I can't say anything about sinks, but I had hard water and marble counter with drainboard in our summerhouse kitchen and hated that drainboard. If you have soft water and plan a different countertop material and have your prep space on the other side of the sink you may be fine.

Have you considered the Kohler Prolific or Strive?

Neither has a side drain, but the Prolific at least seems like it is the little sister to the Stages sink.

I am still deciding on the sink. I had not heard of the one you just posted, but now I am interested in hearing if anyone has that one. The reviews on Amazon seem pretty good.

I've kicked around the idea of the Prolific, but the "ledges" that hold up accessories are angled, and I wonder whether that's a good thing or not -- a flat ledge would be more useful because any accessory would fit. And I can't find the gauge of the ss.

The Strive has the Silent Shield thing, so I assume it's a thicker gauge of steel, but it doesn't have the ledges for accessories.

I know, I'm being fussy. Perhaps I should consider stealing some space from the dining room to enlarge the kitchen a bit so I can go with the sink I really want.

Is stages 33 out of the running?

The Prolific is 18 gauge. I think I am ok with that part.

I am wondering about the ledges also. More because they may seem strange looking. I think the accessories that come with it are all I'd ever want, and they are replaceable.

A sink is a bigger decision that I thought it would be!

Check out Julien sinks. They are very nice. We're going with a 36" single bowl undercount from them.

I realize this is not exactly what you asked for, but would you consider one of the "Smart Divide" sinks? That way you could put a disposal in the smaller side and leave space under the bigger side. I haven't seen them in person, but I'm hoping it is kind of the best of both words. Can function like one big sink when you need it to, but still have versatility. I couldn't find a good link, but there are various cutting board/drying rack/colander type accessories for this sink. http://www.us.kohler.com/us/Vault-33-x-22-x-9-5-16-Smart-Divide-top-mount-under-mount-large-medium-double-bowl-kitchen-sink-with-single-faucet-hole/productDetail/kitchen-sinks/428656.htm?skuId=411679&brandId=797257

Homechef59,. what size is your strive?

Could you just have a custom sink fabricated?

The big size. I put it in a 36" cabinet. It took up every bit of the cabinet. I bought it on line.

Is stages 33 out of the running?

Yes. I want the big, single bowl sink. I'm thinking I'm okay with a drainboard integrated into the countertop, but the 33 just isn't going to cut it for an only sink.

I am wondering about the ledges also. More because they may seem
strange looking. I think the accessories that come with it are all I'd
ever want, and they are replaceable.

A sink is a bigger decision that I thought it would be!

Well, those accessories are replaceable today, but what about 10-20 years from now?

I agree: I didn't realize I'd care about a sink! Before I started reading these boards, I'd never thought past stainless steel vs. white enamel.

Homechef, I love your integrated drain board and am saving the pictures you provided! But I don't understand how a drain board could void the warranty.

I realize this is not exactly what you asked for, but would you consider one of the "Smart Divide" sinks?

Actually, when I first started looking at house details, the smart divide sink was the first one for which I fell. It was the sink that introduced me to the idea that options exist beyond single or double bowls; however, since then I've found that I like others better.

Could you just have a custom sink fabricated?

Yeah, but not for the cost of a ready made sink. And it's not like these other sinks are slouches.

Thanks, all. And I'm open to other thoughts.

Let me explain. This is for a man made quartz product only.

It was explained to me by the fabricator that if he drilled out runnels to create a drain board, he was removing the top surface finish. He believed that this would void the warranty.

So, I showed him a picture of the "ramp" type of drain board. He thought about it and said that he could cut out the area, remove the plug of counter that was removed. He reset the plug of counter top cut out at an angle in the void he had created. Some time in the process, he smoothed out the bottom for flat surface on the underside. The result was a drain board that had the same top finish as the rest of the counter top.

I hope the process is clear. It did seem like a silly hoop to jump through, but I wanted a drain board and this is what I had to do to get it. I really appreciated my fabricator going the extra mile and figuring out a satisfactory solution for everyone.

