Kitchen Faucets Buying Guide
Your kitchen faucet can be used upwards of 40 times in a single day, making it one of the most-used appliances in your home. With new styles, smart features and the latest technology, there's a wide variety of faucet options available today.
When choosing a faucet, you will need to consider the hole configuration and handle options, as well as features,accessories and options. Taking the time to consider these carefully will ensure you select a kitchen faucet with features that are ideal for how you and your family use your kitchen every day.
Features
Many of today's faucets include features that make them more versatile than ever.
Pull-out functionality – In a pull-out kitchen faucet, the complete wand detaches from the faucet body, providing an extra level of usability and convenience. Pull-out faucets make filling vases and tall pots easy, and provide the functionality of a side sprayer without requiring an additional hole.
Pull-down functionality – In a pull-down kitchen faucet, the sprayer head of the spout detaches from the faucet. Most pull-down faucet heads feature a toggle button that allows you to quickly and easily switch between spray and stream modes. When considering a pull-down faucet, ensure the pull-down sprayer head retracts and clicks back into place quickly and securely, so that it will keep it looking its best.
Touch technology – This recent innovation allows you to turn the flow of water on and off by simply tapping the faucet spout or handle instead of operating a knob or lever. This feature is perfect to turn on the tap so you can rinse off messy hands.
Finishes – Be sure to choose a finish which will complement your kitchen's style. Typical contemporary or modern finishes include chrome, stainless steel and nickel. More traditional finishes include white, black and bronze. The finish you choose comes down to personal taste, but always ensure it is backed by a warranty. Also be sure to read the care instructions – faucets should never be cleaned with harsh abrasives as they can damage the finish.
Hole Configurations
Before you buy a kitchen faucet, cfddheck how many holes you have in your sink or counter. If you have multiple holes, measure the distance between the centres of your hot and cold taps. Depending on your countertop, it’s often easier to add holes if you’re changing from a single hole to a 3-hole installation. But if your preferred faucet requires fewer holes than you already have drilled in your counter, there are often options. Many faucets come with optional deck plates for covering these holes.
Accessories and Options
Side sprayer – A side sprayer functions like a pull-down wand, except it is mounted directly on the sink or counter beside the faucet. Side sprayers let you get the spray up close to what you’re cleaning or filling, without excessive splashing. They are ideal for washing vegetables or big pots and pans, or for cleaning the sink itself. Sprayer hoses are typically 45 inches in length, allowing for flexibility when using them. Be sure to check installation before purchasing a faucet with a side sprayer: installation may be integrated in the faucet deck plate or require a 4th hole.
