Single or double sink – which one suits your kitchen
Single sink or double sink – the basic decision that will influence your daily work in the kitchen
Selecting a kitchen sink may seem like a trivial decision at first glance, but in practice, you will feel its impact every day – when washing dishes, preparing vegetables, draining pasta, or simply washing your hands quickly. A single or double sink? This is a question for which there is no one-size-fits-all answer valid for all households. It depends on the size of the kitchen, the number of people in the household, your cooking habits, the height of the worktop, and not least on whether you have a dishwasher or not.
In this article, we will thoroughly examine both types, compare their advantages and disadvantages, look at specific dimensions and practical situations, and help you make a decision that will work in your kitchen – not in an ideal showroom.
What exactly do we mean by a single sink and a double sink
A kitchen sink (or sink basin) refers to a built-in stainless steel or granite sink mounted into the worktop of the kitchen unit. The difference between a single sink and a double sink lies in the number of basins – that is, the separate compartments into which water flows.
Single sink has one large basin. The entire space is available for one operation – washing, soaking, or draining. The advantage is maximum use of the surface area and the possibility to place a large pan, pot, or baking tray without restrictions.
Double sink has two basins – either equally sized (symmetrical), or one larger and one smaller (asymmetrical). A typical layout is a 60/40 or 70/30 ratio of the surface area. Each basin has its own drain, which allows for parallel operations – you can soak in one and wash in the other, or use one for draining.
Alveus, as a manufacturer, offers both types in various variants – from compact single sinks to spacious asymmetrical double sinks with a draining area. Some sets are also available with a faucet, which significantly simplifies the entire installation and component selection process.
Dimensions and space requirements – this is the foundation
Before you consider any other parameters, you must know the actual dimensions of the cabinet into which you are installing the sink. This topic is discussed in more detail in the article What sink dimensions do I need – how to measure the cabinet and choose the right dimensions, but for the context, we present the basic rules here.
A standard kitchen cabinet is 60 cm (600 mm) wide. A single sink with a basin and draining area, or a symmetrical double sink with two smaller basins, can fit into such a cabinet. A double sink with a comfortable basin width (each at least 300–350 mm internal width) requires a cabinet of at least 80 cm, ideally 90 or 100 cm.
If you have a corner module or a longer line with an open space of 90–100 cm, a double sink is a realistic option. If you are limited to 60 cm, a single sink is practically the only option – unless you want a very small and uncomfortable basin.
Typical basin dimensions in practice
- Small single sink (compact): basin area approx. 340–400 mm width × 400 mm depth – suitable for a galley kitchen or small apartment
- Standard single sink: basin 450–540 mm × 440 mm – the most popular format, can easily accommodate a 5-liter container
- Large single sink: basin 540–600 mm × 500 mm – space for a large pan or soup pot
- Symmetrical double sink: each basin approx. 300–320 mm × 440 mm, total sink width 700–800 mm
- Asymmetrical double sink: larger basin 350–400 mm + smaller 160–200 mm, total width 800–1000 mm
The depth of the basin is equally important: values of 170–180 mm are common in the granite sink segment, while premium models reach 200 mm. A deeper basin means less water splashing, more comfortable work with larger pots, and an overall more ergonomic feel.
Advantages of a single sink – why it is still chosen by most households
A single sink is a proven solution that has been working for decades and is truly sufficient for most types of households. Here are its main strengths:
Maximum sink space
The entire available space is dedicated to one sink. This means you can easily wash a large soup pot (diameter 28–32 cm), a baking sheet, a grilling pan, or a large WOK without any problems. For households where real cooking takes place – not just heating up ready-made meals – this is a key advantage. In practice, people with double sinks often find that they cannot even fit large items into the larger basin, or they have to soak them at an angle and struggle with it during every washing session.
Simpler installation and waste solution
One drain means one trap, one waste pipe route. Installation is faster, cheaper, and easier to resolve in case of a problem. The topic of traps and drains is thoroughly covered in the article How to properly install a pop-up trap and drain for a kitchen sink.
