The kitchen serves as the hub of every household and at the center of this usually busy place is the kitchen faucet. Apart from its function of dispensing water for cooking and cleaning, this important fixture adds much to the aspect and functionality of the entire kitchen. The faucet is a very important part of the kitchen; thus, it acts to create a focal point that joins utility with style. In regard to this, it is one very important feature taken into consideration whether in new builds or renovations.
Type of Kitchen Faucets
There are a number of different styles and designs as far as kitchen faucets are concerned, each serving needs and preferences in several ways. Some of the most common include single-handle, double-handle, pull-out, pull-down, and touchless faucets. Single-handle faucets provide ease of use and simplicity, mainly because just a turn of the single handle can provide quick temperature changes that are easily done with one hand.
For the most part, this helps a busy kitchen where people have to multitask. You can learn more about multitasking in the kitchen by clicking the link. On the other hand, the double-handle faucet will provide finer control of water temperature with separate handles for hot and cold water. The reasons people like this traditional style are due to its classic look and fine-tuning in the water temperature.
Pull-out and pull-down faucets boast an extending or pulling down spray head that makes the rinsing of dishes or cleaning of the sink quite easy. Such designs are highly useful in those kitchens that boast bigger sinks, or for those individuals who frequently wash up big pots and pans.
The flexibility provided by the spray head lets it reach further and maneuvers easily, hence increasing functionality within the kitchen.
Touchless faucets are fitted with motion sensors that allow the water to start and stop without the handle being touched. This is an innovative, hygienic solution that makes particular sense when considering homes in which cleanliness is imperative, as it reduces the potential for germ spread and makes the cleaning process of the kitchen environment easier. You can click the link: https://makezine.com/article/home/how-touch-tech-faucets-work/ to learn more about how these devices work.
Materials and Finishes
The material and finish can considerably affect the durability and look of a kitchen faucet. Commonly, the materials used are stainless steel, brass, and chrome, each with various benefits associated. Stainless steel is famous for its resistance to corrosion and facility of maintenance; hence, it is widely used in busy kitchens. Its sleek, modern look works in everything from modern to industrial.
Brass faucets are treasured for their strength, along with an appealing retro look that is usually associated with classic or vintage kitchen designs. Other properties of brass extend to naturally being resistant to bacteria, further enhancing hygienic benefits.
Chrome finishes are extremely sleek and modern, and many choose the finish for its reflective quality that can make a kitchen look brighter while feeling larger. Also, most manufacturers offer several finish options: brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black, among others, from which homeowners could match their faucet with various elements in the kitchen.
The reasons brushed nickel is fancied include its warm tone and not showing much water spots and fingerprints, while oil-rubbed bronze has a rich, dark finish, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. Matte black has recently become popular due to its bold modern look and making a statement in any kitchen.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation and maintenance hold the key to a long-lasting, smoothly functioning kitchen faucet. While there are several house owners who try to install their kitchen faucet themselves, it is highly recommended to employ a professional plumber who can securely install the faucet and make it leak-free. A professional would be able to recommend the best type of faucet fitting for a particular setup in the kitchen, considering water pressure and sink configuration.
Besides that, regular cleaning of the aerator and checks for leaks decrease the occurrence of other more ordinary problems and add to the lifespan of the faucet. An aerator is a mesh screen at the end of the faucet that clogs up with mineral deposits over time and reduces water flow and overall efficiency. It is necessary to clean or change the aerator periodically to maintain the performance of the faucet.
Design and Aesthetic Considerations
Other than functionality, a faucet in the kitchen is majorly chosen based on design and aesthetics. The kitchen style should be complemented, whether modern, traditional, rustic, or transitional. Sleek lines with minimalist designs are most used in modern kitchens, as chrome and matte black finishes add to the contemporary feel. These work great in traditional kitchens with ornate designs and using finishes such as oil-rubbed bronze or polished brass, adding much character and warmth.
The size and shape of the faucet must also relate to the size and shape of the sink and countertop. A high-arc faucet large in size can create a bold statement and provide ample room for washing items of a large size while overpowering a small sink or kitchen.
Conversely, a low-profile faucet would be more suited to small areas, as it saves space without overloading the landscape and effectively providing service. Secondly, the type of handle that is supposed to be installed, lever, knob, or touchless can further enhance the design and functionality of the kitchen.
Technological Advances
Over the past decade, technological changes have transitioned kitchen faucets from simple dispensers of water to an advanced tool, facilitating ease and efficiency. As already said, touchless faucets have sensors that automatically turn on the water, reducing physical touches to a minimum and thus keeping hygiene intact.
Other innovative features include installing water filtration systems within the faucet itself. These provide clean, filtered water from the tap, save space, and eliminate plastic waste emanating from bottled water. Some faucets come with adjustability in their spray patterns to where one can go from a steady stream to a forceful spray at the touch of a button. This makes tasks easier in the kitchen and more particular to the situation.