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The Rachiele® Journal
Insights on design, craftsmanship, and the modern kitchen.


What to Look for Before You Buy a Workstation Sink - A 27-Year Education in What Matters and What to Avoid
Before you buy a workstation sink, most people ask the wrong questions. Here's what actually matters - materials, corners, ergonomics, and who's building it.

Dino Rachiele
8 min read


Why Most People Hate Their Corner Kitchen Sink - And What 27 Years of Replacing Them Taught Me
For 27 years I've been replacing double bowl corner sinks that homeowners can't stand. Learn what makes them fail and how a custom single bowl corner workstation sink changes everything.

Dino Rachiele
7 min read


What Makes a High Quality Kitchen Sink? A Guide from the Inventor of the Workstation Sink
What separates a high quality kitchen sink from one that just looks good on a spec sheet? Dino Rachiele, inventor of the workstation sink, breaks down the six factors that matter most: material grade, gauge, construction, finish, drainage, and ergonomics. A 27-year guide to buying smarter.

Dino Rachiele
7 min read


Single bowl vs. double bowl: Which is better?
Single bowl vs. double bowl: Which is better? Over the past decade, single bowl kitchen sinks have become the clear favorite in both professional and residential kitchens.

Dino Rachiele
2 min read


What are the downsides of a composite sink? What Homeowners Should Know Before Choosing One.
Composite kitchen sinks may look durable at first, but long-term use often reveals issues with staining, heat damage, discoloration, and permanent surface wear. Learn the real downsides homeowners should consider before choosing a composite sink.

Dino Rachiele
3 min read


NASA-Level Precision: Why Experts Said This Brass-to-316L Fusion Was Impossible
For over two decades, the metallurgical "experts" in the kitchen industry have repeated the same script: "You cannot fuse architectural brass directly to 316L surgical-grade stainless steel." They pointed to the vastly different melting points and the risk of warping or brittle joints. They said it couldn't be done reliably. In 2022, we decided to ignore the "experts" and trust our own hands. The Sink That Proved the Impossible: A Masterpiece in My Own Kitchen "This isn't j

Dino Rachiele
3 min read


Workstation Sink Buying Guide - 5 Design Details That Matter Most
Workstation Sink Buying Guide: Before buying a workstation sink, learn the five details that matter most, bowl size, drain performance, accessories, build quality, and material selection.

Dino Rachiele
6 min read
The Home Chef’s Guide to Investing in a Kitchen Sink (And What Retailers Won’t Tell You)
Stop designing your kitchen around a 'standard' mistake. Most luxury sinks are ergonomic disasters that lead to back pain and hygiene issues. In this guide, Dino Rachiele reveals the '9-Inch Rule,' why 316L surgical steel is the only real lifetime investment, and exactly how to spot a poor weld in product photos before you click 'buy.' Learn the truth that big-box retailers won't tell you.

Dino Rachiele
6 min read


How to Calculate the Proper Kitchen Sink Size for Your Family
Learn how to calculate the proper kitchen sink size based on how your family cooks, how many people use the sink, cabinet size, and the value of your home.

Dino Rachiele
5 min read


Essential Tips for a Successful Kitchen Sink Replacement
Replace your outdated double bowl sink with a single bowl workstation sink in a day, without replacing your countertops.

Dino Rachiele
6 min read


Ideal Kitchen Sink Depth by Height - Why Most Sinks Are Too Deep
Most people assume deeper is better when it comes to kitchen sinks. It isn't. After 27 years of designing ergonomic custom sinks - and hearing from customers who wish they had listened - here is what the industry will never tell you about sink depth.

Dino Rachiele
4 min read


The 5 Design Details That Separate a Great Workstation Sink From a Disappointing One
If you’re shopping for a workstation sink, you’re probably doing what most smart homeowners do. You’re trying to get the biggest, most functional sink you can fit into your cabinet without giving up beauty or long-term durability.

Dino Rachiele
4 min read


Where Are Popular Stainless Steel and Copper Sink Brands Made?
Uncovering the Global Journey of Your Kitchen Sink "From high-tech stainless steel production lines in Asia to the centuries-old coppersmithing traditions of Mexico and India, every sink has a story. We’ve mapped out the manufacturing origins of the industry’s most popular brands—including Kohler, Elkay, Ruvati, and Kraus—to help you understand exactly where your home’s centerpiece comes from." We've noticed that "Where are [brand] sinks made?" is a surprisingly common query

Dino Rachiele
4 min read


What to Expect During Your Custom Sink Zoom Design Consult with Dino
What to Expect During Your Custom Sink Zoom Design Consult with Dino

Dino Rachiele
4 min read


Curated kitchen and home product trends - by Dino
Caraway non-stick ceramic pan set These are some of my favorite items. I own many of the items below and have tested them - and I am picky. I hope you find them to be just as wonderful as I do. Just click on the underlined text to see each item on Amazon. Just click on the bold, underlined text below. Caraway Non-stick Ceramic Cookware Set (12 Piece) PFAS & PFOA Free - Oven Safe Pan Set & Compatible with All Stovetops Insinkerator has been the king of garbage disposals fo

Dino Rachiele
4 min read


History of the kitchen sink
Where we started... The history of the kitchen sink begins with the introduction of running water. Once plumbing entered the home, the kitchen sink quickly became one of the most essential and modern fixtures in daily life, second only to the stove. It was the center of activity. Food was washed and prepared there. Pots, pans, and dishes were cleaned. Many household tasks happened at the sink, day after day. Because of its importance, early kitchen sinks were built large and

Dino Rachiele
7 min read


Kitchen Design Trends-2026... which ones to follow
Kitchen design trends - Which ones to follow and which ones to avoid.

Dino Rachiele
5 min read


Remodeling your kitchen? What can you expect?
Rendering provided by custom cabinet company If you are remodeling a kitchen and you are using custom or semi-custom cabinetry, expect to leave a deposit with your design firm when you order. They may also require a retainer prior to ordering, so they can assist in designing and pricing your kitchen. Retainers are generally fully applied toward the initial payment. There are two popular formats followed by most companies. They are 50/40/10 and 40/50/10. What does that mean t

Dino Rachiele
7 min read


Where to splurge and where to save when remodeling a kitchen
Time to update your kitchen? Remodeling a kitchen can be an exciting and daunting task at the same time. While a kitchen renovation can add significant value to your home and enhance the functionality of the space, it can also be an expensive venture. However, with careful planning and smart decision-making, you can achieve the kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank. In this blog, we'll discuss where to splurge and where to spend less when remodeling a kitchen. The

Dino Rachiele
3 min read


Designing a kitchen for your new home
Please remember, the kitchen is the heart of the home. The sink is the heart of the kitchen. Your other appliances do not get nearly as much use! Designing a kitchen for a new home is an exciting task, but it can also be overwhelming. The architect likely has a rudimentary plan drawn up. Keep in mind, most architects have little or no kitchen design experience. It might feel a bit overwhelming at the point you receive architectural drawings for your new home. The kitchen i

Dino Rachiele
4 min read
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