Cindy - Author
Below is our two sinks in kitchen guide including some ideas on where to place them, what does a second small sink is for, and why you should have two sinks for your kitchen.
If you’re wondering about having two sinks in your kitchen, there are a few things to think about before taking on such a project. A second sink may be installed for many purposes, and according to who uses the kitchen the most, a two-sink kitchen can solve many problems and enhance its usefulness.
If you’re having a new home built, planning two sinks in the kitchen will be much simpler. Having a water supply and drain line installed for a second sink can cause a lot of work and expense for an existing kitchen.
If the location of a second sink and the cost are within your budget, then it’s time to consider the reason for two sinks in the kitchen and where the second one should be installed.
Think of the workflow of the kitchen and how much space there will be between the two sinks. If there isn’t much room in a kitchen and only a few steps between sinks, the cost may not be worthwhile.
However, installing a small sink in an area set off as a wet bar makes the proximity to the second sink not as important.
Whether for having extra space to do food prep or allowing two people to wash and rinse dishes and cooking utensils, a second sink in the kitchen may be worth the time and cost.
This guide includes information about two sinks in a kitchen, where to place the second sink, what type, and how it can be used.
Why Have Two Sinks In Kitchen?
Often, having a second sink in a kitchen is a helpful addition for avid cooks. Placing a sink near the stove or refrigerator allows for easy access to ingredients when doing prep work.
In this case, the sink should be deeper and larger to accommodate food and food scraps after cutting, and prep work is done.
Most prep sinks are under-mount or drop-in sinks. An under-mount prep sink is mounted under the countertop with no lip rise above the counter. This allows any food scraps or liquids on the counter to be easily wiped into the sink.
A drop-in sink is also referred to as a self-rimming sink and has a rounded lip where the sink edge meets the countertop. Most traditional sinks are drop-in as they’re inexpensive, easy to install, and are dropped in from the top, accommodating numerous countertop styles and materials.
However, the benefits of a drop-in sink may not stand up to the convenience of having an under-mount sink without a lip to cause a build-up of food scraps and liquids.
Busy kitchens are perfect places for two sinks and especially when more than one person likes to cook. A second sink avoids bumping into each other and makes cooking a meal or baking more manageable and faster.
When installing a second sink in a large kitchen across the room from the main sink, it creates two distinctive prep areas to allow for several people to be cooking, rinsing, cleaning, and preparing at the same time. Families who cook together will appreciate having two workstations in the kitchen to keep tasks separate.
How Do You Use Two Kitchen Sinks?
Making use of two kitchen sinks opens up many conveniences and promotes safe food handling. While one sink can be designated for food prep and mixing, the other can be the clean-up area.
It’s safe to keep cleaners away from food, and having a place to rinse dishes or platters, separate from food prep, makes for a more sanitary kitchen.
A sink earmarked as a clean-up area is also great for washing hands, rinsing out wash rags, or giving bowls a quick rinse.
Once you decide to install an extra sink or design your new kitchen with two sinks, there are a few options to choose from:
• What will the function of the sink be?
• What size will work?
• What area in the kitchen will make the sink convenient?
• Will guests make use of the sink?
• Will children be using the sink?
• Do you entertain often?
• Is your kitchen a busy family hub?
Considering these questions helps simplify and decide what type of sinks to purchase and where they should be installed. If the kitchen has a large pantry, a second sink nearby makes food prep easier by having ingredients close on hand.
For a home with children and busy schedules, a second sink across from the main sink where all the food prep and washing is happening allows children or guests to wash up or have a spot to place their dishes after a meal or dessert.
For multi-generational families who have a long history of cooking together, two sinks in a kitchen give everyone room to work together without bumping elbows.
However, if a kitchen is small, a second sink may need to be smaller and be helpful for a quick rinse of a bowl or pot.
Where To Put Second Sink In The Kitchen
As previously discussed, the second sink in a kitchen has many uses and purposes. If trying to decide where a second sink will work the best, consider the following:
• As a Workstation: If the sink is a workstation, consider placing it opposite the main sink and across the kitchen.
• For Water Access: For family members or guests to have access to water, place the second sink also away from the main sink and close to the kitchen entrance.
• As a Coffee Station: If you and your family and guests are coffee aficionados, having a set-off kitchen area for a small sink and coffee maker setup provides easy access to that morning cup or after-meal brew.
• Easy Access in a Peninsula: If you have a peninsula jutting out from the wall, a second sink in the middle gives access from the front and back so multiple people can use the sink simultaneously.
• Next to the Main Sink: Of course, putting a second sink right next to the main sink makes it easy to cook and clean at the same time.
What Is A Second Small Sink For?
A second small sink in any kitchen makes for an easy place to set up a custom home bar for mixing drinks for you and guests. Wet bars don’t take up much space and make for a convenient spot to make drinks and still visit with guests.
Place a second small sink as a wet bar either in or near a peninsula, an island or between the kitchen and dining room.
Whether you have a large or small kitchen, a small sink set off by itself can be used as a hand-washing station, a spot to wash baby bottles, or simply for extra kitchen duties such as cutting fresh flowers.
Second Sink In Kitchen Island
A kitchen with an island is a great place to put a second sink. Islands are often the most-used spot for food prep and communal cooking and baking.
Having the additional water source is also a benefit making clean-up easier. Having a kitchen island with a sink is also helpful for dish overflow, pots and pans, and glasses and mugs.
Kitchen Island With 2 Sinks
Everyone knows a houseful of family and friends on holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas means many helpers in the kitchen. A kitchen island with 2 sinks is a life-saver when everyone is visiting, cooking, and cleaning and counter space is premium.
Two sinks in the kitchen island provide the same benefits as a double main sink. One side can be for food clean-up and the other for washing dishes and cookware.
When planning to have two sinks in your kitchen, there’s never a disadvantage!
Visit our guide on the differences between a single vs double kitchen sink for more related content.
