THE WORK HORSE OF YOUR KITCHEN – THE KITCHEN FAUCET

Looks are not everything when it comes to your kitchen faucet – that may sound disconcerting, but style is a consideration further down the list of priorities on this subject! In fact, many kitchen design specialists say FUNCTION is the first choice before aesthetics! Whether you are shooting for a culinary haven that demands high-end features for greater convenience or just a solid faucet for everyday use, the faucet’s functionality is critical.

Prioritize quality materials and solid craftsmanship with ceramic valves and lifetime guarantees. Regardless of your level of prowess in the kitchen, your faucet is going to be heavily utilized. Once chosen, you may not give it much more thought so problems don’t arise later like leaks, and of course, repair bills. Buying something that has to be replaced every few years isn’t just a mess, it costs more money in the long run.

The great news is the look you are shooting for can be found without compromising on long-term durability and convenience. A stylish addition to the rest of your carefully appointed kitchen. Faucets run everywhere from $60 plus, and I have seen a few over $7,000!! For most of us, plan on spending at least $250 for durability and function.

Here in Montana, Buck will give you a dollar allotment based on your total building budget for your custom kitchen. Within that amount is where you will decide how much exactly you want to allocate for your faucet. In order of importance, here is what “the Builder’s Wife” considers to be the primary steps in making your optimal decision. And believe me, this wasn’t easy! I am guilty of hunting for style alone, only to have my builder shoot me down due to form and function concerns.

1. Function

2. Features

3. Brand

4. Valves

5. Style

6. Finish and Materials

7. Accessories

8. Where to shop

FUNCTION

Within function, there are further subdivisions. Let’s start with mounting – mounting matters as it will change the type of hardware you choose. There are two ways of mounting your faucet – on the wall or deck (counter). A wall mount is when you choose to put your sink up against the wall (really!) and your faucet comes out from the wall. It saves space, keeps countertops clear, and gives the kitchen the feel of a professional chef’s and as such, is often seen in the kitchens of serious cooks! A wall mount is more expensive, running about thirty percent higher than the countertop. Deck mount is more common.

Our next consideration is how your faucet will integrate with your sinks dimensionally. Are you planning on a single basin sink or a double one? The bigger the sink, the more reach and range you are going to need from your spout and sprayer. Sinks are an entity on their own and I could take you down a rabbit hole on that subject alone – just will have to be another blog! I counted 24 different types of basins in one article I read. This leads us to spout height and reach. You want your spigot to be tall enough to clear your deepest pot, but not so tall that water splashes everywhere. If there are cabinets above, that will also limit height. Height will also come into play later in your style and design step – whether you will want a spout that is low and out of the way, or high-necked and arching to accommodate colanders and big pots.

And to finish our journey through function, we reach the topic of handles. Your choice here is going to simply be one or two. This may seem very basic, but it changes the look of both the faucet and the sink. Advantages to single handles is that they turn on quickly with no fuss and can be adjusted in one fell swoop to the perfect temperature. Single-handed faucets look simple and classic and are less likely to break down as there is no mixing cartridge structurally. Double handles allow easier blending of hot and cold water although a disadvantage is that they take up more sink apron.

Let me take a breath as I have been pulling my hair out trying to write this piece in a way that makes sense, step-by-step, and doesn’t leave anything out. Forgive me for my failings!

FEATURES

FINALLY!!! FEATURES!! It is a lot more fun for me to write about features, than function – it seems to, no pun intended, flow, for me. Let’s begin with the number of holes you would like on your sink. There are four options that are available with every faucet. Single-handle faucets are available that mount through one, two, three, or four-hole applications. Two-handled faucets come in three and four-hole applications. One hole – one handle is going to be streamlined and very easy to clean – this is your modern/minimalist look and it is also most common. The two-holed configuration accommodates a single-hole faucet and an accessory like a sprayer or a bridge-style spigot. Three-hole is traditional with your faucet and hot and cold water taps. Four-hole is a faucet that can accommodate a two-handle faucet and a sprayer or soap dispenser. Keep in mind that extra features such as a side sprayer, water dispenser, or soap dispenser require additional holes.

Sprayers also have multiple options. They can be integrated into the spout, pull-out, pull-down, or off to the side on the sink apron or countertop. There are versions that offer BOTH steam and spray. In my preference, a magnetic docking sprayer is the ONLY way to go. I love mine in both the kitchen and the laundry room – when you are done, they easily click back into place. Additional features that are available in sprayers are styles that have the ability to change pressure and non-kink hoses. I am sure there are more….

Other available features include:

• Touchless activation and operation

• LED Lighted – the lights function depending on the water pressure and change color based on the temperature of the water. They are self-powered and do not require additional electricity.

• Water filters

• Multiple flow settings

• Aerators can reduce water use by up to 30% without using flow. Aerators are small screen devices attached to the end of a faucet that reduces water flow and splashing. Additional features are now available with aerators.

• Voice-activated

• Antimicrobial aerators

• Smart faucets that conserve water

• Reverse osmosis filtration which removes contaminants from drinking water

The technology of smart faucets brings advantages, however, they are more costly, some models require a power source, and like any electronic device, they can malfunction, though regular maintenance can help.

