The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Choosing the Perfect Workstation Sink

Dual-tier, Paragon™ workstation copper undermount sink with twin 9750 Waterstone faucets.

Choosing the right sink for your kitchen is not just about utility anymore; it's about maximizing productivity, enhancing functionality, and adding a dash of style to your culinary space.  Welcome to the new age of workstation sinks, the cornerstone of today's innovative kitchens. 

What is a Workstation Sink?

A workstation sink is an evolved kitchen essential. It goes beyond the basic function of washing to offer integrated accessories like cutting boards, colanders, and drying racks that slide or fit within the sink’s basin. These features help you manage tasks like chopping, rinsing, and drying all in one place. The once necessary countertop space is now diminished by the fact that the sink literally becomes valuable counter space. 

Some of the Benefits of a Workstation Sink

1. There is no need for wiping down countertops after food preparation on a cutting board that sits on the counter.

2. Cleaning and rinsing the cutting board is typically easier, as a quality cutting board can go in the dishwasher.

3. No more sponge storage issues. A sponge caddy not only stores the sponge but also stores the top to your drain or disposal flange.

4. Thaw foods inside your sink without filling it with water. Whether or not you choose a copper sink, you can invest in a multi-use grid that can sit inside your sink that will thaw foods many times faster than any other method.

5. Saving time! Time is a valuable commodity, and an efficient workstation sink will cut down the food preparation time by as much as 30 to 40%. 

6. Ideal for small kitchens! A small workstation sink, properly designed, can add efficiency that can easily be measured. A 24" workstation sink can easily outperform much larger non-workstation sinks.

7. Home value is increased. A home with a properly designed workstation sink most certainly increases the value of a home when it comes to putting it on the market. Many sellers have commented that their workstation sink played an integral part in selling their homes. 

What to Look for in a Workstation Sink

1. Material choice is important. Look for a material that will last the test of time. There are very few, if any, materials that will last as long as a metal sink. Investing in stainless, copper, bronze and brass offers a sink that (if made properly) will last generations.

2. What are your priorities? Do you want a sink that will save you time in food preparation? Do you want a sink that will save you time in cleaning pots and pans? Do you want a sink that will hold a half sheet pan next to a cutting board? Do you have a steam oven with shelves that will fit next to a cutting board on the sink? All of these are possible with a Rachiele workstation sink.

3. Look at the fine details. Look at the width of the bowl. If the bowl is not 18" , front to back, it will not allow for a half sheet pan or the shelf of a steam oven to sit next to a cutting board. Look at the dimension below the top support, meaning the front to back dimension at the bottom of the sink. The NexGen™ and Paragon™ workstation sinks have a whopping 18" width at the bottom. Look at the quality and functionality of the accessories offered.

4.  Is a Custom Workstation Sink Right for You?  If budget allows, a custom sink has significant benefits over mass produced sinks. This is a brief list of considerations that would alter a custom sink design. 1. Handedness  2. Single or multiple users  3. Height of user(s)  4. Food preparation style  5. Where vegetables are garnered - farmers market, home grown or grocery store?

Better Homes and Gardens wrote an article, published on June 8, 2023, entitled "Workstation Sinks are this year's must have kitchen upgrade"  Workstation sinks are truly the way of the future!

Lastly, pay close attention to reviews. I have found that short reviews with 5 stars have little meaning to me. When customers "love" a product or service, they write one or more paragraphs. They do the same when they dislike a product or service. Truly, this is where you should put a great deal of weight in your decision making.