The utility of a sink depends on the manner of use, which in turn depends on the sink design. How well you utilize the sink for your needs in the kitchen determines its utility. Sink, as we all know, consists of a bowl or basin, and the most common type of sink consists of a single bowl with provision for installing faucets. Depending on the nature of use, many homeowners prefer two bowls or basins for sinks, which widen the options of use and increases kitchen efficiency. Another way of using sinks more efficiently is to focus on the ease of use by installing a farmhouse sink, also known as apron front sinks. This type of sink usually comes with a single bowl that is deep enough to hold more water but has an overhang or apron that hangs over the cabinet upon which the sink sits.
Depending on the kitchen design, traditional or modern, there is always an option to use any sink that suits the homeowner’s requirements. Moreover, with a variety of sink materials, size and designs available in the market, there is always a sink matching with the budget.
Sink Size
Size options are numerous, and it starts from as small as 9 inches long sink which can go up to 40 inches or higher. Knowing the purpose of the sink and how you want to use it are very important in deciding the type of sink that you need. If you need a sink to help in food preparation, you can think about installing a 24 inches long prep sink or a smaller one to complement the main sink. Kitchen sinks range between 24 inches and 36 inches in length with 30 inches and 33 inches being the most preferred sizes. 30 inches sinks that come with a single big bowl and are ideal for bigger families. However, if you want a double bowl sink, it would require much bigger space as it seldom comes under 30 inches. Kitchen sinks that are larger than 36 inches are oversized sinks. Besides, the length of the sink and bowl depth is also a factor to consider in determining its usefulness.
Double Bowl Sinks are More Advantageous
Double bowl sinks offer many advantages that help to make more efficient use of it and multi-tasking. Indeed, these sinks are not for every home because it requires larger space than the traditional 30 inches space required for single bowl sinks. Firstly, the increased volume of the bowls allows handling more utensils for washing at a time in a more organized manner that speeds up work and increases kitchen efficiency. Dishwashing is easier and better with double bowl sinks. Planning the work well is vital to get the most from double bowl sinks. Once you become familiar with using the sink, it will improve your cleanups and cooking too.
Dishwashing in Double Bowl Sink
The bowls of a double bowl sink are of the same size placed side by side. In some designs, one side of the sink has the garbage disposal feature, but when using the sink; store the dishes on the side that does not have the garbage disposal. Before washing the dishes, scrape food into the garbage disposal bin, stack the dishes on the counter and fill the other bowl with soap solution and water. Now you can soak the dishes in water for washing and, when finished, move it to the other side for rinsing and drying.
Double Bowl Sinks for Food Preparation
Using one side of the sink for rinsing food items, including vegetables, fish, and meat is the norm if you want to use a double bowl sink for food preparation. Once you complete the rinsing, you can clean and disinfect the area to prevent the germs and bacteria from meat spreading across the sink. You can use the other side for peeling potatoes, turnips, carrots and other vegetables. The arrangement helps to maintain a clear demarcation between the areas used for food preparation and prevents the mixing of meat and vegetables inside the sink. It reduces the chances of contamination of the vegetables due to exposure to the germs that come from meat.
Non-Standard Double Bowl Sinks
Non-standard double bowl sinks consist of a big bowl and a small bowl, and it is a bit difficult to wash dishes in this sink. Use the smaller bowl for rinsing only as this would make dishwashing easier. The larger bowl is suitable for storing dishes, soaking, and washing. The smaller side is ideal for cleaning smaller items like glasses and tumblers provided the bowl has enough depth to ensure safe washing without damaging or breaking the fragile utensils. Choose the bowl according to the size of the utensils to ensure safe washing.
For preparing food in a non-standard double bowl sink, use the smaller bowl for peeling vegetables and washing and rinsing fruits that fit well within the small space. The bigger bowl is suitable for handling bigger sized vegetables and fruits. You can use an over the sink cutting board placed on the smaller bowl to cut vegetables and meat, thereby making more efficient use of the sink space in smaller kitchens.
Conclusion
Whether you have a traditional single bowl sink or a double bowl sink, how well you make use of it justifies the choice, and it all depends on your cooking and cleaning habits. Those used to do many tasks simultaneously can take advantage of double bowl sinks that offer more space and working options. If you are using a double bowl sink for the first time, you might not be very comfortable using it for maximum output, but with time, you will get used to it. The biggest benefit of double bowl sink is that it increases the usable kitchen space and expands the work area, which is not possible in traditional single bowl sink except to some extent in farmhouse sinks where the apron provides some extra space. Double bowl sinks help to maintain cleaner kitchens with its garbage disposal feature.
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