We’re obsessed with Kohler’s sweep spray kitchen faucet, with its wide, high-powered water blade spray (and, no, we’re not getting paid to say that!). Which got us thinking… kitchen faucets get used a lot–maybe more than anything else in the kitchen. So what are the elements of a great faucet?
First, it’s important your faucet is proportional to the size of your sink and can reach most areas of your sink for cleaning. Consumer reports says this is also important because gooseneck designs, for example, can create splashing in a shallow sink. “Make sure that any faucet extends well into the sink to avoid drips onto the counter. Don’t choose a large faucet for a small sink, which can cause splashing. We also suggest faucets with a physical vapor deposition (PVD) finish and a lifetime finish warranty. These finishes mimic copper, nickel, and other materials and have performed well in our faucet tests.”
A great faucet suits your design, for example a faucet with two temperature handles will suit a traditional kitchen style. Another important element is whether you want two knobs or one lever, and consider that the former is slightly less accurate for temperature but easier to use when you’re working with one hand—such as when you have one dirty hand.
And last but not least, what finish suits your kitchen? Chrome, nickel, brass? Whatever you choose, ensure it is finished with physical vapor deposition (PVD), a popular finish that is almost impossible to scratch but will get stained by corrosives like drain cleaner.
