stillwatergal -- 30" or 33" is pretty narrow and doesn't leave you much room. At 32" there is just enough room for the chopping board and the colander ring, with zero extra. I hardly ever lift the boards out, so weight isn't an issue, although I don't find the wooden cutting board particularly heavy, and the plastic colandar board is mostly air. Sandwiched between the copper grate and the cutting board, it keeps the underside of the board dry with air circulation. The copper grate is the heaviest.

Rachiele copper sink · More Info

Just one more thing. I really like the small roll up dryer mats that you can now get for any sink. They come in a variety of sizes and I'm sure that no matter what sink I choose, one of them will be in my future. Even though my DH does most of the washing up, he too loves them. I do all the cooking and I need to have a lot of flexibility. That's what drew me to the WS sinks to begin with, but in a smaller size, and with only 1 sink in my kitchen for prep and for clean up, I didn't end up loving the functionality. But very definitely a purely personal choice and in no way a condemnation of the idea or the various executions I looked at.

stillwatergal -- All my dishes go in the dishwasher with the exception of the baking sheets, grates, and one bowl which are all way too large for the dishwasher (they don't actually fit completely in the sink either), so drying by the sink is not an issue for me.

Almost all of ours go in the dw also. But there are frequently some yucky pots or pans and always knives that don’t make it. And then there are the things you find outside of the kitchen just when the dw is at the end of the wash cycle....

"...why would anyone regret a workstation? It’s more expensive, but it adds functionality. You could always just not use the accessories."

@eam44 I like the idea of workstations sinks, and even just purchased one, but there are arguments against them. If someone knows they do not want a workstation sink, they will gain front to back basin space by not having one. Each tier typically reduces usable front to back space by 1 inch or more. For 2 shelves, that's 2 inches, which is considerable when dealing with large items.

I realize that Rachiele has a new version that gets around that by creating bulb outs that return back, but for 98% of people looking for sinks, $4000+ or more for a Paragon sink from @Rachiele Custom Sinks (with all of the workstation upgrades) is out of the budget. Don't get me wrong, I'd love one of those sinks.

Hello Luke, our Paragon™ sink is not our most efficient sink, especially when under 48". We have other options that are far less expensive and more efficient than other designs on the market. Also, there are only three accessories required to have a fully functional workstation sink; a cutting board, a perforated metal grid, and a sponge caddy.

Luke Hagenbach Real Estate -- "Each tier typically reduces usable front to back space by 1 inch or more". While technically true, it's not space that I've ever missed. The bowls and baking sheets that are too large for the sink would still be too large even if the sides were straight. Our Rachiele sink only has the one tier and I haven't missed the second tier. Perhaps if I had a 60" or larger sink rather than a 42" sink, the second tier would be more useful.

Thanks for the comment Jerry. Since your sink, we have developed a design that recaptures the lost 1" below the step. That design is called NexGen™ . In fact, all of our sinks now offer the ability to place a half sheet pan on the top tier, including the Signature Series workstation sink.

@Rachiele Custom Sinks Thanks for the clarification on the name of the most efficient system for under 48". I confused the Paragon with the NexGen as being the most efficient system with its 3-tiers. It looks like you don't actually recommend it unless a large sink is being purchased. Your sinks are definitely great-looking and seem very well made.

I bought a partial workstation sink for my upcoming remodel. I haven't used it yet. Basically, it has the accessories ledge and comes with a fitting cutting board but no other contraptions and nothing permanent. I don't plan to leave the cutting board there when not in use. I almost always use my cutting board over my sink today and did not want to lose that ability when switching over to a farmhouse style from my current double stainless drop in. So, there is an in-between option if you want some options with a "regular" sink.

https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/empire-industries-diamond-27-l-x-18-w-farmhouse-kitchen-sink-with-basket-strainer-frsq1081.html

Hi there Alison. From the manufacturer, it appears there is only one option. Their cutting board is not a very good option for cutting. It appears to be a plastic laminate much like Formica. Houzz is a good place to look for comments on a sink model. Perhaps you should do a search for that model and see what people have to say about it.

