A high-quality, well-made kitchen faucet combines function and aesthetics.
A durable and stylish kitchen or bath faucet makes life a lot easier.
Modern faucets have excellent valve mechanisms and durable finishes that not
only look good but last a long time. Here are some tips to help you choose the
faucet that is right for you.
Choose the Style and Design
Choose whether you want a one-handle faucet or a two-handle faucet. A two-handle
faucet, with independent controls for the hot and cold water, allows you to
regulate the temperature more precisely. These designs begin at around $50.
The post-mounted, single-handle faucet ranges in price from $75 to $200. The
faucet can be operated with one hand by a side-mounted lever or top-mounted
knob. Single-handle faucets usually have a pull-out spout.
The cross-shaped faucet design with large wing levers is popular. Many models
allow you to buy different handles that you can attach to the faucet body to
customize the look to match your décor.
Decide on the type of spout that you want. You might want a standard straight
spout, or you might prefer a goose-neck spout that arches out over the sink. The
goose-neck style is great for filling pots. A pull-out faucet is handy; you can
move the faucet around in a double- or triple-bowl sink. You can buy a
restaurant-style pull-out with an extra long hose. With a press of the button,
you can change back and forth between stream and spray modes.
Be sure that the model you choose matches your sink holes. If they don't match,
be prepared to drill new holes or cover unused holes using an escutcheon plate.
Choose the Finish and Material
Once you have determined the style, consider the material and finish. A chrome
finish is the most affordable, starting at around $60. It should have a long
warranty on resistance to scratches. Faucets with colorful enamel coatings run
from $20 to $200 or more. They’re susceptible to scratching and chipping.
Stainless steel faucets coated with enamel cost 25 to 40 percent more than
chrome faucets coated with enamel.
A PVD (physical vapor deposition) finish is better than ordinary plated
finishes. The metal is vaporized and glazed with a film to make it scratch
resistant and non-tarnishing. However, it costs an additional $150 to $750,
depending on the material and style.
For a traditional or rustic look, consider oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel, or
brushed chrome. Brushed and satin finishes are especially good at hiding
scratches. For a streamlined, urban look, choose a faucet that is mounted on the
wall. This option is often used with vanity bowls.
Choose the Type of Faucet Construction
There are four kinds of faucets: compression value, ball valve, ceramic disk,
and cartridge. The compression valve type uses rubber washers and will
eventually leak. However, they’re easy to repair.
In ball-valve construction, no washers are used. Instead, the temperature and
flow of the water are controlled by a steel ball. This type of faucet
construction is easy to maintain, as a worn-out ball valve is inexpensive and
easy to replace.
Ceramic disk design gives you a faucet that is virtually maintenance free. It is
guaranteed to last forever, but is, of course, much more expensive than faucets
with ball valve or compression valve construction. The cartridge faucet design
is also maintenance free and similarly expensive.
Special Features
You can choose filtering faucets, costing from $200 up, to purify your water.
Some filtering systems are installed under the sink while others are fitted
inside the spout.
A faucet with an anti-scald feature will allow you to set a maximum water
temperature. Some faucets have an electronic infrared sensor. These faucets save
on water and allow for cleaner handles.
In general, you can buy good quality at a decent price. Many different styles
and models of faucets use the same basic parts, and you can find the same finish
across several price lines. Whichever type of faucet you choose, always check
the warranty and the finish before you buy. Even cheap faucets generally come
with at least a one-year warranty. Many faucets have a manufacturer’s warranty
that is longer than one year. By following the above tips, you’ll be able to
find the faucet that is perfect for you. |
