Double Bowl Kitchen Sinks: The Versatile Option for Affordable High-Performance Kitchens

Single bowl kitchen sinks have become the default for most new multifamily homes. 

But there are some cases when a double bowl is worth adding. 

Today’s homeowners are looking for maximum function and usability in every fixture of their home. 

They want a kitchen that’s a comfortable extension of their living space, where they can gather and work side-by-side with friends or loved ones. At the same time, they want designs that look modern and streamlined. 

Here are a few ways a double bowl kitchen sink can deliver everything your clients are looking for.

When Should You Choose a Double Bowl Kitchen Sink?

Double kitchen sinks won’t be right for every kitchen design. But they bring some significant benefits that single kitchen sinks can’t offer.

So when does a double sink make more sense for a kitchen?

1. The sink will have a garbage disposal.

If you’re planning to install a garbage disposal, a double kitchen sink is almost a must-have.

In a single kitchen sink, the drain and garbage disposal may get blocked by dishes or cookware. That leads to soggy food debris building up until the dishes can be moved out of the way.

With a double kitchen sink, it’s easier to keep the garbage disposal accessible.

2. Your build needs to appeal to middle-income families. 

Especially if you’re working on a multi unit build, being able to appeal to middle-income families with kids will help ensure your project is profitable.

Families need a kitchen sink that can keep up. They need to be able to do multiple jobs at the same time and don’t have time to waste shuffling dishes out of the way to wash berries for their toddler.

A double bowl kitchen sink is one easy way you can give families the ability to do multiple jobs at once.

3. You’re hoping to attract young professionals.

Young professionals want functional and elegant kitchens where they can entertain and gather with friends. They may look at cooking as a hobby and want a kitchen that makes intricate food prep easier.

They’ll have a dedicated place to keep dishes from the first course while they plate the second at holiday meals. Or they can fill one side with ice and bottled drinks and still have a working sink on the other side.

4. There’s limited counter space.

It might seem counterintuitive to go with a double sink for limited counter space since they’re usually wider side-to-side than a single basin. But if you have enough room for a double basin, it can help make better use of their counter space.

For example, it gives residents a dedicated place for a dish drying rack. Which means they won’t have to take up that room on the counter, leaving it clear for other things like cutting produce.

If you have less than 30” of available space, a single basin is still the best choice. But it’s important to consider what tasks end up on top of the counter if there’s nowhere to do them in the sink.

5. Water usage is a concern.

As younger Millennials and Gen Z seek places to live, they are increasingly mindful of their environmental footprint. Installing a double kitchen sink facilitates water conservation, which is particularly crucial in regions prone to drought, such as California.

Instead of using running water, one side can be filled with soapy water to scrub dishes and the other with clean water for rinsing. 

It also takes less water to fill one bowl of a double sink rather than the entire basin in a single. So thawing food or soaking dishes or stained clothes is more eco-friendly in a double sink.

Even better, go with a stainless steel double kitchen sink, which is recyclable and energy-efficient to manufacture.

As you can see, there are plenty of great reasons to choose a split basin instead of a single. 

So why would anyone not want a double sink?

Why Do Some People Prefer a Single vs. Double Kitchen Sink?

There are a few common complaints about double bowl kitchen sinks that are worth considering.

1. Added cost.

As a builder, the budget is king when you’re choosing fixtures. And double sinks cost more than single basins in many cases. 

BUT – You can offset the expense by working with the right wholesaler. Look for bulk buying discounts, free shipping, and quality manufacturing that’s reasonably priced. Then the price difference will probably be negligible at the end of the day.

2. Not enough space for large cookware.

Many homeowners want one big basin with enough space to handle large pots and cookware. They may feel frustrated by a split basin that doesn’t allow them to lay pans down to soak inside the sink. 

BUT – They might love an asymmetrical double bowl kitchen sink that has a large bowl on one side with a smaller secondary bowl on the other. That way, they’ll have plenty of room for large cookware while still having somewhere to rinse food and wash hands easily.

3. Not deep enough to hide dishes.

Another concern is that double bowl kitchen sinks aren’t as deep as single bowl designs. A deeper bowl lets them “hide” dirty dishes in the sink where they’re below the edge of the countertop and largely out of sight.

BUT – A double kitchen sink allows you to stack dirty dishes on one side. That leaves the other completely clear to work without the frustration of moving the stack around. 

It’s also worth noting that this is a myth. Most  50/50 double bowl sinks are just as deep as their single-bowl counterparts.

4. Doesn’t have the right look.

Then there’s the look of the sink. Because they’re not as popular as they used to be, some homeowners, builders and designers may worry that a double kitchen sink will look dated.

BUT – If you choose the right design, you can make a double bowl kitchen sink look sleek and contemporary. Especially if you pair it with a modern, minimalist faucet. 

Getting the Right Faucet for a Double Kitchen Sink

First and foremost, double bowl sinks need a rotating spout. After all, if the spout is locked over one side of the basin it’s not going to do your client much good.

Fortunately, rotation is pretty standard in most faucet designs, but it’s always good to double-check if you’re installing a split basin.

A pull-out or pull-down sprayer will make the sink even easier to use. With the versatility to quickly swap between tasks, this is an easy add-on that can make a world of difference for the user. 

If your client is concerned about not being able to fit a large pot in one side of a double sink to fill it with water, a pull-out faucet solves this problem. Pull-out faucets normally have long hoses that will allow the user to set the pot to the side of the sink to fill it.

Faucets with a single, lever handle are generally the best choice for most kitchens. Especially if you’re working on a multifamily build that needs ADA kitchens.

Single handle faucets are the easiest to use. They can be turned on and off with one hand, and even with the wrist or forearm, so they’re more hygienic than double handle designs. 

Finally, a great faucet needs the right finish to make the sink look updated and fresh. This is another easy way to ensure your double kitchen sink doesn’t look out of style.

Gold, black, and stainless steel are the most in-demand faucet colors in 2024. Matte, brushed, and satin finishes are also very popular and will give the sink a touch of elegance.

What Should You Look for in a Double Kitchen Sink?

If you’re thinking a double bowl sink might be right for your kitchen design, there are a few key things that will 

• • Tight radius designs have sharp corners and straight edges will give you that clean, minimalist look that’s in high demand right now. Plus, it will maximize the usable space inside the basin and make it easier to stack dishes.

• Sleek stainless steel for a clean, updated neutral that’s versatile enough for multifamily projects. Or, you could go with high-contrast black stone composite for a unique, eye-catching option.

• The right split for maximum functionality. 50/50 is the standard. If you’re going with an asymmetrical split, make sure the second bowl is big enough to be functional. Too small, and it might go unused.
• Undermount double kitchen sinks look high-end and help you avoid that dated look that might turn some homeowners off to a double bowl. Or, if you’re buying in bulk, look for a dual mount design that you can easily adapt to multiple projects with different countertops.

Now that you know what to look for in the best double kitchen sink design, you can start your search for the perfect model. 

With unbeatable versatility and functionality, your client’s gorgeous new sink will help them enjoy their kitchen for years to come.