Product Focus: Stainless Steel Sink Bowl Type

Product Focus: Stainless Steel Sink Bowl Type

Before you start looking at sinks, you need to examine your sink-use pattern. Are you a gourmet chef who whips up five-course meals (just because it’s Monday) or an occasional cook who subsists on takeout and microwave meals? Are you a solo cook or do you cook in pairs or groups? Do you have a dishwasher and use it regularly? Do you use large cookware or bakeware? What’s your budget?

Number of sinks and/or bowls

More and more homeowners are opting for multiple-basin sinks or separate sinks in the kitchen. This gives one extra space for prep and cleanup and allows more than one person to work in the kitchen at the same time without constantly getting in the other person’s way.

When to choose a single-bowl sink

If your kitchen is small (under 150 square feet), the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) suggests that you go with a large single-bowl sink to get the most out of your space. If you use large pots or baking sheets on a regular basis, you’re better off with a larger single-bowl so that you can soak and wash them comfortably.

Another point to consider: if you’re on a budget, a single or multi-bowl sink will require only one faucet or faucet set. If you choose multiple sinks, you’ll need to buy multiple faucets!

When to choose a multiple-bowl sink

Even if your kitchen is on the smaller side, you may favor a double- or even triple-bowl sink over a single. With a multiple-bowl sink, one person can be peeling vegetables while another washes his or her hands – without bothering each other! Be aware that multiple-bowl sinks most often feature less space than their single-bowl counterparts, so if you use large cookware, entertain regularly (lots of dishes!), or have non-dishwasher-safe dishes or pots, you may want to choose a larger single-bowl sink or make sure that your kitchen can accommodate a multi-bowl sink with large basins.

A double-bowl sink doesn’t take up much more space than a single-bowl sink but has the advantages of multiple sinks. Some choose triple-bowl sinks (often with a smaller “salad-prep” sink in the center, but also available with three full basins); just make sure that you have enough space for it.

The NKBA suggests at least 36 inches of counter space on one side of the sink and a minimum of 18 inches on the other. The most popular choice in multiple-bowl sinks is the 1-3/4 bowl sink. It’s not as large as a double-bowl but has enough space for dirty dishes and prep work without the worry about dropping your peeled cucumbers into a stack of dirty dishes.

Generally, most sink purchasers opt for one or more single-bowl sinks, except when working with existing cabinetry and plumbing. If you are replacing a sink and have space and plumbing for just one, choose a multiple-bowl sink for the convenience of two sinks without needing to spend on plumbing and installation.

When to choose multiple sinks

If your (large) kitchen is used by two or more people simultaneously and you can afford the extra plumbing and fixtures, pick two (or even three) separate sinks. This will give you the most possible workspace, hold the most dishes, and even free up counter space – if you cook alone but don’t like to wash and prep ingredients in a sink full of dirty dishes, you’ll want to go with multiple sinks. And if you keep a strictly kosher kitchen, two sinks – one for meat, one for dairy – can be incredibly convenient.