Design Guide to
Kitchen Faucets
The kitchen mixer 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 mixer
with refined lines to echo the purity of the room. For a
traditional kitchen select a two-handle mixer. Keen cooks will
appreciate pull-out rinsing sprays and mousseurs – both make light
work of rinsing out pots.
Two-handle faucets
The classic styling of a 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.
Before purchase, check that your water pressure is compatible with
your choice of faucet. For optimal performance, many faucets
require a minimum flow pressure of 1.0bar.