Best Faucet Buying Guide
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Household Needs Buyers Guide
Upgrading your kitchen or bathroom faucetThis guide highlights the types, features, and tips to help you choose a reliable and stylish fixture tailored to your needs.
General Tips for Faucet Shopping
Match Mounting Holes
- Ensure the faucet matches the number of pre-drilled holes in your sink.
- Use a base plate to cover extra holes if needed, but avoid drilling new ones in existing sinks.
Choose the Right Spout Style
- Straight Spouts: Compact and affordable but may require moving to accommodate large pots.
- Gooseneck Spouts: Higher clearance for better access but may splash in shallow sinks.
Proportional Design
- Match the faucet size to your sink to maintain balance and functionality.
Ease of Installation
- Long supply hoses and fittings with screwdrivers simplify DIY setups.
Types of Faucets
1. Single-Handle Faucets
- Easy to use with one hand; compact design.
- Pros: Simple operation and installation.
- Cons: May lack precise temperature control.
2. Two-Handle Faucets
- Separate hot and cold controls.
- Pros: Better temperature precision.
- Cons: Requires both hands and is harder to install.
3. Pull-Out & Pull-Down Faucets
- Hose-equipped spouts for flexible use.
- Pros: Perfect for rinsing vegetables or cleaning sinks.
- Cons: Unnecessary for smaller sinks.
4. Hands-Free Faucets
- Motion sensors for touchless operation.
- Pros: Hygienic and convenient.
- Cons: Sensor placement can be awkward; may require battery replacements.
5. Pot-Filler Faucets
- Wall- or deck-mounted faucets for filling pots directly on the stove.
- Pros: Reduces heavy lifting.
- Cons: Limited use; requires behind-the-stove plumbing.
6. Bar Faucets
- Smaller faucets for prep sinks or wet bars.
- Pros: Great for secondary tasks like washing produce.
- Cons: Space considerations may limit placement.
Durable Finishes
PVD Finishes (Physical Vapor Deposition)
- Highly scratch-resistant and long-lasting (e.g., nickel, bronze).
Chrome
- Affordable and durable but more prone to visible scratches.
Brushed Stainless Steel
- Hides fingerprints and scratches better than chrome.
Bronze
- Rustic look, with PVD versions performing better against wear and tear.
Advanced Features to Consider
Finger-Friendly Buttons
- Switch between spray and stream modes with buttons that retain settings.
Temperature Memory
- Keeps water at the last-used temperature for convenience.
Magnetic Locking Spray Heads
- Ensures secure retraction and placement of pull-out faucets.
Side Sprayers
- Add functionality to sinks with extra holes.
Water Efficiency & Modern Technology
- Modern faucets use ceramic discs instead of washers, preventing leaks and enhancing durability.
- Leaky faucets can waste over 10,000 gallons of water annually—consider replacements to save water and costs.
Summing it up
Whether you’re after a sleek, single-handle design or a functional pull-down faucet, matching the style and features to your needs ensures a durable and efficient addition to your home. Invest wisely for convenience, style, and savings.
