Single Bowl vs Double Bowl Sinks: Which One Suits Your Kitchen Best?

 

Choosing the right kitchen sink

can feel like a small decision, but it plays a major role in your day-to-day life. Whether you're washing dishes, prepping meals, or cleaning up after a family dinner, the sink you choose affects how smoothly everything flows.

At Blue Leaf Bath, we stock a diverse range of kitchen sinks crafted to suit all types of homes and lifestyles. From the simple functionality of a single bowl sink to the versatility of a double bowl sink, or the added convenience of 1 & 1/2 bowl sinks and 1 & 3/4 bowl sinks, this guide will help you determine which sink suits your kitchen best.

1. Single Bowl Sink: Great for Compact Kitchens

If you’re working with a smaller kitchen or just want to maximise your bench space, a single bowl sink is a great choice. These sinks offer one large basin without any dividers, making them perfect for washing larger cookware or prepping meals with fewer interruptions.
Pros:

• Takes up less space on the benchtop
  

• Easier to clean and maintain
  

• Ideal for large pots, baking trays and pans
  

• A sleek, minimalist option that suits most modern kitchens
  

Best suited for: Smaller households, apartments, and those who prefer using a dishwasher for most cleaning tasks.

2. Double Bowl Sink: Versatility for Busy Kitchens

A double bowl sink is perfect for multitaskers. With two equal-sized basins, you can wash in one and rinse in the other — or keep one bowl free for soaking while using the other for food prep.
Pros:

• Helps with multitasking and food preparation
  

• Can separate clean and dirty dishes easily
  

• Makes hand-washing more efficient
  

• A practical option for larger families or shared households
  

Best suited for: Busy kitchens with a lot of cooking activity and households that frequently hand-wash dishes.

3. 1 & 1/2 Bowl Sink: A Practical Middle Ground

A 1 & 1/2 bowl sink combines a full-size main bowl with a smaller half-bowl. This gives you added flexibility for prepping and rinsing without compromising much on bench space.
Pros:

• Perfect for rinsing vegetables or draining pasta in the smaller bowl
  

• Saves space while still offering added convenience
  

• Streamlines workflow when multitasking in the kitchen
  

Best suited for: Mid-sized kitchens or homeowners who want something more functional than a single bowl, without the footprint of a full double bowl.

4. 1 & 3/4 Bowl Sink: For Extra Working Space

The 1 & 3/4 bowl sink features a generously sized main bowl alongside a slightly smaller second bowl — ideal if you need additional capacity for prep work or draining without moving things around too much.
Pros:

• More room for larger cleaning jobs
  

• Efficient design for kitchens that see lots of use
  

• Maintains functionality while maximising workspace
  

Best suited for: Larger kitchens and homes where cooking and meal prep are frequent and varied.

5. Sink Materials Matter

When selecting a kitchen sink, material plays a key role in both aesthetics and durability. At Blue Leaf Bath, we offer a range of finishes and materials to complement your space:

• Stainless steel sinks are classic, durable, and easy to clean.
  

• Granite composite sinks add texture and style, and resist scratches and stains.
  

• Ceramic sinks bring timeless charm and are especially popular in Hamptons and farmhouse-style kitchens.
  

All of our sink options are available in a variety of colours, from bold black to brushed stainless steel, to coordinate with your kitchen finishes and tapware.

6. Drop-In vs Undermount: What’s the Difference?

Sinks come in different installation styles, with drop-in sinks (also known as top-mount) being the most common. These are easy to install and fit over your benchtop.
Undermount sinks are installed beneath the benchtop surface, creating a sleek, seamless look — especially popular in stone or engineered surfaces. Both styles are available across our kitchen sinks range.

7. Don’t Forget the Tapware

Choosing the right tapware is just as important as the sink itself. Be sure to match the size and depth of your sink with a kitchen mixer tap that has the right reach and swivel range. Explore our premium selection of kitchen taps to complete your sink setup.

Explore Kitchen Sinks at Blue Leaf Bath

Whether you’re after a compact single bowl sink or a multi-functional double bowl sink, Blue Leaf Bath offers a curated selection of kitchen sinks made to suit Australian homes. Designed with style, performance, and practicality in mind, our sinks are the perfect addition to any renovation or new build.

Explore our full range online:

• Single Bowl Sinks

• Double Bowl Sinks

• 1 & 1/2 Bowl Sinks

• 1 & 3/4 Bowl Sinks
  
  

Still unsure which option is right for you? Our expert team is here to help guide you every step of the way. Reach out or visit our full kitchen sinks collection and sink buying guide to find the best fit for your kitchen.