Single or Double Bowl Sink? The Pros & Cons to Consider
A kitchen without a sink is hardly usable. You need a basin where you can wash fruit, dishes, drain water from the rice, and more. It is not so much about the number of basins, but the functionality offered that matters. Whether you opt for a single or double bowl sink depends on various factors, which we discuss in this article to help you choose a unit that fits your needs.
Let us start by discussing the advantages of a steel or melamine double bowl sink regardless of kitchen size.
Wash and Rinse Side-By-Side
With the double type, you have two basins adjacent to each other. Some types have a larger and smaller one while others have two basins of the exact same size. The idea is to give you a basin in which you wash dishes and a second one for rinsing the detergent from the dishes before placing the items on the dry rack. It does not take an engineer to figure out that not having to wash and empty the kitchen sink before having to refill it with clean water for the rinsing, is a convenience not to ignore.
Easier Preparation of Fresh Produce
You can maximise the benefits of having two kitchen sink bowls by using the one for vegetable rinsing. If you do use the bowl in this way, always use the same one. In this way, you can properly disinfect the specific basin before leaving vegetables in it. Food hygiene should always be a priority for the health and safety of your family members. You should also disinfect the sink once you have used it for any type of food preparation, such as rinsing or cold bathing the vegetables to get rid of possible bugs. With the double bowl sink setup, you have extra food preparation space. You can have meat defrosting in one bowl and still rinse the fresh produce in the other without the risk of cross-contamination.
Two Bowls Mean You Don’t Immediately Have to Wash Dishes
With two kitchen sinks, you don’t immediately have to wash the dishes to free up space for food preparation. As a matter of fact, you can even use the one for storage of the dirty, but rinsed dishes while the other one is still open for a quick wash of the dishes you immediately need. If you have limited space in the kitchen, you can thus use the sink as a good hide-away for a few dishes.
Luxurious Feel and Value-Addition
Two always go hand-in-hand with the feeling of luxury. The kitchen certainly looks more luxurious with a double bowl sink and you may even be able to sell your apartment or home for a higher price, just because of this luxury. This does not mean you have to frown upon a kitchen with a single bowl sink; simply that you can use the feature as a selling point for your home.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Double Bowl Sink?
Did we say disadvantages? Yes, we did. There are not many but do consider the space two basins take up in the kitchen. If you have a small kitchen or only a kitchenette, you want more surface workspace. In this regard, a single basin can make more sense. Also, don’t forget that you pay more for two basins. While this is perhaps obvious, it is still something to consider when budgeting for a kitchen remodelling project or for building several smaller apartments.
The plumbing differs from that of a single basin unit and is slightly more expensive. Apart from taking up counter space, having two smaller sinks side by side can be a bit of an inconvenience when you need to wash large pots and pans. In the latter instance, a larger single basin kitchen sink is more convenient. That said, if you only wash such large items on occasion, then the small inconvenience can be overlooked. If you have a dishwasher, you might not use both of the basins. In this instance, a single basin unit is the better option.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantage of Single-Basin Kitchen Sinks?
For one, these units take up less counter space. If you have a small kitchen, every bit of counter space counts. The units are less expensive than their double bowl cousins and plumbing is less complex. With various sizes available, you can install a single larger one for washing big pots, oven pans, and the likes.
But unlike the two-basin types, you don’t have a median where you can place items, like pots, while filling them with water. You have to wash, place on the dry rack and then rinse. These units are thus less convenient but are still perfect if you have a dishwasher. Also choose these if you are a single person or student and don’t have to deal with a lot of dishes. Of course, cleaning the single basin means 50% less work than with a double one. If, however, you have two cooks in the kitchen, having only a single basin can be problematic.
Final Verdict on The Choice of Single or Double
What it boils down to is that your needs, the space available, whether you are one person or a family, and whether or not you have a dishwasher are factors to consider in choosing between the single or double bowl kitchen sink.
Now that you know how to choose between the options, let us explore the products available to create the perfect work and wash space.
Double Bowl Sink Unit
Stainless steel is rust-proof, cleans easily and is durable. If you thus want two sizeable basins together with a draining bowl, opt for this stylish unit that measures 1500 mm x 1500 mm. It is built into an elegant and highly practical cupboard and comes with a convenient swivel mixer with a goose-neck spout. This makes it possible to move the tap head out of the way if you have larger items to place in the basin. The mixer also saves space, which is important regardless of the kitchen size.
The unit comes with wastes, trap and plugs. The white melamine finish gives it a modern look. Fitted with three cupboards that include a bottom and adjustable top rack, this unit provides for the convenience of two sinks and the space you need for storage. It also features a drawer that can be used for cutlery. Take a closer look here.
Melamine or Steel Sink Unit
Don’t have space, but want the convenience of a larger single sink? Then this is the unit to choose. It is available in a melamine or steel finish to suit your kitchen interior. The melamine option measures 900 mm x 460 mm with an 855 mm height. It has a single spacious stainless-steel basin together with a draining board and two separate taps. The cupboard has two hinged doors and features a fixed bottom shelf with the second shelf being adjustable. View this unit here.
If you prefer the steel cupboard finish, you will love the look of the steel unit that has a sliding cupboard door and features a white-coated look. It comes with a single shelf. Get more information here.
Combination Maxi Kitchen Unit
Talk about space saving with a single bowl. This is especially evident in this combination unit that features a white melamine finish. It includes a stove, basin, fridge, and microwave. The steel top is spacious by any standard, giving you more workspace, which can also be used for draining wet dishes. It comes with an electric plug-in two-plate stove and a Samsung 23-litre 800-Watt solo microwave. You have the options of the sink on the left or the right side. The unit’s steel top measures 1500 mm x 600 mm and it has a height of 930 mm. To complete the picture, it comes with a 120-litre bar fridge that features a small freezer section, in addition to the spacious melamine cupboard with hinged doors and two shelves. View the Maxi unit here.
Do You Want to Buy Now?
You can download a price list on our website. Whether you want to order now or visit the factory and showroom in Johannesburg or the display room in Cape Town, you will love the extensive range of affordable single and double bowl sink units available from GEZA.
