A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Kitchen Faucet.

The faucet is one of the fittings in your kitchen that does not get a second look when we design the kitchen. But who are we trying to kid here? This tiny fixture is a centrepiece of any kitchen. The right kitchen faucet will matter, whether for cleaning the dishes after dinner or filling water in the pots when preparing your spaghetti. If a perfect one is what you want and need, here is your ultimate guide to selecting the most suitable kitchen faucet that you will need in your home.

1. Assess How You Expect Usage.
Consider your requirements before reviewing various options, features, and faucet styles. Consider how you operate in the kitchen and the critical period when your faucet must work.

• Frequency of Use: A robust faucet will be needed for those who enjoy cooking daily.
• Shooting Space: Do you have a basin/cooking range for an extra utensil area? These bastions may change the types of faucets that work better for that. 
• Stylistic Considerations: Do you want something more contemporary that follows the trends of modern designs? Or do you want something traditional? Personal taste will determine which way you go. So ask yourself, what kind of style do I want in my kitchen?

2. Types of Kitchen Faucets.
Pull-Down Faucets.
The pull-down faucets are characterised by a detachable spray head that can be drawn into the sink. After washing it off, such heads impress customers who fill a lot of pans quickly or seek to rinse items like vegetables. Due to the deployed and bendable hose, they are very comfortable to operate and often offer more than one spraying option.

Pull-Out Faucets.
By way of similarity, though more functional, the pull-out faucets also have a detached hose, except that it usually stretches straight rather than downwards. While some may require more stretch in pumps, others may not have that much space in the kitchen due to their height.

Single-Handle Faucets.
Single-handled faucets can also be operated with one hand, which makes them appropriate for crowded kitchens. This is also true for current designs, which are modern and relatively slender in structure.

Double-Handle Faucets.
If you want a more classical design, you should buy double-handle faucets. They offer something that the other types of warm water faucets do not: the fact that there are two handles, so the user can decide how much hot or cold water is needed.

Touchless Faucets.
Try out touchless faucets for ease of use and complete hygiene. Most of these high-design faucets are designed so that simply waving your hand causes the tap to go on and off.

3. Finishing Touches – Picking the Proper One.
The selection of a kitchen faucet finish goes beyond aesthetics and comes down to durability. Some of the popular finishes are highlighted below: 

• Chrome.

Chrome is one of the oldest finishes. Its polished surface has a bright lustre. It does not need much care but tends to accumulate water stains and fingerprints.

• Stainless Steel.

These faucets are trendy and stylish. They are only slightly susceptible to surface scratches, and they accent even modern and classical kitchens.

• Matte Black.

Matte black is in for those who wish to make a statement. It enhances the kitchen style, providing a sense of complexity; however, maintaining such a colour will take more work.

• Brushed Nickel.

Brushed nickel has a comparatively warm hue and, because of the brush finish, does not readily show water drips or fingerprints. It can be used in many different styles and is very functional.

4. Height and Reach.
When using the faucet, consider the height, especially for washing large pots or items. A high-arc faucet provides more distance and range of motion, so filling large pots is not a hassle. Also, consider the faucet's reach. If you have a deep sink, you need faucets with a more extended reach to reach every part of the basin.

5. Types of installation.
Faucets can be installed in different ways depending on your kitchen’s sink configuration:

• Deck-Mounted: Deck-mounted kitchen faucets are the most common type. These faucets are placed on the deck of the sink or the counter. This type is universally acceptable with most sink designs and is usually the least difficult to fix.
• Wall-Mounted: For those who share a kitchen and need to preserve as much counter space as possible, the wall-mounted faucet is worthy of consideration. However, you might want to consider hiring an expert for this job, as it might pose a challenge to a non-professional.
• Integrated Faucets: Some sinks also have built-in faucets, which, though making for a neater design, doesn’t give users too many possibilities later on regarding changes in tap styles.

6. Features to Look For:
Spray Functions.
Many versions of ordinary kitchen faucets have various accessories, including a stream to fill pots and a spray to rinse. Before you select the faucet, it is usually advisable to ensure that at least two improvements are made to the settings.

Water Saving Improvements.
As environmental worries grow, it is advisable to buy faucets with water-conserving features. Such faucets enhance their utility while using less water—ideal for a green-minded user.

Simple Installation.
A few faucets are simple to install, sometimes even with the do-it-yourself option. If you are skilled with tools, this may help you avoid paying a plumber's labour charge.

7. Setting Up the Budget.
The prices of kitchen faucets vary widely, so it is prudent to decide on your budget before you go to the market. Although buying the cheapest faucets seems like the way to go, buying good-quality faucets will cut back costs in the future. Consider credible companies that have garnered a reputation for their warranted products.

8. Browsing And Reviewing.
Before finalising your decision, it is beneficial to take a few minutes to read reviews and track down different sources of information. Check for comments on the product's durability, ease of use, and customer support. Other homeowners may assist you in gathering information via websites, blogs and forums.

9. A Few Final Adjustments.
After selecting and buying your kitchen faucet, the next thing that comes to mind is how the tap will complement other stuff in your kitchen. Consider the fridge, the tops, and the cabinets. Such an arrangement would enhance the general beauty of your kitchen.

10. Maintenance Tips:
Improper use or failure to conduct maintenance on the kitchen faucet will inevitably lead to poor and undesirable performance of the appliance. There are a few simple recommendations to remember: 

• Keep It Clean: Use a soft cloth and some detergent to clean the faucet to prevent dirt and hard water from accumulating. 
• Examine the Faucet: If there are any leaks, be on the lookout or check your faucet thoroughly. This is worth considering so you do not have to remove it only to discover leakages. 
• Change Water Filters: If any filters are attached to the faucet, you should change them regularly when they are due so that safe water can always be enjoyed. 

In conclusion, selecting a new kitchen faucet may seem like quite a task, but it does not have to be. It is about what you need. Consider this and pick from the various types, finishes, and functions available. A perfect faucet suited for the kitchen should be easily found. It is not only about how adequate the space is and accomplishing the tasks at hand, but also about how it feels and works for you. 

Enjoy your experience shopping for a faucet that works for you!