Should you buy a stainless steel kitchen faucet?
Stone, plastic, concrete and wood are beautiful materials to decorate your home. But what to choose for your kitchen faucet? The answer should not surprise you, none of the above. The best material for kitchen faucets is stainless steel! Stainless steel has been used as the material of choice for faucets in kitchens and bathrooms for decades.
It is resistant to rust and corrosion, is easy to clean, requires almost no maintenance, and can last a lifetime. You may have noticed many designer faucets in home renovation stores today. While designer metals like brass, bronze, and brushed chrome have become the “must have” finishes for modern kitchen design, what you may not know is that they all start with a stainless steel base. These are no longer your mother’s kitchen faucets.
Stainless steel has been clinically proven to support fewer bacteria, viruses, dirt and allergens than any of the materials listed above. Why should you choose anything less than the best for your home? The downside of stainless steel is that the cost can be higher than other materials, such as plastic. But considering its potential shelf life, vs. the durability of plastic as a material, stainless steel provides great value for money over the life of your kitchen.
There are a few things to consider if you are looking to buy a stainless steel kitchen faucet:
* Find the type of “handle” that is easiest for you to use. Do you want a single pull up style handle for your faucet? Or two individual knobs to adjust the temperature?
* Some faucets have optional separate spray hoses for washing dishes and sink. Others incorporate the spray function directly on the faucet, allowing you to remove the spout and use it to rinse in the sink and fill containers such as coffee pots, pots and kettles without placing them in the sink. This could be a useful feature if you cook a lot or wash dishes by hand.
* Consider the rest of the materials in your kitchen before deciding on a finish. You may prefer a traditional polished stainless steel over the newer brushed look for your kitchen faucet.
The most important thing is to take the time to think about what the faucet will be used for the most. Will you be filling large pots, washing a lot of dishes, or just using it to fill your coffee maker? The most common uses for your kitchen faucet will be the biggest determining factor in the style, shape and design of the one that best suits your kitchen.