How to Choose the Right Depth for Your Kitchen Sink

Kitchen sinks have been steadily growing in bowl depth. Most sinks used to be as shallow as 6 inches or less. The average today is 8 to 10 inches, and they can go as deep as 12 inches. So if you repurpose a vintage sink, such as the one pictured above, keep in mind it will likely be on the shallow side. If you are purchasing new, you have options for bowl depth.

Shallow sinks also take up less space in the sink cabinet below them. Not only does this free up storage space, it also makes it easier to install and access the garbage disposal and the plumbing fittings. Shallow sinks also tend to cost a bit less than deeper versions.

A shallow sink is best for those who tend to hand-wash smaller everyday items and would have to lean into or hunch down over a deep sink for long periods.

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2. When to Go Deep

For those who, like me, seem to dirty every dish in the house when making a meal, a super deep sink is ideal. You have plenty of space for prepping meals, and in a pinch you can hide your dirty dishes in there until you are able to wash them. This is also a nice sink for bakers or others who are regularly washing large sheet pans and cutting boards.

A sink depth of at least 10 inches will give you the room you need to wash larger dishes without splashing water all over the floor and surrounding countertops.

Keep in mind that if you are going with an undermount sink, you will gain the additional depth of the countertop thickness. You can offset this, however, by using a raised sink grid, as shown here.

A deep sink is best for those who tend to use their dishwasher to clean most dishes but have large items they need to wash by hand.

3. Go Deep and Shallow

If space and budget allow, consider installing two sinks with different bowl depths. A larger, deeper sink can be used for hand-washing oversize items, and a more shallow sink provides an ergonomic option for those who find a deep sink uncomfortable to use for long periods.

4. Countertop Height

You can make a deeper sink more comfortable for shorter users — or accessible for those in a wheelchair — by lowering the countertop it’s installed in a few inches from the standard 36-inch height. For wheelchair access, be sure to keep clearance under the cabinet.

Similarly, you can raise the countertop height to make the sink more comfortable for taller users. Just be aware of the domino effect of raising or lowering countertops, such as accommodating appliances, and how it might affect future resale value.