Kitchen Faucet

Kitchen faucets are now available in a variety of materials, distinctive styles and designs. You can opt for inexpensive models or go in for high-cost branded units. It's worth the investment as kitchen faucets transform your kitchen area into a classic statement of luxury and convenience. The right kitchen faucet helps in executing kitchen tasks in a synchronized, convenient method. Arm yourself with tips on selecting the right kitchen sink faucet. Read through for detailed information to enable matching your budget with guaranteed performance and stylish look.

Role of Kitchen faucets

Kitchen faucets have an important role to play in the kitchen. Since the kitchen sink faucet is heavily used, it is prudent to go in for the best you can afford. Begin your kitchen faucet selection by assessing your current and future needs.

• Should you use the existing kitchen sink or purchase a new one?
  
  
• Check the size of the sink with the faucet connection.
  
  
• How many mounting holes are provided in the sink?
  
  
• Does the space between holes support ease of operation?
  
  
• Do you require a water filtering facility?
  
  
• What is the preferred length of spout towards the center of bowl?
  
  
• What material is the sink made of?
  
  
• Find out applicable warranty period.
  

Kitchen sink faucet

Brass, polished stainless steel, chrome or copper, the body of the kitchen faucet should be durable, heavy in weight, suitable to kitchen decor, require minimum maintenance and must not corrode, pit or discolor. Brass kitchen faucets are preferred for their resistance to adverse conditions and tough components.

Chrome plated kitchen faucets are most popular as they blend with any decor and are affordable. Look for kitchen faucets with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating that provides resistance to corrosion. Opt for brushed-nickel or wrought iron or even hammered copper finish to keep with a vintage decor. A kitchen faucet with a forceful spray option is a must for rinsing or cleanup.

Selecting kitchen faucets

Handles: To a large extent, the handle and the spout determine to a large extent the style of the kitchen faucet. Kitchen faucets come in two basic styles, the single-handle faucet and double-handle kitchen faucet.

• Single-handle kitchen faucet is easy to maneuver. With one handle or knob, you can control water temperature and the volume. The other hand is free to tend to other tasks.
  
  
• Double-handle kitchen faucet has more design flexibility, offers two spouts one for hot and the other for cold. The spouts and the valves form part of a single base unit and facilitate precise temperature adjustment. With a variety of spout designs (handle, knob or cross handle options), these faucets are preferred for durability and low-maintenance.
  

Spouts: Kitchen faucet spouts come in three different styles, namely the pullout or pull-down spray, faucet with a side spray and without a side spray.

• Pullout or pull down spray: Do consider the extent of using spray in kitchen. If you would be using spray extensively, opt for pullout spray. Holding the pullout spray with one hand, the other hand is free for cleaning or washing purposes.
  
  
• Faucet with side spray: This allows you to hold on to a hose that is mounted to the right or left of the faucet.
  
  
• Faucet without side spray: If you do not anticipate using spray in the kitchen, faucet without side spray is a suitable option.
  

Valves: The valve, which is the heart of faucet, regulates and controls the flow of water through the spout. Kitchen faucets can be grouped into four main types based on the internal part that regulates water flow - the cartridge, compression, ball and disc.

Compression valve faucets: The rubber washers or seals at the base of the stem restrict water flow when the handle is turned on/off. Compression kitchen faucets usually have two handles, one each for hot/cold water and are less expensive. As and when the washers or seals wear out, water starts dripping and valves require immediate replacement.

Ball valve faucets: The ball valve consists of a stainless steel ball that is located inside the body of the faucet. This helps in regulating the flow and temperature of the water into the faucet. A ball valve faucet rarely requires replacement of ball valve.

Cartridge or washerless faucets: There are no washers or seals for the off/on action but only hollow, plastic-and-brass cartridges. These do not wear out fast and are most preferred. Compared to compression valve faucets and ball valve faucets, cartridge or washerless faucets are slightly expensive.

Ceramic valve faucets: The two fire-hardened ceramic discs work as good resistance against line debris, mineral buildups and other possible common valve problems. Being maintenance free, ceramic valve faucets are preferred for ease of use too.