Here's what to consider when choosing a new kitchen sink.

How many bowls?

Consider how you use your kitchen sink. Do you wash a lot of baking pans? If so, consider a large single bowl sink or a dual level sink with enough room to lay the pans down to soak. Most dual level sinks feature an oversized bowl to wash or soak things, with another smaller sink for rinsing or a garbage disposal. Make sure both bowls are large enough to meet your kitchen needs. If you share kitchen responsibilities, consider two sinks. One can be used for food prep and the other for clean-up. An island or bar sink, usually a smaller single bowl sink, is the best option.

Important Features

Steep, straight side walls: Deeper bowls can accommodate soaking and rinsing large pots and pans. A relatively flat sink bottom increases usable bowl space and allows dishes and glasses to be safely stacked.

Off-set drains: Placing the drains to one side provides more flat space for stacking dishes and glasses and creates more usable space under the sink. Offset drains also allow water to drain, even if a large pan or tray is soaking in the sink.

Web or divider: For double bowl sinks, make sure the web divider between the two bowls is lower than the outside sink walls. This will provide overflow protection by allowing water to flow from one bowl to the other.

Off-set drains: Placing the drains to one side provides more flat space for stacking dishes and glasses and creates more usable space under the sink. Offset drains also allow water to drain, even if a large pan or tray is soaking in the sink.

Off-set drains: Placing the drains to one side provides more flat space for stacking dishes and glasses and creates more usable space under the sink. Offset drains also allow water to drain, even if a large pan or tray is soaking in the sink.