In a previous post I wrote about different materials kitchen sinks are available to buy and outlined their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally I would like to share with you what to look out for when buying a new kitchen sink in terms of functionality.
No doubt that the functionality aspect in a kitchen has top priority. As a result I would like to guide you through on the types of kitchen sinks available including their functionality aspects. Firstly, we cover what different types of kitchen sinks are available to buy.
Available types of kitchen sinks
Generally, you can choose one between the four types.
- Single bowl
- Double bowl
- Sink with drainer
- Sink with drainer attachment
In the following I’m listing advantages and disadvantages of each type of sink. Additionally, this determines if a sink is recommended for a large or small kitchen.
Functionality features
Single bowl
The single bowl is a small sink which for this reason is enough for a single household or for a couple. You do have a couple of options. Firstly, you can get a single bowl without a drainer. This helps you save bench space, if your kitchen is small. Conversely this sink doesn’t offer the best functionality aspect. As a consequence of this manufacturers have developed sink accessories, which I’ll be covering later on. Secondly, you can get a single bowl with a drainer attached though. Therefore you have a dedicated space to put your wet dishes, nonetheless you are sacrificing in bench space.
Double bowl
The second option you have is purchasing a double bowl sink. Undoubtedly they are a little more versatile in use because of the second bowl. As a result you are still able to drain liquid while cooking and doing the dishes at the same time. Also, due to the size a double bowl sink is suitable for larger families or if you insist on having two bowls. In addition you can purchase a double bowl sink with a drainer attached. Without a doubt though the size of a double bowl, especially with a drainer attached, take up a lot of your valuable bench space.
Controversially if you really depend on the bench space and a second bowl is a must have your solution would be to get the double bowl without a drainer. As mentioned the drainer can be purchased as a lose attachment (see further down).
Most importantly you can get accessories to make the most of your double bowl and add to your valuable preparation space. Not only can you get a cutting board accessory to cover up one of the bowls – but also you can get glass tops to put down hot pots or insets to drain your pasta effortlessly.
Sink with drainer
To clarify your options I’ve listed the sink with attached drainer as a separate point. Overall I would like to highlight the size of them. With the size in mind it should be noted, that you might sacrifice in valuable bench- and preparation-space. In this case you need to consider carefully what is most important to you and what would benefits you the most. Above all this, if you have a reasonably sized kitchen and lots of bench- and preparation-space this is not such a huge problem. Then go for what you really desire.
Sink with accessories
Due to the issues outlined in the previous paragraphs, kitchen sink manufacturers have been developing useful and practical accessories with their products. In terms of functionality and versatility I can highly recommend to make yourself familiar with sink accessories. Especially, if you need to sacrifice and can’t get what you really want due to space. As a rule you really want to maximize your bench- and preparation-space in your kitchen. This is a feature not to be missed or overlooked.
Talk to your kitchen professional to find out what is best for you. They help you uncover our true needs and desires and can make product recommendations suitable for you. A kitchen is a space which needs to be highly functional. Some missing or overlooked details can truly ruin your design.
If you would like to learn more about materials and durability on kitchen sinks, have a read through PART I of this short series.
Quite an interesting read on how once can go about choosing the right kitchen sink.