The garbage disposal is definately a consideration but depending on the sink there are way to work around it. Ours was on the left hand side. We chose the double sink w/a 10 inch one side & 8 inch on the other. So our plumber just moved the disposal to the other side and it was fine. The only problem we have now is that it's fairly tight under there so we couldn't put the weight for the pull down faucet on because it would keep getting caught up in the hoses. And, really with the faucet we chose (Moen Aberdeen) that hasn't been a problem either.

First regarding the drain placement: what you are talking about is called an "offset drain", and that is an advantage. It will give you more room under your sink (vs. having the drain smack dab in the center) for a disposal and other under-sink items. Also, it will allow you to set down in the sink pots and pans without covering the drain hole. That seems a minor point, but actually it's a very nice convenience.

Second, regarding the depth: there have been many threads here on that topic, with no consensus. I have a 9" sink +1" countertop, and love it. Some people say it's harder on the back to have a deeper sink; others aren't bothered at all. Also, a lot of people have a sink grid on the bottom of their sink which protects the bottom and also raises the depth a bit. I think Blanco makes one specifically to fit their sinks.

One advantage of a deep sink is that you can hide your dirty dishes! And of course, it's easy to fill tall pots like stock pots.

If you are installing a disposal with a deep sink, you do need to pay attention to the dimensions of the disposal and make sure your plumbing outlet will be lower than the disposal's outlet. Disposals' specs are online, and you could show your contractor which one you'd like so that he/she can check for you if you are unsure. If your outlet isn't low enough, Insinkerator makes a "compact" disposal that is shorter; many people on this forum have this model and like it.

I don't know whether you have picked your disposal or not, but if not, I just want to make sure you are aware that you should buy one that is at least 3/4 hp and all stainless steel innards. Anything less than 3/4 hp will not be a good investment. Sometimes appliance stores or contractors just "throw one in" with the rest of your order, so you need to be careful which one you are getting.

BTW, which color Silgranit are you considering? (I myself think the Anthracite is sharp, but they're all nice.)

I have a soapstone farmer's sink and it's 11" deep and I LOVE IT. It might be my favorite thing in the kitchen. I love deeper sinks though, great for washing stock pots, etc. And this one is a dream when I'm cleaning - I love sticking the whole mop bucket in it for filling, dumping it out and not making a mess - Even with how low it hangs (notice the cabinet) I had room for a disposal. (Mac-daddy insinkerator).

Thanks for the info so far!

akchicago - I was going to reinstall the "pig" (as DH calls it) that we already have - I think it's an Insinkerator - it has to be at least 14 years old now. DH thinks it has a trap, I'll have to check about the outlets.

I thought of another question - do you have to order the drain separately? On one plumbing site I was on, they said that you do.

Also, I can't find out how heavy this sink is. On Amazon, it says shipping weight is 35lbs, but on another site it said that the since is 70lbs.

I'm getting bisque color.

Here is a link that might be useful: Blanco Sink

This is just MHO, but I would replace that 14-year-old disposal with a new one. The new ones are made better, will grind better, and are MUCH quieter. You've had your money's worth out of that 14-year-old one! And I bet once you pull out the old one, and see lots of gunk and age, you won't want to put it back into your sparkling brand new sink and kitchen. The new disposals aren't so much money in the scheme of a kitchen re-do. The Insinkerator 3/4 hp continuous feed model (I am assuming you have a continuous feed, not a batch feed), called the "Evolution Essential", is $200 at Home Depot, and you can probably find it cheaper online.

Here is a link that might be useful: Insinkerator Evolution Essential Disposal