As our arms continue to recover from our recent kitchen priming and painting marathon (shared here this morning) we thought we’d take it down a notch or two with a post about sinks. That’s right, it’s like a slow jam following a spirited chicken dance or an energetic Macarena.
One thing’s that been fascinating about owning our second home is comparing its features to our first home and noting pros and cons (especially as we think about what improvements we want to make). There are many things that we prefer over our previous digs – like the larger rooms, opens hallways, en suite master bath, etc. And of course some things that make us miss our old set-up, such as our former more open laundry area, enclosed garage, etc. But when it comes to some things, we’re still unsure if they’re upgrades or downgrades… like our kitchen sink.
It’s a deep single sink (call me Captain Obvious). I like it. No, wait, I love it. I think. Okay, no, it’s probably just a like. Honestly I can’t decide whether or not I prefer it over the double sink that we had in our last kitchen (seen below).
Why do I love the single sink? It fits everything. Okay, not literally – but at least I finally can get my pots and pans (including handles!) fully in the sink to clean them. Seems silly, but the double sink we chose for the last kitchen did get on my nerves sometimes. Pan handles would protrude over the countertop. Water would splash everywhere during half-submerged rinse sessions. Frustrated husbands would curse the act of doing dishes. So this new situation is a welcome relief (the pan shown is 22″ including handles).
Some of the few of you who were reading way-back-then even questioned our double-sink decision. But despite my affection for the our single sink, I don’t completely regret choosing a double. Here’s why:
Now that I’m without a “Washing Side” and a “Drying Side” my pans end up on the counter post-wash. Yes, I realize it looks lame and messy (and that our pans are definitely past-their-prime). I know we could get a drying rack, but (no offense drying rack makers of the world) it’s hard to find something that looks good enough to earn a permanent spot on the already-limited counter space (my crazy pot drying method above only means that the side of the sink is occupied for an hour or two after dinner as opposed to hosting a drying rack 24/7). This is where my parents would probably tell me just to buck up, dry them by hand, and put them away immediately. But yeah, that’s not going to happen.
The other thing that makes us indecisive about this set up is the faucet placement. Usually we’re fans of a centered faucet, but such a square shaped sink must have required it be nudged to one side (it doesn’t look like it would have fit in the center). But in a surprise turn of sink-related events I’ve been enjoying the ability to fill up a pot while it rests on the counter (rather than having to hold it as it grows heavier with water in the sink). Life’s small pleasures, ya know?
In the end, we’re not planning to replace this sink and I’m still not sure which I prefer – though I think I now lean towards the single sink camp. What about you guys. Are you on the fence too? Or do you feel passionately about one set up over the other?
Beth says
We have a retro 80’s double sink in our home we bought last year, but it is so shallow it bugs me especially when cleaning large pans and cookie sheets, I think once we have enough cash to renovate the counters I will replace the sink. I like the idea of a big work farmhouse style sink, it would go well with our log home.
Pam the Goatherd says
We just redid our kitchen sink and countertops. Previously I had a small double white porcelain sink that I absolutely hated!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I took all kinds of measurements to determine what I wanted to replace it with, knowing that I wanted at least a double if not a triple sink and it had to be stainless because we have well water and no matter how much iron removal product we use everything that water touches still turns orange. I also had to have one of those extendable faucets so I can fill my 20 quart stockpot right on the stove.
We went with a double stainless sink from Elkay and a Moen faucet/sprayer. The 20 qt. stockpot fits in the sink with no problem for washing. I couldn’t survive without a separate sink for rinsing in either!
Kirsten says
I am a double sink person, but for a totally weird reason: my two boys.
At 3 and 1, they LOVE baths. And take them for no reason, where there is not even soap involved. Just to play. Because they are close in age, they like being together, but not always THAT together. Enter the double sink.
You have to scroll, but at the very bottom is a photo that might make you go double. Well. That is, if you plan to add to the family. :)
http://www.stillhatepickles.com/2011/06/photos-of-yesterday.html
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, cute!
xo,
s
Homestead says
1. Someday can you do a post about pots and pans? I need to replace my 10″ skillet and I’m confused about finishes and features. I can’t believe I’ve even asked the question… who frets about a skillet? Me.
2. We have the “sink-and-a-half” option and use something like this http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/sinkArea/drainers?productId=10000667&N=74099 in the small side. It is lovely for washing berries and drip-drying a glass or two. It has even doubled as a pasta strainer once or twice. But my real question is…. what finish? Stainless? Ceramic? Cast iron? Corian built-in? Something else? They have a gajillion options.
