Lisa...I think in your kitchen you could go either way. Regardless of where your (main) sink ends up, it will still be close to the cooktop & you will have room to prep b/w them. If the sink moves to the refrigerator wall, you will have even more prep space b/w them. While a prep sink would be nice, I don't think it's a necessity to make your kitchen work. Yes, it would add an additional prep area for you at the island (b/c there will be a water source) and, possibly, reduce some zone crossing, depending on the location. Right now, to get to the refrigerator from the cooktop you have to either cross the Cleanup Zone or go around the island. How many people will be using your kitchen at once? Will they all be prepping/cooking or will there be a mix of prepping/cooking/cleaning up? If cleaning up is in the mix, then the zone crossing could become an issue, especially when the DW is open. As to location, I like Elizpiz's setup best, but I can see where it would definitely reduce available counter space. If you put it on the left side across from the cooktop, it would be readily available from the cooktop as well as the "outside" part of the island for prepping there while someone else is cleaning up on the "inside" as well as be available for outsiders for a drink of water, etc. However, it will reduce that 42-1/4" to approx approx 24" of workspace directly across from your cooktop; but, as I mentioned b/f, you will still have add'l room on the wall run. If you put it on the refrigerator end, I think you're right in your assessment...I find that I use the counters across from both my refrigerator & ovens much more than the counter next to them...both for removing things from them as well as staging things to put in them. (I have approx 32" b/w the Ref & DR peninsula end and approx 44" b/w the ovens & the end of the "mini peninsula". Both have landing space right next to them as well.) We do have a prep sink, but in our kitchen it was a necessity to make it work. Our cooktop & sink are opposite each other, separated by approx 6'6" of aisle...the main aisle through the kitchen. By adding a prep sink on the cooktop wall, we were able to separate the Cleanup Zone from the Prep & Cooking Zones as well as protect both zones from kitchen traffic (inside a "U" w/short legs but long base). During the week, there are usually two of us in the kitchen...one prepping/cooking (me) and one cleaning up (DH) with an occasional child helping make veggies. On the weekend, there are sometimes all four of us working in the kitchen! When baking (usually a marathon!), there are usually two or three of us. (I seem to bake in spurts...when I bake, I seem to go all out!)

Hi Melissa, I'm planning to get the Kohler SmartDivide with a 60/40 because to me it is the best of both worlds. The divider in the center of it is much lower than standard. So if you put a large skillet in it, the handle can easily lay over the divider. Typically as I prepare dinner, I'm throwing salad fixings in the small, disposal side, and stacking and/or rinsing dishes etc. in the large side. During cleanup, we repeat the process, so I just don't know how we'd do this with a single bowl. If you do a search on here, you'll see a few people have this sink. The link I've attached shows a somewhat odd-shaped sink, but it comes in the standard 33" rectangular 60/40 as well. Here is a link that might be useful: Kohler Smart Divide Sink

Glad someone has mentioned this. I happened to be at my daughter's yesterday. She has my sink and GD. Looked at the old flange, and compared to my new one, it seems to be made of more rubber than the new one at home. The new one seems to be more of a plastic mix and far less resilience. Her flange wasn't as dirty either. Have the same problem with having to push food down the disposal. Liquids aren't an issue. Cut the tips off of every other "rubber" tine a while ago, didn't make a difference, but didn't pose any problems for use either. Maybe they have true rubber ones for replacement. As for the grimy buildup on the flange, I think it is worse not being a solid part of the GD. The void around the sink opening just acts as a great place for gunk to find. Wash mine in the dishwasher or just clean by hand. It is the ring edge that is worse on both the flange and GD. Never had an odor problem with any GD and never thought about gunk under there until messing with the new one. Although I've used the ole citrus trick forever once in a while and did clean the flange at the same time.

Wow! Thanks for the update. I was wondering. So the addition is really hap-pen-ing....I'm so excited for you!!! Ainelane asked me about the ledge. I use the basket like a drying rack for my knives, favorite coffee mug, etc... Oh and my wine glasses. :-) I use it for rinsing veggies too. Some people prefer to leave the basket out. Still plenty room for washing big pots and pans, so rarely do I need to remove it. It is nice to have that option though.