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?
mimi says
I have a single deep sink very similar to yours and I really like it. It’s large enough to hold my Le Creuset cast iron skillet and other pans. And, I don’t (usually) get water all over the place! I have a small drying rack that I keep on top of the fridge for small items, but I usually just lay pots & pans on a towel to dry. My mom has one of those drying pads and she really likes it too.
Shari M. says
When we replaced our countertops in the kitchen, we went with a double sink 70/30 combo. But… we went with a deeper one, so the pots/pans would fit better. And, that way soapy water isn’t splashing up and out while washing pots/pans. However, if you don’t rinse them over the 70 sink side, it can get ugly. I have tried the drying mats, but found them to get smelly after only a few uses. They are machine washable though. I think that if I had it to do over again, that I would go with one large, deep sink.
windylou says
Well done! My unsolicited advice after seeing the view from the dining area? Make the cabinets darker – the dark table and chairs look amazing against the light walls and trim!
windylou says
oopsie! wrong post.
I think the best wold be an extra deep double sink with a pot filler at the stove, but that only happens in my dreams.
Shayne says
You could also make your own drying pad. Here’s a link to a tutorial http://www.flythroughourwindow.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Dish_Mat_Tutorial.pdf
I haven’t tried it yet, but have all the material. I think they’re pretty cute.
YoungHouseLove says
Love that blog! And that project!
xo,
s
Courtney B says
My hubby and I redid our kitchen in January 2009 on our own and ended up getting from Lowes a Smart Divide(R) low profile basin divider, which offers ease of handling large items within the sink, Crafted of durable KOHLER(R) white cast iron, and Double equal basin design. We are very happy with our choice! We painted our 80’s cabinets white and installed stainless steel appliances and laminate wide plank flooring. I’m a happy gal. ;)
Kelsey Huff says
We keep our dish drainer under the sink, and pull it out when we have to do the dishes. It works well for us! :)
Laura B. says
I think there are pros and cons for all sinks, but it’s whatever fits your life best at that time (I’ve only got a house hold of two right now, so pretty much anything would work). I love the double, extra deep sink my parents have at their house (unfortunately I have a very shallow sink at mine). I too cannot stand having a drying rack out all the time, so I purchased this baby http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=13389144&RN=976& I am able to fold it up and slide it under the sink when I’m finished with it each night. Also, while growing up we just laid dish towels on the sink and put the pots there (kind of like a drying mat, but free). I hope y’all find something that works for ya!
Chrissie says
We can’t do this in our current house, because the plaster walls probably wouldn’t support it, but I love the idea of having a rack above the sink that folds away when not in use. You can put stuff up to drain away without giving up precious bench space!
We have a single sink at the moment, but have the same problems that you had with your double, because it’s really not very deep or wide, so I’ll definitely be looking for something more practical when we redo our kitchen.
Rita says
I saw this on pinterest and LOVE it:
http://www.modcloth.com/Apartment/-Washing-Hoping-Dreaming-Dish-Rack
YoungHouseLove says
Cute!!!
xo,
s
Angle says
Ok I wasn’t sure which one I’d prefer either, but then I saw that picture of the pot being filled while sitting on the counter…I.am.SOLD!!! I gotta get me one of those side-job faucets! Preferably over a farmhouse sink;)
Yulia says
This is one of those dividing questions like the toilet paper over/under issue, so I just have to put my 2 cents in! I wholeheartedly vote for a singe deep sink with the drain hole off center. When you need to wash a deep pot, the extra depth prevents splatter and the off center drain prevents your pot from sealing off the hole while you are washing. As far as the drying area issue, I also dislike racks because they take up so much space. I use a kitchen towel instead! All I do is pile my clean pots or dishes onto the towel in the evening and let them sit overnight. By morning everything is dry and I just toss my towel into the laundry.
Jessi says
I love a good deep sink. Looks like you guys have a great one now. As for the drying issue, we turned to a drying mat. (a la this guy in blue: http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&itemID=14698) Easy to wash, easy to just leave on the counter or throw in a cabinet, cut-able so you don’t have to worry about size, and we’ve had ours for over a year now and it still looks new. Just a suggestion for you to check out. Rock that sink in all it’s awesomeness!
Jourdan says
We love our 70-30 sink…and I mean I LOVE it! I was a little nervous and hoped I didn’t wish I went 60-40 after we ordered it. But now that I have it (for a year now) I love it. Its perfect because I can fit those huge pans you’re talking about in the big side (where I wash the dishes), I can even fit a muffin tin flat, plus I still have the small to put my things to dry! I highly suggest it!
