It is one of the most common questions in kitchen planning, and one that affects daily usability more than most people expect. A single bowl sink and a double bowl sink serve the same basic purpose, but they organise the kitchen workflow in fundamentally different ways. The right choice depends on the size of the kitchen, how the sink is used, and what the end user actually needs from the space.
At Pure.Sink, both configurations are available across our stainless steel range, in pressed and handmade construction, and in our bio-fiber composite range. The internal quality is identical regardless of bowl count. The decision is purely about layout and function.
A single bowl sink is exactly that: one uninterrupted basin. Without a divider, the full width and depth of the sink is available as a single workspace. This gives the user maximum room for washing large items like baking trays, oven racks, stockpots, and cutting boards, things that simply would not fit comfortably in a divided basin.
Single bowl sinks have become increasingly popular in modern kitchens, particularly as sink dimensions have grown larger. A generous single bowl paired with a pull-out tap provides a highly functional washing and prep station that handles everything from rinsing vegetables to soaking oversized cookware. The open design also makes the sink easier to clean, with no divider creating hard-to-reach corners or crevices.
In the Pure.Sink range, single bowl models are available in both stainless steel and bio-fiber composite, in a variety of widths and depths to suit different countertop configurations.
A double bowl sink divides the basin into two separate compartments, typically either equal in size or with one larger main bowl and a smaller secondary bowl. This division allows the user to separate tasks: washing on one side and rinsing, draining, or prepping on the other.
The double bowl layout is a more traditional configuration that remains popular for good reason. It provides built-in organisation. Dirty dishes can sit in one bowl while the other stays clear for food preparation or clean rinsing. For kitchens without a dishwasher, or where hand-washing is a regular part of the routine, the separation is genuinely useful.
Double bowl sinks in the Pure.Sink range are available in stainless steel in both pressed and handmade construction, offering the same 304-grade quality and finish options as our single bowl models.
The most immediate difference is the amount of continuous workspace. A single bowl sink offers the full basin as one open area, which is a significant advantage when dealing with large or awkwardly shaped items. There is no divider to work around, and the entire depth and width of the sink is accessible.
A double bowl sink splits that space. Even in a generously sized unit, each individual bowl is smaller than what a single bowl of the same overall dimensions would provide. This is not a problem for everyday tasks like washing plates and glasses, but it can become a limitation when larger items need to be accommodated.
How a sink fits into the daily kitchen routine is the most practical consideration in this decision.
A single bowl works well when the kitchen has a dishwasher handling the bulk of the cleaning, and the sink is used primarily for food prep, rinsing, and washing items that do not go in the machine. The open basin keeps things simple and flexible. Paired with a pull-out tap, it becomes a versatile station that adapts to whatever the task requires.
A double bowl works well when the sink plays a more central role in the cleaning process. The ability to soak dishes on one side while keeping the other free for rinsing or food prep creates a structured workflow that many users find more efficient, especially in households where hand-washing is the norm rather than the exception.
Single bowl sinks are available in a wide range of widths, including compact models that fit smaller cabinets. Because there is no divider, even a modestly sized single bowl feels spacious in use. This makes single bowl sinks a strong choice for smaller kitchens where maximising the usable sink area within a limited footprint matters.
Double bowl sinks generally require a wider cabinet base to accommodate both compartments. The overall unit tends to be larger, which means more countertop space is dedicated to the sink. In a spacious kitchen this is not an issue, but in tighter layouts it can reduce the available work surface on either side.
Both configurations pair well with any tap type, but the practical benefit varies. A pull-out tap is particularly well suited to a single bowl sink, where the extendable hose can reach every corner of the open basin. The combination of a large single bowl and a pull-out spout creates one of the most functional kitchen setups available.
A fixed spout tap works comfortably with both layouts. On a double bowl sink, a swivel spout that reaches both sides is ideal, allowing the user to direct water into either compartment without repositioning anything. When specifying a double bowl installation, ensuring the tap has adequate swivel range to cover both bowls is worth confirming.
Single bowl sinks are simpler from a plumbing perspective. One drain, one waste connection, straightforward installation. Double bowl sinks require a waste kit that connects both drains, which adds a small amount of complexity beneath the countertop. This is standard work for any professional installer, but it does mean slightly more hardware and a little more under-sink space used by plumbing.
For projects involving multiple installations, such as residential developments or hospitality fit-outs, the simpler plumbing of a single bowl can add up to meaningful time and cost savings across a large number of units.
The best choice depends on the kitchen's size, the end user's habits, and the broader project requirements.
Large modern kitchens with dishwashers are the natural home for a single bowl sink. The dishwasher handles daily cleaning, and the sink becomes a spacious prep and rinse station. A large single bowl in handmade stainless steel with tight corners and a pull-out tap is one of the most sought-after configurations in contemporary kitchen design.
Kitchens without dishwashers or where hand-washing is a regular routine benefit significantly from a double bowl. The built-in task separation makes the washing-up process more organised and more efficient, particularly in busy households.
Compact kitchens and studio apartments almost always suit a single bowl. It makes the most of limited space and avoids the cramped feeling that a small double bowl can create. Even a relatively narrow single bowl feels open and functional when there is no divider reducing the usable area.
Rental properties and developments often default to single bowl sinks for their simplicity, lower installation cost, and broad appeal. They suit the widest range of tenant lifestyles. For developments targeting families or markets where dishwashers are less common, double bowls may be the more practical specification.
Hospitality and commercial kitchenettes tend to favour single bowls for the flexibility of the open basin and the simpler plumbing. In settings where strict hygiene separation is required, such as separating food wash from utensil wash, a double bowl serves a specific functional purpose.
Households that cook frequently from scratch and deal with large pots, trays, and prep volumes will generally prefer a single bowl. The uninterrupted space handles oversized items that would be impossible to fit into one side of a divided sink.
For distributors and dealers, carrying both single and double bowl options across a range of sizes ensures coverage for different kitchen layouts and customer preferences. Within the Pure.Sink range, both configurations are built to the same standard in terms of material quality, construction, and finish, which simplifies the product story and after-sales support.
When advising customers, the two most useful questions to guide the decision are: does the kitchen have a dishwasher, and how large is the cabinet base? A kitchen with a dishwasher and a standard 60cm or larger base will almost always be best served by a single bowl. A kitchen without a dishwasher, or with a wider base that can accommodate a double bowl without sacrificing countertop space, has a genuine reason to consider the divided layout.
From a display perspective, showing a single bowl and double bowl of similar overall size side by side helps customers immediately understand the trade-off between open space and task separation. It is one of the easiest comparisons to demonstrate in a showroom setting.
Single bowl and double bowl sinks are not competing products. They answer different needs. A single bowl prioritises open space, flexibility, and simplicity. A double bowl prioritises task separation and structured workflow. Neither is inherently better, and both perform at the same level when the quality behind them is consistent.
At Pure.Sink, both configurations are manufactured to the same exacting standard across our stainless steel and bio-fiber composite ranges, so the choice is always about what works best for the kitchen, never about settling for less.
Browse our complete range of kitchen sinks, or get in touch to discuss how Pure.Sink can support your next project.
