Special features of kitchen faucets

Types of handle

Some faucets have only one handle, either fixed to the spout or standing apart from it. With these faucets you can quickly and easily control the flow of water and its temperature with one hand. This is especially useful when your hands are full or dirty.

Single handle kitchen faucet

Other kitchen faucets have two handles: one for cold water and the other for hot. The existence of two handles and two flows of water enables you to adjust the water temperature more precisely. More designs are available for two-handled faucets, as well.

Two handle kitchen faucet

If the handles have the shape of a lever or cross, you will be able to grasp and turn them more easily; levers are especially suitable for people with various physical disabilities.

Types of spout

The spouts of the kitchen faucets may be long, curved, straight, short, etc. Look for a faucet where the spout directs the water to the center of the basin of your sink.
If you will be washing large pots or pans, choose a faucet with a big spout that you can turn aside, with a high arch; for example, one about 14 inches (36 cm) long. Then it will be easy to put your large kitchen utensils in the sink and remove them after washing. Again choose a faucet with a big spout if your sink is big or you have several basins. Then the spout will cover as much of the sink as possible.

Pot filler

There is also one special spout – also known as a pot filler. You install it on the wall near the range to fill large pots with water when you cook. This saves you from having to carry these heavy utensils from the sink to the range. For this spout you will usually need a separate water pipe, supplying cold water.

Kitchen faucets operation

The quality of faucets depends on the materials and their mode of operation. To control the flow of water, they use such parts as…

• rubber washers
• ball valves
• ceramic cartridges
• ceramic disks…

Rubber washers wear out comparatively quickly, predisposing your faucet to leak. Ceramic disks or cartridges are far stronger and long-lasting. Faucets with such parts are more expensive, but they require little maintenance.

Kitchen faucets materials

Chrome and brass are materials of sufficiently good quality and are among the most frequently used materials for kitchen faucets. These are also faucets that require little maintenance.
Other materials may be used for the finishes on faucets, over a base of brass. For example, nickel, stainless steel, copper, zinc, bronze, silver, gold, etc. These materials can have a polished or matte finish, and may be used in combination with porcelain, glass or wood.
Keep in mind that there are some faucets you can buy in separate parts. Thus, you will be able to combine different materials, colors and shapes, to create your own design.

Kitchen faucets installation

You can install your faucet in the kitchen in three ways…

• through the sink
• through the countertop
• through the wall

The manufacturers usually supply detailed instructions on how to install the faucet. Another option is to use the services of a