The holiday season is probably one such time when you obsessively think about the choice of a kitchen sink. And it is reasonable also as you spend most of your time in the kitchen cooking for your family and guests and washing dishes. If you look at the assortment of sinks in the market, you will find single and double bowls to be a standard feature. Earlier, the double bowl was a ubiquitous choice for many families because the facility of a dishwasher was not there. After its arrival, things have substantially changed. Now, you don’t need two basins – one for soapy water and another for rinsing the dishes.
The need for having two compartments has drastically gone down. If you talk to expert architects and interior designers also, you will get the same feedback. Today, everyone is turning to single bowl sinks due to the limited space and lifestyle choices. If you have a small kitchen or you don’t entertain guests so often, you may also prefer to incorporate a single bowl sink. There are multiple advantages to this. Let’s delve into them directly.
Benefits of using a sink with single basin
Before exploring the plus sides of this system, it is critical to understand what single bowl sink is all about. In this system, you usually get one basin without any dividers or divisions. The bowl can be comparatively larger compared to a double or a three-bowl sink. Talking about the merits:
- Single bowls make an excellent choice for kitchens with smaller countertops that can have accommodation challenges.
- A sink with one basin tends to be roomy enough for bulky pots, pans, and woks. You can handle and clean these utensils better in them than other options.
- Since these don’t have any bumps or dividers, a risk of dishes knocking the surface is minimum.
- For an avid cook, it is much more convenient because it eliminates the need for cleaning dishes right away. The pots can stay in it until your hands are free.
- Because you can dump your pans and woks in there, your counter can look orderly and neat.
Points to consider
There is nothing to be apprehensive about the performance of a single bowl kitchen sink. But there can be specific scenarios where what you select can have an impact on your routine tasks. For instance, if you buy a 9 inch or 10-inch single bowl sink, you know there will not be adequate space left for anything else to do. It can get crowded soon blocking you from washing hands or filling a glass of water. So, make sure even if you consider a small sink, you look in the range of 14 inches or above. For an idea, you can scroll through a small Kraus kitchen sink collection.
Another challenge you can feel with a too-small sink is in the area of garbage disposal. If the bowl is not deep enough, you will struggle with stashing pots and pans. At the same time, overcrowding would obstruct the passage of dirty water and waste. To make sure you don’t face such troubles, check for options that come equipped with deeper basins. Also, their engineering should allow smooth drainage. For instance, there has to be a gentle slope in the bottom to allow water and other waste substances to pass smoothly into the drain.
Single bowls – Stainless steel or granite
Finding a small kitchen sink should not be a challenge, specifically in today’s time when everyone’s living style and preferences have become starkly different and distinct. You can visit a credible brand online and check its inventory for all the options. In all likelihood, you will see most of them in stainless steel followed by granite material. What is unique about these two options?
Stainless steel
A 16 gauge stainless steel sink is thicker compared to 22 gauge. Thicker material ensures safety against wear and tear caused by dents and knocking. These also insulate noise. So, something with 16 or 18 gauge makes the right choice. A stainless-steel sink can run for a longer time without losing its shine. It is easy to maintain, and its nonporous surface protects it from bacterial and other types of buildups. They can be heat-, stain-, and rust-resistant. Plus, your dishes will be safe in it. You get all these benefits for a fraction of the price, which is another definite reason why you can opt for it in a small size.
Many homeowners choose the undermount installation process for these sinks. The logic is strong behind such a decision. This type of configuration doesn’t feature any gap or crack that trap debris and look dirty over a period. If you want to bask in the beauty of visual flow in your kitchen, then it is perhaps a perfect choice.
Granite
Granite, on the other hand, tends to be on the higher side of the price compared to a small stainless-steel sink. But traits like rich finish, fabulous shape, and stain resistance can lure you into this range. Plus, its ability to blend with any countertop and kitchen décor is an added advantage. You get it in undermount and farmhouse styles most commonly. The undermount system works here, much like the stainless steel, except that it may need additional support for carrying the weight of a stone structure. In apron front or farmhouse installation process, the front portion of the sink protrudes beyond the edge of the cabinet so that it stays safe from water and other forms of spills.
There are other options also. Hence, you don’t need to feel limited by choices. Just make sure you explore all the varieties and possibilities well. You can come across varied designs and more materials too. Also, the definition of a small sink can differ for different people, considering their habits and lifestyle. If you want to have two separate small basins instead of one big bowl, you can go ahead with your decision without hesitation. It all depends on you and your needs.
