Basic Considerations to Choosing a Kitchen Faucet
The basic function of a kitchen faucet would be in dispensing cold and hot water for washing up dishes, hands and food. Beyond that however is to define the style of the kitchen design.
With all of the old and new designs, mounting and finishes that you could find today, one could easily get overwhelmed on the selection of faucet. What you will learn in this article are some crucial things that needs to be considered.
Mounting Style
Sink Mounted Faucet
There are actually various kitchen faucets and sink designs that you could find today, but they are in fact not always compatible. When you are ever working on an existing sink, be sure to check on how many mounting holes it comes with. New faucets tend to have either one up to four hole variables
If you have the plans to replace an existing faucet which needs few holes than what you have, be sure that you look for a new faucet that have an escutcheon plate in order to cover the unneeded sink holes. This actually will do the trick on different standard sinks.
Handle Choices
Single Handle Faucets
Single handle faucets are able to rotate directionally that mostly provides you an ability to regulate flow through up and down motion and temperature with side to side motions.
Double Handle Faucets
These mostly needs a minimum of three holes on its installation process. The many options of handle options makes kitchen faucet designs something customizable.
Hands Free Faucet
This kind of hands free option is actually activated by a sensor. You could see the handle at the side where it will allow you in adjusting the temperature and flow rate.
Material and Finishes
Some example of standard finishes and colors are nickel, chrome, polished brass, oil rubbed bronze, black, white and stainless steel. You have to take note that finishes from various manufacturers is not exactly the same. It is actually a good idea that when you have the plan to buy a faucet to buy an accessory such as a hand spray or soap dispenser from the same collection for you to get a good match.
Quality and its Price
Most faucets in fact use a cartridge, ball valves or a ceramic disk valve. Faucets having a ceramic disk valve and stainless steel or solid brass base material is more durable and this also costs more than just one with a plastic part.
An indicator on its quality is on the weight. When you are unsure if a fitting is solid brass, you should try picking it up. This is going to feel much heavier compared to other units. Another thing is that solid brass bodies could last longer and this would need the least care, especially on hard water.