I wasn't really looking for feedback. I already bought it. I was just noting to the OP that you can get a sink with the ledge as an in-between option.

Sorry for the confusion.

I bought a less expensive workstation sink (Kraus) and I love having the option of using the large single basin or using the accessories when prepping. I store accessories In a cabinet when not using them. My suggestion is if you go single bowl workstation or just single bowl make sure the bottom channels water to the drain. Some less expensive sinks have a flat bottom which would make it difficult to keep clean

When I was researching workstation sinks, I was having a tough time finding a good comparison between Ruvati and Kraus. Both had a million positive online reviews, but for whatever reason very little detailed reviews comparing them. I was particularly interested in the difference between an inside radius (easy to clean, no welds) and the sharp 90 degree corners (hard to clean, potentially sloppy back welds) that they both offer on their undermount workstation sinks. I discovered that the top mount rounded inside corner Ruvati could be undermounted, and I did a video comparing it to the Kraus undermount right radius version. if it's helpful to anyone, here it is: https://youtu.be/cPjetRiAkaA

rtpaige03 Is there a certain slope to look for that better channels the water to the drain? I'm worried about this bothering me if I get a single basin sink.

Luke thanks for the video-it was very helpful

@shannon I believe all of these 9-10" sinks have similar slopes; however, a right side drain will typically have less of a slope than a center/center beach drain. try to find the detailed PDF drawings from the manufacturer's website so you can see if it goes from 9 to 10 in, or 9 1/2 to 10 in, etc. That will tell you how much slope there for a given distance.

If it helps, the two I compared were the same.

I ran across this thread while looking for something else and wanted to make a comment because I was just thinking a few days ago that I should update the Houzz community somewhere about how my experience with my new workstation sink has been. I opted for an apron-front, single ledge, 42" wide sink with 3D rolled, textured stainless steel to hide water spots and scratches. I used 2 Brizo articulating faucets and would not have wanted to use a single faucet with a sink this width. I have an 18" wide ledge basin strainer and ledge cutting board, so only 2 accessories. The strainer stays in the sink at all times. I really cannot imagine having a sink with accessories like this in a size much smaller than the 42". The basin is deep at around 8" (deeper at full slope) and feels more like a restaurant sink than the shallow, enameled, double-basin sink I had before, but I am getting used to the change and love the extra space. There is no sound absorption padding built into this sink, supposedly not necessary due to the substantial gauge of metal that is used, however, I am particularly sensitive to noise and may try rigging my own pads underneath to see if it quietens anything down. It's not annoying, just louder than the sound of the old enamel sink when water runs. The ergonomics of the apron front are magnificent. I designed my new kitchen with countertops reaching 38 3/4" in height for cooks in the range of 5'7" to 5'11" in height, and it is such an aid to posture and back comfort to have the height of counters and thus the undermounted sink perfectly tailored plus the easy reach of apron front and articulating faucets. I gauged all heights around comfort of cutting on the cutting board on the sink ledge and extrapolated other measurements from there. Overall, I am happy that I went with a workstation sink to maximize space in my small kitchen. Someone with a larger kitchen could perhaps substitute a prep sink and cleanup sink with a third, separate area for draining hand-washed items and not necessarily need the features of a workstation sink in one place, but for smaller kitchens, a 42" wide or larger workstation sink ends up being an economical way to utilize the space.

Silverlined

You recommend workstation sink for people with smaller kitchens. Exactly how small is your kitchen? l have a small U-shaped kitchen and have thought about using a 48" long Elkay sink I bought used. It has two large bowls (one is large enough so even a cookie sheet will lie flat) with a drainboard on one side. I know one kitchen person told me that this is a really large sink for a small kitchen. My thought is that it will replace counter in the same area and enhance functionality. This kind of sounds similar to what you are talking about as far as increasing functionality in a small kitchen.

You recommend workstation sink for people with smaller kitchens. Exactly how small is your kitchen?

I should add in that if I don't use my drainboard Elkay I think I plan to use the 33" Ruvati workstation sink with two bowls. That's why i started looking at this thread.

