What your kitchen is to your home, the sink is to your kitchen, and nobody can argue over this. The kitchen sink is where you clean dishes, prepare meals, wash hands, and do so much more. Hence, when you think of the replacement of an existing system, you want to make sure that the new choice is even better than the previous one. Of the various factors, appearance and functionality get the most attention.
Nowadays, so many options are there in terms of configuration, colors, styles, and materials that you don’t have to worry about getting something that complements the look of your kitchen well. When it comes to functionality, making the right choice can feel a bit overwhelming.
One way you can make this experience a little simple is by determining a suitable size of the basin for your needs in the kitchen. Here are some useful suggestions in this regard.
Size of the kitchen sinks
Checking the length
You get multiple options in size, ranging from the smallest ones measuring 9 inches or larger ones exceeding even 40 inches in diameter. So, as you can assume, you don’t need to compromise with your precise requirements. Study your purpose and how you will like to use a kitchen sink to understand what size suits you best. If you need one just for cooking purposes, then a small-sized prep sink approximately 24 inches can be adequate. Otherwise, you may need a larger size. People replace the main kitchen sink with 30 inch stainless steel sink having larger basins because of the number and nature of jobs that happen there.
Most often, you get 30″ to 33″ sizes as a common choice. And anything featuring between 24″ and 36″ is the standard format. Sinks with 30 inches and above dimensions are large. These can accommodate bulky pots and utensils comfortably. For big families, these are particularly preferable. To get ideas, you can browse through the collection of large kitchen sinks by Kraus.
A 30-inch large sink usually comes with one large bowl where you can wash large pots and pans with ease. Some options can even include two basins, but they will likely be bigger than 30″. This choice can be an excellent deal for those who want separate sections for dishwashing and food preparation.
However, the size options don’t end here. Some homes may need even bigger sinks, and for them, some companies provide more than 36-inch-long sinks too. You see such types of sinks mostly in industrial settings, though.
Checking the depth
The performance of a kitchen sink also depends on its depth. Typically, sinks are 6 to 12 inches deep, and anything in the range of 7 to 10 inches forms the most common choices. For handling huge pots and cookie sheets, you would need a deeper sink that can accommodate it all with ease. However, make sure its depth is not overwhelming. A too deep bowl can be a barrier to accessibility. You may have to bend over it more to reach the dishes in the bottom. It can feel highly uncomfortable for your body. Plus, it can give aches and cramps. So be careful with this aspect. Since undermount options tend to be deeper by half an inch or more compared to top mount and drop-in, you should keep this point in mind at the time of selection.
Size of the surrounding area
You also have to take into account the size of the cabinetry and other surrounding elements to understand which sink will fit the layout well. A standard cabinet features a depth of 24 inches. To ascertain the best size of the sink for your base cabinet, you can gauge the interior of the cabinet and minus two to three inches from all the dimensions, such as length, width, etc.
As far as considerations about other elements go, you can check the size of the window where your sink would fit and other fixtures also. These can include cabinet detailing, countertops, accessories, and stoves. The sink you buy should be proportionate to them. For a smooth experience with measurement, you can put a proper size of the paper on the sink area and map it out. Also, make sure to pay attention to elements likes soap dispenser, tap, hot water dispenser, backsplash, and other accessories that need some room.
The more you are sure about the sizes and proportions, the easier it will be to find the right choice.
Kitchen sink usage
When it comes to deciding on the size of a sink, you cannot just go by the accurate measurements. You also have to analyze its usefulness to your tasks. For instance, knowing the number of dishes you handle in a single day regularly or the size of the largest serving platter is essential. If you bathe your pet in the sink, then it’s another critical data point. So, apart from the sink size, you also have to observe your cooking and cleaning needs. Some people don’t store dirty dishes. They clean them immediately. For such individuals, large sinks may not be so important. However, if you use large pots and also store utensils, then a bigger sink size is the necessity. Farmhouse sinks, for example, are an ideal choice for those who want a rustic look without sacrificing the sink size. You can learn more about this type of sink on https://www.annieandoak.com
Similarly, if you prepare elaborate meals occasionally, then again, you can manage with a standard small size. It wouldn’t trouble you on other cooking days. But if you enjoy baking and that’s your regular habit, then a larger sink is perfect for you.
Every person has some cooking and washing habits, and you may not be an exception here. So, when you shop for a large sink, try to look for additional features or accessories. These things can increase your sink’s functionality even more. For instance, you can check if there are a drainboard or prep bowls. Then, different styles of sinks can suit different people. Some prefer large sinks with single bowls purely for their capacity, while others select the double bowl sink as it allows them to clean their dishes in one and prep food in the other. You have to identify what you prefer most and accordingly pick a style.