Lower price
Single sinks are generally cheaper than comparable quality double sinks, due to less material and a simpler construction. If you have a limited budget and a small kitchen, a single sink is a more economical and space-efficient choice.
Suitability for small kitchens
In a kitchen with a line 160–180 cm long, you simply do not have the capacity to dedicate 90 cm just to the sink. A compact single sink occupies a cabinet of 45–60 cm, leaving the rest of the space for worktop, stove, and food preparation.
Advantages of a double sink – when its price is really worth it
A double sink is not just a "larger sink". It is a tool that changes the way you work at the line – but only if you have enough space and the right work habits.
Parallel operations without fighting over one basin
Classic scenario: you are cooking soup, soaking a pan from frying, and want to wash your hands before cutting. With a single sink, you have to resolve the conflict – either drain the water from soaking or wait. With a double sink, you have one basin for soaking and another with running water. If you have a larger family (3 or more people), you will appreciate this comfort every day when preparing larger meals.
Separation of "clean" and "dirty"
When preparing meat, it is hygienically advantageous to have one basin dedicated to washing raw meat and another for vegetables or ready-to-eat food. This is especially appreciated in households where food safety is emphasized, or where someone in the family cooks professionally or semi-professionally.
Smaller basin as a drip tray or fruit washing area
An asymmetric double sink with a smaller basin (typically 160–200 mm wide) is very useful in everyday use. The smaller basin functions as a reservoir for dripping water from washed fruit, vegetables, or just-rinsed dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. You don't need to buy a separate drip tray that would take up work space.
Ideal for households without a dishwasher
If you wash dishes by hand, a double sink is a real ergonomic helper. The larger basin is used for washing with soap, the smaller one for rinsing with clean water. This is a classic and proven solution that has been working for decades and in countries like the UK or Scandinavia, a double sink is standard for manual dishwashing.
When to choose a single sink and when a double sink – practical scenarios from real customer cases
Based on experience from many solved projects, it is possible to describe several typical situations that will help in decision-making.
Scenario 1: Studio apartment or small 1-bedroom apartment
Kitchen line 150–200 cm long, sink cabinet max. 60 cm. One person lives here, possibly a couple. Cooking is occasional. The answer is clear: single sink. Recommended format is a sink with a basin of at least 450 × 400 mm and a draining board. Suitable for this use are, for example, the Alveus Cadit series or comparable compact models.
Scenario 2: Family house, 4-person family, no dishwasher
This is a classic case for a double sink. The line is long enough (260–300 cm), the sink cabinet is 80 or 100 cm. Dishes are washed by hand, cooking is done every day, and during meal preparation, two people may work at the line at the same time. An asymmetric double sink with a larger basin of 380–400 mm and a smaller one of about 180 mm is ideal.
Scenario 3: Modern open kitchen with a dishwasher
The kitchen is part of the living area, the line is long and spacious, and the dishwasher handles most of the dishes. Aesthetics are important. Both approaches work here – a large single sink looks elegant and minimalist and works well with an undermount faucet. A double sink is possible but not necessary, as the dishwasher takes over most of the workload. Many owners in this situation choose a large single sink with a 200 mm deep basin and exceptional design.
Scenario 4: Restaurant, guesthouse, commercial kitchen
In a commercial environment, a double sink is almost standard – it is often required by hygiene regulations (separation of food preparation and washing). Durability of the material is also important here. Alveus offers models made of thicker stainless steel, or in granite finish with a highly resistant surface.
Sink material and its influence on format selection
The decision between a single or double sink is not only about size – it also relates to the material. The topic of materials is discussed in detail in the article How to choose the right Alveus kitchen sink – material, shape and size, but here we will mention the key connections.
Stainless steel sink is lighter and available in thinner thicknesses (0.6–1.0 mm for standard models, 1.0–1.5 mm for premium ones), which allows the production of larger and more complex shaped double and triple sinks. A stainless steel double sink is common and affordable.
Granite sink is much heavier (a typical single sink weighs 8–14 kg, a double sink 14–22 kg), which places demands on the load-bearing capacity of the worktop and the cabinet. Most granite sinks are available as single sinks, as the production of a large double sink from granite is structurally more complex and significantly more expensive. If you are interested in a granite double sink, expect a higher price and a more limited selection. A comparison of granite and stainless steel sinks can be found in the article Alveus granite sink vs. stainless steel sink – comparison of properties and maintenance.
