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Kitchen Trends of 2023: Your Guide to Single Bowl Sinks
The kitchen is often the busiest room in the home, a place where we cook and eat meals, entertain friends, and do homework with the kids. When you consider how much time we spend in the kitchen, it's easy to see why kitchen design is so popular. We want spaces that are functional and stylish.
Homeowners who are ready to renovate their kitchen or in the mood for an upgrade often check out the current trends in kitchen design to find ideas. One of the predicted trends in 2023 is single bowl sinks in the kitchen. Understanding the pros and cons of single bowl sinks can help you decide if it's the right option for your home.
Single Bowl vs. Double Bowl Sinks
The term single bowl sink is an accurate description. It's a sink with one basin, in contrast to the traditional double bowl sink with a divider between the two basins. In the days before dishwashers were common, the double bowl sink was a practical option for the kitchen. Whoever was working in the kitchen could use one side for washing dishes and the other for rinsing, or they might place the dirty dishes on one side and drain pasta in the other.
Single bowl sinks typically range in size from 15 to 34 inches and come in an array of shapes and styles. These sinks may be round, oval-shaped, square, or rectangular, and they can mount to the wall, under the counter, or on top of the counter. This variety makes it possible to find the perfect fit for any space.
Pros and Cons of Single Bowl Sinks
No sink is perfect for everyone, and what works in one kitchen can be a bad fit for another. When choosing a kitchen sink, it helps to consider the pros and cons of the different styles.
Pros
- Single bowl sinks tend to fit better in smaller spaces. Using a small sink with a divider is impractical because the separate basins typically don't have enough space to work in.
- A sink with a single basin has more room. People who cook and bake with large pots, pans, and trays tend to appreciate the workspace available in a single bowl sink. In a large sink, they can place an entire cookie sheet flat for soaking and scrubbing.
- Some people find a single bowl sink easier to install. Since there is only one drain, it may not take as long to connect to the existing plumbing.
- Single bowl sinks are surprisingly versatile. A portable washtub placed inside the basin provides the same benefits as a double basin sink when needed.
Cons
- Thawing meat is trickier in a single bowl sink. The juices released as it thaws contaminate the entire sink.
- Glasses and delicate dishes are more likely to break. They can roll around in the sink and come in contact with larger, heavier pieces.
- Separating dirty and clean dishes requires using a portable dish tub. It's easy to place it in the sink to get the same effect as a double sink, but it means storing the tub when it's not in use and is one more step in the process.
Tips for Choosing a Single Bowl Sink
Choosing a kitchen sink is often a matter of personal preference. Homeowners should consider how they use the sink as they shop.
1. Buy a sink large enough for the tasks done in the kitchen.
If you cook large meals in oversized pots and pans, you may prefer a large sink like the Arcticstone 33-Inch Solid Surface Farmhouse Sink. It has plenty of room to hold dirty dishes without cluttering up the stove and countertops. The Uptowne 36-Inch Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink provides maximum space to handle the biggest kitchen tasks.
2. Select a sink that fits in the available space.
Space is a premium in a small kitchen. To ensure you have enough counter space for chopping vegetables, making coffee, and separating the groceries before putting them away, choose a sink that fits in the room you have available. The Uptowne 15-Inch Stainless Steel Undermount Sink fits under the counter to maximize space.