Double Bowl Sink: Worth the Investment? – Motley Fool

A sink is undoubtedly an important part of any kitchen. Whether you opt for a stainless steel sink, a farmhouse sink, or any of the many other style and material combinations, you'll have to make another big decision: single bowl or double bowl? While two might seem better than one, there are other factors to consider.

In its most basic form, a double bowl sink is divided into two bowls and two drains. Some models feature bowls of equal size, while others have a larger bowl alongside a smaller, shallower one. Whatever the combination, a double bowl sink can be a good option for kitchens where there is no dishwasher -- one sink can be used for washing dishes and the other for food prep. If there's a garbage disposal, it's even better, as you can send the food scraps on their way in one bowl and leave the other free for cleaning.

While the double bowl sink is certainly functional, it can make washing very large pots and pans a bit more difficult depending on the size of the sink. And if you also plan to use the kitchen sink to bathe a baby -- or a fur baby -- you might find that the double bowl sink is too restricting.

Sink choice also depends on the size of the kitchen. Single bowl sinks are a better option for smaller kitchens, as the two-bowl model is larger and will take up more counter space. It will also take up more storage space underneath the sink, especially if you have a garbage disposal attached. But if you have a kitchen with countertops and cabinets to spare, a double bowl sink will fit in just fine.

It's hard to narrow down a price for a double bowl sink because they come in a variety of sizes and materials ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. Then there's the installation: undermount? Drop-in? Tight radius?

HomeAdvisor.com (NASDAQ: ANGI) reports that the average cost of a new kitchen sink including installation costs $390, but if you choose a higher-end model and setup, it could go up to $2,000 or higher. Drop-in sinks are on the lower end of the price range, while undermount and farmhouse-style sinks are pricier.

When comparing sinks of the same material, a double bowl sink will usually be slightly pricier. For example, a stainless steel double bowl sink will be more expensive than a single bowl because the entire unit is bigger. However, a single bowl quartz sink or a fireclay farmhouse sink would likely be higher in price than even a double bowl model made from a more economical material.

It's not the number of bowls but rather the material and style of the kitchen sink that holds the real value. Farmhouse sinks continue to be a trend and are often noted in real estate listings, which is evidence of their cachet for homeowners. But even more important than the style of sink is its installation. For example, undermount sinks that fit seamlessly into the countertop make cleaning up after cooking a breeze.

The kitchen is arguably one of the most important rooms of the home, and the sink plays a crucial role. When planning a kitchen remodel, consider the material and installation of the sink first and foremost; then consider single versus double bowl models, depending on the size of the space.

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Double Bowl Sink: Worth the Investment? - Motley Fool