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Where your comfort is our priority
We manufacture sinks that make sense!
Leading the industry since 1999

 


Sink design Ergonomics

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Speaking of Ergonomics, the sink industry should be ashamed of itself when it comes to providing a sink for someone in a wheelchair. We have designed the only A.D.A. sink on the market that makes sense for wheelchair use. The design is patent pending. All of the others we have seen have a drain in the middle, making it impossible to legs to fit comfortably under the sink. Basically, the industry has taken standard sinks and made them shallow for wheelchair use.  (Click here for more information)

Our patented sink is custom made to be wide enough to fully slide underneath with a wheelchair. It is supported on either side by rails (provided) attached to the wall. The sink is basically free standing.   The drain is located in the right rear corner, so the plumbing will not be in the way. The faucet deck is in the front left corner, so the user can actually reach the faucet. The sink is only 6" deep, so the user can reach the bottom comfortably. This sink would look awesome in any kitchen. No need for barrier free sinks to look cheap and ugly any more. The above sink is designed for a right handed person. We build the reverse for our left handed customers. We are working with our sister company to mass produce these sinks in an effort to provide pricing everyone can afford. This has been a passion of Dino's for years. He noticed that most barrier free products carry an extraordinarily high price. His policy has always been to offer these types of products at a very slim profit, so those in need can have usable products.

Ergonomics, the difference between comfort and a back ache!

There is little doubt that the kitchen sink is one of the most used appliances in the home. For generations, we have ignored this active area, force fitting stock sized, obsolete designed sinks into custom kitchens.

As a veteran kitchen designer, appalled by the lack of well-designed sinks in the market, I began to design and manufacture my own. Sinks may appear similar, but there is a huge difference when they are properly designed. The best analogy might be the difference between a $10 and $200 pair of sneakers. They may seem outwardly similar, but on the inside, comfort levels are worlds apart. When you use your current sink, I bet that you have to hold your pots, pans and platters partially outside the sink when you wash them. They don't fit down inside the bowl like they should. When you have a properly designed sink with a rear corner drain, you will be able to place everything you wash at the bottom of the sink without covering the drain. With our sink, you will work at the bottom of the sink much more often, thus a deep sink will be inappropriate. Deep sinks are necessary only when items do not fit in the sink.

Combining ergonomics, cutting edge style and design, Rachiele has realized the true custom sink. Our sinks are handcrafted with the finest quality material, according to the personal requirements of each client. They reflect the handedness, height and personality of the owner, ensuring optimal functionality and distinctive appeal. Consequently, we have become a designer's dream.

Things to consider:

 

Yes, a 9" deep is too deep!!! Most sinks are undermounted under granite, which effectively makes the sink 10 1/4" deep. That is just too deep if you are going to be working at the bottom of the sink. Think about this... the countertop (36" tall) is designed to be a comfortable work surface. Now subtract 10 1/4" from that comfortable height. You are effectively working at a 25 3/4" height. Take this test and then tell me if I am not correct. Make a work surface that is 25 3/4" tall. Get a paper and pen. Try writing a letter while standing and using the surface height you have just made. One more thing, make sure you are standing several inches back from your work surface (just like you would at a sink). Go ahead, write a long letter. I can assure you will have a back ache.
 

User Height: Did you know that there is an optimal sink depth proportionate to your height. Oh yes, your height does matter! Do you get tired while working at the sink? Or worse yet, get back aches like I used to? If so, your sink is not the right height. After 25 years in space planning and kitchen design, I have observed the following consistencies between user height and bowl depth.
 

User Height:  

    Suggested bowl depth

Under 5'     

    6 3/4"

5’0" to 5’3"  

     7"

5’4" to 5"5" 

     7 1/2"

5’5" to 5’6"    

     8"

5’6" to 5’11"

     8 1/4"    This group can work with a 9 inch deep with minimal discomfort

6’0"  to 6'2"

     7 1/2"

6'2" and taller

     7"

• These sinks are generally mounted under a countertop with a thickness of at least 3/4".
 

Please keep in mind that the above categories do not apply to everyone. Contact one of our design specialists for a personalized consultation.
 

Drain Location: The drains in our sinks are typically positioned in the right rear or left rear (for left handed users). This is ergonomically correct and also solves an age old kitchen design problem. Click here to see what we mean. Sinks with drains in the center are obsolete! No one has truly looked at sink design for function and comfort until Rachiele.

 

Faucet Selection: Without question, the faucet should be selected before, or in conjunction with ordering a custom sink. The spout length, coupled with the height of the user, is significant with regard to choosing a front-to-back dimension for your sink.
 

 

 We may be reached from 8:00am to 5:00pm Eastern, Monday through Friday at 1-800-881-9044. Our fax number is 800-538-5359.
 


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