Hayley says
Regarding people who have issues with dish-rinsing with only a single sink without diluting the dishwater – I was puzzled as to why I never experienced this, having only ever had a single sink (albeit with a draining section like the one mentioned above). Perhaps I was a non-rinsing Brit like Colleen P. observed (totally think you’re right on that, most people I know just leave the sudsy plates etc. to dry like that). Then I realised I rinse in the same sink as I wash & scrub, because I used a washing up bowl (because we call doing the dishes ‘washing up’, see?) like this super cure picture: http://tinyurl.com/6k6yc2z. Again this may be a British thing as we all have single sinks or something but they really are a godsend. You fill the bowl up with the soapy water and rinse the suds off in the gap between the bowl and the sink. Easy peasy!
It seems like all my posts here have been about UK/US differences… resident weirdo-observant English person here I guess…
YoungHouseLove says
We love those posts about UK/US differences! So interesting.
xo,
s
becky says
sherry, you are a lucky lady! the day my husband is concerned about pots fitting in the sink i will rejoice!
btw, our green pans didn’t stand the test of time. we stick with stainless and castiron these days
Carrie says
Our green pans didn’t last either…I got them a year ago for a wedding gift and already had to throw the frying pan out a few months ago. :(
Emily says
Deep single sink>double sink, anyday! EXCEPT, if one side of the double sink is deep and big enough to hold a frying pans and it’s handles. My old apartment had this, both sides could fit a whole frying pan, but this was a 50s farmer’s kitchen sink. Wonderful.
Never had the faucet to the side, I imagine this is wonderful, but the extender on the faucet helps as well!
Melissa @ HOUSEography says
Best of both! Deep center but with a smaller side bowl where we have the disposal. Kohler I think. Great sink!
Shannon says
Hi! I’m a newer reader of your blog but I don’t think I ever commented. I have a solution for your drying rack dilemma. They have these great “drying pads” at Bed, Bath, & Beyond that sit on your counter and absorb the water from the newly rinsed dishes. The pads lie flat and fold up when you’re done with them. I keep mine in the drawer next to my sink. Then I don’t have a big ugly drying rack out on my counter. Hope this helps!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for all the drying pad tips everyone! And all of the other tips. Who knew we’d all like chatting about sinks so much? Haha.
xo,
s
CB says
Single all the way! My sister and I have had lengthy discussions about this (she has a double) Give me two FULL size sinks with garbage disposals on both sides. Even a 36″ with a 24″ works for me. But without sacrificing counter space, I just want 1! Who washes ALL their dishes in soapy water anymore?
kristin blake says
In the two homes we’ve lived in since being married, we’ve had a double sink divided down the middle. Let me say that I absolutely HATE sinks like that! Mainly because when I’m washing dishes, I don’t have enough room to wash the pans/pots without hitting the sides of the sink. It’s so irritating to not have enough room when washing. Also, my sinks have always been the stainless steel which I loathe because they are hard to keep clean and so loud!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve literally wanted to rip my sink out and get a new one just bc of how loud it is when bowls, cups, etc. get accidentally dropped into the sink. So our next sink will be a HUGE sink without any dividers and non stainless steel. A nice big sink I can put tons of stuff into and wash with room to spare!
Deborah Gosling says
We just redid our kitchen and I have a corian integrated sink with what I see people have referred to as a 70/30 sink. The 70 side is deeper and fits pans, cookie sheets, etc. I love it! And, I have to check out a drying pad that everyone is raving about!
Alli says
When we redid our kitchen, we just went with a double sink, I don’t think we ever even though about doing a single! I absolutely love our sink though, we actually went with a Kohler cast-iron smart divide sink and it has been fabulous!
http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/smartdivide.jsp
It has a shorter middle divide so a pan can sit in the sink and the handle is able to normally go over the divide, it’s also great for cookie sheets and such.
Sam says
I like a double sink where one side (preferably the left) is bigger than the other. The larger side should be big enough to fit small-medium pans in fairly well, and the smaller side bigger enough to rinse dishes under the tap without spilling water everywhere. Also, the tap should be in the middle of the two, and have a removable head for easy rinsing and filling!
Yeah, I’m picky…
If this arrangement isn’t available, I prefer a big, deep sink that fits lots in it!
Leah - Bogue Living says
Oh my god there’s a LOT of comments LOL Obviously not reading them all so hope I am not repeating this suggestion – I put my pots back on the stove to drip dry. They don’t look out of place there, less visual clutter.