If you go with a granite, marble or quartzite product, this won't be a issue. This is only for quartz products.

I see. It does sound like a silly jump-through-hoops process, but I'm interested -- even though I'm going with granite. Am I right in assuming it'd be smart to go with a thicker counter top if I want a drainboard integrated?

I ordered the Prolific from Home Depot and returned it. I really liked the accessories, but was not thrilled with the welds and seams on the base of the sink. They looked sloppy and discolored. I think I may have just gotten a bad one. I just ordered this sink. It has two levels, not three like the Prolific. It has good reviews. There is also a separate grid that can be ordered for the bottom of the sink. I had a 15% off coupon from Overstock which made it a bargain at under $300.
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Highpoint-Collection-30-inch-Zero-Radius-Undermount-Stainless-Steel-Kitchen-Sink-with-Colander-Cutting-Board-and-Drain/9206371/product.html?recset=cd3841f7-d5da-452b-8cc4-b1c62e365b4e&refccid=VR2RUOF4YHUIUQKCSANTGVESDM&searchidx=0&recalg=61&recidx=0

FYI, this same sink is also sold by Nantucket Sinks on many websites for around $630. Best to get it from Overstock.

http://nantucketsinksusa.com/shop/kitchen-sinks/zr-ps-3018-16/

Wilson, I just checked out the High Point sink you recommend. I definitely like the design: Simple rectangle, made from the thicker steel, and I like the simple two ledges better than the three angled ones on the Prolific. However, those positives must be weighed against the fact that it's only 30" -- ONLY 30" ... yeah, I have less now, so I sound whiney, but I also don't like what I have now. And it's made in China and the grid is not currently available.

Still, I'm interested. Thanks!

mrspete, here's the grid for the Highpoint sink. FWIW, the Prolific is not made in the USA either. I can't remember what the box said, (it wasn't China) but it was out of the country.

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Bottom-Grid-for-Zero-Radius-Highpoint-Ledge-Sink/9407673/product.html?recset=6e11fb52-88ae-4510-b8b4-ea13997405bb&refccid=GCKU4P64DD5Y2ECHS5FRT5OPYM&searchidx=0&recalg=61&recidx=0

If you want to go really big, Lenova has a 38" ledge sink, that you can get many accessories for, but again only one level to place accessories.

https://www.directsinks.com/lenova-38-big-single-bowl-ledge-16-gauge-stainless-steel-kitchen-sink.html

Oooh, I think that may be it. I don't know the name brand, but I certainly like the look of it. The size is HUGE, yet smaller than the Stages. I like the accessories. I googled it and found it for $508, but then I realized that the accessories were priced separately, making it more expensive. Bummer. I am willing to pay the Stages price, but something that costs half a much certainly couldn't hurt.

I see they have a 36" model with the same features.

I need to investigate further, but I'm really into this one!

Thanks!

Mrspete,

I would advise you to find and talk to your countertop fabricator sooner rather than later, before you fall in love with something. Show them a picture of the drain board and get their advice about the granite thickness that will be required. Then, make you selections before you fall in love with something and can't have it. I think the 3cm will be fine. But, it's best to ask and know the answer for sure.

I installed a Prolific several months ago, didn't have the room for the Stages. It's very deep, which is a good thing. The included accessories are helpful, but not really necessary. It is nice being able to use the soaking tub when needed, without having to go to a two bowl sink for that purpose. The ledges work well, you can even hang pieces upside down to dry.

Does gunk build up in the ledges, or are they hard to clean? I always figured Prolific's ledges were angled so as to drain better, but it was just a theory.