My kitchen is a standard 10' x 10' and is also U-shaped. I have only 9 cabinets total plus refrigerator, dishwasher, and stove. The sink takes the places of countertop prep area and also dish draining and drying area for large items that are washed by hand. The Elkay sounds perfect for you, though you will probably want to incorporate two faucets for something that long, depending on how much of that width is taken up by drainboard. My 42" wide sink is on the borderline in terms of needing two faucets, but I did go with two and am happy about that as I have one faucet easily reaching for cleanup on one side and another for prep with my workstation accessories on the other side. Two faucets also helps when two cooks are in the kitchen at once, and I have seen people use two faucets with sink smaller than mine for that reason. If my layout had permitted, I would have felt comfortable going as wide as five feet with a workstation sink and using more accessories, but I simply could not work it in to my remodel with the established footprint.

Silverlined

Thanks so much for your detailed reply. I am dealing with a 9 x 13 kitchen so fairly close in size to yours. I had never ever thought about the idea of two faucets so it is an idea to throw into the mix. It's so difficult trying to visualize a larger sink in a smaller kitchen because 99% of smaller kitchens have a standard size single sink with the rest of the area dedicated to counters. Do you by any chance have any photos of your sink in your kitchen?

julieste -- The thing about having a large workstation sink in a small kitchen is that you rarely use the counter space. All the prep is done in the sink (assumes it has large enough accessories--some don't).

@julieste If you are looking for inspiration images, mine wouldn't help because my remodel surrounding the sink isn't finished yet. Is your Elkay sink white? If so, you'll find similar images from some of the Kohler workstation sinks. As to stainless steel, I know that The Galley offers a drain board option if you would like to check out their website for photos. Below are pictured sinks from The Galley including one with a drainboard. For quality I am not the biggest fan of this brand in terms of their construction finishing and accessories design which is why I purchased my own sink from @Havens | Luxury Metals. Click on each photo to see it full size.

The key to designing into small spaces is to make every inch functional.

Newton Kitchens & Design · More Info

A 36 inch base cabinet with large sink , drying rack, waste/recycling center and garbage disposal.

Newton Kitchens & Design · More Info

with the fitted cutting board it also becomes your wet prep area.

I am trying to decide on a sink as well. I wash in the sink, but cut and season by the range. So my cutting board is next to the range.

I never drain in the sink, I wash in the sink and then drain in the dish washer.

I normally have one side of the sink accumulating kids things and glasses during the day, and the other side is cleared up so that I have a space to wash stuff and do the dishes.

I would hate having a smaller sink for the sake of a workstation drainer or chopboard.

The undermount sink can be done with a half inch positive reveal that lends itself to be used as ledge for chopping boards or others.

I have a "sort-of" workstation sink--Kohler Riverby--cast iron with bottom grates and a separate small utility rack that rests on the sink ledge. The rollout drying racks that others mentioned seem to be good options as well, but they don't seem to be multi-useful for holding a sponge and dishrag in the interior of the sink like can be had with an utility rack. I prefer cutting boards on the countertop rather than over the sink and I use a number of different size cutting boards depending on the task. I also own a number of different size colander devices too, salad spinners, regular colanders and small strainers, so I have no need for a single type/size of colander sitting in the sink full-time taking up sink space. I eliminated the colander that came with my sink--it's plastic and kind of cheesy looking anyway. My single basin sink has an offset drain with good pitch for fast draining, which was a priority for me when choosing a single basin sink. Going larger on sink size was not an option for me, because of kitchen dimensions and maybe sink drainage would have been an issue with a larger sink. I also didn't want a lot of sink corners and edges to have to constantly maintain. The Riverby has a ledge that occasionally needs maintenance, but it's smooth and sloped, so not a big deal. I love having a big open basin, which is why I decided to go single basin. I would seriously consider a workstation, but only if all your other sink priorities align for you.

@Aglitter How is your Havens sink holding up? How easy are the corners to clean? Are the welds very precise?

TXGuy I’ve had my havens copper sink for about a year and its amazing. I havent had a problem cleaning the corners, here’s a pic of the weld.