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s a post about our cookware (it’s Greenware from Cuisinart).
https://www.younghouselove.com/2008/12/feeling-gifted/
As for your second question, does anyone care to weigh in for Homestead? There definitely are a ton of options!
xo,
s
Holly says
Here is a completely beautiful dish rack that earned a permanent spot on my counter!
http://www.modcloth.com/Apartment/-Washing-Hoping-Dreaming-Dish-Rack
It’s awkward if you have a ton of dishes, but it’s sooo cute, sometimes I leave my pretty dishes out to dry longer than what’s really needed. :)
Weezie says
We have a triple sink and I love it! The left hand side is really deep and a little longer and perfect for doing dishes. It’s great at holidays, because everyone usually has dishes that need to be washed before they head back home and it makes it really easy. The middle has the disposer opening and the right is a regular depth sink. Having had a single, then a double, I’d never go back (it’s our third house).
Molly says
I really miss your old house, too. The smaller house had a great deal that was relevant to those of us who are working with not quite enough space.
Would you consider reruns of your first house–perhaps once a week? The ideas are still fresh and new, especially for persons who discovered your blog rather late in the game.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks for the suggestion! Instead of repeating old content that some of our readers have already seen we figure that all of those posts are still available and easily accessible for anyone who wants to dip into them – so feel free to scroll back through the archives and check out our Projects page to see ’em! We also added a plug in that offers up “related posts” at the end of each post if you click into it (as opposed to being on the main page) so each post might highlight up to three older posts with our old house in them!
xo,
s
Annie says
I hated our single sink. It was so deep that I always felt like I was washing dishes over a deep pit. And I felt like I never really got it clean because I couldn’t see inside it as well.
I like single sinks BUT prefer them to be just a bit deeper and/or have a tall faucet over them. Single sink plus low hanging faucet is #@$&*!!!
Idea share: we dry our pots and pans on the stove. The heating elements work to hold things in place and we don’t worry about the dripped water because it’ll just burn off the next time we use the stove. We have an electric stove though so we don’t have to worry about the pilot lights.
Joie says
I like the single sink. It’s nice and big. We use our dishwasher to dry. We wash our dishes at the sink and place in the dishwasher to dry. We got rid of our drying rack when we moved to this house.
krissy says
I am such a huge fan of the double sink-in particular the one my parents have in their farmhouse. One side is superhuge and can fit any pot or pan in the house and the other is a much smaller and more shallow “rinsing and letting it be” section. There never was nor is ever to be a dishwasher in that house but who would notice with the most perfect sink? I love it. I never knew how much I could love a sink (or that I could love a sink at all) until experiencing faucets that are too low coupled with an unreasonably shallow sink or a double sink where both sides are too small. I swear if I don’t inherit the house (and sink!!!) I will claim it as mine and tear that sucker out in the future. Oh how I miss that sink. So apparently I am a double-sinker and a wee bit embarrassed about the length of this comment about sinks.
Diane says
I hate double-sided sinks. I would live a single sink that easily fit all my pots and pans.
Lark says
Agree that the drying racks are a little clutter-y. I have a single sink too…looks just like yours. My faucet is centered though… that’s cool feature that your sink faucet is at the corner for easy pot filling.
Thanks for your post about the pros and cons of both types of sinks…never would have occurred to me that double sinks have cons… since never had one myself.
Anyhow… just writing to say, I like to use a big over-sized kitchen towel to the right of my sink… when washing over-sized pots/pans…Let them drain there a while before putting into cubbards.
Also have a few of those drying mats… which are machine washable. Also, I like the bamboo one for aesthetics better. See Amazon links if interested:
Bamboo Drying Mat (in tan; also seen them in black/ivory)
http://www.amazon.com/DryMate-Bamboo-Weave-Inch-Kitchen/dp/B001V9XT8E/ref=sr_1_7?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1309545667&sr=1-7
Orignal Drying Mat (this is absorbent but not as aesthetically pleasing as the bamboo; also, it’s too small… smaller than my big kitchen towels.
http://www.amazon.com/Original-Microfiber-Absorbent-Washable-Multipurpose/dp/B004M0P34M/ref=pd_sim_hg_16
Kay says
Redid the kitchen a few years ago and I chose a D-shaped sink with the faucet on the side. I absolutely love that I can fill a pot while it is resting on the counter! A drying mat works for me (it’s blue and blends in with my Blue Pearl granite); I just store it under the sink when I’m not using it.
Sarah says
Get a collapsable drying rack! Saw a great one at Bed, Bath and Beyond yesterday.
