Got That Sinking Feeling?

Choosing a commercial sink sounds straightforward — until you start comparing the options.

Single bowl or double?
Left-hand drainer or right?
With cabinet? Without?
Flat pack or fully welded?

There are more variations than most expect. Here’s how to narrow it down.

Start With the Bowl

Single Bowl

Best where space is tight or the sink supports lighter tasks — hand washing, utensil rinse-down or prep use.

Compact footprint. Simple layout.

Double Bowl

Better for busier kitchens. One bowl to wash, one to rinse. It keeps workflow moving when multiple jobs overlap.

If you regularly wash large pots or trays, bowl depth matters as much as width.

Drainer — Left, Right or Both?

This affects workflow more than preference.

Left-hand drainer suits kitchens moving left to right.
Right-hand supports the opposite flow.
Double drainers offer flexibility where space allows.
No drainer keeps things compact — useful if dishwashing happens elsewhere.

Look at how your team actually works before deciding.

Width and Depth

Commercial sinks come in different sizes for a reason.

Wider units suit higher throughput.
Deeper bowls handle larger cookware.
Shallower units work well in prep areas.

Measure properly. Check wall space. Allow clearance for plumbing, upstands and nearby equipment.

A sink that technically fits is not always practical.

Flat Pack or Fully Welded?

Flat Pack

Easier to move through tight access points
Assembled on site
Useful for restricted installations

Fully Welded

Delivered rigid and ready
Faster to position and connect
Stronger overall construction

Access often decides this more than preference.

If the sink will see heavy daily use, check the steel thickness and bracing. Lighter units suit prep areas; heavier gauge models handle higher traffic.

Open Frame or Cabinet Under?

Open Frame

Easier cleaning underneath
Lower cost
Practical for general wash areas

Cabinet Under

Hides pipework
Adds storage
Cleaner finish in visible prep areas

Consider where the sink sits — back-of-house utility or customer-facing environment.

Specialist Sinks

Not every sink is for general washing.

Utility sinks suit heavy back-of-house cleaning.
Cleaner’s bucket sinks make filling and emptying safer.
Some units house water boilers underneath.
Others include enclosed cabinets as part of the build.

These are designed for specific tasks.

They are also not a substitute for a dedicated handwash basin. Food businesses are legally required to provide separate handwashing facilities for staff, and a standard sink does not meet that requirement.

One Important Detail

Taps are not included as standard.

That allows you to choose what suits your setup — deck mounted, wall mounted, pre-rinse or pillar taps. We’re happy to advise on compatibility.

Where to Start

Measure your space.
Think about workflow.
Consider who’s using it and how often.

Then choose the setup that suits the way your kitchen actually operates.

If you’ve got that sinking feeling, give us a call. We’ll help you get it right first time.

Got That Sinking Feeling?