Kitchen and Bath Fixtures

The kitchen faucet’s basic function is to dispense hot and cold water for washing dishes, food and hands. But beyond that it’s a major player in defining the style of your kitchen design.

With all the new and old designs, finishes and mounting styles out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing a faucet. Having the basic information on hand will make things easier. Here’s what to consider.

Do you have a kitchen that is sleek and contemporary, or one that is reminiscent of a farmhouse kitchen? Styles range from historically detailed to simple, clean lines, curves or 90-degree angles. This one item will shift the look of your kitchen to express the style you prefer. Again, the options are endless. But by the time you’re ready to pick the style, your kitchen style should already be established, which will help narrow down the options. Work with your designer to land on the best one for you.

Price and Quality

Most faucets use cartridge, ball or ceramic disk valves. A faucet with a ceramic disk valve and stainless steel or solid brass base materials will be more durable and will cost more than one with plastic parts.

One good indicator of quality is weight. If you aren’t sure whether a fitting is solid brass, pick it up. It should feel heavier than other units. Solid-brass bodies last longest and require the least care, especially with hard water, which corrodes some metals. These faucets, as you may imagine, cost the most.

Though their entry price may be appealing, lower-priced faucets are often made with plastic parts that don’t hold up. When you factor in the cost to replace an inexpensive faucet and the fees to hire a plumber to install a replacement, it may quickly negate the savings.