Have you ever wondered how to choose the right faucet out there? You should consider both aesthetics and functionality. The product should not only make dishwashing effortless and be resistant to splatters, but it should also fit the overall décor.
You start with choosing from many types of kitchen faucets available. There are plenty of features to consider, including whether you need motion sensors, and do you prefer single or two-handle design. In terms of aesthetics, you can look for different finishes and styles.
We hope that our reviews will make the decision process easier. Our team spent hours singling out the best units on the market and analyzing their advantages and drawbacks. We ensured to include products only from reliable kitchen faucet brands as they guarantee maximum longevity and durability. Don’t forget to check out our detailed buying guide to learn more about these fixtures!
Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide
Are you ready to learn more about kitchen faucets? Our buying guide covers everything you need to know about these products. We will start with the factors to consider during the purchasing process. You will also discover various types, parts, and other things that might affect your final decision.
Top 6 Things to Consider When Buying Kitchen Faucets
Whenever you are buying a product that should be a long-term solution, you should take your time. It is vital to analyze all relevant factors before you decide, and we are here to make your choice easier. Let’s take a look at what you should consider when buying a kitchen faucet.
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What Type of Handle Do You Prefer?
The handle serves to control your faucet, which makes it one of the most important features. We can divide handles into three categories:
- Single-handle faucets
- Two-handle faucets
- Touchless faucets
It is also important to mention that you can choose between lever and cross handles. Lever handles might be more popular because they are easier to use and offer better temperature control. However, cross handles are a great choice for traditionally designed kitchens as they offer a unique T-shape.
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Single-Handle Faucets
It is the most frequent choice of users installing faucets in kitchens. There is a good reason for that because a single-handle design is very convenient. If you want cold water, you turn the handle to one side. And if you need hot water, all you need to do is to turn the handle to the opposite side (providing the heater provided hot water).
Although single-handles are convenient solutions, make sure to check the space where you will rotate the handle. It is essential that the handle doesn’t hit anything below or behind the faucet. You want to control your unit effortlessly.
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Two-Handle Faucets
Two-handle design is a more popular choice in bathrooms because it takes temperature regulation to the next level. Unlike the previous option, this one comes with a handle on each side of the tap. One of them is for cold, and others for hot water regulation.
If you prefer to have total control over the temperature, you can benefit from this handle. However, if your hands are dirty (and they might be when you are in the kitchen), it might be a hassle to turn two handles instead of one.
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Touchless (Hands-Free) Kitchen Faucet
You probably noticed these in restaurants, shopping malls, and other commercial facilities. Touchless faucets are incredibly convenient as they come without a handle. All you need is to place your hands below the tap, and the sensor will get the water running as soon as it detects them.
It is needless to say that this makes things easier. You won’t get the faucet or handles dirty because you don’t have to touch anything. The biggest problem is that these models are high-tech, which puts their initial price and every repair cost higher than with the rest of the units.
Don’t forget to check out our roundup of the high-quality commercial kitchen faucets.
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Pick the Desired Mounting
It is time to consider how you want to mount the faucet. You have two choices here – the first one is to go with a deck plate, and the alternative is to choose a wall-mounted faucet.
Deckplates are recognizable because they have both the spout and handles on a single plate. They are also called escutcheons and are a quite common choice among the users. These faucets are suitable for up to a three-hole installation on your countertop or sink.
The alternative is to mount the faucet on the wall about the countertop and the sink. The beautiful thing about it is that it saves some space. Additionally, it makes the cleaning process more manageable because it makes cleaning the countertop simple. The wall-mount design also allows you to place pans and pots in the sink as it often frees a significant amount of space.
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What About the Number of Holes?
The number of holes is important if you are replacing an existing faucet. In that case, the previous installation required a certain number of holes on your sink or countertop. It is important to count those holes and look for a suitable faucet model.
That is important because of the aesthetic value of your kitchen. You don’t want a hole in your countertop to be visible for no reason. That is why you want the installation to cover at least that number of holes. Alternatively, you can think about adding more holes.
