How to Compare Kitchen Sink Faucets

Copper kitchen faucets create an antique look.

Choosing a faucet for a kitchen sink is an important decision. While design is a huge determining factor, cost and function should also be taken into account. According to Kitchen Designs Remodeling, a site dedicated to kitchen renovations, most kitchen faucets come with a lifetime warranty, affording potential buyers a larger selection when searching for the perfect faucet for their home.

Instructions

1. When shopping for faucets, consider scratch protection. Some faucet materials scratch easier than others. Nickel and stainless steel, for example, scratch less than copper, bronze, chrome, brass, and white faucets. If the faucet is used often and by an avid cook, scratch protection should be taken into account.

2. Think about water spots. While nickel and white faucets show few water spots, water left on copper, bronze, brass, and stainless steel does show. Chrome is affected most by water spots and requires frequent cleaning to minimize the dull appearance left by tap water.

3. Determine bacterial resistance. In the kitchen, minimizing bacteria is a must. Bacteria cause illness and can be very dangerous. Nickel is the most resistant to bacteria. For households with children, bacterial resistance may be the determining factor in your final choice.

4. Compare cost. Kitchen faucet costs vary depending on size and design. However, each material is priced differently as well. Copper and bronze are the most expensive faucet materials. Chrome, brass, and nickel take a close second. Stainless steel and white faucets are the least expensive.

Tips & Warnings

• Go to a hardware or large home improvement store and peruse the kitchen displays to visualize what the faucet looks like in the kitchen.

References

• Kitchen Designs Remodeling: Compare Kitchen Faucets