bowls still need to use the countertop to airdry the dishes. A double kitchen sink allows you to use the other bowl as a drying rack. The sink usually comes with a free rack that you can use to air dry your dishes.
- Easy Food Preparation
Food preparation is made easier since there are two sinks available. You can wash the vegetables, meat, and other ingredients on one side and use the other side to place your dirty dishes.
You don’t want your delicate items to be in the same bowl as large pots because they might get damaged. With a double sink, you can wash the large pot on one side and use the other side to wash delicate cookware.
The Drawbacks:
- Large Pans May Not Fit
This is the reality that you have to face when using a double kitchen sink. Since the bowl is divided into two, you can expect that the bowls will become smaller. Smaller pots and dishes can fit perfectly in one of the bowls, but larger ones will have to be placed on the countertop.
- Requires More Counterspace
Since a double kitchen sink is bigger than a regular single bowl sink, you can expect that it would require more counter space. This is the reason why it is not ideal for smaller kitchens.
- Not Too Deep
Although a double kitchen sink is deep enough for normal dishes, you will have a hard time piling up all the large pots and pans in one bowl.
How to Choose a Kitchen Sink
Choosing a kitchen sink is not only about the number of bowls that it has. There are so many factors that you need to consider if you want to choose the right one. Don’t fret because we listed down some of the basic elements that you need to check before you buy a kitchen sink.
1. Check the Material
When it comes to kitchen sinks, porcelain and stainless steel are two of the most popular options right now. Actually, stainless steel is the best choice because it is made for people who will heavily use their sinks.
Porcelain is a good choice as well, but remember that this material is prone to stain and scuff marks. It might look good, but you need to be very careful when you are using it. If the kitchen will only be considered as a design in your house and you will seldom use it, porcelain is a good choice. Pick stainless steel sinks if you will use them regularly.
2. Drop-in or Undermount
Another consideration that you need to think about is the installation of your kitchen sink. There are two popular ways to install it: drop-in and under-mount.
The drop-in option is the more affordable choice. Installation is pretty straightforward since you only need to put a hole in the kitchen countertop and place the sink on top. There is a visible lip on the counter since it would secure the kitchen sink to the countertop.
On the other hand, an undermount sink is placed below the counter. This will create a seamless look and provide a more elegant vibe to the kitchen. Take note that this installation is more expensive than the drop-in option. You need to make sure that you have enough budget for it.
3. Choosing the Size
The size of your sink is usually a personal preference. You have the ability to decide the size unless your kitchen countertop is extremely small. With limited space, the size that you can choose from would be limited as well.
For a decent-sized kitchen countertop, you can pick a sink with a size of 22 inches up to 33 inches. You can go beyond that if you want, but you need to consider the frequency of usage. A bigger sink might look like a good choice, but if you’re not washing large pans and pots regularly, a smaller one is a more feasible choice.
You need to worry about the price. The bigger you get, the higher the price will be. If you only expect to wash small dishes, pans, and pots, you should get a smaller sink.
Single or Double Sink: Which is Better?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. A single bowl kitchen sink might be a better option for you depending on your situation, or probably a double kitchen sink will solve your current issues. Choosing the number of bowls in a sink should be based on the size of your kitchen, how you plan to use the sink, and your current budget.
If you are looking for high-quality kitchen sinks for your remodeling project, we’ve got a wide range of items that you can choose from.
