Double sink then can use one as a drainer if needed, but if I was re doing my kitchen I would probably have just one very large sink as I use the dish washer for most things it is only the big dishes that need soaking or too big for the dishwasher that I hand wash

I had a large square steel sink in our last kitchen. I loved and it cos it was so big, i didn't end up needing to drain or rinse stuff - it was big enough to store lots in if i wanted to put off the washing. So i am unsure i would go with two again. More benchspace!

I'd say smaller sink and keep your bench space. I've got a relatively (by modern standards) island bench in my new house and have gone for a double undermount sink with no drainer, but it has a drainer attachment which drops in to the 2nd sink.....so we'll be using that. Very much depends on what suits your Kitchen though!

I have a double sink - one large, one half-size. If i was re-doing I would only have one as Sophia has said above, because the dishwasher does most of the work. My larger sink has a cover and a drainer/strainer which I do find handy but I am quite disappointed with the white thick plastic? cover as it has stained a little and doesn't like hot things on it. Luckily we bought a replacement one at the same time as we bought the sink. I was talked out of an undermount sink but wish I had one now. The other hint I have is don't go with the newer square sinks. My friend has just put one in and says it is difficult to clean in the corners.

I'm with the single sink. My last kitchen I put in one big sink and have never missed a second one - also stainless steel needs a bit of cleaning to look good (I speak from experience having worked in commercial kitchens), so only one sink to clean! Double drainers add to your usable bench space. Agree with judthb - square stainless sinks have corners that seem to trap stains.

Love the choice of sinks you have there. We are with the single sink too. Gives you extra workspace then and the second sink is rarely used. Although you could obtain a cutting board the right size to sit over the second sink when unused. A big wooden or acrylic board with a front lip to stop it sliding around - see picture.

Couldn't agree more lionep - always start with the "how" question before you spend a cent.

I have made up my mind, and despite the more popular option, have chosen to go for the double bowl........based on how I use them.
currently , I have a double farmhouse kitchen, with no drainers. Our habit has been to stack dirty dishes to the bench on one side, wash in the first bowl, then drain in the second. (I only wash the big pots and pans...everything else in dishwasher-but we are a family who likes to cook and bake, so there are still usually lots to handwash)
since my demolition started, I have lost the bench where we normally stack. so we now stack in one side, wash in the other, and then drain in a plastic tub on the other bench. we always dry the dishes straight away, and after 10 years of doing it the other way...I much prefer this new way. the dirty dishes are hidden from view, instead of being stacked on the bench.
and, as we will be gaining an island bench, I will be getting more benchspace anyway. thanks for everyones input......it was really helpful . heading down to order it tomorrow.

i do have another question though...has anyone installed their kitchen sink higher than standard...to minimise how much they need to bend over? these bowls are 30cm deep, and my tall family (except me) all complain already that they get a sore back leaning over the sink. if these new ones are 10 cm deeper, the complaining will never stop, so i am thinking of installing the sink at 100 height (it will be a completely separate "station" with no other benches adjoining...just the island opposite. is this really weird/stupid?

I have a 6 foot friend who has that problem with deep sinks. She had her benches made higher to accommodate her height, so the sink is higher anyway. Your tall family would probably appreciate higher benches in any case. I can see no reason why you couldn't raise the sink a bit, or put a square (plastic) draining rack in the bottom to bring it up, until you need the full depth.