Trisha says
Double (or triple) with a large side and a small side.
http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?from=thumb&frm=null&module=Kitchen+Sinks&item=245202&prod_num=3356§ion=1&category=5&resultPage=0-1817734969
It’s nice to wash large dishes and really nice when you just have a few little sippy cups to wash and you don’t want to waste so much water.
Sarah says
I didnt read through all of the replies, but I use a drying mat from BBB http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=16675261
Its so convenient, soaks up the water, and doesn’t take up the space of a drying rack. I think youd love it. I totally don’t dry my pots and pans right away!
Nicole S. says
I’m a residential architect (for normal people, though, not rich folks) and we often design kitchens with drainboards routed in to the stone counters… Excess water rolls in to your sink, not all over the rest of the counter, and you don’t have to look at a heinous drying rack. Not sure if you’re planning on changing the counters (that seam in the backsplash right in front of the sink would drive me nuts), but you may be able to retro-fit a drainboard in…
Lei says
We went from a double sink to a single sink; and we are in love with it. We have a Blanco silgranite single sink. It was the best decision we ever made with our kitchen renovation.
Here is a link: http://www.blancoamerica.com/c3/blanco_usa/_www/en/pub/products/product_portfolio/portfolio_catalog_sinks.cfm?fuseaction=c.productdetail&startRow=1&endRow=14&strukturID=1269500751124
It is 9.5 inches deep, so it will fit big pots.
And I know you didn’t mention anything about faucets; but I would recommend one with a pull down spray. I can’t wait to see your kitchen when it’s completely done. It looks completely different and great with just the last few things that you’ve done.
Ella says
Large, deep, single sinks all the way!!! Phase one of our kitchen remodel we went with a lovely, very deep model to replace a very basic, standard double stainless option. I was in sink heaven. Easy to bathe babes in. Easy to soak pots & pans without anyone being the wiser (seriously no one knew they were there unless they looked down into my sink). Then phase two of our kitchen remodel came & hubs convinced me to tryout a double sink again. Can I tell u how many ways I loathe it? While it has a side that is deeper than the other and an offset curve in one corner to “allow” pan handles in, it truly pales in comparison & is the bane of my kitchenary existence. I’m really loving the idea of a corner faucet to more easily fill pots!!! A note I’m making for sure for a future phase!!!
Tania says
I’ve always had a double sink and thought it was fine. For our new sink I went with a very deep, large single sink and I can’t stress passionately enough how much I LOVE IT! All the dirty dishes fit and the counter is clean. I’m not a big fan of garbage disposals. I’ve had them and they are convenient, but I don’t like the idea of particles of food hanging around.
My kitchen w/sink pic: http://carnoustielane.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html
btw, your kitchen color is AWESOME!
Emmie says
I am eyeing one of these models from Kohler for my kitchen remodel – anyone already have a Smart Divide?
http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/smartdivide.jsp
Jamie B. says
Lots of comments so I’m sorry if someone’s mentioned this already, but it immediately came to mind: http://www.booninc.com/products/Lawn/377 It’s not too big but I’m assuming you don’t wash too many things by hand since you have a dishwasher, and I think it’d look really cute with your walls.
Benita at Chez Larsson uses the smaller one, seen here: http://chezlarsson.com/myblog/page/2/
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah I love that thing! Nicole at MIL has one too!
xo,
s
Kristin F says
I just have to weigh in on this all too important issue: single sinks are fine for the young(-sters). But as the kids get older and are leaving solid foods on their plate, you want to be able to dump things down the disposal while also rinsing/soaking/drying other dishes. I’ve had both kinds, and am partial to a deep, double sink. I don’t use the second side to dry though, I’m on the drying mat bandwagon (it rarely gets put away in our household of 4 that eat-in most of the time). I rinse dishwasher items on the disposal side, then get to work washing on one side, rinsing on the other, drying on the counter. System seem to work. I am extremely envious of those that dry and put away the dishes every time though…one of these days!
kristi m says
Six years ago we moved into our current home and I thought it was the strangest thing to have a single sink. I’ve always had and grown up with the double sink. i love it! I will never go to a double. I’ve found that everything fits in it plus I always get the dishes done in a timely manner. The double sink always served as a dirty dish area. The one sink has to be clear if we want to get water for pots or cups. The double sink is a dirty dish collector. I always dry all of my larger pots/pans right after they are washed and put them away.
KathyG says
In your phase 2, have you considered removing that window and making it more of a countertop pass through?
