If you are to name a room in your home where you would spend the maximum time, it would be the kitchen. Kitchen is the factory of the house where you do different experiments and brush up on your culinary skills.
Thus, having the right fixtures and fittings in the kitchen is of utmost importance. The fixtures selected for the kitchen should not only serve its purpose but should also be aesthetically appealing and blend in well with the décor style of the kitchen.
One such fitting that adds both functionality and style to your kitchen is the kitchen sink faucet. Kitchen sink faucets usually are replaced under three situations
- The faucet does not blend with the renovated style of your kitchen.
- The faucet you are currently using is not of the desired height because of some repair work done on the sink.
- You want the latest faucet design that offers additional features.
What Are the Different Types of Kitchen faucets?
Kitchen faucets are available in different styles, and you can select the one depending on your requirement.
- Wall mounted faucets:This type of faucet is directly fixed to the wall, with the spout coming directly above the sink. Thus, it creates an impression that the tap is floating on the wall.
Wall mounted faucets are available in four varieties.
- A Pot-filler faucet is used to fill stove-top pots. The space above or beside the stove is used to fix the faucet. The faucet can be moved in and out,depending on your convenience. The main advantage of pot-filler faucet is that you do not have to carry huge pots of water from the sink to the stove.
- A Bridge faucet comes with two low-lying taps that can be accessed easily from the sink. The spout is fixed on a bridge connecting both the tap and is placed at a higher level on the wall. The spout can be of any shape and design.
- The Gooseneck faucet is similar to a bridge faucet, but the spout is gracefully curved like the neck of a goose. The faucet is fixed on a bridge which is mounted on the wall. This type of faucet is compatible with all types of sinks provided they are not deep.
- The Hand shower faucet comes with a spout that is mounted on the wall through a hose. The faucet should be taken out from the mount and can be used to spray water.
Pros
- Wall-mounted faucet is the right choice to create a minimalistic look to the kitchen. Since the wall hides all the fittings, only the faucet is visible from outside. Thus, it provides a clean look.
- Wall-mounted faucet provides flexibility in design as there is a lot of space available. Moreover, different style and heights are also available for this type of faucet.
- Wall-mounted faucets are easy to clean as there is no obstruction. You can easily clean it with a sponge and soapy water.
- Certain type of wall-mounted faucets can easily be moved, thus adding to its functionality.
- There is no obstruction while using the sink as the faucet is placed high up on the wall.
- It provides a spacious look to the small kitchen as there is no congestion like deck mounted faucet. Thus, if you have a small kitchen or if the sink selected is small, then wall-mounted faucet is the right choice.
Cons
- Installing a wall-mounted faucet is not easy. It requires plumbing work through the wall behind the sink. In a new building, the work can be done easily even during the construction stage. But this is not the case with old buildings.
- If the faucet is not fit at the right height from the sink, then it can result in the splashing of water.
- In case any future repair work needs to be done, then the entire wall should be opened to understand the cause of the problem. In case of leakage, it can damage the whole wall.
- Wall-mounted faucets are expensive than deck mounted ones.
- Deck mounted faucets: These are faucets that can be mounted directly on the counter top, sink or table. Pre-drilled holes are then used to hold the faucet in place.One, two, or three tap holes can be used to mount these faucets depending on the style of the faucet.
Deck mounted faucets are available in five different types
- A single hole faucet requires only a single hole for its installation. This type of faucet comes with a handle for controlling the water flow. Hot and cold-water mixing takes place inside the casting. An aerator can be used to regulate the water pressure.
- A double hole faucet requires two holes for installation. This type of faucet has two handles to control hot and cold water. A single metal plate is used to connect both the handles and faucets.The mixing of water takes place in this metal plate before it comes out through the spout.
- A kitchen faucet with a side sprayer comes with a fixed faucet and a sprayer attached on one side. The sprayer functions the same way as a detachable sprayer head. 360 degrees rotation is also possible with the sprayer head.
- A pull-out kitchen faucet has a detachable spray head that can be pulled out into the sink. It is connected using a hose and is more flexible.
- A pull-down faucet is similar to the goose neck faucet with a fixed curved spout that faces downwards. Hence, rotation in different directions is not possible. This type of faucet would look best in a modern style kitchen with deep sink.
Pros
- Deck-mounted faucets are visually appealing as they are available in a wide range. You can select the one depending on the décor style of your house.
- Easy to install when compared to wall-mounted faucets.
- These faucets come in the correct height, and pre-determined holes in the sink or deck can be used for fixing it. Hence, there is no splashing of water.
- They are comparatively easy to repair as the fittings are visible from outside.
Cons
- Deck-mounted faucets are difficult to clean as it comes with the base. If not cleaned properly, then dirt can accumulate on the bottom of the spout.