If anyone is curious about the Highpoint sink I mentioned above, I just opened it and tried out some of the items I already own in order to see what would fit on the ledges. We are planning to use this as a prep sink. The bottom ledge is about 7 1/2" from the base of the sink. The bottom ledge is 2" below the top ledge. The polypropylene cutting board fits on the top ledge and the colander fits on the ledge below. I think the size of the cutting board will make it easily replaceable. My cookie sheets fit easily in the sink. I have another cutting board that fits nicely on the bottom ledge, and can double as a drainboard. Also my large rectangular Pyrex dish with handles and my large 4 liter white Corning Ware oval baker with handles both fit securely on the bottom ledge, which will make it handy for chopping on the top ledge and scooping right into the vessel below. Both of these are about 14 1/2" end to end. My very large oval Farberware roaster that I have owned for over 30 years, also fits diagonally on the bottom ledge. I like the interior size of this sink, and think that it will help to keep the mess off of my counters. It should be fairly easy to find accessories like prep bowls, trays and cutting boards to fit on the ledges without spending the big bucks on the Stages or Prolific.

Also my large rectangular Pyrex dish with handles and my large 4 liter
white Corning Ware oval baker with handles both fit securely on the
bottom ledge, which will make it handy for chopping on the top ledge and
scooping right into the vessel below.

I like that! You're talking about a standard 9x13 pyrex dish, of which we all have multiples?

No problem with the ledges. The corners are probably the hardest to keep clean.

Yes, exactly. I have one that has a bit bigger handle, about 15 1/4" from end to end, and one handle rests on the bottom ledge and the other on the top ledge, and I can still move the cutting board back and forth over it. I think this is a keeper.

mrspete- sorry to hear about the stages. I had a major crush and I'm always on the lookout for it. Hearing its name again is like hearing one's old flame is dating someone new. The ears always perk up and one just has to see how things turned out....

homechef - Genius drainboad, I just LOVE it! I tried to push for runnels but was talked out of it by my fabricator (who came recommended by boxerpups btw). He said that he'd never heard of anyone doing that before.

I have the Kohler 8 degree, which I think may meet your criteria and I love it. This is my first large single bowl sink and I totally get the love for them. It is my favorite thing in a kitchen full of things I love.

http://www.us.kohler.com/us/8-Degree-33-x-18-x-10-under-mount-large-single-bowl-kitchen-sink/productDetail/kitchen-sinks/426448.htm

@farmdrmer that looks like a perfect sink. It looks sleeker than the Prolific and is 16g. Sigh. I just don't want to spend quite that much on the sink. I just thought I was going to get a simple large one bowl sink. I didn't realize there would be so many options before I started looking.

I completely understand. I never would have paid that much for a sink either. I ordered a blanco super single. The plumber provided a double sink to the counter fabricator instead. They looked all over to find me a single sink that would fit the hole cut for a double. We initially tried Kohler strive which seemed basically same sink but center drain. It didn't work but the 8 degree did. I didn't pay the difference since it was their fault and the alternative was to get a new slab of granite. I would never have spent so much on a sink before, but now I've had it honestly I would sacrifice something else bc I love it that much. It works really well for our family, and I use it many times a day so I really appreciate it. Good luck, I also had no idea it was so hard to find a single sink not to mention around here it is not common so the plumber, contractor and counter guys all thought I was crazy for insisting on a single instead of just taking the double that fit the hole they cut.

I am considering the 8 degree ledge sink but also found this seamless drain sink.

http://www.creategoodsinks.com/products/1-2-radius-ledge-33-single-bowl-with-offset-drain-left-r13mls1l?variant=6047541505

It's 16 gauge and has a 1/2 radius instead of the sharp angles of a zero radius sink. Does anyone have experience or thoughts on this sink?

I really wanted a sink with an offset drain and ended up with a Julien SS sink (the J7, 33 x 16 x 8) and I love it. My cabinet is only 36" wide but my builder insisted I could go with a 33" sink and he was right. And Julien sells cutting boards and colanders except please be careful buying the cutting board because if you install the sink undermount and there is any overlap of the counter surface, the cutting board won't fit. The colanders do though.

Go to the "a la carte" options to see the offset drains.

any updates?

Here's a new sink.