Choosing a Stainless Steel Kitchen Faucet
If you have a stainless steel sink, a faucet in the same finish makes for a beautiful addition to your kitchen.stainless steel kitchen faucet However, choosing the right one can be a bit challenging because there are so many different options available. To help make the process easier, we talked to a interior designer and member of The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board to get her advice on how to select the best faucet for your sink and what to look for in a finish that will last a long time.
Stainless steel is the most common material for faucets, because it looks good and holds up well to everyday use. However, not all stainless steel is created equal: The higher the grade of the steel, the better the faucet will be. Look for grades such as 304 and 316, which contain 18% chromium and 8-10% nickel (depending on the grade), making them resistant to corrosion.
Another important consideration is whether you want a faucet with or without a handle. Faucets with handles are typically easier to operate because you can grasp the handle with your hand, but they also tend to be more expensive. On the other hand, faucets that do not have handles are cheaper, but they can be more difficult to use because you will need to reach into your sink to turn them on and off.
A touchless stainless steel kitchen faucet is ideal if you don’t want to have to deal with the hassle of turning a knob while washing dishes or cooking. This option is powered by batteries and uses a sensor to activate the water flow. At the base of the faucet, there’s an LED light that indicates water temperature and battery status. The color varies from blue (cold) to magenta (warm) and then flashes red when the batteries are low. If you don’t want to worry about changing the batteries, this faucet is also compatible with an A/C adapter.
Designed in Germany, the Grohe Veletto is a single-handle faucet that can be set to dispense water in both stream and spray modes. The stainless steel finish is highly durable and easy to clean, with a surface that resists fingerprints and water spots. A retractable flexible hose measuring 68-inches lets you access hard-to-reach areas of your sink, and the water pressure is excellent.
For an added level of security, this faucet has a double-locking system that ensures the valves are closed. It also features a removable splashguard for increased protection and a magnetic docking system that smoothly retracts the hose and sprayer when not in use. This faucet is lead-free, which is important because some other materials – such as brass – can release minute amounts of lead into the water you’re drinking. It is also dishwasher safe and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.