You deserve a kitchen faucet that you enjoy using and looking at. When creating or renovating your kitchen, you might not pay as much attention to your faucet as to appliances like the refrigerator or stove. However, you should pay special attention to it. Take a minute to think about all the uses you make of the kitchen faucet during a single day. It’s easy to see how important it is to have a faucet that works well and is aesthetically pleasing. Rinsing fresh produce and cleaning dishes 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 you like. 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 faucet well?
Choosing your kitchen faucet is important because you need to find a balance between aesthetics and practicality. The kitchen faucet is a comfort feature because it allows for a good water flow and easy temperature adjustment. The use of the faucet must therefore be precise and allow water flow with a simple press. Additionally, it should help reduce water consumption.
This is the case with the kitchen mixer tap equipped with an aerator or the flow limiter faucet which helps save water. You no longer need to hesitate by letting the water run to find the right temperature and flow. With a single press, you operate 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 might be surprised by the number of different types of kitchen faucets that exist. It's not just about choosing the finish and the number of handles. Modern kitchen sinks have up to five holes. So you will 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 kitchen mixer faucet
The kitchen mixer faucet is increasingly common in households. It has a spout, a single control lever, and sometimes an anti-scald system. To adjust the water temperature, you turn the control lever to the horizontal position and to the vertical position 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 washbasin mixer, a shower mixer, or a bath-shower mixer. With one hand, the faucet is more practical than the mixer to get the desired temperature and flow and consumes less water. Le-Mitigeur.com also offers you a kitchen faucet with shower head that makes it easier to clean dishes or the sink.
The foldable kitchen mixer
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 window opening. This way, you enjoy a tall and elegant faucet, no matter the layout of your kitchen.
The spring faucet (professional and semi-professional)
This type of sink mixer features a high-pressure jet. It has a flexible shower head allowing passage for the hose under the sink. Its spring hose offers freedom of movement. This faucet can be installed on a sink with one or two basins.
The mixer faucet
The mixer is a type of faucet that includes the faucet head which can be a flap or ceramic. It has a spout and two control knobs for hot and cold water. They are used to control the flow and temperature of the water. Whether you choose a kitchen faucet, a sink faucet, or a bathtub faucet, the classic style is guaranteed. Mixers can be mounted directly on the wall or placed on the equipment they are meant to complement: washbasin, sink, basin, etc. It should be noted that mixer faucets can be very water-consuming.
The 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. However, there are other faucet models with anti-limescale treatment.
The timed faucet
The timed mixer is an automatic shut-off faucet that is usually equipped with a push button or presence sensor. It allows you to limit the water flow time and thus save a large amount of water compared to a traditional faucet. However, adjusting the flow or temperature remains impossible with these types of faucets.
The single-handle faucet
A single-handle faucet uses a single handle that can be turned side to side and up and down to control both the temperature and water flow in one motion. It is ideal for turning on the water with one hand, making quick access to water easier.
The single-handle design also reduces the number of holes that need to be present on the sink itself, making these types of faucets perfect for tight spaces. It is easy to install. The downside of single-handle faucets is that it can be difficult to get an exact temperature or water flow.
The double-handle faucet
A double-handle faucet has two handles: a separate handle for cold water flow and hot water flow. This makes controlling the temperature and water pressure much more precise. The bulkier 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.
The gooseneck faucet
Gooseneck faucets are known for their high arc that resembles the neck of a swan. These faucets are vertical relative to the sink, stretching upward and then curving down 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 beneath a window. These faucets are very aesthetic and practical, whether the finish is gold, chrome, or steel.
The faucet with a separate spray head
If you are looking for something more flexible, a mixer with a separate spray head might 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 coming from a regular faucet. When you open the regular faucet, the spray nozzle will be active because 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 a product’s design but also whether that design is compatible with the function and overall look of your space.
Materials
The choice of material from which the faucet is made will have a significant impact on the faucet’s lifespan as well as its price. It is not about the finish, but simply the material the faucet is made of.