Both wall-mounted faucet and deck-mounted faucets can be single handled, dual-handled or touchless faucet.
In a single handled faucet, only one handle will be present to control the flow of water. The mechanism inside the spout controls the temperature of the water.
In double handled faucet, two handles are available to control the flow of water. One handle will control cold water, and the other controls hot water. You will have to mix the water to get the desired temperature manually.
The most common type of kitchen sink faucet is the touchless faucet. Here, the faucet has sensors installed inside it that detects the movement of the hand. The flow of water is regulated depending on the shifting of the hand. The water automatically cuts off every 30 seconds. Thus, there is no wastage of water.
What Are the Different Finishes in Which Kitchen Faucets Are Available?
Kitchen faucets are available in different finishes and colors. You can choose one depending on the theme of décor of your kitchen.
- Chrome Finish: In this type of faucets, a thin layer of chromium is electroplated on to the surface of the faucet. Electroplating is done to protect the faucet from corrosion and also to harden the surface. Chrome finished faucets are comparatively easy to clean.
Faucets in chrome finish would look best for kitchen decorated in a modern or contemporary style.
- Oil-rubbed Bronze Finish: This is a type of dark finish that is darkened using chemicals. The darkening is done to create the effect of aged bronze. The tone of this finish can range from deep chocolate brown to dark gray with a copper undertone. The main advantage of this type of finish is that it does not show water spots or fingerprints. Moreover, because of the dark color, it can be matched with accessories of any color.
Faucets in oil-rubbed bronze can be used for both modern and contemporary style kitchen to provide a rustic appeal.
- Brushed Nickel finish: Brushed nickel is a material made up of nickel, zinc, and copper. It is silvery-white in color and brushed on top of faucets for an excellent look. It is one of the most durable of all finishes. It does not show fingerprints and water spots.
Faucets in brushed nickel finish would look best in a kitchen decorated in Tuscan, country French or antique style. If you want to provide an earthy and warm tone to your décor, then faucets in brushed nickel finish would be the right choice.
- Antique brass finish:Just like oil-rubbed bronze finish, the antique brass finish is also a chemically darkened finish to create an aged brass look. This finish has a brown shade with a gold undertone. The main advantage of antique brass finish is that it is durable. Because of the dull tone of the finish, it will not show fingerprints and water spots.
Faucets in the antique brass finish would look best in antique style as well as Tuscan style of décor.
- Gold finish: In this type of faucets gold finish is provided over ceramic or other metal to give a golden finish to the faucet. The main advantage of this finish is that it allows for a rich and gaudy look to your interiors.
Faucets in a gold finish are best suited for houses decorated in traditional style.
What Are the Different Materials Used for Making Kitchen Faucet?
- Brass:Brass is the most popular material used for making kitchen faucets. The main reason for its popularity is that it is easy to cast. Moreover, brass is durable and lasts for years.
Brass is also lightweight and is cool to touch. It does not get corroded fast and is the best material to use for hard water.
- Stainless steel: Just like brass, stainless steel faucets are also durable and easy to maintain. Since stainless steel has an original sheen, there is no need to apply any coating over it. It does not display water spots and finger touch. Only a sponge is required to clean it. Stainless steel kitchen sink faucets.
What Are the Things to Consider While Purchasing Kitchen Faucet?
If you are planning to renovate the whole kitchen or change the faucet, you should pay attention to the following before purchasing one.
- Kitchen Sink: First and foremost, the kitchen faucet should be compatible with the sink. Check the sink and figure out how many holes does the sink have.
Faucets are available with one, two, and three holes. Most of the faucet packages indicate how many holes it has. Accordingly, you should select the faucet.
- Finish: As mentioned earlier, faucets are available in different finishes likes chrome, bronze, nickel, and gold. The faucet that you select should go with the theme of décor of your kitchen. If the contemporary style is used for decorating the kitchen, then chrome and oil-rubbed bronze would look best. On the other hand, if the kitchen is decorated in antique or traditional style, then bronze or gold-plated faucets would be the right choice.
- Style: The style of the faucet should blend in well with the décor style of the kitchen. If a traditional style is followed for decorating the kitchen, then faucets with traditional elements and elegant curves should be used. Goose neck faucets would look good in the contemporary style of décor.
- Cost: The cost of the faucet varies depending on the finish, and make. A wall-mounted faucet is costly than a deck-mounted one. In addition to this, the installation of a wall mounted faucet requires the specialized skill of a professional. You should consider your budget as well before zeroing in on a particular faucet.
At Juno showers, we carry the best quality kitchen faucets you can ever get. Browse through our extensive collection and select the faucet that best suits your style.