YoungHouseLove says
We’ve thought about it for sure. We had the same setup in our last house and the same issue (the sunroom isn’t on the same heating/cooling system). So if we opened it we potentially would loose heating/cooling unless we did a pretty major system overhaul.
xo,
s
Ashley says
Someone probably has already mentioned this…but you need a Kohler Smart Divide! When we re-did our kitchen that was our sink of choice and I still don’t regret it. The divide is low enough to let the whole pot fit in, handle and all, but there is still a separation if you want to keep your drying rack out of sight. LOVE.
kelly says
when i didn’t have a dishwasher i preffered a double sink to wash and rinse but now with a dishwasher i think a single would be fine.
i also do the pot on the side of the sink thing. i hate dryer racks and i do get them put away in a few hrs. so no biggie!
Abby says
End of your pots life?? I still have some of my mothers ….. and she died in 1975!! I bought a set of Pots from Macy’s at a year end sale in 1990 and I treat them like they are wrought iron and they are as beautiful as the day I bought them. and the wrought iron frying pans… forever… I even still have some of my mothers wooden spoons. Buy things that are made to last and if they are classic you cant get bored of them. Classic end up bring cheaper in the long run, unlike teflon which wears out.
On another note I now know I’ll have to change the counters in my kitchen. Nice to follow your renos!!
Dial says
15 years ago i had to replace a kitchen sink, and I was so excited becasue it was my opportunity to get a cast iron sink. When the plumber came he talked me out of it even though I really wanted it. I guess I was young and htought this man know better but I was still disappointed. He installed a double stainless steel sink and I still wished for 12 more years that I hadn’t listened to him. So FINALLY 12 years later we renovated our kitchen and again I got to choose a new sink. I knew I wasn’t going to listen to any know it all plumber. I was well past 40 by now and was ready to stand up to anyone. I not only chose a white cast iron sink but it is super deep AND single….I LOVE IT and when I occasionally find myself at someone elses sink I am again reminded that I have the BEST one !!
!
Steph says
Here in Australia we have single sink plus drainer or double sink plus drainer,single sink double drainer etc. I’ve never had a sink without a drainer! I prefer double drainer because the counter never gets dirty, just the drainer :)
JoDi says
I’m definitely a single sink gal, but in our next kitchen, if we could have a bigger sink cabinet, I would consider a double if both sides were really big. I use a towel on the counter for dish drying now, and it would be nice to be able to dry them in the sink.
Anna says
Have you guys seen this drying rack before? It’s the cutest little thing, and definitely solves the eye-sore-drying-rack problem.
http://www.modcloth.com/Apartment/-Washing-Hoping-Dreaming-Dish-Rack
YoungHouseLove says
You’re not the first person to link to that- so cute!
xo,
s
adrienne says
I don’t know if someone may have suggested this already but if you have a dish washer, which Im not sure you do,you can let the pans dry there. There are only three of us in our home. Me , my husband and our 8 month old so the dishwasher always has room for me to place the pans to dry. :D
A. H. says
I hope you make friends with your sink, it is a very nice one. My own kitchen is tiny and I do not want a bulky drying rack left out for all to see. I found the perfect solution (for me), an extra large drying mat. It is very thick and after drying, folds up to the size of a kitchen towel. $8 Bed Bath & Beyond http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=17316192&RN=976&
(I apologize if someone already suggested this.)
A. H. says
One more thing about a drying mat, it will not smell if allowed to dry before putting it away.
jennie says
I haven’t read through all the comments, so I’m not sure if someone already mentioned this, but I HIGHLY recommend the Kohler Langlade double sink with “smart divide.” The divider in the middle is only about 1/3 – 1/2 of the way up, so pan handles can fit across easily. It’s extremely versatile. We remodeled a few months ago and this was one of the best decisions we made! I keep telling people it’s the best sink ever – at least in our price range. :)
http://www.homedepot.com/Kitchen-Sinks/KOHLER/h_d1/N-5yc1vZarsaZ1qhZ1z10i2d/R-202334851/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
Lindsey@ Piecefully Home says
big fan of double sinks…here’s why:
1. i often thaw meat out in a sinkful of cold water. i like having one side to thaw the meat and still have a useable sink.
2. often i have one side to soak the dishes until i get them into the dishwasher.
my current sink (while old and needs replacing) has one really deep and slightly larger side and one side that is standard. I can fit my HUGE pots in there and fill them. I love the size and layout!
Leigh Ann says
This dish drying rack from Ballard is a splurge, but beautiful enough to seal the deal for a single sink! It could sit on my counter every day!
