Pros/Cons of Kitchen Sink Configurations

12 years ago

We'll be installing a new kitchen sink as part of a kitchen remodel and are considering Kohler's cast iron undermounts (under granite). We need two basins and never have really wide or tall pots and pans to wash, so we're wondering about the pros and cons related to unequal sized basins (one larger, one smaller) as well as a lower-than-standard height dividers.

Given that info, and the fact we'll likely be using some sort of in-sink drainer, what should we be aware of? The first thing I think of, regarding the lower divider, is that dirty soapy dishwater might splash over onto clean dishes in the drainer.

Any advice from users of such sinks?

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

SadieV
12 years ago
I had a Kohler cast iron sink with the larger basin (16x19) on the left and the smaller (12x17) on the right. The left side was 10" deep, and the smaller side was 8" deep. I loved the shape of the sink as I could lay large pans flat in it for soaking and washing. During prep time, I could have a smaller dishpan on the left going for cleanup of prep pans/utensils but still have room for rinsing veggies, etc, behind that. Clean dishes could go on the right. I'm planning the same configuration in my new kitchen, but a Silgranit sink by Blanco. While I loved the size, but I was never impressed with the finish on the Kohler cast iron sink. Even though I had the grids on the bottom of both sinks, the finish near the drains chipped off easily. It was easily scratched. Just a couple of years into its use, it was a mess. I'm hoping my new Silgrant sink will be more durable.
ginny20
12 years ago
My Elkay 50/50 Aqua Divide SS sink is installed but not plumbed, but I can tell I'm going to love it. The divider is 4 7/8" high in the 8" sink. In my old sink, the side where I washed dishes was only about 5 1/2", so I don't think the shallowness will matter at all. I don't think I slopped water over to the other side in the old sink, but I can't swear to that. My granite guy commented that he was starting to see more of the low divide sinks, and he thought it was a great idea. Note that the divider height varies among the different companies.

One thing that influenced my sink choice was the limited space I had available. Measure carefully - many people bump out in front of the sink to accommodate a larger profile.
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janralix
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the heads-up, SadieV, on the Kohler cast iron. Like everything else, I guess they're just not making things like they used to. My mom's white cast iron sink is 54 years old and doesn't have a chip in it - only some wear spots (patina, you know) - and she's been cleaning cast iron skillets for the same 54 years. Oh well, maybe we'll just go with stainless - it seems to hold up well, as our current one is 20+ years old and still looks great, and I've seen older ones that still look good. Stainless would also go well with a chrome faucet and is cheaper to boot!

Thanks for your input, too, Ginny20. We'll consider the lower divider height.

Pros/Cons of Kitchen Sink Configurations

Comments (3)

SadieV

ginny20

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janralix
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Pros/Cons of Kitchen Sink Configurations

Comments (3)

SadieV

ginny20

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janralixOriginal Author

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janralix
Original Author