The sink is the workhorse of the kitchen and is used much more often than even most appliances. It allows us to both prepare for and clean up after meals, wash just about anything that can fit inside, and can also make a big impact on the room visually. The sink you choose will most likely be with you for a long time to come and is therefore an important investment. For most, the simplicity of a single bowl kitchen sink is the best solution.
Kitchen sinks can be classified by how many basins or bowls they have, so a single bowl has one and double two. There are even triple bowl sinks. While sinks with multiple bowls can be very useful for multitasking, holding dirty dishes, and food prep., they are not for everyone. They may be larger in total size but since the space is divided into two or three bowls, each bowl has limited space.
And limited space can be a nightmare when trying to wash larger items such as pots and pans causing water to be splashed on the counter and sometimes even dent or damage your sink itself. This is not something most people want to deal with on a regular basis. That’s where a single bowl makes things easy because you’ll have:
A Larger Area To Work With
Single bowl kitchen sinks may be smaller in total size than other types but they give you a single area to work with which is much larger. This makes washing bigger items easy, stress-free, and way less messy. Baking sheets, large pots and pans, and oven racks can all normally fit inside without a hassle. In very large single bowl kitchen sinks many of these items can simply be laid down flat on the bottom of the sink.
Much More Versatility
Having one undivided space really lets you wash just about anything. Other than food items you have the option of using it to wash anything that can fit. Many people use their single bowl sink to hand wash clothing, pets, and even infants and young children (depending on the size of your sink of course).
You may just use yours for rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, but with a single bowl you’ll always have the ability to use it for much more should the need arise.
There are a few different things to consider when choosing a sink to meet your needs such as:
Installation Type
The type of installation you choose will have an impact on the look of your space and is really a matter of personal preference. You can choose either a drop-in or undermount.
Drop-In
Drop-in kitchen single bowl sinks are the easiest to install and usually the least inexpensive. They get their name from the fact that they are “dropped,” or more accurately carefully placed into a cut-out in the countertop. The sink is sealed in place with the rim of the sink above the counter which supports its weight. Since they are installed on top of the counter they are sometimes advertised as top mount single bowl kitchen sinks.
Whatever you choose to call them they are the most common choice in kitchens around the world. They can be used with any countertop material but are of course the best option if your counter is made from ceramic or laminate since these two can’t be used with undermount sinks. Drop-in sinks can be classified into two groups: rimmed and self-rimming. Rimmed options are recessed into the countertop slightly and the edge is covered with a metal rim.
Self-rimming single bowl kitchen sinks are much more common and either come with screws and clips to attach them to the counter or are held in place by their own weight. The only drawback to drop-in sinks is that some consumers don’t like the look of the exposed edge of the sink above the countertop as they feel it is not as cohesive looking as when installed under the counter.
Undermount
Undermount single bowl kitchen sinks are attached under the counter as opposed to on top, so there are no exposed edges. Because they are under the level of the counter they offer a smooth and seamless transition from the countertop to the sink which can really look fantastic. An added bonus is that this allows you to wipe crumbs, spills, and other countertop messes right into the sink and down the drain.
Sinks full of water and dishes can get heavy and since undermount sinks don’t have the support of the counter it is very important that they are installed by a professional or someone with experience. They will typically attach the sink to the base under the counter using an epoxy adhesive and seal it with caulk, not a difficult task for a pro.
They should also only be used with solid countertop surfaces since they can adequately support the weight of the sink below. Tile and laminate are not suitable materials since grout lines and seams aren’t strong or stable enough to do so. However marble, granite, concrete, and soapstone are.
Unlike with drop-in sinks, the faucets for undermount single bowl sinks must be attached through the countertop or attached to a wall. Some sinks on the market can actually be used for either type of installation.
Single Bowl Kitchen Sink Sizes
What size sink you choose is an important decision. The average size of single bowl kitchen sinks is 22 inches long and 30 inches wide. This is to match the average size of countertops and cabinets. However they can be even wider, some are as wide as 33 inches. The larger the countertop and cabinets below, the larger the sink can be.
But, they still need to be at least two to three inches smaller than both the length and width of the cabinet in which they are placed for support. It’s a good idea to keep the size of your kitchen in mind when picking a size. Having a sink that is proportional to the size of the room will make for a much better and more balanced appearance.
