Choosing a new kitchen sink might seem straightforward — until you're faced with a wall of options: the bowl configuration, the material and finish, and the chosen installation method. This guide breaks it all down, clearly and practically, including the right type of sink bowl to consider. At its simplest, a single-bowl sink has one large, uninterrupted basin, while a double-bowl sink is divided into two separate compartments — usually side by side. Both have their place in a well-designed kitchen, but the right choice depends on how you cook, how you clean, and the layout of your worktop.

 Here are the top considerations when choosing the best kitchen sink for your home,

Choose a Single Bowl if… →  You have or plan to buy a dishwasher →  You cook with large pots and pans regularly →  You want a modern, minimalist look →  Kitchen space is limited →  You are a 1–2 person household

Choose Double Bowl if… →  You hand-wash most dishes →  You want to wash and rinse simultaneously →  There are 3+ people in your household →  You prep food directly at the sink →  You want separate zones for hygiene

Single & Double Bowl Kitchen Sinks — Everything You Need to Know

Type	Description	Best For
Single Bowl	One deep, unobstructed basin. Great for large pots and baking trays.	Compact kitchens, dishwasher users, 1–2 people
Double Bowl	Two side-by-side basins. Perfect for washing and rinsing simultaneously.	Families, those without a dishwasher, food-prep heavy cooks
1.5 Bowl (Single & Half)	Full main bowl + smaller secondary prep bowl. A flexible middle-ground.	Households of 2–4 people wanting versatility

 Quick Tip: There is no universally best option. The right kitchen sink type depends on your kitchen size, cooking habits, and whether you use a dishwasher. Read on to find the perfect fit for your home. 

Single Bowl Sinks

Single-bowl sinks have surged in popularity. That generous, uninterrupted basin is a game-changer for anyone who regularly handles large cookware.

Single bowl sinks typically measure between 400mm and 600mm wide. The absence of a divider means you can fully submerge large roasting tins, wok pans, and tall stockpots. Many modern designs also come with a matching drainer, making a single bowl kitchen sink with a drainer a complete, clean-looking worktop solution.

Why Choose a Single Bowl Sink?

Single-bowl sinks shine if you live alone or as a couple, cook frequently with large pots and pans, or have a dishwasher that handles most of the cleaning. They are also a more space-efficient choice for smaller kitchens or galley-style layouts.

✓  Pros	✗  Cons
Large, unobstructed basin — ideal for big pots and pans Easier to clean (no divider to scrub around) More streamlined, modern appearance Better fit for compact kitchens Often deeper, giving a generous washing area Usually more affordable than double bowl versions	Less multitasking potential without a dishwasher Soaking dishes can block the whole sink No dedicated space for food prep and rinsing Sticky and dirty sides cannot be separated

 Best Match: Single-bowl sinks are ideal for cooks who use a dishwasher, households of 1–2 people, and anyone who prioritises style and simplicity over function-heavy design. 

Double Bowl Sinks

Double bowl sinks remain the go-to for busy family kitchens. The two-basin setup allows genuine multitasking that a single bowl simply cannot match.

Double-bowl kitchen sinks typically feature two equally sized basins, though offset versions exist in which one bowl is slightly larger. The most popular configuration is a 60/40 split — a generous main bowl and a handier secondary one. Double bowl sinks for kitchen use are especially popular in households without a dishwasher, where one side handles washing and the other handles rinsing.

Why Choose a Double Bowl?

If your household is four or more people, you cook multiple courses regularly, or you want a clear separation between defrosting meat and rinsing vegetables, a double bowl delivers real practical value. Many users also use the second bowl as a dedicated drain-drying area, keeping the main basin always clear.

✓  Pros	✗  Cons
True multitasking — wash and rinse simultaneously Separate zones for raw food prep and clean dishes Ideal for households without a dishwasher One bowl can soak while the other stays usable Works well for large families	Divider limits space for oversized pans and trays Requires wider worktop run (typically 800mm+) More surfaces to clean and maintain Generally more expensive Can feel cluttered visually in small kitchens

Best Match: Double bowl sinks are the smart choice for families of 3+, homes without a dishwasher, and anyone who regularly juggles washing, rinsing, and food prep at the same time. 

