Double-bowl sinks give you the chance to multitask in the kitchen. Instead of filling your single-bowl sink with water, washing everything, then draining the water before rinsing, you can do both at once. Use one sink for prep and rinsing and fill the opposite sink for washing dishes.
So, with this in mind, maybe you’re sold on a double-bowl sink. However, once you start browsing for the best fit, you notice there are varying double kitchen sink splits. You might notice the most prevalent splits, including 50/50, 70/30, and 60/40.
While the 50/50 sink is pretty straightforward, which of the other two options is better? Is there a better option? Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for, but we’ll explain more below.
What Is A 70/30 Sink?
As the name implies, a 70/30 sink is split into two bowls, one consuming 30 percent of the sink’s width and the other occupying the remaining 70 percent. This split is one of the more popular options available on the market today, as it gives homeowners an easy way to multitask.
What Is The Purpose Of A 70/30 Sink?
Given the ratio between the bowls, the narrower side is considerably smaller than, the larger bowl. This makes these sinks ideal for freeing one bowl for food prep. For example, you could easily wash dishes in the larger bowl while simultaneously rinsing produce on the other side.
The split also makes washing larger dishes easier. Since there’s one substantially larger sink, you get some of the benefits a larger, single-bowl sink offers. Washing sizeable pots and pans can be tricky in a double bowl sink due to space limitations, but the 70/30 split sets the odds in your favor.
However, while there are a few upsides to these sinks, it’s worthwhile noting they aren’t ideal for dual washing and rinsing. For example, once you wash the dishes, the smaller sink might not be large enough to set them in while you finish washing or rinsing.
What Is A 60/40 Sink?
A 60/40 sink features one slightly larger bowl occupying 60 percent of the sink’s total width. The smaller bowl isn’t smaller by much, although the difference is quite noticeable. Like the 70/30 split double sinks, the 60/40 sink is the perfect way to multitask in the kitchen.
What Is The Advantage Of A 60/40 Sink?
Like 70/30 split sinks, 60/40 sinks are advantageous for a few reasons. For example, let’s say you just finished preparing a meal and have a mountain of dishes to hand wash. You probably don’t want to stop and rinse each dish after washing, one by one, so this is where the 60/40 split is handy.
The smaller sink is still large enough (usually) to hold quite a few dishes. So, you can simply set your freshly-washed dishes in the small clean sink, then rinse them once you’re ready.
Or, let’s say you have a pile of dirty dishes in one sink but are in the middle of food prep. Instead of emptying a sink, you can quickly rinse produce and wash necessary dishes in the opposite sink.
However, on the downside, 60/40 sinks aren’t ideal for washing big dishes. Since the split is relatively even, there isn’t a massive basin on one side to easily handle bigger dishes. While you can undoubtedly wash huge dishes in 60/40 sinks, it might be a bit messier.
Which One Is Better?
Two basins are convenient, especially in busy kitchens. That said, each split ratio has its place. Whereas the 70/30 split might be ideal in scenarios where you must complete food prep while your dishes soak, the 60/40 sink is suitable for various things. For example, washing and rinsing are easier. The smaller basin isn’t too small to set clean dishes in, so you can leave the freshly-washed dishes for rinsing while you finish hand washing.
On the flip side, the 60/40 sink might not be your best choice if you regularly wash large dishes. The sinks are similar in size, so washing big dishes can be a messy task. The 70/30 split is better equipped for washing, although you may have a tricky time washing extra-large dishes.
However, the best option for your home depends on your needs. While the 70/30 split might be the perfect option in some kitchens, it might not make sense in others. So, you’ll have to decide for yourself. We get it – a clear-cut “this one is always better” answer would be more convenient But, given the variability in what folks need in their kitchen, we think it’s best to give you the information to decide for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where Does The Garbage Disposal Go In A Double Sink?
Garbage disposals are an essential appliance for many homes. However, when you don’t have a single sink or a 50/50 double bowl sink, the placement of the unit isn’t as straightforward. Generally, the garbage disposal goes underneath the smaller sink, as most folks use the smaller sink as a prep sink.
That said, you could always put the disposal in the larger sink – it’s up to you.
How Deep Are Double Bowl Sinks?
The overall depth of each basin in a double-bowl sink varies based on the brand and model. Some double sinks feature one deeper basin and one slightly shallower basin, although they can be the same depth. Most double sinks are the same depth.