Double bowl kitchen sinks provide two basins instead of one. This configuration essentially divides the sink into two halves, one for dishes and washing, the other for cooking and rinsing. The advantages include additional room for multi-tasking and the ability to organize dishes for cleaning and rinsing in two separate basins. These double bowl sinks come in all sizes, but a few are more common than others.
General Sizing Considerations
The overall size of the double bowl sink, also referred to as nominal size, is similar to single bow sinks, with one exception. The length of the sink is usually larger than single bowl sinks. In a double bowl sink, the bridge in between the two sinks provides structural integrity and support, so a larger overall length is possible.
The width of the sink, or the measurement from the front side to the back is 22 inches. This is standard on all kitchen sinks. It fits most counter top dimensions which are a minimum of 24 inches wide. This size does not change based on the length of the sink due to installation requirements. It facilitates compatibility with existing counter tops. If the sink is too wide, it will not fit in an existing counter top, therefore customers will choose another model.
Double Bowl Kitchen Sink Depth
The depth of the double bowl sink is also standardized and similar to single bowl sinks. The depth measurement has a range, however. It is between 8 and 10 inches in most sinks. It includes the distance between the top of the rim to the bottom of the basin. Depth is generally standardized to facilitate installation with existing drain and piping configurations. If the sink is too deep, it will conflict with the drain and pipes underneath it. Depth measurements have a little bit of play since drain pipe size is adjustable.
Types of Double Bowl Kitchen Sinks
There are two main types of double bowl sinks. The first is a double bowl with identically sized bowls. The second is a double bowl sink with different sized bowls. In the latter type, one bowl is usually much smaller than the other. One common dimension for a smaller bowl is 13 by 18 inches with a larger bowl around 30 by 20 inches. The small bowl is ideal for rinsing fruit or washing hands. The other larger bowl soaks large pots and dishes. Bowl sizes take into account the distance from the edge of the bowl walls, not the distance from the edge of the sink rims, which is standardized at 22 inches.
Also important are kitchen faucet tap hole dimensions and standard kitchen sink and faucet dimensions, so be sure to go over each of those articles to find more about those topics.