A workstation sink is a surprisingly simple yet highly intuitive feature that is revolutionizing the modern kitchen. As they become more popular, many homeowners find themselves drawn to the idea of a workstation sink, but are unsure of how to select the best one for their home.
Our team of experts at Lamont Bros. has guided hundreds of clients through the process of redesigning their kitchens. With workstation sinks becoming increasingly popular, there are more and more options to choose from. Finding the best workstation sink for your kitchen is simple once you know what to consider.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the things you need to think about when selecting a workstation sink. Once you’ve finished reading through this page, you’ll be one step closer to identifying the best one for you. The specific topics we’ll discuss include:
- Why you might want a workstation sink
- What to consider when looking at workstation sinks
- Good, better, and best workstation sink products
Benefits of Workstation Sinks
A workstation sink offers much more than a traditional kitchen sink – it’s a versatile cooking station that combines multiple food preparation functions in one convenient space.
Ergonomic Kitchen Layout
- Typically wider and deeper than standard sinks, accommodating large pots and pans
- Combines preparation, serving, and cleanup zones in one location
- Reduces movement around the kitchen during cooking
- Features built-in cutting boards at the rim for washing and chopping vegetables in the same space
Space-Saving Design
A workstation sink is an excellent solution for kitchens with limited space due to its ability to consolidate multiple functions:
- Maximizes Functionality: Delivers more utility in kitchens where every inch matters
- Significant Space Reduction: Can save up to 5 feet of linear countertop space—nearly 40% of the average kitchen’s 13 feet of countertop
- Combines Multiple Areas: Integrates sink space (2-3 feet), food prep zone (3 feet), and dish drying area (2 feet) into one efficient station
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Modular & Upgradable Features
The versatility of workstation sinks extends beyond space savings:
- Customizable Configuration: Arrange accessories according to your current task
- Expandable System: Add new accessories over time as your needs change
- Future-Proof: Compatible with manufacturer’s new releases and innovations
These space-saving and modular benefits make workstation sinks particularly valuable for smaller kitchens or for homeowners who want to maximize efficiency in their cooking space.
Key Considerations When Selecting a Workstation Sink
Size
The functionality of your workstation sink depends heavily on choosing the right size:
- Standard recommendation: 46-inch length for most families
- Larger options: 60-inch or 72-inch models for frequent entertainers or large families
- Smaller options: 36-inch, 24-inch, and 16-inch models available for compact kitchens
Note: Sinks smaller than 46 inches will have reduced functionality but may still offer benefits in space-constrained kitchens.
Number of Faucets
Multiple faucets can significantly enhance versatility and workflow.
- Multiple main faucets: Common in larger workstation sinks (two or three)
- Secondary filtered water faucet: Convenient for drinking water
- Faucet style considerations:
- High-clearance designs for workspace accessibility
- Pull-down features for versatility and reach
- Specialized options like The Galley Tap designed specifically for workstation sinks
Important: Not all manufacturers offer multiple faucet configurations, so decide early if this feature matters to you.
Available Accessories
The accessories define a workstation sink’s functionality:
- Common accessories: Cutting boards, drying racks, colanders, mixing bowls
- Specialty items: Knife blocks, serving trays, and more
- Purchasing options:
- Most sinks include a basic accessory package
- Additional accessories typically available for separate purchase
- Manufacturers vary in their accessory offerings
Tip: Compare accessory catalogs between manufacturers to find the best match for your cooking style.
Cost
Workstation sinks represent a significant investment:
- Sink pricing tiers:
- Entry-level: $500-$1,000
- High-end: $10,000+
- Additional expenses to consider:
- Plumbing fixtures and installation (higher with multiple faucets)
- Oversized or custom sink base cabinets ($1,000+)
- Premium options (e.g., Galley Dresser: $30,000+)
- Additional accessories beyond the included package
Consider the total investment when budgeting for your kitchen renovation.
Good, Better, & Best Workstation Sink Options
To help you start comparing options available to you, here are a handful of workstation sink brands. We use a “good, better, best” tiered system to help compare the different features.
