Kitchen Sink Buying Guide: Single vs. Double Basin and Faucet Pairing

Choosing the wrong kitchen sink makes washing pots and dishes a pain. Single basin or double basin? Handmade sink or drawn sink? Undermount or flush-mount? How to choose a faucet? This guide breaks it all down based on real-world usage.

Product category overview

1. Single Basin vs. Double Basin

Single Basin

Pros

Large space, easily fits woks and cutting boards
No divider, no obstacles when rinsing large items
Suits Chinese cooking (big pots and pans)

Cons

Washing dishes and produce share the same space, no separation
Requires a colander or basin insert for assistance

Best for: Small kitchens, primarily Chinese cooking, frequent use of large pots

Double Basin

Pros

Separates raw and cooked foods, separates grease
Wash vegetables on one side while draining on the other
Can pair with a garbage disposal on just one side

Cons

Individual basin space is small, large pots won't fit
The center divider takes up space
Dual drain pipes are more complex

Best for: Large kitchens, primarily Western cooking, emphasis on hygiene zoning

Large Single Basin + Drainage Accessories = Best Solution

Large single basin (≥750mm) + colander + basin insert
Combines the space of a single basin with the zoning of a double basin
Currently the most popular choice

Size Reference

Type	Recommended Width	Recommended Depth
Small Single Basin	500-600mm	≥200mm
Large Single Basin	750-900mm	≥220mm
Double Basin (Total Width)	750-900mm	≥200mm

⚠️ Pitfall: Sink depth <200mm easily splashes water. 220mm or more provides a much better experience.

2. Sink Materials

304 Stainless Steel (Most Common)

Specs

Material: 304 stainless steel (SUS304)
Thickness: 0.8-1.2mm
Surface finish: Brushed / Pearl sand / Embossed

Pros: Corrosion-resistant, non-staining, easy to clean, great value Cons: May show scratches, water spots are visible

Thickness Selection

Thickness	Feel	Deformation Risk	Price
0.8mm	Thin	Higher	Low
1.0mm	Moderate	Low	Medium
1.2mm	Sturdy	Very Low	High

⚠️ Pitfall: Labeling as "SUS304" but actually using 201 stainless steel is a common scam. 201 stainless steel rusts easily. Use a testing solution to verify.

Quartz Composite Sink

Composition: 80% quartz sand + 20% resin Pros: High aesthetic appeal, non-staining, quiet, heat-resistant Cons: Expensive, heavy, may attract grease Colors: Black, gray, white, etc.

Ceramic Sink

Pros: Smooth, non-stick to oil, high aesthetic appeal Cons: Heavy, prone to chipping, fragile Best for: Western-style kitchens, light cooking

Material Comparison

Feature	Stainless Steel	Quartz Composite	Ceramic
Durability	★★★★★	★★★★	★★★
Easy to Clean	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★★
Antibacterial	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★★
Noise Reduction	★★	★★★★	★★★★
Aesthetics	★★★	★★★★★	★★★★
Price	★★★★	★★	★★★

3. Installation Methods

Undermount

Installation: Sink is fixed from below the countertop
Pros: No rim on the countertop, hygienic and easy to clean, water wipes directly into the sink
Cons: Complex installation, limited weight-bearing capacity
Recommendation: The most popular installation method

Flush-Mount (Zero-Reveal)

Installation: Sink edge is flush with the countertop surface
Pros: Aesthetic, easy to clean, good weight-bearing capacity
Cons: Requires high precision in countertop cutout
Recommendation: Balances aesthetics and practicality

Top-Mount (Drop-In)

Installation: Sink sits on top of the countertop
Pros: Simplest installation, best weight-bearing capacity
Cons: Caulked edges are prone to mold and blackening
Not Recommended: Edge cleaning is a long-term pain point

4. Handmade Sink vs. Drawn Sink

Drawn Sink (Machine-Made)

Process: Formed by stamping and drawing a single sheet of steel
Feature: Larger corner radius (curved transitions)
Pros: No welds, no hidden dirt traps, lower price
Cons: Large corner radius reduces usable corner cleaning area

Handmade Sink

Process: Formed by bending and welding steel plates
Feature: Very small corner radius (nearly right angles)
Pros: Square and neat, larger capacity, modern look
Cons: Welds may trap dirt, higher price

How to Choose

Prioritize practicality and easy cleaning → Drawn sink (large R-angle is easier to scrub)
Prioritize aesthetics and capacity → Handmade sink (square and spacious)

5. Kitchen Faucet Selection

Faucet Types

Type	Features	Best For
Fixed Gooseneck Faucet	Basic model	Small sinks
Pull-Down/Pull-Out Faucet	Extends 60-80cm	Large single basins (recommended)
360° Swivel Faucet	Works with double basins	Double basins

Key Faucet Specs

Material

Body: Brass (lead content compliant) > Stainless steel > Zinc alloy
Cartridge: Ceramic cartridge (standard)

Spray Modes

Stream: Daily rinsing
Spray: Large-area rinsing
One-button switching is ideal

Pull-Down Faucet Selection

Hose length: 60-80cm
Retraction mechanism: Weight (stable) > Spring
Drip prevention: Check for dripping after retraction

Functional Accessories

Filtered Water Outlet: Small spout for connecting a water filter
Soap Dispenser: Convenient for dish soap
Colander/Knife Block: Complementary accessories

6. Buying Pitfalls to Avoid

❌ Choosing a double basin that's too small → Pots won't fit, becomes useless
❌ Depth <200mm → Water splashes everywhere
❌ Top-mount sink → Edges will eventually mold
❌ 201 steel masquerading as 304 → Test with a detection solution
❌ Ignoring the drain assembly → Choose a large-diameter, odor-proof drain
❌ Not leaving a filtered water outlet → Drilling later is a hassle

💡 Summary: The three core elements of kitchen sink selection are a large single basin (≥750mm) + undermount/flush-mount installation + a pull-down faucet. A depth of 220mm or more prevents splashing. 304 stainless steel offers the best value, while quartz composite offers the best aesthetics. Don't overlook the drain assembly and odor prevention, or kitchen smells will be a persistent problem.