If you are setting up a new kitchen, you will have a lot more freedom since you can choose the desired number of holes.
Hole Number – Suggestions
- A single hole – this option might be a convenient choice if you are mounting a faucet with a single handle. That way, you don’t have to worry about making multiple holes in your countertop.
- Two holes – apart from the classic two-handle faucets, you can also use this configuration for a single handle and an accessory, such as soap dispenser or side sprayer.
- Three holes – if you have three holes, you can use two for handles, and the remaining one for the spout. However, depending on the faucet type, you can also add a side sprayer or soap dispenser.
- Four holes – these offer the most freedom when it comes to additional features. You can pick a single or two-handle design, and still have enough space for soap dispensers, side sprayers, etc.
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Do You Have a Favorite Faucet Finish?
Here is the great thing about choosing a faucet finish – you mainly pick them because of how they look. You want a high-quality finish that contributes to the faucet durability. However, most options come with those features. You might want to go with chrome because it is the most reliable option out there. It will probably last the longest, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be satisfied with other alternatives.
What Options for a Faucet Finish Do You Have?
- Matte Black – it might seem unusual, but it is a frequent choice because it stands out from the crowd. Matte black faucets can be an excellent choice for modern kitchens.
- Chrome – it is the most durable option, and you won’t have to worry about it for a long time as it will maintain a shiny look. The classic option ensures a silver-like finish that is versatile and fits with any décor. Alternatively, you can also choose brushed chrome for a matte touch.
- Stainless steel – it is important to get high-quality steel for optimal spot resistance. You don’t want any watermarks to end up on your faucet and leave visible traces. Additionally, top-quality material will contribute to longevity.
- Bronze – you could say this is a traditional option, although it all depends on your décor. Bronze is not a frequent choice, but oil-rubbed might be an intriguing solution.
- Nickel – if you are looking to combine modern and traditional, how about choosing a nickel faucet with a polished finish? It will look classy, but also fit well with a classic décor!
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What’s Your Favorite Style?
If we talk about interior design, we can mention three main styles:
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Traditional Style
Those who favor elegance and warmth, along with inviting and vivid colors, prefer traditional style over others. If you are going with this style, your faucet should have that vintage touch. You can still have modern features, but the appearance should be vintage. Since this is a classic design, you can rest assured that it won’t go out of style.
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Transitional Style
The easiest way to explain this style is that it is a combination of traditional and modern. Although it sticks to some classic looks, it offers a modern twist. That allows users to have a lot more creativity when it comes to decorating their homes.
The idea is to keep the colors neutral and clean, while the fixtures and furniture stand out. You can go for a stainless-steel faucet combined with a natural wood cabinet. -
Contemporary Style
If you are a fan of the 21st century, technology and modern times, this is the style for you. The main idea is ample open space and shape simplicity. Even faucets should be as simple and minimalistic as possible.
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Do You Need a Low or High-Arch Faucet?
You should consider the sink, but this is ultimately a matter of preference. If you have a deep sink, a low-arch faucet might be a better choice. Those who combine high-arch faucets and deep sinks might face problems with splashes, although you can neutralize that with appropriate sink design.
Another problem might arise if you combine a low-arch faucet and a shallow sink. It might be problematic to fit your hands, and let alone the dishes you are washing. Additionally, you might splash yourself and even the walls.
The important thing to note is that you should combine the sink with the right faucet arch. You want the functionality to be optimal, which is why you should mix low-arch faucets with deep sinks, and shallow sinks with high-arc faucets. Faucet arch can also be somewhere between low and high, which is why you shouldn’t have issues to find a model that suits your preference.
Types of Kitchen Faucets
You can find various types of kitchen faucets in the market. No exact classification exists, which is why types depend on various features. However, let’s take a look at some of the most popular styles and their advantages and drawbacks.