Good — Kraus Workstation Sinks — $800
The Kraus workstation sink is an entry-level option at a reasonable price. Kraus sinks come in sizes ranging from 17 to 57 inches and include a small accessory package. As an entry-level option, don’t expect a wide range of customization options or accessory features. The Kraus sink will serve its purpose as a kitchen workstation but is still limited in its offerings.
Better — Kohler Prolific Sinks — $1600
The Kohler Prolific series is a strong workstation sink product from a trusted brand. These sinks tend to be smaller in size, starting at 23 inches wide and going up to 44 inches. The accessory options for this model of sink include cutting boards, bowls, colanders, serving dishes, and drying racks. The cutting boards from Kohler are particularly well-designed. They sit just proud of the countertop and still allow the water to drain off of them.
Best — The Galley — $5,000
If you’re looking for a workstation sink built by a company that specializes in them, The Galley is exactly that. Not everybody has $5,000 to drop on their kitchen sink, but for those who do, the Galley does not disappoint. With features that include drying bays, multiple faucets, and a wide selection of accessories, The Galley offers full customization options for workstation sinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a workstation sink?
A workstation sink has built-in ledges that support fitted accessories above the basin. Depending on the manufacturer, those accessories may include cutting boards, colanders, drying racks, mixing bowls, knife blocks, and serving trays.
What are the best workstation sinks?
The best workstation sink depends on the size of your kitchen, how you prepare food, which accessories you will use, and how much customization you want. Lamont Bros. identifies Kraus as an entry-level option, the Kohler Prolific series as a step up in accessories and design, and The Galley as a highly customizable workstation system.
Are workstation sinks worth it?
A workstation sink may be worthwhile if you regularly prepare food at the sink or need to make better use of limited counter space. Its ledges allow preparation, rinsing, serving, and drying accessories to share the sink area. The value depends on whether those functions match the way you cook.
Are workstation sinks good for small kitchens?
They can be. A workstation sink combines several food-preparation and cleanup functions in one area. Smaller workstation models are available for kitchens that cannot accommodate a larger sink, though they provide less working room than wider models.
What size workstation sink should I choose?
The right size depends on the available cabinet space, household size, and how the sink will be used. The article recommends considering a 46-inch workstation for most families, larger 60- or 72-inch models for frequent entertaining, and smaller models for compact kitchens.
Which workstation sink accessories are most useful?
Common accessories include cutting boards, colanders, drying racks, and mixing bowls. Some manufacturers also offer knife blocks, serving trays, and other specialized pieces. Compare the available accessories before choosing a sink because each manufacturer offers a different system.
Do workstation sinks require more than one faucet?
No. A workstation sink can function with one faucet. Larger models may support two or three faucets so several tasks can happen at once. A separate filtered-water faucet may also be added when it supports the household’s needs.
What faucet works best with a workstation sink?
The faucet should provide enough clearance and reach for the sink and its accessories. Pull-down faucets can make it easier to reach different parts of a larger basin. Faucet placement should be coordinated with the sink ledges, accessory positions, and countertop design.
Can workstation sink accessories be added later?
Many workstation systems allow additional accessories to be purchased separately. Available options vary by manufacturer, so review the complete accessory catalog before selecting the sink.
What should I compare before buying a workstation sink?
Compare the sink’s dimensions, cabinet requirements, faucet configuration, included accessories, optional accessories, and total project cost. The sink should be selected as part of the kitchen layout because it affects cabinetry, countertops, plumbing, and the surrounding work area.
Planning a Kitchen Around a Workstation Sink?
A workstation sink affects more than the sink cabinet. Its size, faucets, accessories, plumbing, countertop opening, and relationship to nearby preparation areas should be coordinated as part of the complete kitchen design.
See how a Ruvati workstation sink was incorporated into the Bolton kitchen remodel, review our kitchen remodeling services, or read about the kitchen remodel process.
When you are ready to discuss your kitchen, schedule a consultation with Lamont Bros. Design & Construction. Our team will help determine how the sink, cabinetry, appliances, and work areas should function together.
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