Paragon™ Dual-Tier Workstation Sink | Signature Series™, NexGen™ and Paragon™ Compared
A workstation sink is a multifunctional kitchen upgrade designed to turn the sink into an efficient prep station. With integrated ledges and custom-fit accessories, it allows you to chop, rinse, and clean in one continuous workspace while preserving counter space and improving daily kitchen workflow. Before investing in a workstation sink, make sure you're getting a true workstation, not simply a sink with a ledge. Learn why the accessories and their warranties matter more than you might think.
Compare the Signature Series, NexGen, Paragon, and Harmony configurations, and choose the design built for how you cook.
The First Dual-Tier Workstation Sink in the Industry
Rachiele introduced the first workstation sink in 2010, then the industry’s first dual tier workstation sink, Evolution™, and received three patents for it in 2014. Evolution was the first sink with two tiers inside the bowl. In 2020 those patents were sold after we developed a far better design, Paragon, a multi-tier workstation design that uses interior stepped ledges so the usable front-to-back 18" dimension stays the same above and below both working levels.
Choose the Right Custom Workstation Sink for How You Cook
Signature Series – The Original Workstation Sink
Rachiele introduced the Signature Series in 2010. It was the first workstation sink ever built: one step formed into the bowl.
Many brands still use that original idea. They just leave the flange exposed to create a second tier.
Available in professional-grade stainless steel, copper, brass, or bronze. Stainless, brass, and bronze get MicroWelded corners for easy cleaning. Copper is finished with fused corners. Built for daily use.
The 36" model fits a standard 36" cabinet. Most kitchens need no redesign.
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Holds cutting boards and half-sheet pans directly on the step
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One clean, efficient level, no learning curve
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Sized for compact kitchens and standard cabinetry
The Signature Series™ is where the workstation sink began, a single step doing the work
NexGen – Redefining the Modern Workstation Sink
NexGen, introduced in 2018, takes the Signature Series and swaps the step for a ledge.
Anything that sits on the ledge also sits on the sink floor in the same orientation. Accessories like the Multi-Use Grid work at either level with no change in setup.
You get two full working surfaces, not one, each ready for the next step of the meal.
Ledge and sink bottom share the same 18" width, so accessories move freely between them
Multi-Use Grid and other accessories function at both levels
Compact footprint with more usable space than a single-step design
If you need more function without losing sink space, NexGen™ delivers it.
Paragon – The Ultimate Dual Tier Workstation Sink
Paragon, introduced early in 2020, adds a second ledge, inside the bowl, giving you three full working levels instead of two: two ledges plus the bottom of the sink. Just like NexGen, anything that fits one level fits the others in the same orientation, so accessories like the Multi-Use Grid move freely between all three without switching setups. Every level shares the same 18" width, and because the ledges sit below the flange, there's no water pooling at the grout line.
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Three working levels, each usable on its own or together for simultaneous tasks
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Accessories can be ordered to fit either ledge
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Flat accessories can slide under and over each other for layered prep
See why having steps and ledges inside the bowl is critically important. Learn what makes the difference.
How to Choose the Right Custom Workstation Sink
Choosing the Right Workstation Sink Shouldn't Be Complicated
If you've never owned a workstation sink, how can you be expected to know which design, dimensions, or accessories will work best for you?
That's where I come in.
I'm Dino Rachiele. I've been designing kitchens since 1977, and I invented the original workstation sink in 2010. I've spent decades studying how people work in their kitchens and how thoughtful design can make everyday tasks easier.
You don't need to figure this out on your own.
During a private Zoom consultation, we'll review your kitchen floor plan and discuss how you cook, prepare meals, and clean up. I'll help you understand the advantages of different workstation designs and determine which features will actually make a difference in your daily life.
We'll also consider ergonomics, sink depth, faucet placement, cabinet dimensions, and accessories. These are details that are often overlooked but can dramatically affect how comfortably and efficiently you use your kitchen.
My goal isn't to sell you a particular sink. It's to share what I've learned over nearly five decades so you can make an informed decision, whether you ultimately purchase a Rachiele sink or not.
Your kitchen is unique. Your sink should be, too.
There's no obligation and no pressure. Just a personal conversation to help you make the best decision for your kitchen.
Schedule a Private Zoom Consultation
Once we've determined the ideal workstation layout for your kitchen, I'll help you explore the different metals available.
Stainless steel, copper, brass, and bronze each have their own unique characteristics, advantages, and considerations. I'll personally walk you through the pros and cons of each, including appearance, maintenance, durability, and how the finish may change over time.
My goal is to give you the knowledge you need to make an educated decision based on what appeals to you aesthetically and, just as importantly, what best fits your lifestyle.
The right choice isn't necessarily the same for everyone. It's the one that's right for you.
• Custom Bronze Kitchen Sinks
• Custom Brass Kitchen Sinks
• Custom Copper Kitchen Sinks
• Custom 316L Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks
Understanding the Differences Between Rachiele Workstation Designs
Each Rachiele workstation design serves a distinct purpose. This section explains how the Signature Series, NexGen, and Paragon differ, so you can choose the configuration that best fits your kitchen and how you cook.