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Classic Faucets
Now, this might confuse you because classic faucets come in several subtypes. We are talking about faucets that come with a classic spout that is not extendable, and don’t have any motion detectors.
These are faucets that have been present in homes throughout the world for decades. We already mentioned different designs, such as a single-handle or two-handle option. You can also consider them depending on how many holes you need for their installation.
These solutions are usually more affordable than other alternatives, but they also lack modern features mentioned above.
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Pros
– Simple to install
– Affordable price
– Optimal temperature control -
Cons
– No extendable spout or motion sensors
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Pull-Down Faucet
Did you know that this is one of the most popular choices these days? A pull-down faucet is practical and aesthetically attractive. You will notice a gooseneck design, as well as the spout with an extension that you can pull down.
Thanks to the extendable spout, you can take the dishwashing results to the next level. There won’t be a dirty spot that you won’t be able to reach effortlessly. It is also very helpful when you have a lot of dishes, and you don’t know where to begin.
Not only it improves maneuverability, but it also helps to keep the kitchen clean. Since you have the option to pull the spout down, you can minimize splashing as soon as you learn to make the right moves.
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Pros
– Excellent maneuverability
– Reach tough spots when washing the dishes
– Minimize splashing and keep your kitchen clean -
Cons
– It might not be a great choice for shallow sinks
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Pull-Out Faucet
You could say that this is a step forward compared to the pull-down faucet. The improved version allows you to pull the entire head out and move it into the desired direction. That is much better than pulling it only down as in the previously described faucet.
Now, you might get maximum maneuverability, but that’s a bad thing, too. A single wrong move might cause splashes. If you turn the head the wrong way, you sprayed the wall or the kitchen floor. It takes a lot of concentration to use these heads, although you can get your dishes clean quickly.
It is interesting to note that you can also use a pull-out faucet to fill the pan or pot while it is on the countertop. You need to have a hose that’s long enough to reach it.
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Pros
– Excellent for washing the dishes efficiently
– Additional functions beside dishwashing
– Maximum maneuverability -
Cons
– A single wrong move might lead to splashing
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Motion Detect Faucets
The next type of faucets we are presenting are motion detect faucets. The specific thing about these faucets is that you don’t need to use your hands to activate them. Instead, the sensors detect your movement and get the water running.
The important thing to note is that two types of faucets detect motion:
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Hands-free faucets
The moment you place your hands under the faucet’s head, the sensor will detect them and get the water running. It is an excellent way of keeping everything clean and avoiding getting the faucet dirty with your hands.
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Hands-on faucets
These require you to touch the tap to activate the water. Although they might be a bit more prone to getting stained, these faucets are also great at preventing accidental activation.
It is needless to say that these faucets are extremely hygienic. That is why you often see them on commercial premises where a lot of people use the bathroom or kitchen sink. You can also find them useful in homes where you frequently end up washing the dishes or preparing meals. If you need to wash your hands during meal preparation, motion detect faucets will make the job easier. You won’t get the faucet dirty, which means there is no need to clean it later.The drawback is obvious – this is a modern high-tech faucet and it is more expensive than other models. Even the repairs can be costly and usually complicated.
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Pros
– Extremely convenient and reliable
– Very hygienic to save cleaning time
– Modern-looking -
Cons
– The price tag is somewhat high
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Kitchen Faucet with a Sprayer
These are similar to classic kitchen faucets, and the only difference is that they come with one or more additional accessories. For example, would you like a soap dispenser or side sprayer with your faucet?
It can make washing the dishes very convenient. If you use an integrated soap dispenser, there is no need to reach for the detergent and risk the water dripping on your countertop.
Additionally, the side sprayer is a nice touch because you can enjoy more water when you need it. Extra features might include adjustable aerators and 360-degree swivel.
On top of that, these solutions look aesthetically attractive. However, they will require at least two or more holes for the installation.