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/avignon-dish-rack/13211
Leigha says
We have a cast iron double sink. The center of it is half as tall as normal double sinks! I love it!! I can fill both sides and soak tons of stuff of just use one side with the handles in the middle so they don’t get on the floor/counters! Might look into one of those :)
EngineerMom says
Funny, my sister and I were talking about this very issue at IKEA today.
She brought up a very good point for anyone who gets their produce straight from the garden or from a CSA (community supported agriculture) program: You have to triple wash most of the produce. Which is a major pain in the rear in a single sink. In a double, you fill up one side, dump in produce, swish around and drain while filling up the other side, repeat until produce is triple washed. Much faster than emptying and refilling a single sink.
And yes, it really is necessary, especially for leafy vegetables – otherwise they’re pretty gritty!
Maya says
As a European I’m used to either double sinks or single sinks with the “drying board”, all in one piece (there’s a company called Blanco that makes beautiful sinks, available all over Europe). These large single sinks, albeit handy for washing large pots and pans, took some getting used to in terms of figuring out where and how to dry the dishes. Your countertop reminded me of something I saw years ago somewhere, which was basically parallel draining grooves dug into the countertop (it was marble or granite) that served to drain the water dripping from wet dishes. The grooves were shallower at the far end (away from the sink) and were the deepest at the edge of the sink, where the water would drain/drip back into the sink. I have no idea how well this actually works in real life, but it looked great. It sort of looked like this, but the grooves were narrower:
http://concretecountertop.pro/concrete_picture3.html
If you google “draining grooves countertop” you’ll get a few results with pictures. I wonder what you think of this!
danielle says
Ummm like everyone else suggested above you should use the drying pads. I like that you can wash them in the washing machine, fold em up and put em in a drawer when you have company and they don’t stink or hold odor! it’s the best thing since sliced bread. and i have actaully given them as gifts to some family and they too love them!! good luck!
Emily Rae says
We have an ugly white plastic dishrack in our house… but once the dishes are dry the rack goes away too. We just tuck it in the pantry til next time. Not the smoothest of solutions, but really it only adds like three extra seconds. This might work for you!
Jen says
I don’t know anyone who leaves a dish rack sitting on their counter full time. I think you’re being a bit ridiculous about it. Buy one, set it on the counter when you have to handwash and slide it in the cabinet under the sink when you’re done. If you’re really against the dish rack then grab a hand towel and dry the dishes after washing them. It’s not rocket science.
Oh wait, you probably won’t post this common sense fix for your problem since it sounds snarky.
YoungHouseLove says
We’re planning to check out a drying mat thanks to so many others who recommended it. They’re cheaper and easier to store than a drying rack, and as John mentioned we’re way too lazy to hand dry after every meal with a one year old keeping us busy. No worries!
xo,
s
Jen says
This may sound crazy, but we use the dishwasher as a drying rack. It’s me, my husband, and our ten-month-old daughter (i.e., usually not heaps of dishes), so almost always one of us will just wash the dishes by hand and put them in the dishwasher to air dry. We leave the door ajar. Takes up zero counter space!
YoungHouseLove says
Another awesome idea.
xo,
s
Meredith says
Not having a dishwasher, I really appreciate the “washing side” and “hot rinse water” side of an equal double sided sink, plus a drying rack on the counter – less water than constantly running the tap for a load of dishes. Maybe it’s a Canadian thing…
Julie says
We love our IKEA drying rack. It folds up and hides under the sink nicely.
http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/36381600
Anna says
So, I’m not the only one with a sink dilemma?! I have an old white porcelain sink, but it’s HUGE and deep. Yes, it stains (that part I hate) and yes, it’s dated, but I have yet to find another sink as deep, large, or stable. The stainless steel ones I’ve loved just feel thin … unless I’m willing to spend $800 on a sink. It’s a constant battle between my husband and I.
Regarding the drying rack, if you have the space, get one that you can tuck away under the sink when not in use.
Amanda says
I’ve had single and double sinks, and I much prefer a single sink but have found that it needs to be the size of a double. That means I can set my dish drainer (I too am NOT the towel-drying type) on one side of the sink and use the other side for prep and clean-up space. It also means when I have an oversized pan, I can remove the drainer and use the whole kit and kaboodle. Single sink? Yep!
Lynn Power says
We have a centered faucet but we had to doctor the window sill to get it to fit. We also have a large double sink, it’s black ceramic…great because it’s durable and easy to keep clean. We since added a small filtered water faucet on the side. Great for filling pots and drinking glasses….
A little warning – don’t get too distracted by the kids or company…haha…you’ll have a huge counter puddle to clean up….I speak from experience! :)