You deserve a kitchen faucet that you love to use and admire. When creating or renovating your kitchen, you may not pay as much attention to your faucet as to appliances like the refrigerator or stove. However, you need to pay special attention to it. Take a minute to think about all the uses you make of the kitchen faucet in a single day. It's easy to see how important it is to have a faucet that works well and looks good. Rinsing fresh produce and cleaning plates after meals are just a few of the daily uses of your kitchen faucet.
You don't replace your kitchen faucet often, so you need to make sure you buy one that you love. That said, consider the current configuration of your sink, the type of faucet you want, and your preferred style. To make it easier for you, we have made a list of the best faucets you can have.
Why is it important to choose your faucets carefully?
Choosing your kitchen faucets is important because you need to find a balance between aesthetics and practicality. The kitchen faucet is a comfort equipment because it allows for a good water flow and easy temperature adjustment. The use of the faucet must therefore be precise and allow for water to be obtained by exerting simple pressure. Furthermore, it must allow to reduce water consumption.
This is the case with the kitchen mixer tap equipped with an aerator or the flow limiter faucet that allows for water savings. You no longer need to hesitate when letting the water run to find the right temperature and flow. With a single press, you handle your faucet. Moreover, the faucet must be able to withstand heavy use and accompany you for many years.
What are the different types of kitchen faucets?
When you need a new faucet for your kitchen sink, you may be surprised by the number of different types of kitchen faucets available. It's not just about choosing the finish and the number of levers. Modern kitchen sinks have up to five holes. You will therefore need to choose a faucet that matches the number of holes in your sink.
You will also need to decide on the shape of your spout, whether you want a flexible faucet or a pull-out faucet. With so many varieties available, we help you find the best option for your kitchen before making your purchase.
The mixer kitchen faucet
The kitchen mixer faucet is increasingly present in households. It has a spout, a single control lever, and sometimes an anti-scald system. To adjust the water temperature, you must turn the control lever horizontally and vertically to adjust the flow. The mixer faucet is economical and retains the temperature it had at the last use when opened.
It is suitable for kitchen sinks and bathrooms. It is thus possible to have a basin mixer, a shower mixer, or a bath shower mixer. With one hand, the faucet is more practical than the mixer to obtain the desired temperature and flow and consumes less water. Le-Mitigeur.com also offers a kitchen faucet with sprayer which makes it easier to clean dishes or the sink.
Foldable kitchen mixer faucet
In a kitchen where the sink is located in front of a window, it is preferable to opt for a foldable mixer. The neck of a foldable kitchen mixer under window can be tilted so as not to obstruct the opening of the window. You thus benefit from a high and elegant faucet, regardless of the layout of your kitchen.
Spring faucet (pro and semi-pro)
This type of kitchen mixer tap has a high-pressure jet. It has a flexible sprayer and leaves a passage for the hose under the sink. Its spring flexible offers freedom of movement. This faucet can be installed on a sink with one or two basins.
Mixer faucet
The mixer is a type of faucet that includes the faucet head which can be flap or ceramic. It has a spout and two control buttons for hot and cold water. They are used to control the flow and temperature of the water. Whether you opt for a kitchen faucet, a sink faucet, or a bathtub faucet, the classic style is there. Mixers can be attached directly to the wall or placed on the equipment they are designed to complement: sink, basin, etc. It should be noted that mixer faucets can be very water-intensive.
Thermostatic mixer
The thermostatic mixer is equipped with two control levers: one for water temperature and one for water flow. The thermostatic faucet, equipped with infrared technology, can be used for bathtubs and showers. Once the temperature is selected, it remains stable, regardless of the water flow. It is important to note that thermostatic mixers are sensitive to limescale. Their cartridges therefore require regular descaling. There are, however, other models of faucets with anti-limescale treatment.
Timed faucet
The timed mixer is an automatically closing faucet that is usually equipped with a push button or a presence detector. It allows to limit the flow time of the water and therefore to save a large amount of water compared to a standard faucet. On the other hand, adjusting the flow or temperature is not possible with these types of faucets.
Single handle faucet
A single handle faucet uses a single handle that can be turned from side to side and up and down to control both the temperature and the flow of water in a single movement. It is ideal for opening the water with one hand, making quick access to water easier.
The design of the single handle also reduces the number of holes that need to be present on the sink itself, making these types of faucets perfect for confined spaces. It is easy to install. The downside of single handle faucets is that it can be difficult to get precise water temperature or flow.
Double handle faucet
A double handle faucet has two handles: a separate handle for the flow of cold water and hot water. This makes it much easier to control the temperature and water pressure. The larger design of this kitchen faucet requires at least three holes in the sink, or more if you want to add a sprayer or other accessories.
Gooseneck faucet
Gooseneck faucets are known for their high arc that resembles the neck of a goose. These faucets are vertical compared to the sink, stretching upwards and then curving downwards into the sink. Their great height is perfect for cleaning large items. However, they require an open sink area, as their height may not be suitable if the sink is located under cabinets or under the window. These faucets are very aesthetic and practical, whether the finish is gold, chrome, or steel.
Faucet with separate sprayer
If you are looking for something more flexible, a mixer with separate sprayer can be ideal. It is a separate handle with a trigger that diverts the water flow from the main faucet to the spray nozzle.
The handle will be connected to the water supply that comes from a regular faucet. When you open the regular faucet, the spray nozzle will be active, as the water can be quickly redirected to the faucet.