I honestly don’t think I’ve seen many sinks without built in draining boards. Maybe it is an Aussie thing? Maybe new kitchens have them less, to look a bit sexier, but they really do come in handy. I have a full sink with a half sink and then a draining board – the whole thing is over a metre long and that’s easily a third of our bench space.
Karri says
We have a deep double sink, but the middle divider is low, so if we need to wash something large we can use the whole sink, or choose to just use half for regular dishes and half for drying. Actually, I usually use half for washing, half for rinsing, and then use the drying mat on the counter.
Lori says
Two words that changed my life: Towel method. I use a dish towel and place all my cleaned dishes on top to dry. After they are put away I rehang the kitchen towel in front od the stove to dry. I have used this method for Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas parties for over 20 people, though granted I went through a lot of wet dish towels that night. But nothing to store is awesome, can’t be beat.
Mia says
I have just one thing to say..John, you are a painting animal!!!!!!
Olivia says
We have a double sink with a smart divide. Absolutely genius! It has the space and versatility of a double sink, but the divider is low enough that out pot handles and pans still fit in the whole sink.
Laura C. says
We’ve got a black granite composite 70/30 sink and LOVE it! It’s super deep – 9 1/2″ on the “70” side (which is big enough to lay a cookie sheet flat!) and 8″ on the “30” side. We’ve moved a lot over the years (military) and by far this is my absolute favorite!!!
Jenna says
I have this weird towel like rag (super absorbent kitchen towel) that’s made specially for drying dishes. I have a double sink and only use one side :)
Rochelle says
I agree, drying racks are tacky! I prefer clean counter tops…which is why I use tea towels laid out and air dry pots and special dishes on the countertop. Once they’re dry I put them away, fold up the towel and have a clean countertop. :)
Abby Walters says
LOVE the big sink, doesn’t look that big until you put the pot in it to show. WOW!! :)
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=14923527&
This the simple human drying rack. We have it at our house and LOVE it. It is a little spendy-ish, however it fits all of our pots and pans, and we are a huge fan of the wooden slots for knives.
Sara@BakingandWine says
Someone else may have mentioned this but I use my dishwasher as a drying rack. I wash the dishes in the sink, then just put them in the dishwasher overnight. No clutter on the counters and no need to dry them and put them away immediately. My husband thinks it’s a little crazy but, it works. Not sure if y’all have a dishwasher or not though.
lurker says
yes, I’m a lurker and a devoted fan. but this post of yours compelled me to say something.
here goes:
i’m a dedicated single sinker. but a large, deep single sink. ours is about 2 -2.5 times yours. which means it fits big pots and pans with room left for cups and knives and other cooking detritus around it. the faucet’s mounted centered, but it swings, so i routinely put pots on the counter to fill em with water.
dish rack: i too, hated the look of my old dish rack and for a while there was salivating over a new one. i finally bought it earlier this year. it’s one of the best home purchases we’ve made. dishes are a pleasure to do cos they’re easy to stack, dry quickly, easy to put away. no clanging, no chipping. plenty of room to get an entire sinkful of dishes in there.
pricey, but with a bed bath and beyond coupon, doable. or amazon has it marked down right now also: http://www.amazon.com/simplehuman-System-Dishrack-Bamboo-Stainless/dp/B0027FFMYU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1309504671&sr=8-3
You can see the details here: http://www.simplehuman.com/products/dishracks/flip-top.html
it looks very cool and sleek on the counter. really.
dishes: we got rid of all of our old pots and pans, as well as all old teflon or hard anodized cookware (cos those have PTFE also) and bought a Cuisinart stainless steel set from Macy’s on sale instead. Food’s a breeze to cook, pans are easy to clean with Bar Keeper’s Friend (which by the way will get rid of the blackened grease you have on the underside of the pan). You can also look at the Tramontina Triple Clad set from Walmart. it’s rated as among the best cookware, rivaling All Clad, but at a fraction of the price. And without nasty chemicals.
Happy living and thanks for a great blog so full of inspiring ideas!
here:
Heather @ REOlisticRenovation says
I can’t even imagine a single sink…is that weird? I am so used to the double I don’t think I can go back…or forward…or whatever. :)
Erin says
Hi guys,
Just wanted to say how great the room looks. Although being the dork and safety nerd I am, I just can’t help but comment on your ergonomics. Would it make it easier (for John especially) if you put the paint on a higher surface so you’re not bending down all the time. I’m tall myself and I find it helpful when painting. Just thinking of your backs is all.
