The kitchen is the heart of every home and that’s not a cliché statement. It’s warm, inviting, homely and produces the best things anyone can have – hot meals! Many appliances and accessories make the room beautiful and functional but one of the most overlooked, yet crucial part of the mix is the kitchen sink faucet.
The faucet of choice can make or mar your kitchen experience, so a lot of thought should go into its selection. However, there are unbelievable kitchen faucet options and seeing the selections can be overwhelming. Fortunately, they are all functional and aesthetically pleasing so they work well in any kitchen decor. Let’s look at what to consider when making this important decision.
1. Basin Dimensions
So, one of the first things to consider when selecting a kitchen faucet is the dimensions of the sink basin. Think about the depth, height, width, and the overall size because they can determine how well it performs in terms of splashing and maintaining practicality. For example, if the basin is narrow, a faucet with a wide movement range would not be the best option.
You don’t want to have a mess around your sink and on the floor. However, a wide range of movement would be an excellent idea if you have two or more basins because you can use it in any direction. Moreover, it helps to know you can turn it and use water in all the basins instead of needing to install more than one.
2. Type of Spout
Spouts come in different heights and sizes and the size of the sink will determine the type that works for your kitchen. For the spout to work, the faucet’s size must align with the sink. That has an effect on several levels. For example, one with a low arc will have a spout that is too close to the sink. And a high one will have a spout that splashes water everywhere, especially if the basin is shallow.
Therefore, pick a faucet with a spout that matches your sink’s dimensions to ensure minimal splashes and functionality. If you have a large cookware, you’ll need a spout that fits well into it without being too close to the bottom of the cookware.
In addition, consider the opening of the spout; a large opening may work if you have a busy kitchen but will ultimately waste water. A smaller opening will conserve water but may delay when you have a lot to do. Click here to learn about different types of faucets.
3. Height
Consider the height of the faucet and how it plays into the entire setup. The height is one of the most important considerations because it can affect how you use the basin and what you can fit into it. A good height means better functionality and more room to navigate in the sink.
That also means the basin’s depth and width must align with this height. If the faucet is too high, the return splash would be too much, regardless of the sink’s depth. And if it’s too low, it might affect the effectiveness of the sink, especially in a busy kitchen.
4. Valve Type
The valve is the part of the faucet that controls the operation and determines the force of the water. In some cases, it also controls the temperature. It comes in different styles, like the single-handle ball faucet that regulates the flow of water by moving across the inlet holes and the compression valve that opens and closes as you move the handle.
The one you choose will affect how functional your faucet is; if you cook a lot, you would want to go for one that allows you to quickly use it, especially if your hands are greasy and you don’t want to soil anything. Think about your kitchen’s functionality and decide which faucet works best based on the valve design.
5. Finish
Like the practicality of the valve and sink depth, the finish of the faucet is crucial to how you’ll enjoy your kitchen. Typically, stainless steel tops the list of finishes and for good reason. It is durable, which means it lasts long, is easy to clean, and doesn’t retain dirt. One wipe and it’s good to go.
That’s why it’s popular in most homes, regardless of the theme or design of the kitchen. The same is true of chrome; you can get these finishes in matte, brushed or polished, depending on what you prefer. Best of all, they are affordable. Then, there’s brass finish, which is pretty close to the durability of stainless steel or chrome.
Its color brings a unique richness to the entire decor and is easy to maintain. You’ll find nickel faucets in satin or brushed finishes to match your decor, whether traditional, modern, or rustic. Nickel lasts well and looks its best if you use a topcoat of titanium, but the downside is that it easily reveals water spots and fingerprints. This resource, https://www.hgtv.com/, is a guide for choosing the right finish.
6. Holes
Faucets are installed based on their design, but most installation methods depend on the existing holes in the sink. In other words, the number of holes and their design will determine the type you choose. For example, a sink with two sink cutouts will require a faucet that will fit into those holes. Some faucet designs allow for this installation, even when they have only one spout.
If it has two valves for hot and cold water extended on each side, you’ll need a sink with at least three cutouts. In situations where there’s no easy way to cut holes in the basin, such as when it’s an undermount sink style, wall-mount faucets will come in handy. It’s easier to choose what you want if it’s a new sink installation instead of a faucet replacement because installation is easier.
7. Tech Features
Technology is making giant strides in many aspects of daily life and kitchen faucets are not left out. Some smart faucet features can make using your sink more convenient and enjoyable. For example, you can get a motion-sensor faucet that turns off and on with hand movement or one with voice activation. Keep in mind that these features can fail so knowing how to manually override them is important to prevent being locked out of using water in your kitchen.
Conclusion
Knowing the aesthetic needs and functionality of your kitchen goes a long way in helping you decide which faucet is best. Apart from these, you must also consider sink depth and size, holes in the sink, valve types, and the height of the faucet. Pick what works best for your cooking needs but don’t forget to factor in your decor for the best results.
