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
Jennifer Ott
15 August 2019
San Francisco-based architectural color specialist and design writer. Jennifer's work has been featured in many print and online publications. Her recently-published book, "1000 Ideas for Color Schemes," is a beautifully illustrated and easy-to-navigate guide that takes the guesswork out of selecting the perfect color palette for your home or special event. For more information on Jennifer Ott Design, visit http://jenottdesign.com/.
San Francisco-based architectural color specialist and design writer. Jennifer's... More
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.
Single-bowl sink
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.
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.
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
Related Stories
Most Popular
Renovation Insight: How to Choose a Kitchen Designer
The right designer can bring your dream kitchen to life – three kitchen designers reveal where to look and what to ask
Full Story
Kitchen Expert Advice
7 Common Kitchen Design Challenges & How Experts Get Around Them
From bad layouts to poor storage, here are seven issues pros come up against (and overcome) in clients' kitchen renos
Full Story
Kitchens
A Good Fit: 10 Questions to Ask a Potential Kitchen Designer
By lwkkitchens
A good designer knows which questions to ask about your kitchen project. But what should you ask them before you sign?
Full Story
Most Popular
8 Dos and Don'ts for a Well-Functioning Butler's Pantry
Having a little help behind the scenes is key to a pristine kitchen – here's how to create a functional butler's pantry
Full Story
Most Popular
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
By Anne Ellard
Discover the correctly proportioned kitchen island bench dimensions so your space works as well as it can
Full Story
Kitchen Renovations
10 Times You Should Hire a Kitchen Designer
These specialists can solve layout issues, save costs, update an older space and create custom design details
Full Story
Popular Houzz Series
How Practical Is... Handleless Joinery?
Handleless joinery is popular in modern homes. But how suitable are cupboards that can only be opened with a touch?
Full Story
Renovation Guides
Room by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
From the kitchen to the garden, and all areas in between, experts identify common mistakes and share priceless insights
Full Story
Most Popular
From Planning to Pendants: Kitchen Lighting Essentials
By Joanna Tovia
This valuable guide will give you all you need to know about choosing kitchen lighting for fabulous form and function
Full Story
Kitchen Renovations
A Kitchen That Uses Special Elements to Punch Above Its Weight
This couple wanted a well-designed kitchen that incorporated their pre-bought furniture; this designer delivered
Full Story
I had my kitchen designed around one requirement: two sinks on an island as far apart as possible. One for prep & one for clean up. There's room for two (or more people to work that way & no one is facing a blank wall. My kitchen is 22 years old & I still love that arrangement.
I have a double bowl with one larger side that is very convenient since my hubby is always beginning to clean up while I'm finishing up cooking, and need sink for draining pasta or the like. One suggestion if you get a 2nd sink; go larger than bar sink size - at least 16x16 or 20x20 to make it really useful.
We are in the middle of a kitchen reno; there were several things we just HAD to change, one of them being a weirdly curved triple-bowl sink. I used that thing for 5 1/2 years, and for the life of me I could never figure out why anyone would want this. The worst part: the garbage disposal was hooked up to the little sink in the middle! You’re cleaning up after a big meal, and now you’re having to scrape food etc into the tiny sink in the middle, then wash dishes or rinse in the larger sink on the left…..so difficult and annoying! My new sink is a 36”, fairly deep double-bowl fireclay sink…this will be much more user-friendly. I ultimately opted against a second sink in the kitchen because A. I didn’t want to give up the space, and B. our laundry room is the next room over, so if someone needs to wash their hands while Daddy is prepping the turkey, they can do it there. (We are empty nesters, so it’s usually just the 2 of us, and I do most of the cooking by myself.)