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Pros
– You get soap dispenser or side sprayer as accessories
– Convenient dishwashing with minimal risk of splashing and water dripping
– It can accelerate the dishwashing process -
Cons
– The installation requires multiple holes
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Pot Filler Faucets
The final type we will discuss is a pot filler faucet. It is a specific faucet because its primary focus is not on dishwashing. Instead, you use it for filling cooking pots with water.
Its main benefit is convenience. If you are cooking for a large family, you might be using big pots. Once you fill such a pot with water, you realize that it has no less than 30 pounds. That is tough to move from one location to another. It is why you install a pot filler faucet close to the stove and enjoy the benefits of filling the pots while they are in position.
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Pros
– You can mount them to sinks or walls
– Very convenient when cooking in pots
– Simple to use -
Cons
– Not the best option for dishwashing
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Kitchen Faucet Valve Types
If you ask experts, they will tell you that valves are a major component of any faucet. They are in charge of controlling water temperature and flow, so that is understandable.
These are 4 types of valves available on the market:
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Compression Valves
A compression valve is the most common choice because it is the most affordable. The design features a couple of handles that serve for regulating cold and hot water.
The handle adjusts the washer, and it also controls water flow by shutting the valve seat at the stem’s bottom. The washers might be a leaking risk, but this is a minor repair.
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Ball Valves
You will often see these in kitchen faucets. A round cap connects the single handle to the base of the faucet. The handle is shaped like a ball, and it has chambers to adjust water flow and regulate temperature.
The biggest benefit is that a ball valve is washer-less, which means it only needs little maintenance. Unfortunately, it is still a leakage risk because of the sheer number of parts.
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Cartridge Valves
You will find these with one or two handles, which means you have the freedom to choose. A stem cartridge allows you to control the temperature by moving it left or right, and water flow by moving it up and down.
Cartridge vales are washer-less and use a hollow brass and plastic cartridge instead of a rubber disc. You will find O-rings inside the base of the faucet, and that sealing type should last for a long time.
The two-handle cartridge valve might remind you of compression units. However, you will notice that you don’t need to shove it strongly to turn it off. Cartridges provide optimal leakage resistance and simple installation and repair.
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Disk Valves
These are modern valves used in high-tech kitchens. You will notice a body that reminds of a broad tube and a single lever. The cartridge is extensive and features a couple of ceramic discs. These are both movable and watertight. That enables them to control the temperature and water flows.
Disk valves are incredibly durable and shatterproof. However, their price might be a bit higher than for other units.
Faucet Parts and Functions
It is time to become doctors for kitchen faucets and get to know the anatomy of these products. By knowing the fixture inside and out, you will know which choice is perfect for you. Additionally, it will be easier to detect any problem if anything goes wrong.
What Are the Main Components of a Kitchen Faucet?
- Body – an integral part of the system that serves to move water from the plumbing system and throughout the spout.
- Adjusting ring – a crucial component that serves to seal the joints tightly. It can be made from different materials.
- Spout assembly – these are components that serve for controlling the spout.
- Lever – its task is to control when the tap is on and off.
- Spout – the part where the water goes out from once the device receives it from the pipes.
- Aerator – you can place a mesh screen on the top of the faucet to control the water flow. That enables you to dictate how much water will come out once you activate the faucet.
- Sprayer – a component that serves for spraying water.
- Hose guide – it is quite self-explanatory as this component guides the hose to prevent any scraping, and protect it from getting caught.
- Spray hose – its task is to ensure the faucet is connected to the water supply.
- Compression couplings – an important component that connects pipes to a valve or fixture.
- Shutoff valves – they ensure the user has ultimate water flow control.
- Hot and cold water supplies – these ensure that hot and cold water comes from the desired source to the preferred destination.
- Desk plate – also called escutcheon, this is a metal piece that keeps the hole for the valve or pipe hidden from sight.
Faucet Lifespan
We established that faucets are a long-term investment, but how long can they last? It will depend on the type of faucet you buy, and the quality of materials.
