When renovating a kitchen, it’s easy to focus on appliances, cabinetry, or countertops. But as anyone who spends time cooking, entertaining, or cleaning up knows, the sink is one of the hardest-working—and most overlooked—features in the entire space. It’s not just about where the dishes go. It’s about how efficiently you can move, prep, clean, and organize your kitchen.
That’s where Elkay’s Quartz sink lines – Quartz Luxe and Quartz Classic – come in. At Kitchenfinder, we’ve been watching workstation sinks evolve, and these models offer a particularly interesting mix of everyday functionality and refined aesthetics, especially for homeowners in the US looking to make smarter use of space without sacrificing design. Kitchenfinder explores what makes Quartz Luxe and Classic sinks stand out in today’s kitchens.
The clean design of this white Quartz Luxe model illustrates how accessories can layer for cutting, rinsing, and drying—all within the sink footprint
The Idea Behind a Workstation Sink
Traditionally, the sink was a single-purpose zone. But with more people cooking at home and kitchens serving as multi-functional spaces, the role of the sink has expanded. Elkay Quartz sinks are designed with this shift in mind, especially the workstation versions.
A full-length workstation sink featuring dual faucets, colanders, cutting boards, and drying grids for multitasking. Copyright: Elkay
Built-in ledges allow for accessories like cutting boards, colanders, and drying racks to slide across the sink basin. That extra surface area makes it easier to prepare food and clean up without competing for limited counter space.
A white Quartz Luxe sink setup showing a stainless steel basin grid and slotted accessories for added functionality. Copyright: Elkay
What separates Elkay’s workstation sinks from many others is how integrated those features feel. The accessories aren’t just included as add-ons – they’re part of the design. When you use an acacia cutting board that fits perfectly on the ledge or a drying rack that rolls up over the bowl, the sink becomes more of a workspace than a passive fixture.
An inset view of a compact black Elkay workstation with cutting board covering one half of the basin. Copyright: Elkay
Materials That Match Modern Needs
Quartz as a sink material isn’t new, but Elkay takes it further by combining natural quartz with high-performance acrylic resin, resulting in a sink that’s smooth to the touch, easy to clean, and tough enough to handle heat, stains, and scratches. The surface is naturally nonporous, which helps resist food particles and odors – something anyone with kids or a busy household will appreciate.
A close-up of a workstation sink with a wooden cutting board and metal prep tray integrated over the bowl. Copyright: Elkay
Both Quartz Luxe and Quartz Classic models are heat-resistant up to 535°F and built with impact resistance in mind. That means you don’t have to worry if a pan slips out of your hand or you pour boiling water directly into the bowl. And the material is sound-deadening, making everyday use a little quieter—a detail that might not seem crucial until you realize how much of your day is spent at the sink.
Design Options That Go Beyond the Basics
One of the most compelling aspects of the Quartz Luxe line is its color palette. Rather than sticking to the traditional white and stainless-steel aesthetic, Elkay introduces bold yet natural tones—Ricotta, Caviar, Jubilee, Silvermist, Chestnut – that blend seamlessly into a wide range of kitchen styles. Whether you’re building a sleek contemporary space or something more warm and organic, there’s likely a color that complements it.
A classic matte black quartz sink featuring integrated racks and dividers for efficient drying. Copyright: Elkay
The Quartz Classic line, on the other hand, leans into a more timeless look, offering familiar finishes like Matte Black, Greystone, and White. While it may be more traditional in appearance, the newer Classic workstation models now include many of the same functionality upgrades found in the Luxe line.
A top view of a Quartz Classic sink with cutting board and fruit preparation tray. Copyright: Elkay
Accessories like dish racks and drying grids integrate easily into this Elkay workstation model. Copyright: Elkay
What’s worth noting is the sheer variety. Elkay’s Quartz collection spans four installation types—undermount, drop-in, dual mount, and farmhouse—along with multiple bowl configurations and size options. That flexibility makes them accessible for both large custom builds and smaller kitchen refreshes.
Practical Features for Real-World Kitchens
One detail that stands out in the Luxe workstation models is the SurePrep ledge, which helps keep accessories like cutting boards secure during use. It may seem like a small feature, but it contributes to a smoother workflow, especially when juggling food prep and cleanup at once. Likewise, the optional integrated shelves that store cleaning tools or brushes help keep the countertop tidy without needing extra storage nearby.
A modern kitchen with a Quartz Luxe sink showing dual drying zones for plates and teapots. Copyright: Elkay
The Classic line has also been updated with similar features, including workstation models that now ship with a full accessory kit—cutting board, colander, drying rack, bottom grid, and matching drain—all custom-fitted to the sink basin. These upgrades add significant functionality without changing the overall aesthetic of a more traditional kitchen.
Durability and Sustainability in One Package
Many of the Quartz Luxe sinks are also made from up to 99% natural, renewable, or recycled materials. That sustainability angle may not be the primary selling point for every homeowner, but it’s a factor that more and more people are considering when investing in long-lasting kitchen fixtures.
Zurn Elkay, the company behind these sinks, is known for water-focused sustainability and infrastructure solutions. Their commitment to environmentally responsible design is reflected in the manufacturing of these sinks, making them a choice that aligns with both performance and environmental values.
How to Choose the Right Elkay Quartz Sink
Selecting the right sink from the Elkay Quartz lineup depends on your cooking habits, kitchen layout, and available space. Most workstation models require a 30- to 36-inch base cabinet, so it’s important to consider measurements during planning. Single-bowl and double-bowl options are available, and some models are ADA-compliant when properly installed.
Interior view of the protective stainless steel grid and smooth quartz surface inside the sink basin. Copyright: Elkay
Kitchenfinder recommends thinking about how you currently use your sink and what frustrates you most. Is it the lack of prep space? Is cleanup a hassle? Do you constantly move things off the counter just to chop vegetables? These are the kinds of everyday issues that workstation sinks aim to solve.
Final Thoughts from Kitchenfinder
Elkay Quartz sinks, whether Luxe or Classic, offer more than just a place to wash dishes. They’re built to make the kitchen more efficient, adaptable, and organized. While they’re not the only workstation sinks on the market, their material quality, thoughtful design, and wide range of styles make them worth considering for anyone upgrading their kitchen.