All about the size of the kitchen sink

To choose the size of the sink for the kitchen, you need to focus on the following main factors.

Cabinet and countertop size

It is logical that the sink bowl can be as small as the cabinet, but not larger, therefore, in order to determine the size of the sink for the kitchen, first of all, take 2 measurements:

• the width of the cabinet frame (cabinet);
• if you want to buy a sink with a drainer, then also measure the length and width of the countertop fragment that the future sink may take. At the same time, keep in mind that if you are right-handed, then the fender should be on the right, if you are left-handed, then it is better to choose the sink fender with a left-handed position. An example in the photo below.

And now the main recommendations:

• On the sides, the sides should not be close to the wall, it is better to maintain a distance of about 5 cm, that is, if the cabinet frames are 50 cm wide, then you can install a sink with a bowl width (or diameter) (excluding the wing) no more than 45 cm;
• The sink should also not be more than 5 cm adjacent to the front edge of the countertop, otherwise it will be uncomfortable – clothes may wet and spray water. But you shouldn’t put it too far from yourself either;

• The kitchen sink can be installed close to the back wall, that is, to the apron, but it is better not to do this. If you leave a distance of 5 cm or more, it will be easier to wipe the area so that water does not accumulate. And if you leave this distance bOmore, then you can put dishwashing detergents there or mount the mixer as in the photo below. This is especially true for sinks without a hole for installing a mixer;

• If you want to choose an overhead sink, then you need to find the dimensions exactly in accordance with the dimensions of the cabinet.

Bowl depth

Not only length and width are important, but also depth.

• The best bowl depth is 16-19 cm – sinks with such a depth will be spacious and water will not be splashed during the work. In fact, most kitchen sinks are of this depth..
• You can choose a sink with a bowl depth of more than 19-20 cm if you often bake in the oven on baking trays, use large pots or draw water in large containers. But for regular use, such models are not the best choice, since you will have to tilt your back. This flaw can be corrected by raising the curbstone higher.
• Bowl depth less than 16 cm – only suitable for the bathroom – water from shallow sinks splashes heavily.
• Keep in mind that small sinks with a diameter of less than 45 cm have bowls that are often deep – 20 cm or more..

Sizes and shapes

The shape ensures the spaciousness of the product and its compliance with the chosen style.

1. Square – comfortable and roomy;

Common sizes: 500 × 500 mm, 600 × 600 mm.

1. Rectangular – perfect for narrow countertops or cabinets. But keep in mind that a rectangular narrow sink is not very convenient to use, because the wider the bowl, the less splashes and the more convenient it is to wash dishes;

Common sizes: 550 × 500, 500 × 800, 500 × 1000, 500 × 1250 mm, etc..

1. Round – such a bowl is easier to clean, it will be more roomy than a rectangular one, but finding a round model with additional sections is quite difficult.

Standard diameters: 45-51 cm.

• You can choose other shapes – triangular, fancy, oval.
• For large and / or corner kitchens trapezoidal sinks with six or five corners are suitable.

Number of sink bowls and dimensions

The sink can be not only single, but also double and three-section. The latter options are very convenient – in one bowl you can wash the dishes, and in the second you can rinse it, defrost food or wash, for example, vegetables. If you can allocate space for such a sink, do it, the decision will justify itself more than once.

• Double and triple sinks require more free space – the width of the cabinet frame must be at least 80 cm.
• The length of two-bowl kitchen sinks starts from 60 cm when the additional section is narrow and small. Such models are also called one and a half (photo below). If there is not much space in the kitchen, then you can choose just this option..

• Bowls are the same and different in size, as well as in depth and even shape. In addition, you can choose and corner models.

But the photo below is a corner two-section sink with the same bowls.

Corner sink with three bowls of different sizes and drain:

Advice:

• for corner double and triple sinks, you need to choose a high-quality mixer that will withstand the increased load on turns;
• for trapezoidal pedestals with an angle of 45 degrees, it is better to choose the same trapezoidal pentagonal or hexagonal corner sinks as in the following photo.

And here are examples of direct sinks with two or three bowls and accessories..

And some more tips

• To properly size your kitchen sinks, consider your family’s eating habits – how often you wash the dishes, how much you cook, and so on. For example, if small kitchen and the family is not big, then choose sinks for the kitchen with a width of 45 cm;

• Alternatively, you can opt for a small sink if your kitchen has a dishwasher. However, the depth of the sink should allow large pots and baking trays to rinse;
• Pay attention not only to the length, width, depth, but also to the thickness of the material and the height of the sides. A mortise sink with higher sides will be more practical, and the thickness of the stainless steel – the thicker the better (the acceptable thickness of the stainless steel is 1.2 mm or more);
• Much also depends on the type of mixer chosen. For example, if you want a mixer that is built into the countertop, then the size of the sink should be selected taking into account the place for it;
• The standard sizes of the curbstones are from 60 to 35 cm. Of course, it is important to first install the curbstone, and then select the sink under it;
• And one more thing – if there is no room in your headset for a three-section spacious sink, then use a mixer equipped with a pull-out “shower”.