How to buy a kitchen faucet?
To find the perfect kitchen faucet, tap into the details
Though their most practical application is to provide hot and cold water, kitchen faucets play a large role in a kitchen’s design. There are so many to choose from. The styles and costs vary wildly. Simply put, one faucet does not fit all!
Though investing in a kitchen faucet may seem overwhelming. The right information makes it much easier. Here are some practical how-tos for you to consider while buying a new kitchen faucet.
Are there any practical features that I should consider when buying kitchen faucet?
Yes! Looking for a new kitchen faucet is lots of fun, but there are a few functional considerations:
1. Mounting style
The most typical kitchen faucet mounting styles are: countertop mounted, sink mounted and wall mounted.
2. The internal parts
Are they individually replaceable? If so, you won’t have to replace the entire kitchen faucet if a part breaks.
3. Valve type
Ceramic disk valves are the latest faucet technology. Two ceramic disks control the water flow and form a seal when locked together. They are the most expensive valve type, but the most reliable. Compression valve faucets are the cheapest, but most prone to leaks. Ball valve faucets have a rotating ball that regulates water flow. Cartridge valve faucets use a rubber O-ring to control water flow.
What materials are kitchen faucets made of?
Typically faucets are made of products that avoid corrosion. Brass and stainless steel are most common, but less expensive models are also made of a zinc alloy. Faucet finishes these days are unlikely to flake or tarnish and commonly come in brass, nickel, pewter, gold. The sky is really the limit though. Titanium and epoxy coatings will maintain the finish even longer.
Which faucet material is the most robust?
Brass is by far the best material to invest in. Ideally, both the body and the controls of the faucet should be made of brass.
In terms of finish, brushed nickel is exceptionally robust. An additional coating with a material like titanium prevents scratches and tarnishing. Chrome is the least robust, but the least expensive.
Which faucet finish is the easiest to keep clean?
Brass, nickel and pewter most readily hide fingerprints and smudges. Chrome is the most difficult to keep visibly clean.
There are different kitchen faucet handle styles. Which one is the best?
There are currently 3 distinct kitchen faucet handle styles. Each has its pros and cons. One will be right for you.
A single handle faucet enables flow and temperature control in a fluid motion. Though the temperature control is not as precise as a two-handle faucet, they are popular because they are very convenient.
With its separate hot and cold handles, a two-handle faucet enables more precise temperature control. They are the most traditional faucet, but managing two temperatures separately can be an inconvenience.
Hands-free kitchen faucets are a fairly recent innovation with a range of benefits. They minimize mess. Children and those with mobility issues can access water much easier than with a traditional faucet. The only con? Temperature control is still done by hand.
Which kitchen faucet style should I get?
Consider all of the details brought up thus far. Determining the correct faucet for you and your kitchen relies on a combination of function and style.
Functionally, consider your lifestyle. If you have young children, a durable and easy to clean finish is ideal. If accessibility is an issue, then handle-free may be a good option. Pullout handles are great for cleaning up the sink after heavy food preparation.
Stylistically, think about your current kitchen design. It should be well established by the time you are ready to purchase a faucet. If your kitchen is sleek and contemporary, a simple faucet design with clean lines is best. On the other hand, if you have a farmhouse-style kitchen, a wall-mounted kitchen faucet with a patina finish and two-handled control would suit. A chef’s kitchen demands a high-arc stainless steel model with pullout nozzle.
So, what’s “hot” in kitchen faucets right now?
2020 is the time to invest in non-traditional kitchen faucet styles. Modern, unadorned and angular designs are on-trend. Ninety-degree angles are making a comeback. Pullout nozzles remain highly desirable. In terms of finish, gold and warm metals are trendy and timeless options. Matte black is thoroughly ahead of the curve.
A faucet with a high arc, however, is always hot stuff.