Single bowl vs. double bowl: Which is better?

Over the past decade, single bowl kitchen sinks have become the clear favorite in both professional and residential kitchens. The reason is simple. Removing the center divider creates uninterrupted bowl space, which dramatically improves how a sink functions day to day.

With a single bowl sink, large cookware finally fits the way it should. Stockpots, woks, roasting pans, baking sheets, and half sheet pans can lay flat inside the bowl. A lasagna pan can soak completely without angling it awkwardly while water splashes onto the countertop. Cleanup becomes faster, calmer, and far more controlled.

That said, many homeowners still hesitate because they are used to the traditional double bowl setup. One side for soaking, one side for rinsing or drying. If that describes you, there is an important evolution you need to understand.

36" single bowl 316L surgical grade stainless steel workstation sink.

The fastest growing trend in kitchen design today is the workstation sink.

A workstation sink is almost always a large single bowl sink that incorporates integrated interior ledges. These ledges allow functional accessories like cutting boards, colanders, and drying racks to slide across the sink. When properly designed, a workstation sink delivers the benefits of both single and double bowl sinks without the compromises of either.

The key detail most brands get wrong is drainage.

Online forums are filled with complaints about workstation sinks that pool water or allow splashing onto the drying side. The issue is not the concept. It is poor engineering. A properly designed workstation sink must be intentionally sloped toward the drain.

At Rachiele® Custom Sinks, the slope from the shallow working side to the drain can be as much as one full inch, depending on sink size. Water cannot travel uphill. That simple fact allows you to wash on the drain side while the opposite side remains dry and usable for prep or drying.

When executed correctly, a workstation sink is not a trend. It is the most functional evolution of the single bowl sink ever created.

If you are deciding between a single bowl and a double bowl sink, the real question may be whether your kitchen deserves a sink designed for how you actually cook and clean today.

If you would like to talk through this decision with someone who has 22 years of professional kitchen design experience and 27 years designing custom sinks, I offer complimentary educational Zoom conversations. I have spoken with thousands of homeowners and families worldwide, creating personalized sink designs based on height, handedness, cooking style, and family size. This is not a sales call, and there is no obligation of any kind. To schedule, simply click here and select a day and time that is convenient for you. The calendar automatically detects your time zone, so all available times are shown in your local time.