What are the different finishes and materials for kitchen faucets?
You should not only look at the quality of the design of a product, but also whether that design is compatible with the function and overall look of your space.
Materials
The choice of material in which the faucet is made will have a significant impact on the lifespan of the faucet as well as its price. This is not about the finish, but simply the material from which the faucet is made.
- Brass
Brass is one of the most durable and easy-to-use materials for making a kitchen faucet. Brass can be made in a wide variety of models and finishes, offering almost unlimited options. It is resistant to scratches, stains, and fingerprints on faucets.
- Stainless steel
Stainless steel fits perfectly with many sinks with which you have to work. A stainless steel faucet will have a shiny appearance and will be easy to clean. However, you must ensure that it is treated with care, as it can scratch.
- Zinc alloy
A zinc alloy mixes zinc and copper to create a brass-like style, although it can be coated in a more beautiful silver hue if you prefer. It works well in most situations and does not corrode or rust easily.
- Bronze
A faucet made of bronze has a darker tone and a rustic appearance. It can give a kitchen a nice warm look. This style is charming, but it requires a lot of polishing and maintenance.
- Copper
Copper is also used in the manufacture of a faucet. It has a darker tone, but still manages to create a refined look. It is perfect for sinks with a classic inspiration. It must be polished regularly to keep it beautiful. Moreover, it is best suited for a kitchen where there is not too much light, as the shiny surface can cause light reflections depending on what you have.
- Plastic
Although a plastic faucet is cheaper and smooth and can come in several colors, you need to be careful with it. You do not want to end up in a situation where the faucet could break or crack. In addition, it may not look as refined as the other options, unless you make sure that what you order harmonizes well with the other materials in your kitchen.
Finish
The finish of a sink faucet is just as important as the materials, as it is what you see every day.
- Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most popular finishes, avoiding excessive shine and seeking to harmonize with kitchen appliances. Stainless steel is suitable for most faucets, especially for contemporary styles and rectangular and square faucets. This is the case with this foldable kitchen mixer faucet in steel gooseneck from Le-Mitigeur.com.
- Chrome
Chrome is a typical finish with a shiny silver appearance and a slight bluish luster. Chrome adds a modern finish to any style of faucet and brings shine and beauty to a basic kitchen without dominating it. The chrome finish is very present in kitchens currently. Chrome also offers its own protection against aging.
- Matte black
With a modern look that resembles wrought iron, matte black can add a spectacular touch to any kitchen style. However, this finish is often effectively used in a modern, contemporary, or industrial design.
The black material will also hide water stains and fingerprints on the surface. Another advantage of a matte black model is that it can have a significant impact on the appearance of your room through quick installation. The downside is that it can be difficult to match all the other appliances in the room to get the exact look you want.
- White
White is a very modern, but bold choice. It can contrast with a dark countertop and must receive a protective coating or be cleaned regularly to remain in perfect condition.
What are the elements to consider before choosing a new kitchen faucet?
Choosing an appropriate faucet not only improves the functionality of the kitchen, but also expresses your personal tastes. With so many options, how do you choose well? Here are some elements to consider in the process of selecting your faucets.
The location
You must first consider the location of the faucet. Do you have enough space to install a kitchen faucet with a high spout or an offset spout? Similarly, it is important that the faucet spout is compatible with the sink. For small sinks, it is recommended to use short spout faucets.
For a large sink, on the other hand, a kitchen faucet with sprayer is more suitable. With mixers with pull-out sprayer, it is easier to clean the sink, as the sprayer penetrates into all corners.
Style and design
Style matters! The kitchen faucet says a lot about a person's personality. It must harmonize with the style of your kitchen and accentuate it. Here are some of the main faucet styles to consider:
- Retro style: adds more charm to the installations in the room.
- Classic style: discreet and practical, this kitchen faucet fits all decorative trends.
- Commercial style: a commercial-style faucet uses a longer, more flexible design. Depending on the model you choose, you can find several faucets for different needs. It is designed to create a more modern look in your kitchen, and this is what is found in professional kitchens.
Mounting type
- Wall-mounted
Attaching a faucet to the wall above the sink keeps the countertop clean and uncluttered. The requirements for this type of installation are a bit extreme. For example, this type of installation should not be used on an exterior wall. Indeed, the pipes must extend above the work surface. If you install this type of faucet on an exterior wall, the pipes may freeze in cold weather.
- Deck-mounted
Kitchen faucets that are deck-mounted are usually installed on a horizontal surface. To facilitate cleaning, it is advisable to leave some distance behind the faucet when installing it. This type of installation gives a uniform look to your kitchen and is best suited to contemporary-style kitchens.
Price
A kitchen faucet can cost between 100 and 300 euros, depending on the materials used and the number of parts it contains. A faucet with more parts will be more expensive.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right type of faucet for your home, there are several things to keep in mind. First, consider the number of holes you already have in your sink. While most sinks have only one to three holes, some have up to five.
If you are buying a new sink to go with your faucet, you can choose them together. However, if you are buying a faucet for your existing sink, try to find the same number of holes as the one you already have, as it can be difficult to drill new holes. Many people do not appreciate sink hole covers.
Prefer brass or stainless steel faucets because of their increased durability. Avoid zinc or plastic, which are inexpensive but do not last as long. Always remember that it is better for a faucet to blend in with the design of your kitchen rather than be trendy, as trends fade, and most people rarely renovate their kitchen.