- Brass
Brass is one of the most durable and easiest materials to use for making a kitchen faucet. Brass can be made in a wide variety of designs and finishes, offering almost unlimited options. It resists scratches, stains, and fingerprints on faucets.
- Stainless steel
Stainless steel fits perfectly with many sinks you need to work with. A stainless steel faucet will have a shiny appearance and be easy to clean. However, you need to make sure it is handled carefully, as it can scratch.
- Zinc alloy
A zinc alloy mixes zinc and copper to create a style similar to brass, although it can be coated with a nicer silver tone 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 look. It can give a kitchen a nice warm appearance. This style is charming but requires a lot of polishing and maintenance.
- Copper
Copper is also used in making a faucet. It has a darker tone but still manages to create a refined look. It is perfect for classic-inspired sinks. It needs to be polished regularly to keep it looking beautiful. Additionally, it is better suited for a kitchen with 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 don’t want to end up in a situation where the faucet could break or crack. Moreover, it might not look as refined as other options unless you make sure that what you order matches well with the other materials in your kitchen.
Finish
The finish of a sink faucet is just as important as the materials because it is what you see every day.
- Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most popular finishes, avoiding too much shine and aiming to harmonize with kitchen appliances. Stainless steel suits most faucets, especially contemporary styles and rectangular and square faucets. This is the case with this folding kitchen mixer faucet in swan neck steel from Le-Mitigeur.com.
- Chrome
Chrome is a typical finish with a shiny silver appearance and a slight bluish sheen. Chrome adds a modern finish to any faucet style and brings shine and beauty to a basic kitchen without overpowering it. The chrome finish is very common in kitchens today. Chrome also offers its own protection against aging.
- Matte black
With a modern look resembling wrought iron, matte black can add a spectacular touch to any kitchen style. However, this finish is often used effectively in modern, contemporary, or industrial designs.
Black material will also hide water spots 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 with a 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 stay in perfect condition.
What are the factors to consider before choosing a new kitchen faucet?
Choosing the right faucet not only improves the functionality of the kitchen but also expresses your personal taste. With so many options, how do you choose well? Here are some factors to consider in the process of selecting your faucet.
The location
First of all, you need to consider the location of the faucet. Do you have enough space to install a kitchen faucet with a high spout or an offset spout? Likewise, it is important that the faucet spout is compatible with the sink. For small sinks, it is recommended to use faucets with a short spout.
For a large sink, on the other hand, a kitchen faucet with a spray head is more suitable. With mixers with a pull-out spray head, it is easier to clean the sink because the spray head reaches into every corner.
Style and design
Style matters! The kitchen faucet says a lot about a person's personality. It should harmonize with your kitchen's style and enhance it. Here are some of the main faucet styles to consider:
- Retro style: adds more charm to the fixtures in the room.
- Classic style: discreet and practical, this kitchen faucet fits all decorative trends.
- Commercial style: a commercial-style faucet uses a longer 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.
The type of mounting
- Wall mounted
Mounting a faucet on the wall above the sink helps keep the countertop clean and clutter-free. The requirements for this type of installation are somewhat strict. For example, this type of installation should not be used on an exterior wall. Indeed, the pipes must extend above the countertop. If you install this type of faucet on an exterior wall, the pipes may freeze in cold weather.
- Deck mounted
Deck-mounted kitchen faucets are generally installed on a horizontal surface. To make cleaning easier, it is advisable to leave some space behind the faucet when installing it. This type of installation gives a uniform look to your kitchen and is better suited for contemporary-style kitchens.
The 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 cost more.
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 you already have, as drilling new holes can be difficult. Many do not appreciate sink hole covers.
Prefer faucets made of brass or stainless steel due to their increased durability. Avoid zinc or plastic, which are inexpensive but do not last as long. Never forget that it is better for a faucet to fit the design of your kitchen rather than be trendy, as trends fade, and most people rarely renovate their kitchen.