@Coffeeluvmama Thank you, and I'm glad you're enjoying your sink so much!

Hi @TXGuy that is someone else who replied above. My Havens is stainless steel. My welds are pretty good. The corners and the sink itself have been tough to clean, but I feel sure it is because I got the textured metal all over. Doing it again, I would pick smooth metal. Scratches can always be buffed out of smooth metal with fine sandpaper. It's a sturdy sink, but I might do a bit more shopping next time. I think corners with no seams at all would have suited me better. I did get the apron front which not a lot of other manufacturers offer on a workstation sink, and I LOVE it. It is a very ergonomic design being able to get so close to your working area. I also have an 18" wide strainer which I use constantly and love, and I have a single ledge for a cutting board. I got a single ledge to cut back with cleaning and am happy with that. For my uses, there wasn't a need for a double ledge. Nothing in life is ever perfect, and I very well might have gone with Havens given a second chance, but I would ditch the textured metal and go with smooth next time.

@Aglitter Oops! That's what I get for reading too quickly. And it explains why I thought you had a stainless sink and was surprised to see copper :)

Thank you for the feedback on your sink. I have read from others that the textured finish is hard to clean, although it does a good job at hiding water spots and scratches. I definitely want the apron front and the shallower bowl (8") than is standard from other manufacturers. I am also going to do a single ledge, and am trying to decide what brand. The sinks are super expensive, and I don't want to end up disappointed. I currently have a granite composite sink and like it a lot and am wondering if I should pursue another in that material. The issue is that I couldn't get the size I wanted. Somewhere I'm going to need to make a tradeoff.

TXGuy -- The Rachiele copper sink I have doesn't take even five minutes a week to clean and it's in daily use. Mine is also a single ledge. I think the two ledge sinks are best if they are really large (greater than 60"). Installed in 2017, here are two pictures with and without flash.

@Jerry Jorgenson Thanks for the additional datapoints. I've seen your many posts about your sink and how much you enjoy it. I am really torn how to proceed -- doing an "apples to apples" comparison, Rachiele is ~70% more than Havens, which is a big pill to swallow IMHO.

The textured metal does hide water spots and scratches, but the extra cleaning isn't worth it to me. Are you sure you have the right numbers? Rachiele has always been more expensive than Havens, but not by that much. You do know that Havens used to manufacture sinks for Rachiele, right? The quality is about the same. I went with Havens partly due to better pricing. The thing that turned me away from granite composite sinks is that they can crack sooner or later. It is always a risk you take with that material. In terms of copper versus stainless steel, copper does have some antibacterial properties that stainless steel doesn't, but copper can also be a reactive metal with other pots and pans you may leave in the sink, possibly corroding them. Also, copper is a softer metal than stainless steel, so if scratches bother you, you may end up with fewer deep scratches on the stainless steel, though both metals can definitely scratch. Some people cannot tolerate the multi-colored patina copper develops while others feel it fits perfectly with their aesthetic. Stainless steel is a lot easier to match in terms of other appliances, faucets, hardware pulls, and other accessory metal items. I purchased 2 Brizo articulating faucets for my Havens workstation sink and have been very happy with them. Ergonomics was a top priority in my kitchen remodel, and the articulating faucets are integral to that along with the apron front sink to reduce back strain.

@Aglitter I was surprised about the pricing, too. When I started to look at these sinks in mid-2021, Rachiele was a bit more expensive than Havens, but now the delta is significant. Pricing the exact same hand-finished stainless single ledge sink (using the Signature from Rachiele for a fair comparison) with no accessories but including shipping, the Rachiele was indeed about 70% more than the Havens according to the latest quotes from each company. That delta goes up as you add accessories or move to the NextGen ledge. I am aware of the connection between the companies, which is one of the reasons I am intrigued by their very different pricing structures. I hadn't heard about cracking in granite composite sinks. I currently have a Blanco Silgranit and after nearly 20 years have had no issues, and I am certainly not gentle on it. Copper is definitely not for me -- I need the enhanced durability of stainless steel, as well as the aesthetic. Like you, I am designing for ergonomics. I am consciously choosing an apron front sink instead of an undermount, which would work much better in my minimalist, modern kitchen, specifically for greater comfort when using the sink. I will have 2 faucets as well, likely Waterstone but final decision TBD.

