Kitchen Faucets – Not Just Functional

Many homeowners make the mistake of dismissing the kitchen faucet as just another background fixture. In fact, the kitchen faucet could be a dazzling central feature of your kitchen, which arguably is the hub of any household. With many different types and styles of faucets available on the market, if you’re considering a kitchen remodel or simply looking to replace an old faucet, you’ll have a wealth of options available to you. Don’t be overwhelmed by choice, though – by focusing on what functionality, size and style will suit your needs and kitchen, you can’t go wrong!

Five Key Kitchen Faucet Styles

When choosing a new faucet, functionality should be your first priority. Are you cooking frequently in the kitchen or often filling up pots with water? Do you like being able to control the exact temperature of your water? Is faucet flexibility important to you? Answering these questions will help you to decide with what type of faucet you will be buying.

1. Single-Handle Kitchen Faucets

   Single-handle faucets (also called single-hole faucets) are by far the most common kitchen faucet. Water comes out of a fixed spout which may be able to swivel to a certain extent between two sinks. A single lever controls water temperature and flow. These faucets are stylishly simplistic and easy to use, and are perfect for homeowners who don’t require significant flexibility from the spout.

2. Pull-Out Faucets

   Pull-out faucets also operate by a single lever controlling water temperature and flow, but have the unique feature of a spray wand which can be pulled out of the spout. The spray head is connected to a hose which can be pulled out and used where it is needed (for example, to fill pots on your countertop). This greatly extends the flexibility of the spout and is perfect for homeowners who want to be able fill pots, wash vegetables, or reach all corners of the sink directly with the spray head.

3. Pull-Down Faucets

   Pull-down faucets are also single-handle faucets, and are quite similar to pull-out faucets except for the fact that they tend to have a shorter hose, which is pulled down into the sink, and thus in one direction only. Being able to pull the spray head down into the sink allows for more easily directed, controlled use. These faucets are well-suited to deep sinks.

4. Kitchen Faucets with a Side Spray

   Many homeowners want the simplicity of a single-handle faucet, with the convenience of a spray. Some single-handle faucets can therefore be bought with a side spray which can be used as needed. These faucet types achieve the same functionality as pull-out or pull-down faucets, but are cheaper and give the homeowner the option of using the spray only when it is needed. These faucets require a double-hole installation.

5. Double-Handle Kitchen Faucets

   The traditional double-handle faucet is still the preference of many homeowners. The advantage of the double-handle faucet is that users can control the temperature and flow of the water exactly, as there are separate hot and cold controls. When both handles are connected to the spout, only a single hole is required for installation.

Consider the Convenience of Secondary Faucets

If convenience in the kitchen is really important to you, you may want to consider installing a secondary faucet. If you are installing a small bar sink or prep sink, you’ll want to choose a faucet appropriate for the size of the sink which will also match the aesthetic of your main sink. You may also want to consider installing a pot-filler faucet above your stove, especially if you resent having to carry heavy pots of water from your sink to your stove every time you boil pasta or cook noodles. A pot-filler faucet is usually mounted to the wall above the stove, and has an extendable ‘arm’ spout which allows the spout to be moved across the cooktop. A well-placed pot-filler faucet may even be able to reach your kettle or espresso machine, if you plan your kitchen right!

Faucet Finish

Choosing a faucet with the right finish can make a big difference to the overall aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. Think carefully about what finish will suit your other appliances and fixtures. From glistening chrome to brushed stainless steel, the finish you choose could take your kitchen from basic and boring to timelessly elegant.

Water-Conscious Faucets

Millions of gallons of water are wasted each year out of faucets which have unnecessarily high flow rates. When you’re purchasing a new faucet for your kitchen, choose a faucet with a low GPM (gallon per minute) rate (1.8 GPM is a good rate to go for). The latest faucets have lower GPM rates without compromising on pressure, so you won’t even notice the difference, and you’ll be helping to conserve water!

Proper Installation is Important

Whatever faucet you choose to install in your kitchen, it’s important that it is installed correctly. You don’t want to end up with a leaky faucet or water seepage in your kitchen walls! Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric is here to help you with all plumbing fixture installations.