The Great Sink Debate: Single-Bowl vs. Double-Bowl Kitchen Sinks

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A woman was washing dishes in a double-bowl sink

From preparing meals to cleaning, the sink is a key item that tells you how to use your kitchen.

Today we’ll be taking the courage to tackle one of the hottest debates: single-bowl vs. double-bowl sinks.

Continue reading to help you make an informed decision, as we’ll compare the two in terms of:

  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Installation
  • Design and aesthetics
  • functionality considerations

Two-Bowl vs. One-Bowl Kitchen Sinks

These two sinks are a common choice for every homeowner and interior designer.

But, this leads to an engaging discussion about their usefulness and appeal. 

The truth still stands; they both have pros and cons, which we will talk about below:

Single-Bowl or One-Bowl Kitchen Sinks

Trivia: The huge bowl part in the sink is called a “basin.”.

They’re popular for their single-deep basins, unlike the double-bowl sinks that had two.

Like any kitchen item, they had pros and cons for your kitchen.

Pros 

The single basin without dividers allows it to have a larger space for washing larger items like pots. 

This also makes them easier to maintain because there are fewer parts that you have to clean, which makes cleaning quicker.

So, they’re favoured by many homeowners too, and besides, they come in different styles, like:

  • Farmhouse 
  • Undermount
  • Drop-in or overmount

Cons

With a single basin, it’s difficult to do many tasks at once; you can’t separate the dirty and clean dishes.

Another concern is that you cannot separate raw meat from other foods in the sink, which can transfer bacteria.

As a result, some homeowners find these sinks not suitable for some of their kitchen tasks. 

Double-bowl or Two-Bowl Kitchen sink

A double-bowl sink has two unique basins that are separated by a wall or divider.

Like single-bowl sinks, they’re also available in different styles, such as:

  • Farmhouse
  • Undermount
  • Drop-in or overmount

Similarly to the other sink, it had some pros and cons we should take note of. 

Pros 

Because of their intelligent design, you can do many tasks at once in your kitchen sink!

For example, you can use one basin for food preparation and the other for dishwashing only, which helps maintain cleanliness.

Another example is that you can use the other bowl for other tasks, like: 

  • Handwashing
  • Food preparation
  • Draining vegetables

Cons

Because of its design, it makes its space smaller and not ideal for washing large items like pots.

Food scraps and bacteria can also get stuck on the sink divider between two bowls. 

So, they’re harder to clean and maintain, besides being more expensive than single-bowl sinks.

Is it better to have a single sink or a double sink in the kitchen?

As we discussed, a double- or single-bowl sink is not better than the other.

Important reminder: It’s up to you if you see yourself using one of them because they have their own pros and cons!

Still need more help deciding whether to use double- or single-bowl sinks? Look no further, as we’ll dive deeper.

Space and Installation

Both of these sinks are available in many different styles or installations, including:

  • Farmhouse: Known for its wide and exposed front that goes past the countertop. 
  • Undermount: Blends with the countertop’s surface because it’s placed underneath it.
  • Drop-in or overmount: Its edge sits on the countertop’s surface, which holds the sink’s weight.

Take note: Double-bowl sinks need more space on your countertop, unlike single basins, which can be smaller. 

So, single-bowls are easier to fit in any kitchen style, even though there’s also available double-bowl sinks with only one larger basin. 

Sink Design and Aesthetics

Double-bowl sinks are often made from many materials that increase your kitchen’s look, like:

  • Porcelain
  • Composite 
  • Stainless steel 

Single-bowl sinks are also available in these materials, but they’re common in stainless steel and ceramic.

Double-bowl sinks also have more eye-catching design and elegance, while the other have a simpler but beautiful appearance.

Functionality Considerations

When deciding which you should use, you have to consider the unique traits that you’re looking for.

You can also do this by analysing your habits in the kitchen and looking for a sink that can help you.

Here are some of the factors you can consider: 

Multitasking Ability

When you’re also a multitasker in your kitchen, then double-bowl sinks are your buddy and partner!

Because of their double basin, you can scrub the dirty dishes in one bowl while the other is for rinsing. 

While single-basin sinks have more space, they lack the flexibility that the other one have.

Handling Large Items

If you’re a fan of large cooking and baking items, single-bowl sinks can support you with that passion.

Their single basin without a divider allows more space for cleaning larger pots and baking sheets.

Similarly to what this video shows, double-bowl sinks are not ideal for cleaning large items because they have smaller basins.

FAQ

Do I Need a Double-Bowl Sink? 

You will need a double-bowl sink when you want to do many tasks at once in your kitchen.

Also, this sink is for you if you’re in a busy kitchen environment like a restaurant or just want your sink to be more organised.

Why are there Two Compartment Sinks?

Some sinks have two compartments because they allow easier multitasking, which is important in environments where speed is the key.

For example, it allows you to have separate areas for washing and rinsing dishes.

How Wide is a Single-Basin Kitchen Sink?

Single-basin kitchen sinks’ width can range from 24 to 36 inches. 

While some of them can be as tiny as 3 inches, which is perfect for a small kitchen,. 

Single vs. Double Sink: Ending the Battle 

Winner? Nah, we don’t have one because they both have their advantages and disadvantages that you should consider, such as:

  • Unique traits
  • Sink design
  • Sink aesthetic
  • How much space does it occupy?
  • And so on

So it’s up to you whether to use single- or double-bowl sinks.

Want to share your experience or have more questions we haven’t covered yet?

Leave us a message now, because we’re happy to hear it!

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+86 -577 - 89886229

Address  10TH Floor,HengLong Commercial Building,No.238 Chezhan Road Wenzhou,China

Email  wangel@wangelgroup.com

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