I get calls to replace copper sinks regularly.

Our kitchen was a little small for a prep sink so we did a large workstation sink with 2 faucets and that thing is a workhorse (and going strong for 10+ yrs) - i love it.

@TXGuy Havens is a custom sink manufacturer and can make literally anything your heart desires. I am sorry Dino felt the need to increase his price so much. He may be about to lose a lot of business as a result. My Havens sink is both an undermount and an apron front. You'll get debris caught under the sink ledge if you top mount (also known as drop-in), so it is not recommended unless your countertop is water-sensitive like laminate or wood.

@Aglitter Gotcha :) I will keep contemplating the options. I definitely appreciate your help and feedback.

@TXGuy :) Ask Alex Havens for anything, and he can do it.

I only had room for a single bowl sink. I realize now how much I relied on my double bowl. All the food collects in the whole sink and not just one side. It's so high maintenance. And the square corners increase the difficulty as they are very difficult to clean. I'm seriously thinking about having mine removed and going back to a good ol' double bowl.

Double bowls are typically recommended for people who do a lot of hand washing, while single bowls are recommended for people who primarily use a dishwasher.

I have lived with a 30/70 split kohler cast iron for over 30 years and the functionality is great. The small sink is basically a prep sink and the big basin is ample enough for most cookie sheets and even my massive dutch oven. With that said, our sink is pre-workstation single basin, and now we are deliberating that option as it truly seems very functional. This discussion has helped in the decision.

With that said —- We are also going copper. Sorry Joseph Corelett you won’t be replacing mine 😌 I have rsearched for two years, live in a log home full of very old antiques and reclaimed wide plank flooring. Copper is the best fit and every one I have seen is beautiful.

Racheile and Havens are both excellent companies and the best overall copper (and probably stainless) sink providers in the nation. Both have stellar reputations and excellant workmanship. Varying philosopies of product features but you cannot go wrong with either. Both made in USA of made in USA materials which is super important to me.

Well, as I have learned, you CAN go wrong with the way Havens welds its corners. I have a Havens and get gunk buildup that has to be regularly cleaned out of the welded corners, and it is so bad in some areas that I am needing to hit it with a fold of sandpaper to get it clean again. Rachiele does a special microweld on the corners to prevent this. However, Rachiele has inflated its prices so dramatically since the pandemic started that Havens is the default choice for most shoppers considering an apron-front workstation sink, especially in copper. The solution? Havens needs to get its act moving and fix their corners. Havens may charge extra for microwelded corners if they need to, but Rachiele has a significant edge on the competition in that one, critical element. I have only learned of this discrepancy within the last couple of months which is why it is not mentioned in some of my prior reviews.

Aglitter -- The price of copper has gone through the roof since the pandemic. It will likely take a couple more years for copper to mellow in price.

@Jerry Jorgenson actually, I hadn't checked the price differential myself between Havens and Rachiele. They were almost equal when I shopped for my sink in 2019. I was told about a dramatic price spread by someone shopping for a stainless steel sink earlier this year. One would need to visit the websites individually to log the exact differences between models and materials.

@o thomsen
I am remodeling my kitchen and installing a basic low divide stainless, no welded corners but all smooth/round corners. The welded corners look like they would harbor a lot of debris and bacteria. The rounded cornered May be old-school but I think they will be easier to keep clean.

True, i have to take a toothbrush to mine as things do get stuck there. I also ceramic coat weekly with deep cleaning to keep stuff from sticking.

Renee Czeryba -- Cleaning hasn't been a problem with my Rachiele copper sink. A quick wipe every so often is all that's required. Anyway, germs and virus can't live on copper (as long as it's plain copper and not covered with something).

@Aglitter Can you post photos of your sink and counter? Almost 39" tall with articulating facuets, I'd love to see what this looks like, can you share? :)