How to Upgrade Your Kitchen with New Faucets

By Susan M. Keenan

Is your kitchen faucet outdated and boring? Are you adding a sink to a remodeled kitchen? If so, then you are in luck because today's selection of kitchen faucets is full of exciting choices. Kitchen faucets are available in a wide variety of styles, finishes, sizes, and features. Your choice will not be an easy one unless you already know what it is that you want.

Before you even get to the choices of finish and coloring, you need to consider the options that are available to you as far as type of faucet. Three fundamental styles or types of kitchen faucets are on the market today. They include: single handle, double handle, and pullout spray faucet with either a single or a double handle. Consider this option first, and it will effectively narrow your selection down to a manageable one.

Single handled faucets have only one handle that is manipulated to vary the temperature of the water. Basically, one lever is available and its location determines the flow of water as well as its temperature. One of the major benefits to this type of faucet is its ease of use.

The double handle faucet has two separate handles or controls. Each handle is designated to only one temperature, either hot or cold. In order to regulate the temperature, both handles are employed.

Pullout spray handles are available with both single handle and double handle faucets. This is perhaps one of the most popular features of kitchen faucets today. The pullout spray handle allows for easy rinsing of fruits and vegetables in the kitchen sink. They also allow for targeted spraying with a flexible water pressure in a light to maximum spray. Side pullout spray handles are typically smaller and more traditional in a kitchen faucet.

If your current sink does not have an opening for a side mount pullout spray handle, an opening can be added to your sink. However, this will require more work. Once you have made your decision on the type of handle set up that you prefer, you can move onto other considerations.

The style of your kitchen faucet will most probably go along with the style throughout your kitchen. If your kitchen, in particular, the cabinets and wall décor, is contemporary in design, then you will want to purchase a kitchen faucet set with a contemporary design. On the other hand, if your kitchen features a more traditional look, then you will want to acquire a traditional faucet set up.

The arc of the faucet needs to be taken into account. At first glance, a high arc looks quite appealing and different from the traditional arcs offered with kitchen faucets. However, it is important to consider the ramifications of a high arc. Typically, the reach of the water is more limited and less convenient and is located closer to the back of the sink. This may limit some activity unless you also select a pullout spray handle.

The height of the waterspout must also be considered. Many of the newer models of kitchen faucets present an arched spout that is very high, perhaps even as much as a foot. This height adds a sort of graceful elegance to your kitchen faucet. Additionally, a faucet with a high arc makes it extremely convenient to fill overly large pots with water. Many of the lower end faucets will typically feature an almost horizontal spout that is functional, but it does not add flexibility to the faucet package.

Today's kitchen faucets also feature a variety of finishes. The most popular of these include chrome, copper, brass, brushed nickel, aged bronze, and black iron. It is important to order all of you parts to your kitchen sink at the same time to ensure that the finish will be identical.

Click here to purchase kitchen faucets.