Evaluate Your Kitchen Space
Before you consider kitchen sink sizes, it’s important to examine the space available in your kitchen. Your personal preferences and requirements also determine the ideal size for your kitchen sink. So, get your measuring tape out and consider the length, width and depth of the space you intend to situate your sink.
Counter Space
The countertop space you have around the kitchen sink is quite useful. Most homeowners prefer having between 20 and 24 inches of countertop space to one side of the sink. More space or open space on both sides of the sink is more useful. So, if your sink is too big, you might lose valuable counter space. Other than holding your kitchen sink, the countertop can be used as a prep space. This space is typically called a landing zone, which is used to place dirty dishes or stacking washed ones before putting them away. This place comes in handy if you use a lot of appliances while cooking, you can use it to chop vegetables or place your mixer. Adequate countertop space ensures a smooth workflow.
Number of Bowls
The number of bowls in your kitchen sink significantly affects your size decision. A single bowl sink is smaller in width compared to a double sink, but offers the most basin space. A single sink is ideal to wash large crockery that won’t fit in a dishwasher. A double bowl sink is great for multitasking. You can soak dishes in one bowl while using the other for rinsing vegetables. A single bowl kitchen is ideal for smaller kitchens. Alternatively, if you have multiple cooks, a double bowl might be more convenient. If you use one bowl for bigger tasks, a 60/40 split configuration might work better.
Depth
The ideal bowl depth depends on your plumbing setup and your preferences. Common kitchen bowl depths can range from 6 to 12 inches. A shallow sink allows for easy access to the bottom of the basin for cleaning. Alternatively, a deeper sink offers more space to place large pots and hide soiled dishes. But, you might need to modify your existing plumbing to accommodate a deeper bowl.
Cooking Requirements
Your cooking needs can play a role in selecting the perfect kitchen sink size. If you majorly use large pots and pans, investing in a single, deeper sink might be useful. If you do a lot of prep work for cooking, having a larger counter space with a double sink can provide space for multi-tasking.
Dimensions of Kitchen Sinks
Typical dimensions of kitchen sinks are 22 inches in length while the width can vary as per individual preferences. It can extend up to 40 inches or more in width or it can be as small as eight inches wide. The depth of a kitchen sink is commonly 8 to 10 inches deep.
Small Kitchen Sink Sizes
A functional small kitchen sink size can range from 20 to 25 inches for the main kitchen sink. Since it’s smaller than standard kitchen sinks that people usually go for, your design options may be limited. This kitchen sink size is ideal if you have a compact kitchen with limited countertop space. A single bowl kitchen sink makes optimal use of tight spaces in a small kitchen since they provide maximum basin space. Undermount designs are most suitable because they give you more counter space to work with.
Double Sink Dimensions
Double bowl sinks can extend up to 48 inches in width to accommodate two bowls so that neither of them feel cramped. Double sink sizes can range from 25 inches to 30 inches and above. A double sink can fit well in your kitchen if your layout consists of one entire countertop for your sink. If the sink goes on a central island, it can be a focal point for your kitchen while offering functionality. For this idea, you could opt for an eye-catching design, such as a textured apron-front sink. A goosneck or kitchen sprayer faucet can be functional when working with larger kitchen sink sizes.
Other Factors
These factors might not directly affect your kitchen sink size, but it can play a role in your decision. Choosing a particular type of sink can limit the dimensions of your kitchen sink. Similarly, your sink shape can determine the size of your kitchen sink. Your existing cabinet size needs to fit well with your kitchen sink as well.
Type of Sink
Among the commonly used types of sinks, the one that directly impacts the width and depth of your sink is a farmhouse sink. This is due to their exposed front panel that requires extra countertop depth to fit the apron. This can limit the width that you can choose compared to other options like an undermount sink or drop-in sink. Both undermount and drop-in sinks are available in standard sizes to fit pre-cut countertop holes. Undermount sinks require a smaller cutout than the sink itself while the top mount option sits slightly over the countertop.
Sink Shape
A square sink or rectangular sink is highly functional since they offer more basin space compared to a round sink. You can fit more dishes or larger pots and pans due to their shape. Curved corners, like those found in round or D-shaped sinks can limit usable space.
Kitchen Cabinet Size
The width of your cabinet size determines how wide your sink can be. Most sinks are available in standard sizes that are designed to fit common cabinet widths. The type of sink you choose also plays a role in cabinet sizes.