Which Kitchen Sink is Right for You?
Find out whether a single-, double- or triple-bowl sink will work best for you and your kitchen
Your kitchen sink’s configuration is partly an aesthetic issue, as some prefer the simple clean lines of a single-bowl sink, but you should also take into consideration how you use your kitchen. Your cooking and cleaning preferences will dictate how many bowls you need.
As far as cost goes, two or more separate sinks are obviously going to be the most expensive set-up – for the extra plumbing fixtures as well as the installation. Triple-bowl sinks are also typically priced higher than their single- or double-bowl counterparts. But the prices for single-bowl versus double-bowl sinks are fairly similar as cost has more to do with the sink material, mounting type, craftsmanship and size, not only the number of bowls.
As far as cost goes, two or more separate sinks are obviously going to be the most expensive set-up – for the extra plumbing fixtures as well as the installation. Triple-bowl sinks are also typically priced higher than their single- or double-bowl counterparts. But the prices for single-bowl versus double-bowl sinks are fairly similar as cost has more to do with the sink material, mounting type, craftsmanship and size, not only the number of bowls.
The obvious downside to a single-bowl sink is that it’s not a very good multi-tasker. For those who primarily handwash their dishes, it’s not as easy to wash, rinse, drain and dry dishes with just one sink bowl at hand.
The single-bowl sink is best, then, for those who primarily wash dishes using their dishwasher and who regularly have large items to hand-wash.
The single-bowl sink is best, then, for those who primarily wash dishes using their dishwasher and who regularly have large items to hand-wash.
Single-bowl sink with integrated draining-board
Here’s an interesting feature for a single-bowl sink that would make handwashing dishes a bit easier and neater. An integrated draining-board allows you to wash, rinse, then set items aside to dry, all while keeping the water run-off contained.
Find a kitchen designer and renovator near you on Houzz
Here’s an interesting feature for a single-bowl sink that would make handwashing dishes a bit easier and neater. An integrated draining-board allows you to wash, rinse, then set items aside to dry, all while keeping the water run-off contained.
Find a kitchen designer and renovator near you on Houzz
Two single-bowl sinks
This is a smart hybrid solution of single- and double-bowl sinks. You get the advantages of a single bowl (large, uninterrupted sink space) but have an extra sink available to rinse vegies, wash your hands and more. Two sinks means double the plumbing fixtures and a more expensive installation, so that’s an issue to keep in mind if you like this set-up.
Find a plumber to install your sink
This is a smart hybrid solution of single- and double-bowl sinks. You get the advantages of a single bowl (large, uninterrupted sink space) but have an extra sink available to rinse vegies, wash your hands and more. Two sinks means double the plumbing fixtures and a more expensive installation, so that’s an issue to keep in mind if you like this set-up.
Find a plumber to install your sink
Two single bowls plus a third preparation sink
If you have the need, space and budget for it, this is a sweet set-up. I like that one or two cooks could be at the main bank of sinks prepping, cooking or cleaning up from dinner, while the kids or guests can wash their hands or fetch a glass of water from the preparation sink without being underfoot.
If you have the need, space and budget for it, this is a sweet set-up. I like that one or two cooks could be at the main bank of sinks prepping, cooking or cleaning up from dinner, while the kids or guests can wash their hands or fetch a glass of water from the preparation sink without being underfoot.
Double-bowl sink
The most popular style of kitchen sink, the double bowl, is a good choice for those who wash their dishes by hand or who need to be able to perform more than one task in the sink at one time. For instance, one person can be standing at the sink washing up while another chef drains the pasta.
The most popular style of kitchen sink, the double bowl, is a good choice for those who wash their dishes by hand or who need to be able to perform more than one task in the sink at one time. For instance, one person can be standing at the sink washing up while another chef drains the pasta.
Depending on your available space, kitchen layout and which model you choose, one downside to the double-bowl sink is that due to the divided bowls, neither bowl ends up being very large. This makes it awkward to wash large dishes. One way to get a bit more sink area and still have the flexibility of a double bowl is to choose a sink with one larger bowl and one smaller.
Often, the smaller bowl is also more shallow, so this is where the garbage disposal is mounted. This gives you more space under the sink and disposal because it can be mounted higher. However, some homeowners complain that the small sink doesn’t end up being very useful, and they wish they had a large single bowl, or two separate sinks instead.
Blockout: 6 Common Kitchen Sink Blockages (and How to Avoid Them)
Often, the smaller bowl is also more shallow, so this is where the garbage disposal is mounted. This gives you more space under the sink and disposal because it can be mounted higher. However, some homeowners complain that the small sink doesn’t end up being very useful, and they wish they had a large single bowl, or two separate sinks instead.
Blockout: 6 Common Kitchen Sink Blockages (and How to Avoid Them)
If you prefer the multi-tasking qualities of a double-bowl sink but need larger bowls, check out your options in extra-wide double-bowl sinks. These come in widths of approximately 91 centimetres or more, and give you plenty of space to work in. However, they require a larger sink cabinet than the typical 60-centimetre and 76-centimetre sizes, so make sure you can accommodate one of these big guys before you decide.
All You Need to Know About Kitchen Sinks But Never Thought to Ask
All You Need to Know About Kitchen Sinks But Never Thought to Ask
Triple-bowl sink
With a triple-bowl sink, you can easily wash and rinse your dishes and still have another sink free for other tasks. This beauty takes up quite a bit of valuable real estate, though, as you lose a good bit of useable base-cabinet space having to accommodate such a wide sink and its plumbing. A triple-bowl sink is best for a generously sized kitchen where more than one cook may be prepping the meal.
The Great Sink Debate – Overmount or Undermount?
With a triple-bowl sink, you can easily wash and rinse your dishes and still have another sink free for other tasks. This beauty takes up quite a bit of valuable real estate, though, as you lose a good bit of useable base-cabinet space having to accommodate such a wide sink and its plumbing. A triple-bowl sink is best for a generously sized kitchen where more than one cook may be prepping the meal.
The Great Sink Debate – Overmount or Undermount?
When deciding on the number of sink bowls for your kitchen, weigh factors such as the number of cooks in your kitchen and how you prepare for and clean up after meals. If you are a solo cook and primarily use your dishwasher for clean-up, then a single-bowl sink is probably your best bet. For those with busy kitchens who need extra bowls for prepping and washing, you may want to go with multiple sinks or a double- or triple-bowl sink.
Your turn
Are you a fan of the single-, double- or triple-bowl sinks? Share your thoughts in the Comments below, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Need more renovating advice? Read this helpful guide – Renovating Timeline: When to Choose Kitchen Fixtures and Finishes
Your turn
Are you a fan of the single-, double- or triple-bowl sinks? Share your thoughts in the Comments below, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Need more renovating advice? Read this helpful guide – Renovating Timeline: When to Choose Kitchen Fixtures and Finishes
The single-bowl sink is my personal preference in the kitchen. I cook pretty elaborate meals quite often, so I like having a large, deep sink to work with. I can wash big pots, pans and cutting boards easily, and I can also hide dirty dishes (that I may not have had time to wash prior to guests arriving) in its depths.