Design Guide to
Kitchen Faucets
The kitchen faucet is the hardest working piece of equipment in the
home. From filling the kettle to rinsing vegetables, it is used
throughout the day, every day. Therefore it is essential to invest
in a faucet that not only looks good, but is also built to last.
Atrio two-handle kitchen mixer
Design Styles
A kitchen faucet should be chosen for its perfect balance of design
and function. It should enhance the work area and be effortless to
use, even with greasy hands. A smooth handling of the lever is very
important in order to ensure a precise adjustment of water flow or
temperature.
For an architectural open-plan space, choose a single-lever kitchen
faucet with refined lines to echo the purity of the room. For
a traditional kitchen select a two-handle faucet. Keen cooks will
appreciate pull-out rinsing sprays which make light work of rinsing
out pots.
Two-handle faucets
The classic styling of two-handle faucets allows them to
adapt to any kitchen environment. Mounted in a single hole in the
sink or the worktop, they feature individual levers or handles to
control the hot and cold water supplies.
Single-lever faucets
Single-lever mixer faucets enable you to control the water flow and
temperature with one hand. Ceramic discs in the faucet cartridge
allow fingertip control of the water mix, leaving your other hand
free to use the rinsing spray. Levers can either be mounted on the
top or at the side of the faucet body.
Faucet Finishes
Stainless steel and chrome faucets complement all style of
kitchens. Sparkling chrome will add a highlight to the kitchen area
and enhances the look of composite work surfaces and sinks.
Stainless steel, a material known for its anti-bacterial qualities,
gives a professional look.
What should I look for?
Look out for a solid metal faucet body with ceramic discs in the
cartridge for smooth easy-to-use actuation. A quality faucet will
last a lifetime so select a design with timeless appeal.
It is false economy to buy a cheap faucet, as you will only have to
replace it a few years time. If your budget is tight, try and save
money elsewhere in the kitchen.
Choose a faucet that comes with a guarantee – this shows that the
manufacturer is confident that its products will deliver for years
to come.