A large sink in a small kitchen and a small sink in a large kitchen can both take away from the look of your space. A good rule of thumb is that if your kitchen is smaller than one hundred and fifty square feet stay with a small single bowl kitchen sink, and if it is larger, go for one that is bigger. Balance always looks good.
Bowl Depth
The depth of your sink is also something you should take into consideration. Most sinks are between seven and ten inches deep. What depth you choose should be determined by what you will be using your sink for, your height, and the space available in the cabinet under it.
If you will be washing and soaking large pots and pan on a regular basis a ten-inch deep single bowl kitchen sink will make it easier and help to keep water from splashing onto your counter. A farmhouse sink like the one shown below can provide a very deep and wide space that can really fit some very large items and provide a country cottage feel too.
Since you will be working at the bottom of your sink when performing most tasks the depth you choose can really make a difference especially if you use the sink a lot. Shallower sinks around eight inches in depth or less are easier to work in for shorter people (around five feet four inches or less) and children since they don’t require you to reach as far to get to the bottom.
They also can save a back or neck ache for very tall people (around six feet two inches or taller) since they won’t have to bend down as far to get things done. If you can’t decide on a depth you can always go to a local showroom to try out a few different ones and see which suits you best, but remember that they will be most likely set on a counter which is thirty-six inches in height as this is the standard.
What is in the cabinet directly under your sink will also have an influence on how deep of a sink you can choose as well. Be sure to choose a depth that keeps your sink above the existing drain line where it comes out of the wall so your drain can function properly. If the sink is below the drain line it will not.
You will also need to make sure there is space for your plumbing and any accessories you may have already or want to install such as a garbage disposer. Keep in mind that if you are using an undermount single bowl kitchen sink it will sit around two inches lower than the drop in variety.
Materials
There are quite a few sink materials to pick from all with their own advantages.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is hands down the most popular material for kitchen sinks of all types everywhere and for a few good reasons. One of the most common is that it is very easy to clean and with a good buffing can look just about brand new. Stainless steel single bowl kitchen sinks are resistant to heat, scratches, and as their name suggests, stains. They are a favorite of consumers who want affordability, durability, and also looks.
Less expensive than most other materials they can be used to match stainless steel appliances like fridges, microwaves, or even a stainless steel backsplash. Sinks made from this material will also match the majority of countertop and cabinet materials. A stainless steel single bowl kitchen sink can also be a fantastic way to add a modern touch to your kitchen space.
You can find them in a variety of finishes from shiny to brushed stainless steel which is duller. There are also different gauges of stainless steel to choose from. While they are considered lightweight sinks the lower the gauge the heavier, and thicker the sink will be.
Lower gauges are also more dent-resistant, quieter, and more costly than higher gauges. If you would like a stainless steel single bowl kitchen sink that is as quiet as possible choose one with foam insulation that will absorb sound.
Granite
Another highly sought-after material is granite. This natural stone has many qualities which make it well-suited for kitchen sink use not to mention a very luxurious look. It is actually one of the strongest stones on the planet and that means no cracks or chips. Granite is very heat resistant and can handle extreme temperature changes without any problem so placing very hot items inside like cookware won’t cause any damage.
Like stainless steel it is also easy to clean but should not be subjected to harsh chemicals when doing so, only use mild cleaners. Granite single bowl kitchen sinks are very popular with people who have stone countertops of all types.
Most will be made from composite granite which is a very high percentage of real granite but allows them to be formed into just about any shape and have an even coloring throughout the entire unit. While they are made in quite a few colors they are often the first choice of consumers looking for a black kitchen sink.
Fireclay
Fireclay sinks are molded from clay. The clay is allowed to dry and then a porcelain enamel finish is added and they are both fired at extremely high temperatures. This produces a sink that can withstand very heavy use. Sinks made from fireclay are also very resistant to chipping, scratching, discoloration, fading, and staining.
Their finish gives them the polished look of porcelain but with the strength of a much tougher material. For this reason, many consumers choose one instead of a porcelain single bowl kitchen sink. You’ll often see many farmhouse sinks made from this material.
Cast Iron
Tough is one way to describe sinks made from cast iron and that is one of their most appealing features. They are also very heavy and some undermount models may need extra support because of this. Cast iron sinks have a porcelain enamel coating which gives them a smooth glossy look and feel, adds to their durability, and makes them easy to maintain.