Undermount Sinks: Single & Double Bowl

Undermount sinks are the choice of modern, design-led kitchens. Fitted from below the worktop, they create a perfectly seamless surface with no lip or rim to trap crumbs and grime.

What Is An Undermount Sink?

An undermount sink is mounted beneath the worktop surface. The sink is fixed from below, so the worktop edge is fully visible and flush. Crumbs and water wipe directly from the counter into the sink — a win for hygiene and convenience. They require a solid worktop material such as stone, solid wood, or compact laminate to support the weight.

• Single Bowl Undermount Sinks

Undermount single bowl kitchen sinks are particularly popular in contemporary kitchens with stone or quartz worktops. The clean, minimal aesthetic of a single basin with no visible rim is very much at home in handleless, flat-front kitchen designs. A stainless steel single-bowl sink in an undermount configuration is one of the most popular premium kitchen choices.

• Undermount Double Bowl Sinks

An undermount double-bowl sink combines the practical benefits of two basins with the sleek aesthetic of a rimless design. Many premium stainless steel double bowl sinks are available in undermount format, often in brushed or satin finishes that resist fingerprints and watermarks.

✓  Pros	✗  Cons
Seamless, hygienic worktop surface Easy to wipe debris directly into the basin Looks incredibly sleek and high-end No rim means full counter-to-sink continuity Available in single and double configurations	Requires a solid worktop (stone, wood, composite) Professional installation essential More difficult to replace without cutting the worktop Generally higher cost than inset alternatives

 Worktop Note: Undermount sinks cannot be fitted into laminate chipboard worktops. They require stone, solid wood, glass, or composite surfaces. Always confirm with your fitter before purchasing. 

Inset Sinks: Single Bowl, Double Bowl & the 1.5 Bowl Option

Inset sinks — also called top-mount or drop-in sinks — sit within a cut-out in the worktop with a visible rim. Simple to install and compatible with virtually any worktop material.

What Is An Inset Sink?

An inset sink drops into a cut-out hole in the worktop from above. The surrounding rim sits flat on the worktop surface. These are the most common types of kitchen sink in the UK and are compatible with all worktop materials — including laminate — making them accessible at every budget level. 

Here are the available variants to help you decide on your next purchase.

Configuration	Unit Size Typically Needed	Best For
Single Inset Bowl	500mm base unit	Compact spaces, dishwasher users, single households
Double Inset Bowl	800mm+ base unit	Families, hand-washing, food-prep, intensive cooks
1.5 Bowl Inset	600–700mm base unit	2–4 person households wanting everyday flexibility

• Single Bowl Inset Sink

A single bowl inset sink is the most widely available and affordable entry point. An inset single-bowl kitchen sink can be fitted into almost any standard 500mm base-unit cut-out. Many come with an integrated drainer on one or both sides, making a single-bowl kitchen sink with a drainer a practical, all-in-one solution for kitchens with limited counter space.

• Double Bowl Inset Sink

A double bowl inset sink provides the multitasking benefits of two basins with the simplicity of a top-fit installation. Double bowl inset sinks are available in stainless steel and composite granite, and many models include at least one integrated drainer wing.

• 1.5 Bowl Inset Sink (Single & Half)

The single- and half-bowl features a full-size main bowl (typically 340–400mm) and a smaller secondary bowl (typically 150–200mm) alongside it. The smaller bowl is ideal for food prep, rinsing, soaking cutlery, or draining a kettle — without eating into as much worktop space as a full double bowl.

✓  Pros	✗  Cons
Works with any worktop material, including laminate Easy DIY installation in many cases Simple to replace or upgrade later Wide range of styles and price points 1.5 bowl version available for added flexibility	The rim can collect crumbs and limescale Less seamless look compared to undermount The rim seal can deteriorate over time if not maintained

Single Bowl vs Double Bowl — Complete Comparison Table

Use this at-a-glance reference to compare the most important factors across the main sink configurations.

