To begin choosing your new
kitchen faucet, it's important to understand the features of different types. Here are some things to consider:
The type of material used to manufacture a kitchen faucet is extremely important. While most faucets are made of brass, others are made of plastic or chrome-plated metal. Plastic faucets are often more affordable, but they are not as durable as their brass counterparts. In addition, most plastic faucets have a plastic core, which makes them prone to chipping and breaking. The most durable types of faucets are usually made of brass, but plastic and die-cast zinc are also options.
When purchasing a new faucet, consider its materials. Stainless steel is the most popular choice in the residential market, due to its corrosion resistance and lack of lead content. Stainless steel does not contain lead, unlike brass, which can have up to 0.25% lead content. Stainless steel faucets are also less prone to rust and corroding. Make sure to look for type 304 stainless steel when you are purchasing your new faucet, as this material is made with higher concentrations of chromium and nickel.
Touchless faucets can be activated by waving a hand in front of a sensor, whereas touch-sensitive ones can be activated by touching the neck or handle. Touchless faucets have several benefits for food safety. They are less likely to cross-contaminate, reducing the risk of pandemic contamination. You can also choose a faucet with a revolving head, which means that water will be turned on when you want to use it.
When buying a new faucet, you should measure the size of the installation area. Your sink should be large enough for the faucet to move easily. In addition to the size of the installation area, you need to measure the hole diameter and the distance between their centers. You'll also need to measure the countertop behind the sink to determine the number of predrilled holes and the distance between them. These measurements will determine the size of the faucet. A larger faucet will require more holes to be able to fit properly.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and has long been the standard for faucets. Solid brass faucets are extremely durable, but stainless steel is the preferred choice when it comes to corrosion resistance. It will not chip, rust, or corrode, unlike cheap brass-plated counterparts. The downside to brass-plated faucets is that they are made of lower-grade metal underneath. For those who are on a budget, zinc faucets are an option.