Van says
no doubt a double for me is the way to go… what can I say, it just works because I’m weird, one side for the plates and the other for the glasses… anyway, the drying hack solution here at home is the one hidden inside a tall cabinet in the kitchen area… you open the doors and there it is: a two layers drying hack full of space for pans and far from curious eyes…
ps.: congratz on your recent kitchen improvements, it feels spring-y… ^^
Suzanne says
I am of the belief that if you have to convince yourself that you love something, you really don’t.
I also had a love/hate with the single in my former house, for the same reasons you mentioned. But, we moved a couple years ago, and now I have a double. Which is better, IMHO, protruding pan handles and all. I never have the internal angst about whether I like it or not.
Actually, this double is actually a little deeper and so a lot of my pans fit (in a diagonal sort of way). So, that’s my recommendation to you. A deeper double.
cindy says
I currently have a double and the new house only has a single…I am going to see if I am going to love or hate it…
April says
OK, I guess I’m going to be the lone voice of insanity here. Over the last couple of years, I gradually worked out that “pre-drying” isn’t always strictly necessary. I mostly only handwash my pots and pans, and I’ve found that after a good shake, they dry just fine in the cabinet. At first I was afraid that it would lead to water damage in the cabinets, but it hasn’t. Of course I don’t slosh them in dripping wet – I dump arll the water out and give a little shake – nothing too elaborate. I put the pots in the cabinets right side up (to avoid drippy rings and draining directly onto the cabinet), and let evaporation take its natural course. Now, I’m not saying it is the ideal way to go – I’m guessing if your had shiney new pots, they might get water spots on them. And it might not work that well for tall things like glasses. I worked this out after I became sick with a chronic illness and really had to prioritize my chores, and now I just think that sometimes this whole pre-drying thing isn’t as critical as we grew up thinking. I do like the looks of that drying mat, but to be honest, for my entire childhood we just threw a dishtowel on the cabinet for drying. Most of my friends did, too. I always thought the racks were overkill, for that reason. Obviously, I’m a minimalist at heart!
Whitney B says
single sink fan, hands down, no question.
regarding the drying rack….we just lay out a dish towel when we have stuff to drip dry. kind of love the homey feel of it AND if you end up with a damp towel when you’re ready to put those dishes away, it’s perfect for giving the counters a little bonus wipe-down ;)
i bet you miss your old countertops, though…. so gorgeous.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes. That picture makes me so misty eyed. Haha.
xo,
s
drew says
Get a double sink that has a split 1/3 / 2/3 design with the 2/3 side being deep. You have the best of both worlds. We use a large platter as a drying tray with a chrome dish holder for a drying rack. The dish holder is really designed for using on a buffet table to hold the dishes and silverware. Looks much nicer than those designed for drying racks. We usually find the large platters on clearance at Tuesday morning and get several years usage before an errant pot breaks them.
Valerie says
I’m a double sink gal myself. I need to extra space and the separation between dirty dishes and dishes that are washed but need the soap rinsed off. We have a dishwasher, but for pots and pans, I couldn’t do it without our double! I think the happy medium is that our double is pretty wide (a double wide? :) )and fairly deep, so we have the same advantages as you guys have with the single, but the flexibility of the double. <3
Allison says
I love my drying mat that I keep on the side of my sink and put away when not in use. It is a super absorbent waffle weave mat. You can throw it in the wash, and it doesn’t get soaking wet like dish towels. They are a cheap and easy fix. I got mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond for $7.99. See link…
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=17316192
Johnna says
I found the Kohler Smart-Divide sink on clearance at Home Depot when we built our house and I LOVE IT!! It’s a double but the divider is short enough that pan handles cross it with no trouble. YAY!
beth says
Looks great. I’ve had a double sink in our last two homes, but we redid countertops in our very first house and went with an integrated single sink. I really loved it. It was big and deep and it was easy to wash even the biggest pots and pans without splashing all over. If I was choosing a sink right now, I’d opt for a large single again.
Kat says
I definitely prefer the big deep sink to the double.
We also have the drying pad – and it’s great! And you just roll it up when you’re done drying.
However… we just bought our first dishwasher. Hopefully I will be using that drying pad a lot less!
Donna Huebsch says
Yes, I DO feel passionately about single vs. double – I am a double-sink person all the way! The main reason is that the double sink gives me a side to put the clean dishes in and rinse them, without continuing to fill up the wash side with more water.
SingleMama says
love the idea of having the faucet on the side!