5 Things to Consider When Buying a Kitchen Faucet

The devil is in the details; especially when it comes to home decorating. And the kitchen is no exception. Image Courtesy of www.motiqonline.com As the heart of the home, your kitchen should be both stylish and functional. A big part of the functionality comes from fixtures, like kitchen faucets. At its most basic function, a kitchen faucet is used to distribute hot and cold water for cooking, cleaning and everything in between. Bold fixtures are one of the top trends in kitchen design for 2016.

From mounting styles to handle options, materials/finishes and style, selecting a kitchen faucet can easily overwhelm. So here are a few things to consider before you select a new kitchen faucet, whether your style is casual, contemporary or high-end luxury:

 Sink-mounted faucets – This is a great way to give your kitchen a quick facelift without taking on a huge project. It can limit the style of your faucet.

 Deck-mounted faucets – This option gives a continuous look since it is part of the countertop; water, dirt and grime may accrue behind the faucet and the wall behind. This is less likely to happen if the kitchen sink is located on the island.

 Wall-mounted faucets – While this is a great option, you will need to take into account your sink. It doesn’t work well with a double sink. Also, if you live in a colder climate you will need to insulate against the outside wall.

 Single-hole faucet – This is the most recommended type of faucet and has one handle to fix the temperature at either hot or cold. Here is what you need to think about when selecting this type of faucet height; spout reach and pull-out shower, meaning the tip can be detached so you can aim the water wherever it is needed. 

 Hands-free faucet – This faucet operates off a sensor activated by light contact or motion. It’s great for the home cook and children since it automatically turns off to conserve water. On the downside, you can only adjust water temperature and flow manually. You will need to change the battery occasionally.

The cost of a kitchen faucet will vary on a number of things, including materials and finishes, but you can expect pricing to begin around the $100 mark. You will want to select a finish that compliments cabinet hardware, appliances and the overall design style of your kitchen. Faucets are most often finished in polished chrome, satin nickel and bronze. Of the three most common finishes, the most durable is chrome. It is also easier to keep clean then nickel and bronze. Nickel is susceptible to fingerprints, while bronze is the easiest to chip and scratch. Its surface isn’t metal but an epoxy coating.

Redecorating, renovating or upgrading your current kitchen, reading kitchen faucet reviews can help before going out and making a purchase. This will help you identify what you like and what will work with your current design style, especially if the faucet is the only element being replaced. If you are going for a whole new kitchen redo, or are building a new kitchen from the floor up then faucet reviews can help you with style and functionality tips.

My Delta Faucet in my last home here