With cast iron sinks there are many color choices available. However, despite their toughness, they should not be used with abrasive cleaners. A single bowl cast iron kitchen sink is an investment that will last you many years into the future.
Acrylic
Acrylic sinks are very lightweight and inexpensive. They come in a wide variety of shapes and are reinforced with fiberglass. These are another easy-to-clean option but can be scratched if used with abrasive materials. However, unlike many other sink choices, scratches can be polished out which is a big plus.
Since they are much less costly and light in weight acrylic single bowl kitchen sinks are a good choice for people who want to install their own sink and like DIY projects.
Solid Surface
Since they are non-porous, solid surface sinks not only have a smooth look but are very hygienic not giving mold or bacteria a place to grow. While they are scratch resistant if they do happen to get scratched the fact that their color is the same all the way through lets you buff them out easily, which you can’t do with many other materials. While very good-looking they are not so simple to install, so leave the installation to a professional.
Copper
This all-natural metal can make for an eye-catching sink. Highly scratch resistant, all copper sinks are handmade. Most people don’t know it but they are also naturally antibacterial. They can actually kill bacteria and viruses which is not only safer, and healthier but means less cleaning required as well.
These are a good choice to use with stone countertops or for an antique look. Copper is often the top choice for those who purchase farmhouse sinks as well, but they do come in all styles and can really make for a striking focal point in any kitchen.
Holes
Before you purchase your sink you should take a moment to think about the faucet you will use and any accessories like soap and hot water dispensers or a spray hose that you would like to install. Each sink comes with a specific number of holes behind the bowl, the area is known as the deck, to accommodate them. While most sinks have four, they can range from one to six.
If you fall in love with a sink that has more holes than you plan to use, don’t despair most manufacturers sell covers to hide them. And if the manufacturer of your sink doesn’t, there are many other companies that do, and in all colors to make sure they conceal the holes as well as possible. Hole covers can also be very handy if you decide later on to get rid of an accessory or change from a two-handle faucet to a single-lever faucet.
Drain Position
Something else to think over is the drain position since a single bowl kitchen sink with offset drainage might be more comfortable for you. Many right-handed people feel that a drain which is in the right rear corner is ideal. This is because when they wash their dishes they always hold them with their left hand and naturally scrape the plate clean with their right hand towards the right-hand corner.
Alternately, left-handed people will hold dishes in their right hand and scrape toward the left so they tend to prefer the drain in the left rear corner. However it’s really up to your own preference, many consumers like to have their drain in the middle. But it’s definitely something worth thinking about.
If you do choose to go with a large sink (30 inches wide or more) with an offset drain, like the white single bowl kitchen sink below, a popular thing to do is place a dish drainer in the sink on the opposite side of the drain.
So for example, if you were right-handed you would wash on the right and place your dishes in the dish drainer on the left-hand side and vice versa this way you’ll have space to clean on your dominant side and on the other a spot to let your dishes dry.
Drain Board
Another option for those who wash their dishes by hand or prewash their dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, a single bowl kitchen sink with drain board attached, can be a very handy choice. Drain boards give you a place to drain and dry a rack of recently washed dishes and silverware outside of your sink. Most options are either stainless steel or porcelain coated.
Depending on the model some will be ribbed while others are not. Most will be angled slightly downward to help the dripping water run into the sink and down the drain. Because it is right next to the sink the drain board can also be a convenient place to clean, cut, and chop items like fruits and vegetables. If you have a garbage disposal system it can be a great place to peel fruits and vegetables as well.
Don’t Forget A Strainer
Every kitchen sink regardless of size or style needs a strainer to catch food and waste preventing them from getting into your plumbing while letting water pass through. However, most kitchen sinks don’t come with one. These are fairly inexpensive and there are many to choose from. Just be sure to pick one that matches your sink and your needs.
Most people will want one that can also plug the sink so it can hold water for washing dishes etc. If you don’t think you’ll need to hold water in your sink there are strainers that simply strain. So go with what you need and what looks best with your sink. The simplest solution is oftentimes the best one, and when it comes to sinks it is no different.
A single bowl kitchen sink will give you a much larger area to work with and at the same time greater versatility. With nothing to get in your way and many types, materials, depths, sizes, and styles to choose from, once you experience the frustration-free experience and freedom a single bowl provides you’ll be hooked.
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