Kitchen Sink Size Guide

Whether you are thinking of a kitchen reno or just doing a small kitchen update, choosing the right sized kitchen sink can be challenging. While it is only a small part of the kitchen, the kitchen sink is often one of the most used areas in your home. 

There are 3 common styles:

1. Single Bowl
2. Double Bowls
3. 1.5 Bowl 

These have 7 common sizes:

1. Small Single: 450 mm x 450 mm
2. Standard Single: 500 mm x 500 mm
3. Large Single: 600 mm x 500 mm
4. Small Double: 750 mm x 450 mm
5. Standard Double: 860 mm x 450 mm
6. Large Double: 1160 mm x 500 mm
7. Common 1.5 Bowl: 960 mm x 500 mm

Whether it is washing the dishes, cleaning vegetables, or soaking pots & pans, choosing the right size and style is essential for every home.

Kitchen Sink Sizes

The size of your kitchen usually plays a major role in which size sink you can use. It is recommended you plan out your kitchen space and measure the space available for your sink.

Below are the most common styles & sizes:

1. Single-Bowl Kitchen Sink:

• Small: 450 mm x 450 mm
  
• Standard: 500 mm x 500 mm
  
• Large: 600 mm x 500 mm
  

A single-bowl sink is ideal for limited-space kitchens or if you prefer a large space for washing large pots and pans.

2.Double-Bowl Kitchen Sink:

• Small: 750 mm x 450 mm
• Standard: 860 mm x 450 mm
• Large: 1160 mm x 500 mm

Double-bowl sinks provide space for multitasking, washing vegetables in one bowl and peeling in the other. This is incredibly helpful in busy households or for aspiring cooks.

3.1.5-Bowl Kitchen Sink:

• Common size: 960 mm x 500 mm

The 1.5-bowl sink gives you a full-sized bowl with an additional smaller bowl for prepping or draining, giving you flexibility without taking up too much space.

What to Consider When Buying a Kitchen Sink

Now that you know the most common styles and sizes, you should also consider the following:.

1. Space and Size

Before making any decisions, measure the space where the sink will be installed carefully and precisely. Consider the width and depth of the sink, including how it will fit with your countertop and cabinetry. Larger sinks might seem appealing, but they can overwhelm the space or reduce your benchtop space.

An added consideration with deeper sinks (200-250 mm) is that you may need to frequently bend down, which can be uncomfortable with regular use.  

can hold more but may require you to bend over more frequently, which could be uncomfortable over time.

2. Sink Material

Choose a sink made of the material that fits your style, usage and price range.

• Stainless Steel: The most common choice for budget conscious kitchens. It’s affordable, durable, and easy to clean but can be noisy when cleaning steel cooking pans. If within your budget, opt for a thicker steel gauge for better noise reduction and durability.
• Fireclay: Is popular in traditional, contemporary and industrial style sink options; if made with quality materials, they are built to last. 
• Ceramic: These sinks offer a classic look and are easy to maintain. Be aware they can be prone to chipping with heavy use or use the sink to wash heavy items regularly.

3. Mounting Style

How you mount your sink affects the style of the kitchen and ease of use and ongoing cleaning. There are 3 common mounting styles:

• Top-Mount (Drop-In): The most common and easiest to install. The rim sits on top of the counter, which can make cleaning the edges a bit trickier.
• Undermount: Sleek and stylish, undermount sinks sit beneath the countertop for a flush finish. Cleaning the benchtop is much easier, but this style does require a solid countertop material like fireclay for proper installation.
• Farmhouse (Apron-Front): This style sink has an exposed front and is mounted flush with the cabinetry. Farmhouse sinks are perfect for large kitchens with a more rustic or country feel, or in some modern designed homes.

4. Number of Bowls

Choosing between a single or double bowl depends on how you use your sink. 

• A single bowl gives you plenty of room to wash large pots and pans, making it perfect for those who do a lot of cooking. 
• A double bowl allows for multitasking, such as soaking dishes in one while rinsing in the other.
• A 1.5-bowl sink offers both a full-size bowl and a smaller one, which can be useful for food prep or draining without taking up too much counter space.

5. Practicality and Maintenance

You will want a sink that enhances the kitchen but is also easy to maintain. Stainless steel is a low-maintenance option, while fireclay and ceramic sinks require a bit more care but come in more stylish options to match you kitchen. Think about how often you’ll use the sink and how much maintenance you’re willing to handle.

6. Style and Aesthetics
Your kitchen sink should complement the overall style of your kitchen. Whether you prefer the sleek lines of an undermount sink or the rustic style of a farmhouse sink just make sure the sink fits in with the rest of your design, including the countertop cabinets and fixtures.

7. Budget
Your budget will largely determine what materials and style you can afford. High-end fireclay or ceramic sinks can give a more premium feel at a higher price point, while stainless steel sinks are commonly chosen in low budget sink renovation. Don’t forget to budget for the cost of installation, especially if you’re choosing a more complex mounting style like undermount or farmhouse.

Advice & Support

Choosing a kitchen sink seems like a simple task, but there are quite a few points to consider. By considering size, material, and style, you’ll find a sink that not only fits your kitchen but enhances its functionality as well.

If you are still not sure, come and visit the Schots destination store at Clifton Hill and one of our staff will help you make the right choice. Just remember to measure your space and have the above points considered so we can help find the right kitchen sink for you.