How to calculate the proper kitchen sink size for your family

Custom 72" dual tier, dual drain, single bowl workstation sink made of 316L surgical grade stainless steel.

The sink above is quite large. It is designed for two right handed users to be able to work on different tasks together at the sink. Sink size varies depending on the size of the kitchen and the way your family will use the sink. When a family has two users and both will use the sink in tandem, our Harmony™ design offers two separate work areas within a single bowl sink. These work best when they are over 48" in length. The one shown above is 72" in length. 

36" NexGen™ custom workstation sink

When one user at a time is making the request, the sink can easily be much smaller. Generally, 48" or less would be ideal. So, how do you tell which size is best for you? The sink shown on the right is 36" in length. Our sinks are designed to fit in the same size cabinet as the overall size of the sink. This sink calls for a 36" cabinet. As a side note, our sinks allow for 3-5" larger sinks due to the way we recommend our sinks be installed. 

Most importantly, size the sink based on the value of your home. A luxury home should have at least a 48" workstation sink. A smaller sink, especially if the sink is found in home centers, Amazon, etc., is not fitting for a custom home. A kitchen sink is extremely expensive to replace - often requiring new countertops. Whatever you do, don't make the sink selection an afterthought or a suggestion from a countertop supplier. Often, countertop suppliers stock very cheap imported stainless sinks and offer them free, or at a huge discount, if you choose to use their countertop services. Stay away from these sinks at all costs! If you have a luxury custom home, there are only two good choices; Rachiele Custom Sinks and The Galley Sink, in my opinion.

The sink photo above shows the three essential accessories: a butcher-grade cutting board, a multi-purpose grid, and a sponge caddy. At 36" long, the bowl length will be 34". This particular sink is designed for a right handed user.  As shown, food would be placed on the grid as a staging and rinsing area.

Next, one item at a time will be cut and slid off the cutting board into a bowl. The sponge caddy is obviously used for sponge storage; however, it is a great place to store the top to your drain or disposal. Some also put a soap dispenser in the sponge caddy. 

As you can see, a 36" sink leaves plenty of room for food preparation and cleanup. The 36" cabinet is the most commonly specified cabinet by kitchen designers. Our 36" sink fits perfectly. By the way, a double roll-out trash mechanism may fit behind the left door of a 36" cabinet. 

36" sink in a 36" cabinet with full size 35 quart dual trash bins.

Going up to a 42" cabinet allows for a 42" sink. I feel this size really allows the workstation accessories to work best. A 48" sink allows for a 15" multipurpose grid, which may come in handy if you have a great deal of vegetables that may need some rinsing. 

One of the services we offer is to have you set up a convenient time to chat with me via a Zoom call. During the call, I will be able to share my screen on your computer, laptop, or iPad. I will be asking you questions that will help you determine the best size sink for your family. 

I hope this bit of information is helpful!