Factor	Single Bowl	1.5 Bowl	Double Bowl
Basin Space	Maximum (unobstructed)	Good + small secondary	Split between 2 bowls
Large Pan Washing	Excellent	Good	Limited by a divider
Multitasking	Limited	Moderate	Excellent
Worktop Space Typically Needed	Compact (from 450mm)	Medium (600–700mm)	Larger (800mm+)
Ideal Household Size	1–2 people	2–4 people	4+ people
Dishwasher Required?	Recommended	Optional	Less critical
Fitting Options	Undermount / Inset	Inset (mainly)	Undermount / Inset
Materials Available	Steel, Composite, Ceramic	Steel, Composite, Ceramic	Steel, Composite, Ceramic
Price Range (approx.)	£60–£500+	£80–£400	£100–£700+
Cleaning Ease	Easiest (no divider)	Moderate	More surfaces to clean
Aesthetic Style	Minimalist / Modern	Balanced / Versatile	Traditional / Functional
Undermount Version	Very common	Less common	Available
Inset Version	Very common	Very common	Very common

Too much to think about? There’s no need to worry - we're here to help you find your ideal solution. Contact us at 01380 270 010 or email sales@sinks.co.uk.

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink for Your Home

Walk through these five quick considerations, and you will have a clear answer before you have finished your tea.

1. Check your available worktop width

Single bowl sinks can fit a 500mm base unit. Double bowls typically need at least 800mm. If space is tight, a single or 1.5 bowl is usually the smarter choice.

2. Think about how many people are in your household

Smaller households that use a dishwasher rarely need a double bowl. Larger families who hand-wash everything will benefit significantly from the divided setup.

3. Decide on your worktop material first

If you have or want laminate worktops, you are limited to inset fitting. Stone, solid wood, or composite worktops allow for a seamless undermount installation.

4. Consider your cooking habits

Frequent bakers, pasta makers, or anyone who regularly handles large pans should lean towards a single bowl for its unobstructed depth. Regular multitaskers will appreciate the double bowl divide.

5. Set a realistic budget

Stainless steel inset single bowls can be found from £60 to £120. Premium composite undermount double bowls can reach £500–£700+. Always factor in installation costs, particularly for undermount sinks. 

FAQ’s

1. What is the most popular kitchen sink—single- or double-bowl?

Both remain popular, but the trend has shifted towards single bowl sinks — particularly in new-build and renovation kitchens where dishwashers are standard. Double bowl sinks are still very common in family homes without a dishwasher. The 1.5-bowl configuration consistently ranks among the best-selling options overall, satisfying both camps.

2. Can I get a single bowl sink with a drainer built in?

Yes — a single bowl kitchen sink with a drainer is one of the most common configurations available. Drainers typically sit to the left or right of the bowl and are available in reversible versions to suit your kitchen layout. Inset models are particularly likely to come with an integrated drainer as standard.

3. What is the difference between an undermount and an inset sink?

An inset sink (also called a drop-in or top-mount sink) sits in a cut-out in the worktop with its rim resting on the surface. It is compatible with all worktop types. An undermount sink is fixed from beneath the worktop, leaving the surface completely flush and seamless. Undermount installation requires a solid, non-porous worktop (stone, wood, or composite) and is more expensive to install, but the finish is significantly more refined and hygienic.

4. What is a 1.5 bowl sink, and is it worth it?

A 1.5 bowl sink combines a full-size main basin with a smaller secondary bowl — usually about half the width. It gives you the flexibility of a double bowl without sacrificing too much worktop space. The secondary bowl is perfect for rinsing vegetables, soaking cutlery, or draining a kettle while the main basin is in use. For households of 2–4 people, it is often the best-value configuration to consider.

5. Can a double bowl sink be undermounted?

Yes. Undermount double-bowl sinks are available and work beautifully in larger kitchens with stone or solid-surface worktops. They require a wider worktop run — typically 800mm or more — and will need to be professionally installed. Both stainless steel and composite materials are available in an undermount double bowl format.