KalamaQuilts

we are planning a small kitchen redo this winter. Looking at sinks, I'm thinking I'd like one that has a large side and a small side, can think of many times over the years when this would have been handy.

I'm right handed and in my convoluted way am thinking the larger side should be on the left. But can't support my idea with any good reason.

Can anyone smarter than me (I can't even think how to pose it to google!) tell me if one way is a better idea than the other?

Moira in N.E. England

My previous sink had a large and small side. I also thought the small side would be useful - but it wasn’t. When I go my latest sink I opted for one large sink and haven’t regretted my decision. I think a lot depends on how small the small side is!

Onebyone

The house we sold last year had the different size sinks together. The bigger one was on the left. I'm right handed and it worked fine. I'm replacing the sink in our new house after Christmas. I took my biggest skillet to test them out. If the skillet didn't set down on the bottom I didn't want it. Some of the new sinks won't hold a 9 x 13 baking dish long ways but will be deep. I searched online and then found a contractor's warehouse showroom that sold it. The plumber bought it there at his discount and will install it. I chose a single sink. I rarely hand wash anything but my cast iron and non stick.

bearisgray

We did go for the deeper double sink and the left side is somewhat larger than the right side.

But the sinks are the same side to side width -

This sink is about 8-1/2 inches deep.

The brand is Americast - and I was not able to google a picture of it.

What I do like about it: The deeper sinks.

What I don't like about it: It chips and stains easily.
The outside edge sticks up about 3/8 of an inch from the counter - so it is hard to find a drainboard that drains into the sink instead of on to the counter.

I don't remember how long ago DH put it in.

I know someone that is very short - maybe 4'10" - that has a sink that is at least 10 inches deep - I am 5'3" and found it difficult to reach the bottom of that sink. The previous owners had installed that sink, so G did not choose it.

I don't think a kitchen sink has to be as deep as a laundry tub.

The house was built in 1962 and does not have a dishwasher. My FIL did the contracting, and he thought we should be thrilled with running water and a water heater!

Sewgood

We redid our counters and I got a new sink. I've had the double sink - same size....double sink - one larger than the other...this time I did one large. It's my favorite. You can wash anything in there with no problem. You do have to have somewhere to drain the dishes, but I just set a towel on the side. We have a DW so there aren't many to do by hand.

juliasb

Two years ago we did a small redo in the kitchen. Put in all new cupboards and counter tops. Nothing high end but what we needed. We kept our old sink for a couple reasons. #1. I couldn't find one like it in our price range. It is a double sink with equal sizes. #2. Other similar sinks were larger and we only have limited space. So we did basically everything but the kitchen sink! We had to use the same footprint for the kitchen with a few minor changes. Because someone measured wrong one of the corner cabinets did not fit right and we ended up with the new trash compactor on a different side of the kitchen than planned. I gained a great deal of cabinet storage which was the goal.

Iceblossom

I'm another one who has worked in a kitchen with the off-sided sink. My friend loved it and it worked well for her, I have other friends who they haven't worked so well for. I was on the less impressed side of the fence. For me practically wise, I'm right handed and my dishwasher is to the my right, I'd prefer the larger sink to be closer to the dishwasher.

When we do redo our kitchen, or we may just need to replace the original sink (it's actually wearing out), I will be going for the single large size or what I call "lasagna disk soaking size". I think I will miss having the divided sink because I've gotten used to having a clean side and a dirty side but there is more often when I want to soak an entire pan instead of dipping in half at a time.

We were actually looking at dishwashers today. It's a shame I can't afford to replace my cabinets (old style built ins that are not standard size) but I can make my life significantly better with a new dishwasher and sink

zozee

We remodeled our kitchen a few years ago and I spent quite a bit of time deciding on a sink. I wanted a deep, single, stainless steel one with a high gooseneck faucet.

It’s perfect. Large pots, wide lasagna pans, and when I have to wash trash cans or paint trays, dog food container—they fit.

My dad has a double sink , smaller on right where he keeps a dish drainer. It’s fine for him (he doesn’t cook anymore) but when I’m there, I do cook. The problem is, invariably we have to use the counter as well for drying. I much prefer the versatility of my single deep sink that I can scrub to a shine when needed.

Doggramma

I hate my small side. For some reason I thought it would be good for the garbage dispisal. It’s too small to be good for anything, in my opinion. I’d love to replace mine with one of those big farm sinks.

if you’re right handed, it makes sense for the small side to be on the left

KalamaQuilts

great insight from everyone, just what I count on here.
We currently have a double sink, as have all three of our homes.
~I hand wash all my pots and big bowls, so one for wash, one for draining, haven't got enough counter space for a drain rack or undersink space to store one.
~I prewash all my fabric, one for swishing in hot water, one side to wring out and pile in
~When canning, one sink to pour blanching water in while the other sink holds the ready ice water.
~One sink to tend my business while Rob washes his hands in the other...why does he always want to do that?
~For big meals, one sink of hot soapy water to keep up with the mess, one to drain in. I love to finish a big meal and have nothing left to do but put the dishes and cutlery into the dishwasher.

I'm actually perfectly happy with the 40 year old porcelain double sink there now, Rob is desiring the new, unusual for him. A good battle to let him win.
I was also happy with the stainless steel sinks from the last two houses, but he wants porcelain, another good battle to let him win. Either will look used in a week, just like a new blouse is just another piece of clothes in an already overcrowded closet after it is worn once.

thank you again, any other chime in would be welcome!