Here is an overview of the factors that affect faucet lifespan:
- How frequently you use it?
- Which brand and model did you choose?
- What is the quality of water in your kitchen?
- Did you install everything properly?
- Do you regularly maintain your plumbing system?
The good news is that most faucets will last from 15 to 20 years. Over that time, the chances are you will need to perform small repairs, but the main system might be very durable.
Is It Time to Repair or Replace Your Leaky Faucet?
If you want to maximize the longevity of your faucet, it is important to maintain it regularly. The chances are you will note when you need to act and perform a repair.
For example, if you notice that your faucet got leaky, it is time to call a professional. They can detect and handle the problem efficiently.
The question is, how will you know when you can only repair the faucet, and when it is time to replace it. An excellent indicator is the cost of the repair. A small discoloration or crack can be resolved. However, huge problems might require significant investments.
The experts suggest that if the repair costs are at 30-40% of the replacement, you should consider replacing the faucet. That is because the repair won’t last nearly as long as a new faucet. Even if you get an extra couple of years out of your current system, it is far less than 15 or 20 years with a new fixture.
You should also replace the faucet if repairs are impossible. More often than not, replacing minor components like aerators, washers, nuts, and bolts might not be a permanent solution.
It might also be wise to replace the faucet if you are renovating your kitchen, or replacing the sink or countertop. You might do this for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
Faucet Installation Cost Factors
Did you know that the average installation cost of a kitchen faucet is $250? Those are the statistics on a national level, but your specific installation might cost anywhere between $93 to $560.
Apart from the geographic location of your home and the labor cost set by the chosen professional, these are the factors that affect installation cost:
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Removing the current faucet
The condition of your current system might be catastrophic. If parts are broken or rusted, they might be hard to remove. The plumbers also need to ensure they keep the pipes intact, which is why sawing out the faucet or other actions might be necessary.
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Which faucet are you installing?
A classic one-hole faucet is a piece of cake to install, but a modern touchless system might be more complicated. Additionally, factors like extra accessories (soap dispensers, sprayers), finishes, and other details can also affect the price.
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Upgrades
Perhaps you want to install a lighting fixture above the sink to see better? A filtration system might also be a wise move if water hardness is high in your area, and that might also increase the price.
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Water efficiency boost
You might want to improve the efficiency of your faucet, but that requires changing the hardware.
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Which sink do you have?
The faucet and the sink must be compatible. While this might not increase installation costs, you don’t want to risk having to buy another sink.
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Mountings and connectors
These are minor components, and plumbers usually include them in the price.
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Installation specifics
For example, you might have a kitchen where not a lot of maneuverability is offered at the location where you want the faucet. Other specifics might ensure adjustments to your plumbing system, as well as the distance of your home from the company.
3 Things to Know Before Replacing a Kitchen Faucet
It is obvious that your kitchen faucet needs to be replaced. That is not an easy task, and it might be an ambitious project.
Here are the things that you should take care of before replacing the faucet
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Never Leave the Water Running in the Faucet
You want everything to be dry before you can start replacing the faucet. That is why you should first shut off the water supply to the lines used for the faucet.
It shouldn’t be hard because it should probably involve twisting the valves to the “OFF” position. Now, if you haven’t turned off the water in a while, you might find the valves stuck. A simple trick is to loosen them with heat from a hairdryer, but you can also use locking pliers.
However, make sure to be gentle as you don’t want to break the valve. It might be wise to turn off the main valve before loosening these valves because you don’t want to risk a flood.
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Start by Removing the Old Faucet
Everything comes down to loosening the faucet and removing it from its place. It should be easy as all you need to do is to loosen several nuts. However, things might get tricky if you can’t get close enough because the area is narrow. Since the nuts are usually under the sink, you might benefit from a flashlight.
If you encounter rust, try applying penetration oil and removing corrosion with your hands. Allow the oil to act for at least 30-60 minutes (preferably overnight). It should be easier to loosen the nuts after that.
