Single Bowl, Double Bowl or Drainer Sink? How to Choose the Best Layout

Choosing a new kitchen sink isn't just about colour or material, it's also about finding the right layout for the way you cook, clean and use your kitchen every day.

One of the most common questions we hear is:

"Should I choose a single bowl, a double bowl, or a sink with a drainer?"

The answer isn't simply one option being better than another. It depends on your kitchen size, your cooking habits, and how you like to work. In this guide, we'll help you understand the pros and cons of each layout so you can choose a sink that suits your lifestyle.

Single Bowl Sinks – Spacious and Versatile

A single bowl sink offers one large uninterrupted basin, making it incredibly versatile for modern kitchens.

If you regularly wash baking trays, roasting pans, chopping boards or large pots, you'll appreciate the extra space that a single bowl provides.

Single bowl sinks are also a great choice for:

• Small to medium kitchens
• Open-plan homes with dishwashers
• Families who cook with larger cookware
• Minimalist kitchen designs

Many homeowners today pair a large single bowl sink with accessories such as a bottom grid, colander or roll-up drying rack to create a flexible workstation.

Best suited for:

• Home cooks
• Apartment kitchens
• Contemporary renovations

Double Bowl Sinks – Great for Multi-Tasking

A double bowl sink gives you two separate working areas, making everyday kitchen tasks more efficient.

Many people use one bowl for washing and the other for rinsing, draining or food preparation. Even if you have a dishwasher, a double bowl can still be incredibly practical when preparing meals.

Benefits include:

• Wash and rinse at the same time
• Separate dirty dishes from food preparation
• Easier hand washing of delicate items
• Better organisation during busy family meals

Double bowl sinks are especially popular in larger family homes where the kitchen is used frequently throughout the day.

Best suited for:

• Families
• Frequent entertainers
• Homeowners who often hand wash dishes

Drainer Sinks – Practical and Convenient

Although integrated drainer sinks have become less common in high-end kitchens, they're still an excellent choice for many Australian households.

The built-in drainer provides a dedicated area for:

• Drying dishes
• Washing fruit and vegetables
• Placing hot pots
• Keeping wet items off the benchtop

They're particularly useful if you don't have a dishwasher or prefer not to leave dishes on the countertop.

Many granite drainer sinks also add a clean, seamless appearance by directing excess water straight back into the sink.

Best suited for:

• Everyday family kitchens
• Homes without dishwashers
• Laundry rooms
• Investment properties

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a single bowl sink big enough?

For most modern households, yes.

A large single bowl sink offers plenty of space for everyday washing and easily accommodates oversized cookware.

Is a double bowl sink worth it if I have a dishwasher?

Absolutely.

Many homeowners still use one bowl for food preparation or rinsing produce while the other remains available for washing or soaking.

Are drainer sinks outdated?

Not at all.

While minimalist kitchens often favour undermount single bowl sinks, drainer sinks remain a practical solution for busy households. Today's granite and stainless steel drainer sinks have a much more contemporary look than older designs.

Which sink is easiest to clean?

Generally, a large single bowl sink with rounded corners is the easiest to maintain because there are fewer edges and joins where dirt can collect.

Granite sinks are also highly resistant to stains and scratches, while quality 304 stainless steel sinks are easy to wipe clean with everyday maintenance.

How Do I Choose the Right Size?

A common mistake is choosing a sink that's either too large or too small for the available bench space.

As a general guide:

600–700mm
Perfect for compact kitchens and apartments.

750–860mm
A popular choice for most family homes.

1000mm and above
Ideal for larger kitchens, entertainers and homeowners wanting a double bowl or integrated drainer.

Always check your cabinet size before selecting a sink, as different installation types may require different cut-out dimensions.

Our Recommendation

There's no single "best" sink layout, only the one that best suits your kitchen and lifestyle.

Choose a single bowl if you want maximum washing space and a clean, modern look.

Choose a double bowl if you value flexibility and frequently multitask in the kitchen.

Choose a drainer sink if practicality and everyday convenience are your top priorities.

The good news is that whichever layout you choose, investing in a quality sink made from durable materials will provide years of reliable performance.

Explore Our Kitchen Sink Collection

Whether you're planning a complete renovation or simply upgrading your kitchen, Ezymall offers a wide range of kitchen sinks to suit every home.

Browse our collections:

• Granite Kitchen Sinks – Scratch-resistant, stylish and available in a range of colours.
• Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks – Timeless, durable and easy to maintain.
• Single Bowl Kitchen Sinks – Spacious designs for modern living.
• Double Bowl Kitchen Sinks – Practical solutions for busy households.
• Kitchen Mixers – Complete your kitchen with matching tapware.

Our team is always happy to help if you're unsure which sink is right for your renovation.