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tanders_gw

Going from double sink to single sink

16 years ago

My apologies, first off--I know the whole single/double sink has been discussed ad nauseum, and I know that most people that have a large single sink LOVE it....

But I was wondering if there was anyone out there that switched from a double to a single and hated it and was *sorry* they switched, and could you explain why?

I *think* I want to switch to a single, but I am wondering if it will bother me to rinse veggies if there are dirty dishes in the sink as well. Your thoughts?? Thanks.

Comments (17)

  • 16 years ago

    I've not had a single sink for that very reason. I suppose if you have a prep sink, no problem. I have also been washing and scraping into the disposal at the same time. Can't do that with a single bowl.

    I do like the look of the large single sink.

  • 16 years ago

    The veggie bit might bother you... it does me - but then I just have to put the dishes in the dishwasher. On the whole I like the size of the big sink better - it's much easier to clean large items. I don't think I'll ever go back to a double unless I have one with a large bowl. How about a double sink where one is small?

  • 16 years ago

    I use an expanding colander when I rinse veggies in my single sink.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Expanding colander

  • 16 years ago

    I wash dishes in a dish tub in the sink--basically creating a double sink but having the versatility of removing the tub when needed. No regrets switching over and wish I had done it 20 years ago. The plastic dish tub is more forgiving than any sink when I strike the sides with fine glassware once in a while.

  • 16 years ago

    We went back and forth but decided to go back to large double from Franke/Villroy and Bosch 35 in version. The insie dimension is 16.5 x 19.5 on each side. Any lsarge pot we had fit easily on each side. The large roaster fit on an angle about 22 in which fit 25 lb turkeys. Had doubles for a life time. We looked at the Shaw 30 in and could not pull the trigger.

  • 16 years ago

    I grew up using a single sink, and didn't like it for the reasons others have mentioned. When I only had one sink, I got a 1-3/4 (see link--similar to Elkay ESE250), and loved it since the extra 2" was just enough to allow me to fit larger pans.

    In our new house, I decided to get the same 1-3/4 sink for under the window for use between the MW/oven and the prep area for the cooktop. DH uses the MW and sink a lot, and I can still use the other side of the sink for the colander, utensils, veggies, etc. for cleaning veggies, chicken, etc.

    For the cleanup counter/peninsula I have a 24" wide and 10" deep single sink. Since DH is in and out of the kitchen a lot, I leave the dishes and often some large pans (13" skillet, etc.) in the sink to soak until the end of the day when I put them all in the DW at once.

    If I could only have one sink, I'd choose the 1-3/4 again, unless maybe I could get a really big single.

    Anne

    Here is a link that might be useful: 1-3/4 sink

  • 16 years ago

    I have a 2 equal basin Kohler, and while I can't fit things flat in it, I have adjusted to figuring out how to clean large things, in spite of the divider. I just can't seem to get my head around multi-tasking in a single bowl sink.

    My DH cooks dinner most of the time, and he tends to "pack" the sink with all the dirty dishes, leaving no room to move. I can't clean up after him because he stands right in front of the dishwasher, as that is where the prep area is in the corner next to the stove.

    I am leery of getting one big side and one small side, because we don't have a disposal, making the smaller side seem less useful to me.

    I'll have to keep thinking on this one. I just need to decide on the sink size so I can figure out the rest of my cabinet layout.

    I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on this...

  • 16 years ago

    "I am leery of getting one big side and one small side, because we don't have a disposal, making the smaller side seem less useful to me."

    FWIW, I keep the large side of the sink (where I have the disposal BTW) open for general use by DH, and in my previous home that's the side the dishes and pots went in to soak. I use the smaller, normal sized side for the prep side. Ours is 33" wide, with the large bowl being about 14x18 and the smaller being about 14x16, and both are 8" deep.

    My husband also puts lots of dishes in the sink--and they're usually teetering--drives me nuts! I can't imagine prepping in the 24" single sink with the dishes and pans in it. Even with a larger single sink, it seems to me that he'd still have it covered with dishes that I'd have to do something with. In fairness to him, he leaves them there because I like to load the DW myself.

    "I can't clean up after him because he stands right in front of the dishwasher, as that is where the prep area is in the corner next to the stove."

    Can you post the kitchen design and get feedback from the great people here on how you might rearrange some of the work spaces to avoid the problem you have here?

    Anne

  • 16 years ago

    Anne,
    What material is your sink made of? The way you explained how you use your sink makes a lot of sense.

    LOL, I'm amused to know someone else suffers my "pain" of DH stacking dishes. I don't complain too much, since he's a great cook, and he saves me from having to do it most of the time! I, too, like to load the dishwasher myself. After a while, you know all the tricks to loading the DW for maximum capacity.

    And we will we swapping the dishwasher from the left-hand side of the sink (where prep area is) to the right when we put the new kitchen in and that will solve the problem. Then it will be prep area--sink--dishwasher and I can clean up as he cooks much easier.

  • 16 years ago

    Both sinks are brushed stainless steel. Our kitchen is a mix of SS and bisque. Warming drawer is SS and cooktop above it is SS and black. The fridge, DW, oven, & MW are all bisque. I was able to pay the extra for the induction cooktop by not paying the upcharge for SS for the other appliances. With some decisions I choose function and saving $$ over looks. Besides, I like the bisque.

    Anne

  • 16 years ago

    I was also concerned about going to a single sink, after cursing our basic builder's double sink for almost 20 years. I considered the 1 -3/4, but I couldn't figure which side should have the garbage disposal.

    I am now the very happy owner of a Franke Orca sink with half shelf on the right and bottom protector.

    Here's a picture to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Note that the right half-shelf in the photo isn't the correct shelf. They accidentally ordered the Left shelf. Luckily, it can be used turned sideways for the Right side. They ordered me the Right shelf and let me keep this one, but I haven't had a chance to take a picture with it. The correct shelf is actually smaller and leaves the Left side of the sink free to pile up pots and things. The bottom grid allows the water to drain even when the sink is full of "stuff"
    Jane

  • 16 years ago

    Jane, how deep are your cabinets/countertop there? Is it standard. Just trying to figure out how we're going to wedge our big sink in there and we may end up going with an Orca fireclay in place of a big rectangle Rohl if it fits better (which I think it will). Just curious if yours is in a sink bump out cabinet or a standard depth cabinet.

    Thanks,
    Dawn

  • 9 years ago

    drop in or undermount apron sink

  • last month

    Can I change my double to single without hurting my quartz?

  • PRO
    last month

    "Can I change my double to single without hurting my quartz?"


    Yes, it's done all the time with no mess. www.ihatemysink.com

  • last month

    ^^ Is that you in the video, Joseph?

  • PRO
    last month

    Porkchop: I can't find myself in any of the videos.

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