Are you remodeling your kitchen or designing a new one? What kind of faucet have you chosen?
Many brands offer lifetime warranties for first time buyers, covering finishes and defects. But nonetheless, you should still learn how to choose a kitchen faucet . Let’s take a look.
Faucet Types
One of the best tips for choosing a kitchen faucet is to be aware of the main types available in the market and their pros and cons.
Single Handle Faucet
If you want to install a single handle faucet, measure the distance with the window ledge or wall. The faucet should be installed such that the handle doesn’t touch the surface behind when it is turned. In case you have additional holes in the sink, consider buying a soap dispenser or a separate spray nozzle, or cover them with a faucet base plate.
A single handle faucet is simpler to use and takes up less space than other types. However, it’s not that precise when it comes to adjusting temperatures.
Two Handle Faucet
A two handle faucet is one of the most popular types, featuring separate hands for cold and hot waters. These can either be mounted separately or installed with a base plate. The sprayer is usually installed separately. Unlike a single handle faucet, a two handle faucet adjusts temperature quite well, but the installation process is harder.
Pull Out and Pull Down Faucet
This faucet has a single handle, and a spout that can be pulled outwards. After being used, the hose and spout retract inside. This faucet is quite useful when you want to wash veggies or the sink itself, if the hose is long enough. But if your sink is small, then you can even do well with a two handle faucet.
Hands Free Faucet
This type of faucet is super convenient. Plus it’s kind of fun that you just put your hand under the faucet and water starts rushing out without turning any handles. Of all the models available, the best ones have an activator towards the front so that it can be located. Hands free faucets feature a simple slider or movable panel that covers the sensor; this can be deactivated if you prefer manual operation.
Pot Filler Faucet
A pot filler faucet is usually used at restaurants and other commercial kitchens. New models can, however, be scaled for residential installations as well. The pot filler can either be mounted against the wall or installed with a deck near the stove. Most of these feature articulated arms that can be folded if they aren’t being used.
Bar Faucet
A bar faucet is sleek and slender, perfect for the modern kitchen. Often used for secondary sinks, this faucet can be connected to a cold water supplier or a hot water dispenser. If you want a bar faucet in the kitchen, choose a design that matches the main faucet.
Spout Shapes
Straight spouts take less space and are often available at economical rates. However, you may have to move the faucet around for fitting a bigger pot underneath. Gooseneck models offer you more space to manage pots and pans, but they work best only for deep sinks. If the sink is shallow and you install a gooseneck model, the water will splash around.
Whatever style or shape you choose, just keep one thing in mind: the faucet head should swing around such that the entire sink can be reached. This is necessary especially if your sink is wide or has two bowls. Also, ensure that the size of the faucet is proportionate to the sink; a small faucet and a big sink definitely won’t go together.
Mounting Holes
Checking the number of mounting holes in your sink is one of the best tips for choosing a kitchen faucet . Most of them are predrilled for various kitchen accessories, including side sprays, soap dispensers and faucets. Make sure you choose a faucet that has the same number of holes. Even if you aren’t changing the sink, check the number of holes and accordingly, select a faucet. It is never a good idea to drill additional holes, so don’t buy any fixture that requires more holes.
That being said, if your sink or countertop has fewer holes than the faucet, then it’s fine. The extra holes can be covered with the base plate that would come with your new faucet.
Finishing Options
Generally, even a mid-range faucet features tough finishing. The external surface is chemically treated after which charged metallic atoms bond to the main metal of the faucet. Formally referred to as physical vapor deposition (PVD), the process can be used to impart finishing of various metals. Bronze, nickel and chrome finishing are the most popular. Chrome is durable and looks pretty, but is prone to scratches.
Though finishes do resist corrosion and scratching, they can get stained if exposed to drain cleaners or other chemicals.
Additional Features
One of the best tips for choosing a kitchen faucet is to review additional features carefully.
Spray or Steam Selector: This is a button that is attached to the spray head and allows you to choose between stream and spray.
Side Spray: A side spray is recommended if your sink is big and has extra holes.
Temperature Setting: Some single handle faucets maintain a specific temperature even if the faucet is turned off. If you use the sink too much, then this can be a useful feature.
Installation or Replacement
Ideally, you should replace your faucet and sink together so that both fixtures complement each other well. Moreover, this makes installation simpler.
So now you know how to choose a kitchen faucet and the factors that matter the most. Follow our tips and you’ll definitely be able to select the best faucet.