Remodeling 101: Single-Bowl Vs. Double-Bowl Sinks in the Kitchen

• By Remodelista
• Posted by Marika 1/11/2018

What are the pros of a double-bowl sink?

“In a perfect world, a double-bowl sink where both bowls are a good size is a delightful thing,” says Williams. True, it can be quite a luxury to have two sinks side-by-side.

1. It’s ideal for washing dishes by hand.

It’s convenient if you prefer to hand-wash your dishes (as we’re told some people do). Double-bowl sinks aren’t generally used that way anymore, since dishwashers took over. It’s also common to keep a rack in the second sink where washed items can air-dry; some double-bowl units come with an integrated cutting board that fits over one sink for extra work surface.

2. You can separate dirty dishes from food prep.

In a double-bowl sink, you can stack dirty dishes and utensils in one sink while preparing a meal and use the other for vegetable prep.

3. The garbage disposal is always accessible.

Generally the garbage disposal is installed in the smaller sink, so it’s accessible when the main sink is filled with water or unwashed dishes.

What are the cons of a double-bowl sink?

1. The size and profile can be cumbersome.

For starters, one downside is the amount of counter space consumed. A double-bowl unit can measure 40 or even 48 inches long (you can even buy a triple-bowl unit, which may be as long as 60 inches), and don’t forget that even more counter space is needed on both sides of the sinks for stacking unwashed and clean items. In a small kitchen, that’s a lot of real estate. “Here in San Francisco, people do the arithmetic and find that they just don’t have enough counter space to give away for two good-size bowls,” says Williams.

2. It eats up under-counter storage space.

Another minus: You’re also sacrificing under-counter storage space, since a sink base cabinet has no shelves or drawers. (And that garbage disposal takes up space.)

3. Ironically, it can mean less space for washing large items.

Finally, there’s the issue of sink size, especially when one bowl is smaller than the other. “It’s just annoying to have a second bowl that’s not very big,” says Williams. “It makes it hard to wash bulky items like roasting pans.” Some double-bowl units have a lower interior partition that makes cleaning large pots easier.

Is a single-bowl sink less expensive?

It can be. For example, a Kraus Undermount 33-Inch Double-Bowl Sink costs $399.95 at Home Depot, while same model as a single-bowl sink—the Kraus Undermount 32-Inch Single Bowl Sink—is $299. Installation generally costs more for a double-bowl unit, and you may need two faucets.

Can I swap a single-bowl for a double-bowl sink?

That would depend on available counter space, obviously, and also on the cabinetry and countertop material. You’ll likely need to enlarge the cutout to accommodate the new unit, which will be more difficult with, say, a stone countertop in place.

Are there other ways to get the benefits of a double-bowl sink?

Here’s an old-school idea: simply drop a plastic basin into your single-bowl sink and fill it with water. Afterwards, empty it and store it under the sink.

Another option: Two single-bowl sinks installed in different spots, say one on the main countertop and one on an island. (See 10 Genius Double Sinks, Utility Edition for some ideas.) “A separate bar sink is great when you have two people who are active participants in the kitchen,” says Buttrick. If there’s room, you can even make the second sink a full-size one. There will be extra plumbing costs, but the busy cook will appreciate space opening up around the sink (and having an extra hand).

Trying to decide which kitchen sink is right for you?