Pros: A single, deep basin means you can easily soak or wash a big pan or prep large quantities of food.Cons: Rinsing vegetables while soaking a large casserole dish requires a bit of juggling — as does hand washing and rinsing china or stemware.A certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer for 30 years, Sharon Flatley has seen the kitchen sink grow wider, deeper and more diverse. “There’s so much more to choose from now,” she says.
These days Flatley, the principal of Flatley & Associates in Dallas, says most of her clients opt for a single, deep basin that is 33 to 36 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches deep. “This kind of sink is very versatile,” she says. “It works whether you cook a lot or not much.”
Flatley says the delicate dance of doing prep work and cleaning duty at the same time can be accomplished with accessories. “Most sink manufacturers offer a wealth of add-ons,” she says, “including rinse baskets that fit nicely in the basin.”
Dave Burcher, principal at In House in New York, notes that double sinks aren’t necessarily limited to the 60/40 split. “Although that ratio is the most common one, the customization options are nearly limitless,” he says.
Burcher notes that during cleanup, accessing the garbage disposal while a pan is soaking can be annoying. “This setup eliminates that,” he says.
1. Farmhouse.Pros: Many farmhouse sinks are simply single, large basins. The difference is their distinctive apron front, which has a vintage vibe many homeowners love. For a typical sink, the basin can be 4 inches away from the edge of the countertop, but this sink can sit a bit beyond the counter line. For people of shorter stature and kids, a farmhouse sink can be more accessible. If you choose a porcelain or ceramic farmhouse sink, there are a wealth of color options.Cons: A farmhouse sink makes a deliberate design statement that will be with you for a long time — which is wonderful, unless your tastes change.“A farmhouse sink is mostly a pure aesthetic choice,” says Flatley. “It functions like a large single sink.”
1. Stainless steel.Pros: This is a very durable, easy-to-clean material.Cons: The metal can scratch, but the marks can be buffed out of brushed stainless steel. Most manufacturers offer bottom grids (wire trays that are placed in the bottom of the sink to prevent scratching). Also, if you live in a area with hard water, water spots can be a problem.“Stainless steel is a nearly indestructible, classic material,” says Flatley. Butcher says, “I tell my clients that stainless steel is very flexible. It tends to blend into whatever environment you put it in — traditional or modern.”
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(original article)