The Alveus series includes both materials. For example, ATROX 50 černý 91 + pop up sifon 790x500x200 mm is a black granite model with dimensions 790 × 500 mm and a basin depth of 200 mm – it is a large single sink with an above-standard depth, ideal for demanding households where you need maximum space in one basin. This model is especially attractive for modern black kitchens and creates a strong contrast with white or light worktops.
Sink + faucet sets – advantages of a complete solution
Alveus offers not only individual sinks but also sets where the sink is delivered together with a faucet. This solution has several practical advantages: the faucet is color- and style-matched with the sink, the selection is easier (you don’t have to worry about the compatibility of holes and diameters), and the overall impression of the work area is unified.
An example of a generous double sink set is SET ALVEUS INTERMEZZO 130/81 + BATERIE TONIA Chrom – one of the more spacious solutions with dimensions indicating a total width of 130 cm, suitable for a larger cabinet (minimum 90–100 cm sink cabinet). The chrome Tonia faucet suits a modern kitchen with shiny elements. Similarly designed is SET ALVEUS INTERMEZZO 30/91 + BATERIE DELOS 91, where a smaller sink is combined with the Delos faucet – this solution is suitable for kitchens with a dishwasher, where a smaller single sink is sufficient for basic tasks.
For a compact kitchen, the set SET ALVEUS CADIT 40/55 + BATERIE RUTA CHROM is interesting – a smaller format with the Ruta faucet, suitable for studio apartments, office kitchens, or secondary kitchen areas (e.g., a summer kitchen in the garden). Similarly, ZOOM 10 NAT offers an interesting stainless steel variant for those who prefer the classic look with natural sheen.
Drip tray – part of the sink or an external drip tray?
Many kitchen sinks – especially single sinks – are delivered with an integrated drip tray. This tray is slightly sloped toward the basin, so water from the dripping dishes drains back into the sink. The drip tray can be on the left or right side of the basin, or both sides.
If you have enough work space and do not want to lose sink space to a drip tray, you can choose a sink without one and add a countertop drip tray. In the case of a double sink, the smaller basin naturally serves as a drip tray – simply do not fill it with water, but use it only for dripping dishes after rinsing.
Practical details often overlooked when choosing
Drain position in the basin
The drain can be located in the center, at the back, or in the corner of the basin. A rear drain is advantageous because it frees up space under the sink for installing the trap further away from the front wall of the cabinet – the faucet lever or pipe does not interfere with opening the cabinet doors. In the case of a double sink, ensure that the drain of each basin is in a compatible position for the type of trap used. For more information on traps, see the article How to properly install a pop-up trap and drain on a kitchen sink.
Edge thickness of the sink and mounting method
Alveus sinks are mostly mounted into a cut-out in the worktop – either from above (classic rim), with undermounting (flush/under-counter effect), or as full-surface "inlay" sinks embedded at the level of the worktop. A double sink is heavier, so it is important that the worktop and the cabinet beneath it are sufficiently load-bearing. Composite sinks (granite) can weigh up to 20–25 kg in larger formats.
Number of sink cutouts
Some sinks have pre-marked or pre-drilled holes for the faucet, others have no holes and the faucet is mounted directly into the worktop. If you buy a set (sink + faucet), the manufacturer guarantees compatibility of the holes. When purchasing the sink and faucet separately, you must verify this in advance.
Color and maintenance
Granite sinks are available in several color variations – black, gray, beige, white, bronze. The topic of color selection is covered in a separate article Choosing the right granite shade – color comparison. It is important to know that dark granite sinks can highlight limescale, while light ones can highlight grease. The model ATROX 50 black is an example of a premium black granite that looks elegant, but requires regular surface care.
Most common mistakes when choosing – what customers regret
From practice, we see several recurring mistakes that you should avoid:
- Underestimating the size of the basin: Customers choose a double sink where each basin has an internal width of only 270 mm – that is less than the diameter of a standard pot. In practice, it is not used as they imagined.
