Evaluating Style and Function
From washing hands to cleaning dishes, a kitchen faucet gets a workout every single day. So, you need a faucet that is functional and built to last, while complementing the style of your kitchen. Selecting the perfect combination of features is important. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your new kitchen faucet.
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Handle Options For Kitchen Faucets
1. Two-Handled Faucets
Two-handled faucets have one handle or lever to control the hot water, and another for the cold water. Each handle governs the force of water flow separately. This type of faucet typically is more traditional in appearance and requires three holes for installation.
2. Single-Handled Faucets
Single-handled faucets allow you to control temperature and regulate water flow with one hand. This type of faucet usually has a more modern look and often has a high arch to more easily accommodate large items in the sink. A single-handled faucet requires only one hole for installation.
3. Hands-Free Faucets
Hands-free faucets are operated by motion or contact sensors. Passing a hand across the sensor or lightly touching the faucet will start or stop the water flow. However, water temperature and flow rate must be adjusted manually by using the faucet handle.
Photo Courtesy of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
Types Of Kitchen Faucets
1. Main Sink Faucets
There are many styles of kitchen faucets on the market today, but you need to make sure that the type you select will work with your sink, countertop, and cabinetry. For example, there are sink-mounted, countertop-mounted, and wall-mounted faucets. Each type requires a certain number of mounting holes and different spacing in relation to your sink. If you have cabinets mounted above your sink, a faucet that has a very high arch may not fit. Countertops or sinks need to be pre-drilled for the correct number of holes to fit your faucet. Before you make a costly mistake, ensure that the selections you are making are compatible.
Photo Courtesy of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
2. Pull-Down Faucets
Pull-down faucets allow extended reach into deep sink basins and make it easy to clean the corners of the sink. Most pull-down faucets have a sprayer feature to allow for light spraying of food items. Look for a magnetic spray head that will dock your faucet without drooping or sagging.
3. Pot-Filler Faucets
Pot-filler faucets are mounted above or next to the stove and are designed to quickly fill cooking vessels with water. Another perk of having this type of faucet is that it eliminates the need to carry heavy pots from the sink back to the stove.
Photo Courtesy of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
4. Prep Sink Faucets
Prep sink faucets are smaller versions of main sink faucets. They are made for a secondary prep sink that is typically located in an island or at a bar.
Photo Courtesy of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
Styles Of Kitchen Faucets
No matter the style of your kitchen - traditional, transitional, or contemporary - there is a kitchen faucet that will work with your decor. Contemporary faucets have sleek, simple lines, while traditional faucets are more ornate. Transitional style faucets are a blend of both design styles.
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Materials And Finishes For Kitchen Faucets
The material and finish you select for your faucet will change the look of the fixture. For instance, a faucet in chrome will have a contemporary look, but the same faucet in an oil-rubbed bronze will be better suited for a kitchen with farmhouse or traditional styling. If you are installing a hot water or soap dispenser, or any other accessory, make sure the finish matches your faucet.
Photo Courtesy of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
Quality Of Kitchen Faucets
Low-priced faucets with plastic parts usually don’t hold up well with everyday use. Faucets with a ceramic valve and a solid body made of brass or stainless steel will be the most durable and will require the least maintenance. How do you tell if a faucet has a solid body? Pick it up. It should be weightier than others that have plastic parts inside.
Photo Courtesy of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
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