Before open kitchens were commonplace, kitchen faucets were relatively unobtrusive and the selection of fixtures was less ambitious. Today, your kitchen faucet is usually front and center and an important part of the room design.
Whether it’s practical (orders, spray, size) or personal (colors, materials, finishes) considerations, it can be a daunting task when you don’t know where to start. However, there is one constant that guides management, according to Sameha Dixson, showroom supervisor at Splashes Bath & Kitchen in Victoria. BC
“The main factor to consider is whether it is new construction or renovation. If you are renovating you often inherit things that exist, whereas with new construction you are starting from scratch. and have more control over where things go.”
Overall, you’ll want to consider your style preference, the type of faucet you want (one lever or two handles), and your current sink configuration.
To help make shopping for your new kitchen faucet a smoother and more enjoyable experience, these model considerations and options answer some common questions.
Function: performance, versatility
Functionality should guide your selection process. Think about features that would make your tasks easier and more efficient.
“Some manufacturers have built-in technology, like Brizo’s (Delta-inspired line) Voice IQ,” Dixson says. “You can command the faucet to turn on and off, or anything from pre-mixed temperature to separate temperature settings or measured amounts.”
The Hansgrohe Focus offers hands-free technology, as does the Blanco, with their contactless SOLENTA Senso, which includes sophisticated start-stop technology that automatically shuts off after 90 seconds.
There are also models with SmartTouch technology, which allows you to simply touch anywhere on the faucet body or handle. This makes it easy to activate only when needed, which helps reduce water consumption and provides convenience and control.
From rinsing vegetables to cleaning the corners of the sink, spray heads are another consideration and range from sliding and retractable heads attached to the faucet, or adjacent side sprays.
“How the spray goes down is going to be dictated by the style,” says Dixson. “Brands with contemporary styles have spray heads close to the same diameter as the spout. With traditional and transitional faucets, which tend to flare, they will fall more naturally into your hand; ultimately, the style of the faucet will affect the dimensions and its performance.”
Aesthetics: product depths, finishes
Product depths include items that may exist in the same space, such as fixtures or bar faucets, lighting, and cabinetry.
“When you choose a light fixture, it’s paired with something else and we want to make sure they work together to maximize their performance in unison rather than as a single element,” says Dixson.
Matte black and chrome finishes are two constants that retain their popularity. Chrome is the most cost effective, while matte black, brushed or satin nickel, or polished nickel or gold are more expensive.
“Brizo is the work of art on the counter and their Tulham is available in exciting mixed finishes, which speaks to the new trend of having more than one finish in your kitchen.”
Each brand has its own interpretation of tones, so be careful when combining other materials in your kitchen.
Other considerations are size, scope, and placement. Consider if your sink is under a window, if you want a clean horizon, a low profile with no visual interruption, or a centerpiece.
For more product information, visit splashesonline.com.