- Forgetting the height of the trap arm: A deep basin (200 mm) + thick worktop (40 mm) = the drain is low above the floor of the cabinet. The trap must be low-profile or cleverly routed. This is a problem especially in older apartments with rigid waste pipes.
- Not considering the location of the dishwasher: If the dishwasher is next to the sink, the waste hose is connected to the sink trap. With a double sink and two traps, this connection is more complicated and should be considered in advance.
- Deciding on aesthetics without measurements: “It looks good on the internet” – and then the sink does not fit into the cutout, or the rim does not properly cover the worktop line.
- Ignoring the weight of the granite sink: Granite is heavy. A flat IKEA cabinet without reinforcement may crack or bend under the pressure of a heavy double sink. You should check the load capacity.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need a double sink if I have a dishwasher?
Not necessarily. If the dishwasher handles most of the washing, a single sink with a larger basin is more convenient – you have full space for large pots and pans that do not fit into the dishwasher. A double sink is worth it if you perform multiple tasks in parallel or if you want a dedicated smaller basin for quick rinsing of fruits and vegetables.
What is the minimum width each basin in a double sink should have to be usable?
Each basin should have an internal width of at least 300 mm, ideally 340–380 mm for the larger one and 160–200 mm for the smaller one. If both basins are smaller than 280 mm, it is frustrating in practice – you can fit a glass, but not a pot. Rather choose a larger single sink than an uncomfortable double sink.
Can I have a granite double sink?
Yes, granite double sinks exist, but they are less common and more expensive than stainless steel ones. The selection is limited. Granite is a heavy material – expect a weight of over 20 kg, which places demands on the load capacity of the cabinet and worktop. If you want granite and also more space, consider a large single granite sink with a deep basin (e.g. 200 mm) – this is an aesthetically more valuable solution than an average granite double sink.
Is there a difference between a symmetrical and an asymmetrical double sink?
Yes, and it is significant. A symmetrical double sink has both basins of equal size – each is relatively small, which limits their usability. An asymmetrical double sink has one larger (main) and one smaller (auxiliary) basin – this is a more functional solution for most households. In the asymmetrical version, the larger basin is suitable for main washing, the smaller one for dripping or rinsing.
Can a double sink be installed in an old kitchen where there was a single sink?
It depends on the size of the cabinet. If you have a 60 cm cabinet, replacing it with a standard double sink is not realistic – the double sink would be too small. If you have 80 cm or more, it is possible, but you need to modify the cutout in the worktop and possibly adjust the waste routing (second trap, new plumbing). We recommend consulting with an installer in advance. The installation of a sink and traps is described in detail in the article Installation of the Alveus granite sink – installation steps including trap and faucet.
What is the difference in maintenance between a single sink and a double sink?
A double sink has a larger surface and two drains – so twice as many places where limescale, grease and dirt can settle. In particular, the space between the basins and around the drains must be cleaned thoroughly. For granite sinks, regular impregnation of the surface helps keep the material resistant to stains. Cleaning of granite sinks is discussed in detail in the article Cleaning and maintenance of a granite sink – what to use and what to avoid.
Conclusion – how to make a final decision
Let’s summarize the key decision-making into a simple framework. If you have a 60 cm or smaller cabinet, you live alone or with one other person, or you have a dishwasher and cooking is occasional – a single sink is your choice. You get a larger basin, simpler installation, lower cost and a more elegant look.
If you have an 80 cm or larger cabinet, three or more people live in the household, you do not have a dishwasher or you regularly prepare large meals for multiple people – a double sink significantly improves the comfort of work at the line. The investment pays off in time savings and reduced daily frustration.
If you are undecided, go to a store or showroom and physically test the basin dimensions – take a standard pot and try to fit it in. This simple check will tell you more than any brochure or photo from an e-shop.
The complete range of Alveus sinks including sets with faucets is clearly listed in the Alveus category on atria.sk, where you can filter by material, size and color.
Do you have a question about this topic?
Are you undecided or dealing with a specific situation in your household? Write to us – we are happy to help.