You might need to crawl inside the cabinet to access the space beneath the kitchen sink. Make sure to use a plywood sheet or any other item that will make you more comfortable. That is particularly important if you have back pain issues.
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Know When to Call a Professional
If you are a DIY enthusiast, you might try to replace the faucet yourself. It’s not that you shouldn’t do this, but make sure to stay within your capabilities.
Follow the instructions carefully and don’t push your limits. If it seems like you can’t finish the installation yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional. You don’t want to risk damaging the new faucet and compromising its performance.
Professionals have the necessary skills and experience to handle the installation effortlessly. It is the best way of ensuring that everything went smoothly. You can rest assured the new faucet will work for a long time.
Best Kitchen Faucet Brands
If you want a faucet to serve you well and last long, you need to choose a reliable brand. Here is a list of the companies that you can trust.
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Kraus
Although it was established in 2007, Kraus quickly become a reputable brand. Their main office is in New York, and they are focused on innovation and unique and functional design. Apart from kitchen fixtures, they also design bathroom products and accessories.
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Moen
Moen combines design and functionality ever since the company was founded in 1937. The company started with single-handle faucets, but they now offer various products, including sinks, garbage disposals, filtration systems, etc.
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Delta Faucet
The story about Delta Faucet starts in 1954, but today, they are a subsidiary of Masco Corporation. The company owns multiple brands, but Delta products are still their flagship units. That brand is focused on innovation via offering touchless faucets, and other smart and useful features.
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WEWE
WEWE’s main office is in China, but they are largely on the way of becoming a reliable worldwide brand. The great thing about this company is that it specializes in faucets, and offering a way of using water comfortably and effortlessly. Dedication to innovation and listening to consumer’s needs are the main traits of the creators of this brand.
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Hotis
Hotis Home is a company that designs far more than only kitchen faucets. You can also find other kitchen and bathroom fixtures so that your home looks beautiful, and you use water simply and safely. The main office is in Guangdong, China, but the company ships its products worldwide.
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Peerless
Peerless is a brand that belongs to the Delta Faucet company. The idea is to offer affordable and high-quality faucets and other products to both professional and home users. Apart from the kitchen, this brand also includes bathroom and vanity products. The main idea is to offer the best ratio of price and quality.
Make sure to also check out our guides on bathroom faucets and shower faucets.
FAQs & Answers
Q: Should I flush my kitchen sink water lines before installing a new faucet?
A: Yes, you should always make sure to flush the lines. Apart from preventing any mishaps during the installation, you will ensure there is no faucet clogging caused by sediment. That can easily lead to leakage or inadequate performance, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Read on to find more details on choosing the right kitchen sink and **bathroom sink**.
Q: How many holes should I have in my sink to install a kitchen faucet?
A: That depends on the faucet that you purchased and the accessories you want to mount. You will need at least one hole for a single-handle faucet, or two for two-handle faucets. The majority of manufacturers and installers use four holes at most.
Q: How to clean my kitchen faucet?
A: That will depend on the type of faucet and the finish you selected. However, you should avoid using harsh solutions or cleansers. Make sure to read the instructions and see what the manufacturer recommends for your particular faucet.
Clean water is an important part of living a healthier life, read on to find out what you need to look out for when buying a faucet water filter and **under sink water filter**.
Wrap Up
Did you find the right kitchen faucet for your needs? Picking the perfect fixture depends on your expectations and preferences. You want to ensure that it fits the overall décor, but it should also have all the features you like.
That is why we covered various types in our reviews. Whether you need a simple wall-mount faucet or a touchless unit that utilizes modern sensors, you will find one in this article.
While you are analyzing the reviews one more time, make sure to consider everything that we mentioned in our buying guide. Picking the right features will maximize convenience and comfort each time you use the faucet.
We hope that you now have enough information to choose a suitable kitchen fixture for your décor. While there are a lot of things to consider, faucets are a long-term investment, and that is why you should make sure you brought the right decision.