All You Need To Know About Kitchen Faucets
Kitchen faucets are one of the most undervalued aspects of the kitchen, but the minute a low-quality product is put into use, it becomes an ineffective eyesore over time, leaking water across the countertops and making it vital to choose a high-performing product right for the design of the space.
A stylish kitchen faucet adds an element of flair to the sink area, which is a focal point in the room, fostering endless evenings washing dishes and filling pots of water for boiling. More often than not, the faucet style falls in line with the cabinet hardware providing complementary elements and bringing home the design vision concept.
Overview of Kitchen Faucets
Kitchen faucets come in a myriad of sizes, types, and colors with customizable options with the number of faucet holes and the number of handles that it can have.
The functional purpose of the kitchen faucet is a necessary component also to consider. High quality kitchen faucets, available at ProSource Wholesale®, are forged from the highest quality materials with attention to detail. Each high-quality faucet should be carefully crafted with increased attention to the ornate intricacies of its design, and it should have a lasting finish that is less susceptible to discoloration, fading, or rust, than its lesser-quality counterparts.
Types of Kitchen Faucets
There are several different types of kitchen faucets to choose from, which can be utilized for different functions. The more commonly used kitchen faucets include:
• Beverage: A smaller faucet that specifically designed for filling water into cups.
• Pot Filler: A faucet that typically is installed above the stove, solely used for filling pots with water. This particular faucet adds a sense of convenience for homeowners who utilize their stoves a fair amount.
• Pull-Down: A faucet that has an attachment that can be pulled down in length.
• Pull-Out: A faucet that can be pulled out to move in different direction, making it easier to evenly spray water in larger sinks.
• Standard: A basic faucet head that distributes water in one area of the sink.
• Standard with Sidespray: A standard faucet with an attached side sprayer that can be pulled out to reach more areas of the sink.
There also are several different mounting areas in the sink space that one can install a kitchen faucet. For example, kitchen faucets can be mounted on the wall or deck area above the sink to save sink space, or on the sink itself for a more traditional look.
Kitchen Faucet Handle Types
Those redesigning or remodeling their kitchen can get as simple or technologically advanced as they want when choosing a handle type. With that decision, there are three main handle options that typically are chosen from. Those include:
• Single-handed faucets: A faucet with one lever that can be rotated to the desired level of heated water. These usually require one sink hole for installation.
• Double-handed faucets: A faucet with two levers – one for cold and one for hot. It typically requires a minimum of three sink holes for installation and is best used to find a precise water temperature.
• Touchless faucets: A faucet that utilizes sensors and advanced technology, in order to turn off and on the water with a simple wave or touch of a hand. These usually include a lever for the sole purpose of adjusting water temperature.
Materials and Finishes in Kitchen Faucets
Like the rest of the kitchen’s design, faucets have the opportunity to highlight personality with its material, finish, and intricate aesthetics. They can complement the décor of the room, just as they can make a bold statement. It all depends on how carefully crafted the material is built.
• Chrome: Available in polished, brushed, or matte finishes, chrome is the most durable and economic.
• Nickel: Nickel offers satin, brushed, and polished finishes options, making it an easy-to-clean and durable material.
• Bronze: This material is resistant to scratching and complements neutral décor. It is available in brushed, polished, and oil-rubbed.
• Brass: Perfect for antique-styled kitchens, brass comes in antique, satin, and gloss finishes.
• Stainless steel: Known for its abilities to avoid corroding and tarnishing, stainless steel can come in matt, brushed, and satin finishes.
• Enamel: This easy-to clean material includes colors, such as black, white, ivory, and more.
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Faucet
Spout Height
Understanding the difference between spout height and faucet height is key in making decisions regarding the entire sink area. Spout height measures the length from the point of connection on the sink or counter to the top of the faucet. The higher that the spout measures, the easier it is to fit tall cooking pots underneath for filling or cleaning. A spout that is tall makes it easier to wash tall cooking pots. If the sink has been placed on a high shelf or has cabinetry beneath, choosing a faucet that is shorter in height can be helpful in reaching water at either end of the sink.
Matching Lifestyle Needs
With different faucets serving unique purposes it is significant to select one that will improve the use of the kitchen, instead of just purchasing one on looks alone. If anything more than a standard, simple kitchen faucet is desired, it is important to explore and study the different types beforehand and weigh what will be most useful for an everyday routine.
The Number of Holes in a Sink
The majority of standard sinks either have one hole for a single-handed faucet or three holes for a double-handed faucet: one for a hot handle, one for a cold handle, and one for the spout itself. Changing from double handles to one or vice versa, the needs of the home should be considered beforehand, as they may dictate for an entirely new sink than what currently may be installed or considered for purchase.
The Number of Handles Needed in a Sink
While ultimately a personal preference, single handles can add convenience. However, double handles are symmetrical and can add a sense of flair to the design. In addition, touchless is another option for those seeking added perks.
