How you use your kitchen will really determine whether you want or need a double bowl kitchen sink. We're partial to single bowl kitchen sinks.

Today's kitchen's usually sport sleek stainless steel double bowl sinks mounted underneath granite countertops. Less expensive sinks have a rim and can be mounted on a Formica or Corian countertop.

If you want to wow your friends and guests in your gourmet kitchen, you probably should get a double bowl sink. However, before you dismiss a single bowl sink entirely consider how you use your kitchen and the working space on each side of your sink to prepare food.

What to consider when shopping for a Kitchen Sink
On first blush, double bowl sinks make sense. They essentially divide the overall sink area into a large and smaller bowls for specific tasks. The size of the main bowl is usually adequate for most cooking, except those holiday meals when even the largest sinks can't handle the onslaught.

The second bowl is much smaller and not as deep. It's rarely used for any serious things besides rinsing and washing small quantities of fruit and vegetables. Because the smaller bowl is much shallower, there is also a tendency to splash water all over the place when using it. Small children will be delighted with this but the adults may not appreciate it.

The size of your sink base (the kitchen cabinet that will hold or provide space for your sink) is definitely a consideration. We ordinarily would not consider a double bowl sink for anything less than a 36 inch sink base. Anything smaller just does not make sense and a waste of money.

When you shop for a kitchen sink, you must make sure that it is appropriate for the sink base that you have. Generally undermount kitchen sinks need a larger sink base. That means your undermount sink will be smaller than the 36 inch sink base cabinet. If you want a larger sink, that has to be considered when you are planning the kitchen. If you have granite countertops than you definitely want an undermount sink.

If you are getting a over the counter mounted kitchen sink, you can generally get a larger sink into the same space. Always look for specifics from the manufacturer regarding the minimum sink base size that the sink can be installed in.

No matter what type of sink you choose, avoid the ones that are too shallow. We also think that stainless steel sinks make sense in today's kitchens. Yes, some of the white enamel sinks look pretty cool. However, we think that they may be more susceptible to chipping from pots and pans and cutlery.

Consider how you will use your kitchen?
The first question you should be asking is "Who's involved in cooking in your house?" The second question is "Is my kitchen the focal point for my family?

Your answers will ultimately determine how much traffic and use your kitchen will get and by who. For example, if your kitchen is just a showcase and you are not contemplating any serious cooking, then get the double bowl sink.

However, if you both cook and your family is into preparing meals from scratch, then definitely get the largest single bowl sink you can afford.

Whether you realize it or not, your kitchen is a "working kitchen" and in such cases you need space to work and can't be constrained by a smaller second bowl or for that matter a shallow sink.

What we chose?
Based on the above story, we should have chosen a large, deep single bowl kitchen sink. We didn't because we bought a Blanco double bowl sink online for a good price and we waited too long to return it. So, if you do buy online make sure you like your sink and if not return it well before the deadline for exchanges expires.

For the latest in kitchen sink designs, see Trendir.com.