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Single Step
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2 working levels (bottom of sink can be used as shown above)
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18" width allows a half sheet pan to sit on step
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Accessories can be stacked to mimic 2-tier functionality
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Bowl width 1″ narrower below step
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Great for all sink sizes
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Far superior to the similar "step" workstation sinks
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Visit our new Signature Collection™ - Uncompromising Quality - Attainable Price!
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Single ledge
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2 working levels (ledge and bottom of sink)
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18" width allows a half sheet pan to sit on ledge
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Accessories can be stacked to mimic 2-tier functionality
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Bowl width dimension is the same above and below ledge
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Accessories can be placed in the same orientation on the bottom of the sink
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Our most efficient workstation design
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Two ledges
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3 working levels (top tier, lower tier, and bottom of sink)
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18" width allows a half sheet pan to sit on ledge
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Ledges are below flange. No water sitting at the grout line!
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Flat accessories can slide under and over each other
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Bowl width dimension is the same above and below ledges
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Best for sinks 36" and over
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For those who are avid home chefs
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The counter isn't doing the work here.
The sink is. 60" multi-tier Paragon, Harmony (dual drain-single bowl) farmhouse sink with a brass face fused to a 316L stainless steel bowl.
What Sets Rachiele Custom Sinks Apart?
Rachiele pioneered the workstation sink in the United States and earned many more patents for innovative sink design and functionality.
At Rachiele, we do not follow trends. We lead with purpose and inspire others to follow. Every custom sink is crafted under the direct guidance of founder Dino Rachiele and a small, dedicated artisan team. The result is a product that combines precision, elegance, and efficiency in a way competitors cannot replicate.
This is more than a sink. It is a lasting symbol of American craftsmanship - rare, refined, and built to perform for generations.
Rachiele® introduced the very first single-bowl corner sinks to the kitchen and bath industry. Designed as the original space-saving solution, this sink transforms unused corner space into a fully functional food prep and cleaning zone. With its ergonomic design and custom-fit layout, it remains the most efficient way to add workstation functionality to compact or uniquely shaped kitchens.
Exclusively by Rachiele®, this custom sink was designed in collaboration with kosher households to meet the needs of traditional Jewish kitchens. Two fully separated drain zones allow for complete separation of meat and dairy prep, following kosher practices without compromise. This sink is ideal for families seeking both religious observance and modern functionality in a handcrafted, high-performance design.
"Finding a truly kosher-friendly sink that did not require a full kitchen renovation was difficult. Rachiele® offered the perfect solution. The dual-drain design allows us to keep meat and dairy prep completely separate while maintaining a clean, modern look. It fits both our space and our values."
— Rachel G., Brooklyn, NYThe Paragon™ by Rachiele® is the only dual-tier workstation sink with a full 18-inch usable width both above and below the ledges. This design gives you three full working levels without sacrificing bowl space. Built for serious home chefs and entertainers, the Paragon™ makes food prep, cleanup, and workflow faster and more efficient than any traditional sink design.
"The Paragon™ completely changed how I use my kitchen. The space, the flow, and the build quality are unmatched."
Mark T., Scottsdale, AZA retrofit farmhouse sink from Rachiele® delivers the classic apron‑front look of a farmhouse sink while fitting into your existing cabinets with minimal modification. These sinks are engineered to install into standard 30‑inch or 36‑inch sink bases without requiring a full kitchen remodel, making them a high‑impact update for kitchens where major construction is not desirable or necessary. Our retrofit apron fronts provide ergonomic comfort with a thinner face that brings the sink closer to you and improves reach and usability compared to traditional undermount options. They work with both drop‑in and undermount installations, providing flexibility and performance that enhances everyday kitchen tasks.
Each Rachiele® sink is custom-built with optimal depth to reduce back and neck strain. Designed around your height and workflow, it makes kitchen tasks more comfortable and efficient.
"I used to dread washing dishes because of the back pain. My Rachiele® sink completely changed that. It's the most comfortable sink I’ve ever used."
Susan M., Portland, OR
Designing Custom Sinks for the Moments That Matter
Most families cook dinner at home about five times a week. Based on feedback from Rachiele® workstation sink owners, these designs can save an average of 10–20 minutes per meal compared to traditional sinks. Over the course of a year, that adds up to 43 to 86 hours saved.
Families don’t drift apart all at once. Life simply moves quickly. Meals come and go. Cleanup happens. The kitchen empties sooner than anyone expects.
I wanted to create a different rhythm. One where the kitchen invites people to stay. Where hands work together naturally. Where conversations continue, even as the evening winds down.
Nothing about the family needs to change.
The moments just have more room to last.
That’s the work I care about.
This is what I hope to bring to your home.
Our custom workstation sinks are designed to accommodate standard half-sheet pans and most steam-oven pans, making food preparation and cleanup remarkably convenient.
Imagine placing your ingredients on the multi-use grid, preparing them on your butcher-grade cutting board, then transferring them directly to a half-sheet pan and into the oven. All without using your surrounding countertops.
In my own kitchen, I haven't needed to wipe down the countertop surrounding my large island workstation sink in almost three years. It simply gets dusted every other week. That's how effectively a properly designed workstation sink can contain the mess of everyday food preparation.
Less mess, less cleanup, and more time to enjoy your kitchen.
