There are several finishes available for your kitchen Faucet. White is the most common and long-lasting, but it may not fit your overall design scheme. If you'd prefer a more subtle finish, consider matte black. This type of finish will hide fingerprints and water spots, but is more expensive than chrome. Regardless of the material you choose, a matte finish will add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen. And remember: there's no need for a clear coat - just wipe it clean a few times a day!
Adding a sprayer to your faucet will make cleaning the sink and washing dishes easier. While most faucets come with a separate sprayer, you can also purchase multi-piece sets that include a sprayer in addition to the normal spout. Professional chefs prefer spouts with a pull-down design, which allows you to retract the spout to rinse dishes and wash utensils.
A faucet's finish will also determine how it looks and feels. Choose from matte black, chrome, nickel, platinum, and pewter finishes. Some of these metal finishes are resistant to fingerprints and oils. While matte black and chrome are classics, brushed bronze and stainless steel finishes are popular today. You can even mix and match metal finishes to suit your decor. Choosing the finish of your faucet is crucial, as it affects how easy it is to clean.
The single lever handle is the most popular type of faucet today. These faucets can be easier to install and take up less space. However, they are not as precise as a double faucet. Double faucets have separate hot and cold water valves, and their handles are often part of the baseplate. Two-handed faucets are more difficult to install, but they have the advantage of allowing you to use two hands to adjust the water temperature.
Once you've chosen a faucet style, you'll have to determine whether it matches your current hole set-up. Most kitchen faucets are single or three-hole, and the number of holes will depend on the configuration. Single-hole faucets require only one hole to install. Four-hole faucets, on the other hand, have separate holes for a vegetable sprayer. If you're buying a used kitchen faucet, make sure it matches your current hole set-up before you purchase it.
When choosing a kitchen faucet, you should consider the color and finish of the other accessories attached to the sink. A polished chrome faucet is a mistake if it clashes with a matte brushed nickel sink hole cover or built-in soap dispenser. If you want a kitchen faucet to fit perfectly into your overall design scheme, you should choose a matte finish. A matte finish will add more luster to your overall decor.
Choose a faucet with a design that matches your lifestyle and is durable. A handle-free faucet may be easier to clean, and a pullout handle will be more convenient when cleaning up after heavy food preparation. The style of your kitchen is also important to consider. A sleek modern kitchen needs a high-arc stainless steel faucet. For a chef's kitchen, a high-arc stainless steel model with a pull-out nozzle is essential.