BRAND

Choosing a well-known brand can help you avoid faucets that wear out and develop issues quickly. These companies offer warranties and support. Their materials are of higher quality, have better design, and offer more reliable performance. It may be tempting to choose what appears to be an off-brand, fancy faucet at a screaming deal, but DON’T!! Industry-recognized top brands are:

• Moen – recognized as a master of design and innovation

• Kraus – experts in contemporary and minimalist design

• Grohe – a high-end, elegant, European brand known for ergonomic excellence

• Delta – a leader in high-tech features and water conservation

• Kohler – offers luxury and cutting-edge technology

• Pfister – affordable luxury and the best variety

• American Standard – innovation, reliability, and performance

VALVES

I cover this as another reason for using quality brands, that usually offer the best in valves. It is important to remember that although a faucet may come at a lower price, long-term durability and costs for repair services ultimately affect what you actually spend aside from the purchase price. What you may think is saving money upfront, can come back around and cost more in the long run. Common types of valves are ceramic disc (considered reliable and durable), ball (easy to operate but may need maintenance), cartridge (precise control and easy to replace), and compression (an older type and less expensive, but may wear out more quickly). Top brands often offer advanced ceramic disc valve technology with a never-leak guarantee.

STYLE/DESIGN

By now, at this phase in your building process, you have most likely decided on the style of your kitchen. We’ve walked through some of the less exciting aspects of finding that perfect workhorse -the ultimate fun begins now!! You get to choose the look of your faucet - high profile, low profile, bridge? Elegant arc or an industrial, squared frame? Transitional faucets are graceful and fit to match any interior. Think smooth, unassuming lines. Traditional or classic styles present timeless designs and a familiar feel. Intricate detail falls in this category. Modern or Contemporary styles offer clean lines and 90-degree angles often in black or chrome. Online, the leading brands will enable you to shop by style category and are often listed by “collection”. You can spend as much or as little time browsing all of the top brands for different collections. I love the hunt and it feels so wonderful when you find that perfect fit. Although it is kind of like the end of a good book – on to the next pick!

FINISH AND MATERIALS

You will want to tie in the material and finish with your other kitchen features like pulls, knobs, and light fixtures. It is currently popular to mix materials, ie. black with chrome; however, a gold faucet in the middle of a kitchen filled with chrome would stand out like a sore thumb. Any accessories you choose to go along with your faucet should also match, and it is probably best to stick with the same manufacturer. The material also determines the color and durability of the faucet. Finishes that don’t typically hold up well are polished brass, unlacquered brass, certain types of “living finishes” (which are designed to naturally patina), and some thin-plated options. The most durable are stainless steel, chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze. If you have hard water, select a finish that is less prone to water spots. The best for hard water are brushed nickel, satin nickel (which resembles water deposits in color, making them less conspicuous), and satin brass. Matte black, chrome, and polished nickel can highlight hard water stains due to color contrast and reflectivity. You will want to watch your cleaning routine, as some types will need special considerations.

The following is a list of common finishes with a few notes. As always, I am sure this is not all-inclusive but should be pretty encompassing.

• Black – timeless, is a top trending color and adapts to future changes in style or design

• Matte Black

• Polished chrome – will show fingerprints

• Unlacquered brass – will change with wear

• Brushed gold

• Brushed nickel

• Polished brass

• Polished nickel

• Oil-rubbed bronze – not available in all styles

• Stainless steel – great antimicrobial properties, highly durable

• White
  

ACCESSORIES

The items listed below complement your faucet and are engineered to make kitchen tasks easier:

• Air Switch – An air switch is a decorative button that activates a garbage disposal

• Kitchen Sink Flange and Strainer

• Kitchen Disposal and flange stopper

• Soap and or lotion dispenser

• Air gap

• Deck mount plate

• Basin Anti-splash faucet extension arm

• Water filter

• Sponge drain rack

• Storage rack

• Over-sink dish rack

• Instant hot water tap

• Sink grid – Sink grids prevent scratches, improve drainage, catch debris, and provide a degree of soundproofing

WHERE TO SHOP

While it seems easiest to run down to your local Home Depot or Lowe’s, you probably won’t find a distinctive design. These retailers focus on standard, popular models that are often store-specific. That may not be a concern to you if your vision does not require more. However, there are many online vendors that provide curated and unique styles often at better prices, giving you more for your money. Here are a few that I have used and also that experts recommend.

• Delta faucet also offers an outlet as well as recertified options.

• Kohler (same as Delta)

• Moen (same as Delta and Kohler)

• Faucetsdirect.com

• Overstock.com

• Plumbers’ Stock

• Build.com

• Houzz

• Plumbing Deals – every brand imaginable

• Faucet Warehouse

• Faucet Depo

The Builder’s Wife finalizes this faucet feature by saying that there is so much out there to be found! You are building your dream! Take the time to find that perfect faucet, so you never have to look at one daily you don’t appreciate!

All images from FaucetDirect.com