Ashley River Island
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Photo by: Michael Costa
Designed by: Gaylord Design LLC

Single or Double Basin Sink?

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Double basin sinks, the configuration of choice in your mother’s kitchen for its ability to soak dishes on one side and rinse them in the other, has had its time; today, it’s the space-saving single basin that’s stealing the show. While the double-bowl sink will always be a popular selection, many designers are now installing one large sink, usually 28 to 34 inches, in addition to a smaller prep or bar sink in the island. The reason? A single basin (most popular style is the apron-front, also called farmhouse, sink) takes up less counter space. It also offers greater flexibility when washing large pots, pans, and platters—important for homeowners big on entertaining. Plus, the second sink offers up another work zone for prep work, like washing vegetables, a good option for kitchens with multiple cooks.

OUR VOTE ON SINGLE VS. DOUBLE SINK? SINGLE ALL THE WAY! 

The last kitchen I designed for myself had the dishwasher elevated, placed over a 15" high cabinet with a drop-down door, wonderful for storing large baking & roasting pans. I have a bad back, and this saved me from having to bend over to load and unload the dishwasher. I've moved to a one-floor home, have another kitchen to remodel and the current dishwasher is not only a backbreaker, but I have constant injuries to my ankle from colliding with the corner of the dishwasher door when it is open. another "never again" feature to fix in the remodel. It's so totally logical, why isn't this a more common design feature?

My last kitchen, which I designed myself, had a mixture of solid and glass-front IKEA cabinets, which I really liked. The glass was frosted, but had a flaw I had not anticipated- the glass had a lumpy-bump pattern, unfortunately on the exterior surface, very hard to clean, especially near the stove. Never again. Have moved, have another kitchen to remodel, any glass will be SMOOTH.

We opted for a deep single bowl and were blown away at the functionality improvement. Not ones for having dirty or drying dishes laying around when we have a dishwasher 6" away.

Interesting that the picture with this story shows a double basin sink.

I love a double sink! The versatility works nicely with our traffic flow and the look can be just as streamlined as the single basin or found with an apron front for the farmhouse look. One of the most important details when looking for any sink is the depth, whether single or double a shallow sink will not be as functional.

Really do not like the double sink. I have one now. Each side is fairly large just not large enough to wash large roasting pans or platters. Can't wait for reno and a new large single sink. For me it's not about trends, it's about practicality.

I personally LOVE my double sink...actually a sink and a half, so it does not take up all that much room and is mighty convenient....don't care what the latest trend is. And I really don't like a farm sink...the look interrupts the visual line of cabinetry. To each his own.

Yes, a large sink for sure! I'm so tired of those stupid 70's tiny double sinks you can't put a large pot in or wash a big cookie sheet without spattering water all over. Give me one huge sink! Going to have one in the new house! Can't wait.

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