Why You Need A Double Sink
May 30, 2007 · Print This Article
A double sink is more useful than a single sink
Are you wondering whether to install a single sink or a double sink for your kitchen remodel? Imagine the convenience of chopping up your carrots, and sweeping the carrot-end into a garbage disposal.
Switching to a double sink, after using a single sink for so long, is like gaining a helper in the kitchen who organizes your cleanup.
Nearly 80% of kitchen remodelers at Elegant Kitchen Cabinets choose a double sink. Although you can get large single sinks at a premium, double sinks are normally larger.
Double Sink Advantages
Double sinks have the following advantages over single sinks:
- Normally larger, allowing two users
- Second drain allows for garbage disposal
- Organizes your pots, pans, and dishes for cleanup
A wide sink allows two people to clean dishes at the same time. The second basin normally has a garbage disposal attached to the drain. An undermount sink is useful because you can sweep food right into the basin, avoiding the topmount lip. For cleaning, you can fill one sink with a couple of inches of soapy water. Given the advantages of double sinks, when is the best time to upgrade?
Upgrade During Your Remodel
The best time to upgrade is when you’re already changing out your kitchen cabinets, because undermount sinks are impossible to remove without damaging the countertop. If your sink is a topmount, then it’s simple to change to a double sink.
How do you guys use your double sinks? Leave a comment and let me know!
I am actually remodeling the opposite way going from a double bowl to a single bowl 33 X 22 sink. My current sink has a 3/4 large bowl and a 1/4 smaller bowl with disposal. But I prefer to be able to have a large fry pan, baking tray, or huge soup pot be able to soak flat without having to tip an end up. There just isn’t enough room with a double bowl to lay a large pan flat (not even in the new Kohler smart divides). My garbage disposal will be attached to the one hole on my new sink. I never chop in my sink anyway, so I’ll still be able to throw my carrot ends from the counter into the one hole disposal. I have a dishwasher so I don’t need a second set of hands to help me wash and dry. The bigger, deeper sink will also allow me to hide my dirty dishes in the single bowl instead of piling them on the counter like I have been doing. Not sure I understand the Bandwagon mentality of the 80% who prefer double sinks unless all of them don’t have dishwashers.
Hi Jessica,
I’ve had clients keep their single sink (or upgrade to a larger one) because of the ability to put larger pots and pans in the sink.
The advantage of a double sink is its ability to organize the cleanup if you don’t have a dishwasher. You can keep the dirty dishes in one bowl, and transfer the soaped dishes to another bowl for rinsing.
I went to a double sink from a single sink. I like the separation for utensils and bowls/plates.
I think it’s all in how you use the divider because you’re not always washing pots and pans
What is required to convert a single to a double sink? Is this a DIY project or should it be left to a plumber? Is it easy to remove the old sink? The home was built in 2003. thank you
Cassandra,
I recommend using a plumber if you’re going to upgrade to a double sink, because of the following:
1. You need a separate drain pipe for the second sink
2. The closer sink hole may need a longer drain pipe
3. You may want to upgrade the faucets while you’re upgrading your sink
4. You may want to attach a garbage disposal to one of the sinks
Although there are many references online on replacing a sink, homeowners can easily overlook subtleties.
Best wishes,
Lionel