The kitchen is the only room in your house where there is much consideration involved in functionality.
It is where we do a lot of work in the house, and many of the things done require tools and appliances that don’t only appeal aesthetically but also have the capacity to make our tasks possible – if not easier.
One of the basic elements in the kitchen is the tap or faucet; the right one should be able to suit the user’s needs as well as add beauty to the entire room. When doing a home renovation, it’s important to choose the right faucet for you.
Here are some tips on cutting through the myriad of choices:
Quick Navigation
1. Mounting Location
One of the first things to take into account when choosing a faucet for your kitchen is where you’re going to mount it. There are a lot of designs to suit where you’d want to connect your tap to the main water line. Here are some of the most popular mounting styles available:
a. Sink Mounted
One thing to remember about sink mounted taps is that when you replace them, you must be able to determine the number of holes available.
If your replacement sink faucet has fewer holes, look for something that comes with an escutcheon plate, it is a deck plate found at the base which is designed to cover the unused holes in the sink.
The main advantage of this setup is that it’s easy to install, and you can still reuse your sink after you’ve changed faucets. On the other hand, the sink doesn’t provide that many style options for you.
b. Wall Mounted
This option works best with single basin sinks. You also have to consider how it works with your sink. The distance of the spout can influence whether they’re compatible, and this poses a greater challenge for a double sink.
It does, however, provide easy access when cleaning the deck and the sink. However, its installation will have to be precise with the right location and spacing, and there’s a possibility that a wall stud will have to be relocated to accommodate the faucet and the handles.
c. Deck Mounted
This type of mounting style allows you to install the faucet directly to the countertop. This is a great option for under-mount sinks.
It’s advisable that when installing a deck-mounted faucet, you must leave a finger-width of space behind it to allow for cleaning. This works best with modern kitchen themes, and you have a lot of options with this type of mount.
However, you need to properly clean the area around it as it easily accumulates dirt and grime on its edges.
2. Selecting Handles
Handles don’t only provide you access to the water, but it’s also an integral part of its design and functionality. It provides you control over the water’s temperature, spray style, pressure, and other features. Here are some of the most popular handle options:
a. Double Handle
We’ll start with this type since it’s considered a more traditional style of faucet handles. Each handle usually has a dedicated cold and warm water line, which makes it possible for fine water adjustments.
It requires a minimum of three holes to install and has a wide variety of options to choose from. However, it does have the drawback of being cumbersome to operate when your hands are full or dirty.
b. Single Handle
This handle option usually has a more comprehensive control for water adjustments. With modern faucets, it has features that make it suitable for several needs in the kitchen sink.
The Sweep, Boost, and Stream features of the Kohler K-596, mentioned by kitchen experts, make it easy for the user to perform various tasks. Single handle faucets usually have a high-arching style that accommodates large pots or containers.
However, it doesn’t quite have the same control as double-handle faucets, and you might have problems with pressure and such.
c. Hands-free
This type of option takes accessibility to a new level. Leaders in the industry like Delta have earned the trust of many home designers and experts alike, with great innovations incorporated into the Essa.
The sensors allow you to access water with a light touch to base, which makes it perfect for children and those with arthritic hands. They can also prevent overflowing sinks and conserve water in the process. The sensors, however, require you to do battery change from time to time.
3. Pricing
When it comes to faucets pricing is an important factor to consider.
You don’t necessarily have to spend too much on them, but you will have to think about the workload it’ll have in the kitchen; with every member of your family using it, the water pressure it’ll have to sustain, and the looks it has to maintain.
A faucet that has a ceramic disk valve and stainless steel or a bronze base will cost more but will last longer than entry-level faucets that use plastic parts.
4. The Valves
You may not see the valves, but when choosing the right tap for your kitchen, this is an important factor to take into account. They should be able to last for a long time, meaning they don’t leak out water.
Ball valves and compression cartridges were the traditional choices for manufacturers, however, they have moved away for a more reliable system. Both of these cartridges work well at first, but over time, they show signs of failure, and leaks will eventually ensue.
The latest innovation in the cartridge system is the use of ceramic valves. This material will last for a long time and can help you conserve water by keeping your faucet tightly shut and is resistant to corrosion.
5. Finish and Style
Your faucet’s finish speaks volumes of its style either you’re going for a traditional look, contemporary design, or anything in-between. There are a lot of options to choose from, and it can get a little overwhelming.
The most common choices are chrome, black, matte black, bronze, nickel, and polished brass. One useful tip when choosing a finish or style is buying a soap dispenser and other accessories from the same collection so that you’ll have a great match of fixtures.
Your faucet is an essential part of the kitchen; it is where your family wash their hands and the dishes and where they clean their food. However, it is not just a banal fixture in the room as it can also be an opportunity to display your style and character.
Choose the right faucet that you will love for a long time and can make your life in the kitchen so much easier than you could ever anticipate.