Understanding Faucet Types and Finding the Right One for You
Introduction
To this day, the kitchen is the beating heart of every home. It is where families have connected together to eat and bond with each other. The best faucets for kitchen usage are able to withstand intensive daily use for a substantial period of time, all while retaining its operational performance as well as its finish. Faucets from brands like Kohler Africa are known for their quality and operational prowess. Kohler kitchen faucets are extensive in their diversity. The main priority of this blog is to outline the various types of kitchen faucets, and to guide prospective buyers how to decide on the right type of faucet that will optimise their kitchen’s operation while also bringing style and appeal to the kitchen’s design.
Types of Faucets
While faucets may seem one-dimensional in their usability, the reality is that there is a great amount of variety in their type and purpose. For the sake of simplicity, we have condensed the wide range of faucets out there into three broad categories.
1.Single and Double Handle Faucets
Single handle taps have only one handle for controlling the temperature and flow of water, and are a good option for limited sink or counter space. Double handle faucets have dedicated handles for the flow of hot and cold water, and work well with wider counter or sink space to accommodate the tap’s two handles.
2. Deck and Wall-Mounted Faucets
Deck-mounted faucets are installed directly onto the counter top or the sink deck, with the faucet handles mounted independently on either side of the main faucet body and spout. Wall-mounted faucets are installed on the wall behind the sink with the handles either attached to the body or mounted separately.
Deck-mounted faucets are easy to install with many sinks and vanities coming with pre-drilled holes for the faucet. However, they limit counter space and can be tricky to clean. By contrast, wall-mounted faucets take up very little space and are easy to maintain, but are labour-intensive to install because the water supply needs to be rerouted within the kitchen wall.
3.Pull-Down and Pull-Out Faucets
Both faucets functionally behave the same way. They have spouts attached to water hoses inside their necks that can be pulled out for easier cleaning. A pull-down faucet’s spout is pulled vertically, which works well with limited sink space and smaller cookware. On the other hand, the spout on a pull-out faucet is pulled horizontally, which is great for larger sink space that can accommodate larger cookware.
4. Sensor Taps
As their name indicates, a smart kitchen faucet has a motion sensor installed in it, either in the body or above the spout, that spots the presence or absence of movement, and releases water accordingly. Sensor taps are naturally sleek and minimalistic thanks to their design and fit perfectly with chic, modern bathrooms.
Besides their stylish look, a smart sink faucet is also a great fit for those who put hygiene and cleanliness on a premium above all else, and need an option that limits the amount of physical contact needed to operate the faucet. Kohler faucets include the Sensate smart faucet which is a contender for the best smart kitchen faucet with its accurate sensor and voice control.
A Guide to Buying Your Ideal Faucet
With the sheer amount of options for faucets and their configurations provided to the public today, it really is no wonder why picking out the best brand of kitchen faucets to buy from can be a nerve wracking experience. To ease this process, this section will break down the multitude of criteria down to certain fundamental considerations that will help you streamline the selection process and enable you to make an informed purchase without spending too much time deliberating.
1.Functionality:
The type of sink in your kitchen will largely influence the faucet you choose. For instance, if you have a double sink, you'll need either a wall-mounted faucet or a double-handle faucet with a swivel neck. A pull-down or pull-out spout can also be highly practical for cleaning cookware. Understanding your kitchen’s specific needs is key to selecting the right faucet.
2.Space and Height:
Consider your available counter or sink space, along with the height of the cabinets or ceiling above the sink. In kitchens with limited space, a single-handle or wall-mounted faucet is ideal. For more open kitchens, a tall gooseneck or pull-down faucet adds both style and functionality.
3.Style and Design:
Faucets aren’t just about function. They can be used to style your kitchen to great effect. Depending on the feel you’re going for, a sleek minimalistic faucet finished in matte black will fit the chic modern style perfectly. Alternatively, a more traditional faucet will work well in a more rustic, homely setting. Finishes like stainless steel, matte black and gold are evergreen and can adapt to almost any design style you want.
4.Budget:
Establish a budget to ensure you make a practical, cost-effective choice without compromising on quality. Research different brands and their price ranges to narrow down faucets that meet both your functional needs and budget.
5.Research for Quality:
Survey the companies out there so that you get a quality product from the best brand of kitchen faucets for you. Brands like Kohler have a long history of producing faucets of very high quality.
Conclusion
The faucet market is brimming with variety, Kohler and other comparable companies are constantly innovating designs, manufacturing and performance. In this context, this article will help clarify your options and simplify the buying process.
FAQ
Q1. Which faucet is good for the kitchen?
The best faucet for your kitchen is the one that fits well within the available space and matches your operational and aesthetic needs.
Q2. What is the most popular finish for kitchen faucets?
While there is no definitive answer for the most popular kitchen finish, some of the most desired faucet finishes are stainless steel, chrome, brass, gold and matte black.
Q3. What faucets are easy to maintain?
Any faucet whose hardware is easily accessible and doesn’t take up a lot of space will be easy to clean.
Q4. Which faucet is most durable?
Durability depends on the quality standards of the manufacturing process as well as the faucet’s upkeep by its eventual owner. To ensure durability, buy from quality brands like Kohler. At home, simply use water with soap along with any soft cloth to clean your faucets. No harsh chemical cleaners are required.
Q5. What is the best finish for a kitchen?
Faucet finishes are generally highly adaptable, and fit quite well into a multitude of style designs. Matte Black, Gold and Stainless steel are a common sight in most kitchens today due to their stylistic versatility. In this way, faucet finishes offer a lot of room for creative experimentation with designs.
