Regarding cabinet size, mine is 36", though stated minimum cabinet size is 33" and I've heard some scoop the cabinet sides of a 30" cabinet and put it in that way. For a long time I planned to do just that and put in the 30" cabinet, though at last minute I erred on the size of caution as I was nervous making the cabinet thinner on the DW side--where there was no cabinet abutting it to give it added strength. I bumped it up to 36"--reason being it was easiest to just give it 3" to either side so that the placement did not need to change since the window was already put in and I was flanking it with equal size uppers. Having the larger cabinet does allow for the sink fixtures to be offset from either end which with a smaller sized cabient would need to be adjusted. I also did not put in a tilt-out tray--though I do think now I could've squeezed it in. Again, errered on the side of caution as I had my heart set on using the Brizo Venuto faucet and didn't want to even consider possibility I would not have clearance to the back. My water dispensor is by Waterstone and is for cold water only, though they may make one for hot as well. ONly caution here is that you need to consider how the handle of your particular faucet places in relation to the next hole over (in my case the air switch)--as I know one person where the hole was drilled too close and so the air switch ended up being under the faucet handle--not that big a deal, but not planned that way either. As for accessories, I have the bottom grid and right shelf grid--I love them both and highly recommend them. I did not consider the cutting board--both because you need a positive reveal which I did not want for aesthetics and I have a separate prep sink which I use and I like to use the plastic cutting boards which then go in the DW. No regrets on any of my sink choices. It gets heavy use every day.

I've always matched my faucet to my cabinet hardware. Just about everything in my kitchen is ss as is my faucet. However right next to the faucet is a Lowe's soap dispenser and an air switch for the disposal in brushed nickel. It looks fine. Any silver finish would look great with the Orca. Get the bottom grid as it's a deep sink and helps lessen back strain and protects the sink. I also have the half right grid to dry dishes on which I love. It's a great sink.

Background: We're doing a kitchen remodel and need to make some sink decisions. I loved the Franke Orca when I saw it because it seemed really well made and I loved the grid because I thought it will very useful for draining pasta or wash/dry vegetables & fruits. The price seemed steep. In the meanwhile a friend suggested Blanco Silgranit. I liked that too, however I could find good accessories for draining washed vegetables (didn't like the basket). So I'm thinking of going with the Orca even though it is almost double the price. My questions - 1) With the Orca sink, if I use the grid on the right, where should the soap dispenser be. In the pictures and displays I've seen, it is on the right side. But if I'm using the right side shelf, should the soap dispenser be on the left? Because if the soap is the right I'll be wetting the things that are draining/drying on the right shelf? Can people who are using the sink please comment on where you think the soap dispenser should be? 2. Should I get the bottom grid as well? Do you find it useful or is it actually not needed? 3. Any thoughts on Franke Orca Vs. Blanco Silgranit? Thanks much.

valinsv, sorry I somehow missed your post when I reread this initially. My base cabinet is a standard 24" depth that is just pulled forward 3" (actually 2 1/4", to make the turn posts line up with raised panel door, I guess) . Anyway, I have a window sill that will be 4 1/2" above the counter that comes out 2 1/4" from the wall and takes up any extra space I would have gained to put faucets and things. I just measured and the sink is actually 20" front to back including the lip at the widest point of the sink. The opening is 18 3/4" front to back with 1/2" lip all the way around. If they require 3" of counter in front of the sink opening, there will 1 1/2" overhang, plus the opening will have to be set back another 1 1/2" into the sink base. I am confusing myself here but I believe it goes like this: The actual cabinet opening is 22 7/8" wide, because the 24" depth includes the thickness of the plywood used to construct it, not the opening size. Assuming 3" in front of the sink opening, requiring the sink to be set back 1 1/2 inches into the cabinet opening, the back of sink cutout would be 20 1/4 inches from the front of the cabinet, leaving only 2 3/8" from the the back of the sink opening to the back of the cabinet opining. In that space is the 1/2" back lip to the sink. That only leaves 1 7/8" to fit the SD in, and I can't believe that would be enough room. Oh, bother as Winnie the Pooh would say. I think I just proved that it won't fit there. The GD switch is an air switch. Placement was general not exact. I would actually like a little more space between it and the faucet to make cleaning easier. I just like it near the faucet because you are already reaching back to turn the water on before starting the GD so it seemed to make sense to keep the two together. Assuming now that the SD won't fit where I wanted it, this is probably what I will have to go with: The SD bottle likely won't be in use much because I ordered a neverMT and I don't think you install the bottle part with those. But it is a consideration. However, I think that issue is resolved by moving it to the left side. If I made any errors in math or wrong assumptions here, anyone, please tell me. The template is Tuesday and the kitchen installer won't be involved to help me because I went outside him in order to get the quartz (he only does granite). He is OK with it, just not responsible for the outcome. Now, does anyone know how much space is required between the sink opening and the faucet hole? Sue