What to Know About Choosing the Right Size Kitchen Sink…

One of our client's most common questions at Blue Leaf Bathware is how do I know what size sink to buy? It's understandable since the kitchen sink is one of the most used and versatile elements in a house.

From large kitchen sinks to small kitchen sinks Australia, size is one of the most important considerations when picking out your next kitchen sink and one that will have a long-term impact on your everyday life.

Luckily at Blue Leaf Bathware, we are experts in all things bathroom, kitchens and laundry. But our extensive range of kitchen sinks can be overwhelming, making it difficult to know what size you require. Therefore, this article will take you through the most popular kitchen sink shapes, sizes, and materials to make your decision easier!

Why is Kitchen Sink Size Important?

Picking the proper sink size before renovating is essential for various reasons, including minimising back and neck aches, efficiently utilising the available space, and avoiding the danger of broken dishes. Plus, if your integrated sink is the wrong size, you might need to replace your kitchen benchtop.

These annoyances eventually lead to pricey repairs, replacements, and even medical expenditures, but did you know that it's also essential for house sellers? 

Homebuyers consider kitchens to be the most crucial room in a home; therefore, any upgrades to the kitchen can add a lot of value to a home. Even with such a tiny feature, buyers are likely to investigate the size of the kitchen sink before making an offer.

Budget may certainly play a role in your decision, but the sink is far from the most expensive component of any redesign, and extras like an integrated drainboard will take up more space. Another thing to keep in mind is to set aside some benchtop space on both sides of the sink for stacking dirty and clean objects.

What is the Standard Size for Kitchen Sinks?

The appropriate sink size is determined by several criteria, including homeowner height, physical needs, kitchen space, benchtop size, cabinet size, and design choices. Sink enhancements, such as spray faucets, water filters, strainers, new piping, and sink organising items, must also be considered.

Although in general terms, regardless of these factors, knowing the standard sink size might assist you in selecting the best size for your purposes. Customers often choose a single-bowl dimension of around 72 to 77 centimetres long, as it provides enough area to do two things in the sink simultaneously. Although for tiny kitchens, experts recommend a length of at least 56 to 69 centimetres.

In terms of depth, kitchen sinks should be at least 17.8 to 18.4 centimetres deep – if they aren't, your dishes will pile up quickly and reach the faucet – 20.3 centimetres and up would be ideal for heavy dish loads.

In addition, kitchen sinks have become broader, deeper, and more diversified in recent years. Therefore, most customers now prefer a kitchen sink with a single, deep basin of 83.8 to 91.4 centimetres wide and 20.3 to 25.4 centimetres deep. This type of sink is quite adaptable; it works well whether you cook frequently or infrequently.

However, sink sizes alone can only tell you so much. For the best picture, you will need to take accurate measurements of your kitchen and benchtops, think about your demands, and then collaborate with a contractor to choose the perfect size.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Deeper Large Kitchen Sink?

There are a few sinks on the market that are five to seven centimetres deeper than the standard 20 centimetres depth. The increased depth can make soaking, washing, and rinsing your dishes easier, especially for those enormous pots, depending on the breadth and length of the sink. This is especially handy for someone cooking for a large family or a large number of visitors.

Aesthetics are vital, but the appropriate sink size can improve the utility of your kitchen. For example, if you only have time to wash your dishes once or twice a day, a deep bowl allows you to store and soak them more efficiently. Another benefit: it's easier to hide dirty pots and plates if your sink is visible from the dining table.

Most cooks prefer a larger sink over a smaller sink, but large sinks have poor ergonomics for the average user. When people realise deep sinks can be a backbreaker, they reconsider the benefits. 

For example, a six-foot-tall person must bend 15 to 17 centimetres to reach the sink's bottom, so making the sink a couple of centimetres deeper can really strain the user. On the other hand, the added depth is less of an issue for shorter individuals, as a 25-centimetre-deep sink will be more accessible if you're five foot three. 

If you choose a deep, large kitchen sink, we recommend installing a spray head or gooseneck tap to flush food particles down the drain, requiring less bending.

What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of a Shallow, Small Kitchen Sink?

A shallow sink allows you to spend less time bending down and putting less strain on your back. It's also crucial to pick a sink that fits your space. For example, if you have a small kitchen, a large kitchen sink will likely take up too much important benchtop space.

A double bowl sink can come in handy if you wash many dishes because one can be used for washing and the other for rinsing. For example, if you have a small kitchen, a corner sink might help you make the most of your space. Large pots, pans, and woks are challenging to wash in a small kitchen sink, but the extra space benchtop space is ideal for food prep and cleaning.

What Size Sink Works Best in A Small Kitchen?

With limited benchtop space, a smaller sink is more likely to be ideal. However, many homeowners find that a 56-centimetre long sink will be enough for most of their needs. Even so, if at all feasible, don't skimp on size.

For example, if you don't have a place for a dishwasher in your small kitchen, a large kitchen sink is even more critical for hand-washing your dishes. However, some inventiveness may be required to provide additional benchtop space, such as an integrated cutting board that sits over the sink.

Start Shopping at Blue Leaf Bathware & Discover Your Perfect Kitchen Sink Today! 

Remember, your perfect kitchen sink compliments the rest of your kitchen pieces, so you'll need to take some measurements of your current sink before purchasing a new one. A regular ruler can be used, but a flexible measuring tape is considerably more convenient. To establish the proper proportions, measure your kitchen benchtop, benchtop height, and kitchen cabinets.

Blue Leaf Bathware & Tiles is Australia's most trusted online supplier for everything vanities, toilets, baths, tapware, and tiles. Select from our range of excellent Australian brands such as Caroma, Abey, Phoenix, Decina, ADP, Timberline and Oliveri for your next bathroom or kitchen renovation.

We carry an impressive array of 'mid-tier' to 'high end' products, including sinks, tapware, shower roses, vanities, toilet suites and tiles. From large kitchen sinks to ceramic kitchen sinks Australia and small kitchen sinks Australia, no matter your requirements, Blue Leaf Bathware has the ideal product for you! 

So, if you are dreaming of creating a stunning bathroom or kitchen, you're at the right place. We ship anywhere in Australia and carry the finest selection of merchandise available. If there are any parts of this blog which you would like us to elaborate more upon or just have some questions, please do not hesitate to come into the showroom and speak to one of our experts or give us a call on 1800-88-BLUE or send an email to sales@blueleafbath.com.au

Thanks, and happy renovating. 

Blue Leaf Bathware & Tiles - Enjoy it your way!